"This < Yellow Court Scripture > integrates the three methods and forms its own school? Cultivating both body and mind, Spirit Preservation and Self-Illumination Method, is it really possible?" Staring at Yan Wushuang in the Comprehensive Mirror, the Nine Nether Devil Ancestor frowned, as if doubting the truth of these words.
Seeing his disbelief, Yan Wushuang seemed somewhat Qi Ingestion and said, "I can even recite the entire Cultivation Method by heart, how could it be fake?"
Upon hearing this, Sect Master Yan sneered, "If an outsider like you can know this, how can this Cultivation Method be genuine?"
The tone of these words not only underestimated Yan Wushuang, but also showed a lack of faith in Zheng Fa's magnanimity and breadth of mind.
Yan Wushuang's face immediately turned red. "You think Zheng Fa lied to me? You think I'm stupid?"
"Right."
"... What about Senior Sister? Senior Sister was also present; she made significant contributions to this Cultivation Method!"
Upon hearing this, Sect Master Yan and the Nine Nether Devil Ancestor exchanged a glance, both speechless.
In terms of combat strength, Xie Qingxue may not be as good as Sect Master Yan, but because the Celestial River Method only reaches the Union Realm, there is no essential difference between the two.
Yan Wushuang deceived, but Xie Qingxue was not one to easily believe others.
What did your senior sister say?
"My senior sister said that this scripture contains all methods, and the Cultivation Method the Five Sects will all be Outer Dao and not worth mentioning in the future!"
"..."
That's too grandiose a statement, and it even insulted the Tianhe Sect's Cultivation Method.
Sect Master Yan looked at the Nine Nether Devil Ancestor Nine Nether Devil Ancestor, whose expression was somewhat complicated, as if he had thought of something. He then turned to Yan Wushuang and asked, "Can your senior sister cultivate the < Yellow Court Scripture >?"
Upon hearing this, Yan Wushuang scratched the back of his head, seemingly somewhat uncertain. "It should be fine, I think. I saw that Senior Sister was very happy, saying that the Celestial River Method has finally found a way forward."
Upon hearing this, Sect Master Yan's expression became excited. "This < Yellow Court Scripture > can inherit from the < Green Duckweed Sword Art >?"
"Um!"
The Nine Nether Devil Ancestor's expression grew increasingly dazed, but then Yan Wushuang said blankly, "Father, don't ask anymore. I could never tell you about this Cultivation Method."
"..."
"Moreover, the Devil Ancestor is here."
The Nine Nether Devil Ancestor looked coldly at Yan Wushuang in the Comprehensive Mirror, only to see his resolute defensiveness. He said nothing, remaining silent.
Sect Master Yan glanced at him furtively, seemingly afraid that his son's bluntness might anger the Devil Ancestor, and changed the subject:
"Alright, I'll assume for now that your * Yellow Court Scripture * is genuine. But with your limited knowledge, how could you possibly benefit from this scripture?"
Seeing that his father didn't believe him at all, Yan Wushuang exploded again:
" Zheng Fa said that I made a significant contribution to the * Yellow Court Scripture * and that my Merit should be recorded! Not only that, he also plans to hold regular * Yellow Court Assembly * so that I can participate in the discussions and refinement of this Cultivation Method!"
At this point, he looked at Sect Master Yan, his eyes filled with anger. " Zheng Fa trusts me more than you do!"
After saying that, Yan Wushuang's face quickly disappeared from the Comprehensive Mirror, seemingly unwilling to speak to him any further.
Sect Master Yan was stunned for a long while before slowly regaining his senses and looking at the Nine Nether Devil Ancestor in the hall.
The Nine Nether Devil Ancestor remained silent, seemingly lost in thought, his face revealing neither joy nor anger.
Sect Master Yan, recalling the subtle offense in Yan Wushuang's words earlier, felt a sudden jolt in his heart and hurriedly said, "This child is ignorant, still wary of you, Devil Ancestor. How could he know that since the Divine Dao Era, the Devil Ancestor has seen countless divine Secret Method, and profound truths?"
" Zheng Fa is merely Nascent Soul cultivator; no matter how wondrous his ' Yellow Court Scripture ' may be, the Devil Ancestor would disdain it..."
"Who said I wouldn't even look at it?" The Nine Nether Devil Ancestor looked at him with surprise. "Wasn't I just waiting to hear that?"
Sect Master Yan swallowed hard and said dryly, " Devil Ancestor, you also think this Cultivation Method is real?"
"You really don't trust your son?"
"No, it's just that Zheng Fa's ability to create such Cultivation Method is truly unbelievable."
"According to your son, Zheng Fa has only just reached the Spirit Transformation stage in his research on the * Yellow Court Scripture *. Nothing is impossible," the Nine Nether Devil Ancestor said, glancing outside the hall. "Besides, I've heard similar ideas before."
"Have you heard of it?"
The Nine Nether Devil Ancestor gazed at the drifting clouds on the horizon, his tone filled with sigh, " Tianhe, he too once considered fusing the three methods and taking the next step. For this reason, he destroyed mountains and temples, collecting all the Cultivation Method in the world."
Sect Master Yan's expression grew increasingly hesitant. He asked, "Has the Founder succeeded?"
"I don't know." The Nine Nether Devil Ancestor turned his head to look at Sect Master Yan. "Neither he nor I know the other's fundamental Cultivation Method."
Sect Master Yan nodded slightly, completely understanding.
Even when cultivators from the Xuanwei exchange knowledge, they will not share their most fundamental Cultivation Method with cultivators from other sects.
"However, I think it's unlikely, otherwise Xuanwei wouldn't be like this today."
" The Devil Ancestor is right."
The Nine Nether Devil Ancestor added, "Compared to Zheng Fa, Tianhe... is far too arrogant."
Upon hearing this, Sect Master Yan understood the meaning behind the Nine Nether Devil Ancestor's words:
The Founder's talent was second to none, yet even at the Nascent Soul Realm, he could never integrate the three methods, and might never have achieved it in his entire life.
If there's anything about the Founder that Zheng Fa falls short of, perhaps only the assessment of his old acquaintance, the Nine Nether Devil Ancestor, is convincing.
He always thought he could succeed on his own.
Sect Master Yan fell silent. To be honest, cultivators have always only believed in themselves, so it's not surprising that the Founder was like that.
The Nine Nether Devil Ancestor added, "Having never seen the < Yellow Court Scripture >, I cannot fully judge its success or failure. However, its starting point is likely more correct than that of me and Tianhe."
"Your son has really had good fortune to get into the Nine Mountains Realm."
Upon hearing this, Sect Master Yan fell into deep thought, his expression hesitant, but gradually revealing a resolute determination.
Zheng Fa was also talking about Sect Master Yan at this moment.
"To perfect the * Yellow Court Scripture *, one must undergo seclusion," Zheng Fa said, frowning. "Even if it's not a life-or-death seclusion lasting decades, one absolutely cannot emerge from seclusion every two months."
Senior Sister Zhang and Old Yuan sat inside the room, looking at the < Yellow Court Scripture > on the table, their expressions troubled.
Senior Sister Zhang nodded and said, "Completing a Spirit Transformation experiment takes at least half a year... No, this < Yellow Court Scripture > is complex, half a year might not be enough. We need more time. I can't be sure how long the seclusion will take."
The so-called "Spirit Transformation" experiment was actually Zheng Fa attempting to Spirit Transformation according to the " Yellow Court Scripture ".
If it happens naturally, that would be best.
If it fails, the impact on ordinary cultivators will be enormous—at best, their cultivation level will drop; at worst, their foundation will be severely damaged.
However, for Zheng Fa, with the Great Sun True Fire cleansing his mind and the Nine Mountains Ancestor recharging him, neither of these are major problems.
The biggest problem is:
Constructing Yang Spirit or Dharma Body is extremely complex.
Zheng Fa Three Methods Unite as One, and the complexity of the * Yellow Court Scripture * far surpasses that of other Spirit Transformation Method.
Therefore, a single experiment takes an extremely long time.
The process of Spirit Transformation cannot be interrupted, so he naturally cannot leave seclusion.
This meant that if he wanted to conduct his Spirit Transformation experiments, he couldn't make it to the Profound Mystery Sect every two months.
"There are two ways," Senior Sister Zhang said softly. "First, I will disguise myself Li Hao and go in your place."
The Old Yuan nodded, seemingly agreeing that this was a good idea.
Senior Sister Zhang also cultivated the < Heavenly Dipper and Earthly Fiend Transformation >. Although her transformation techniques might not be as good as Zheng Fa's, transforming into Li Hao wouldn't be too difficult.
He would naturally feel at ease if Senior Sister Zhang were to take charge of the Heaven-Earth Divine Baleful Array in his place.
"The problem lies with the Immortal-Trapping Sword." Zheng Fa thought for a while, then said with a troubled expression, "This Immortal-Trapping Sword can enter my sea of consciousness and is extremely distrustful of cultivators. If you, Senior Sister, go, she might find out, and I'm afraid she might have ulterior motives, causing unnecessary trouble."
Senior Sister Zhang frowned.
The Immortal-Trapping Sword Spirit is not always obedient—this kind of madman often acts out.
Zheng Fa now ascends the Divine Fire Mountain, not only to meet Shi Nandang's demand, but also, and perhaps more importantly, to subdue the Immortal-Trapping Sword.
"More importantly, we are now at the most crucial juncture in refining the Immortal-Trapping Sword, and I must take control of the Heaven-Earth Divine Baleful Array to prevent any problems from arising at the last moment."
Senior Sister Zhang was startled. " The Immortal-Trapping Sword is almost refined?"
"Yes, with the help of the Immortal-Trapping Sword Spirit, progress is extremely fast."
The Immortal-Trapping Sword Spirit did not resist being refined, causing the progress of the Heaven-Earth Divine Baleful Array to accelerate rapidly.
Previously, Vast Sun Mountain planned to use twenty years, but now, in less than ten years, the great formation is about to be connected with the Immortal-Trapping Sword.
Shi Nandang was overjoyed.
Not only him, but the three Nascent Soul and seven Spirit Transformation on the summit of Divine Fire Mountain were all working even harder, their enthusiasm growing stronger day by day.
Therefore, while it might be feasible for Senior Sister Zhang to substitute for Zheng Fa under normal circumstances, the risks are extremely high during this period.
From the perspective of the Immortal-Trapping Sword, we had already agreed to surrender to that old monster Zheng Fa.
So you changed people?
When I surrendered, I didn't say I had to kneel before anyone!
It's easy to imagine the reaction of the Immortal-Trapping Sword Spirit.
Senior Sister Zhang understood Zheng Fa's concerns, but after thinking for a long time, she still couldn't find a solution.
Zheng Fa added, "Actually, I had thought before that if we could withstand the retaliation from Vast Sun Mountain after subduing the Immortal- Immortal-Trapping Sword, then my Nine Mountains Sect would enjoy a long period of peace. At that time, we could go into seclusion without any worries."
As soon as Zheng Fa said this, the two of them immediately understood:
A single punch can ward off a hundred more.
With the Immortal-Trapping Sword in hand, the Nine Mountains Sect would essentially have gained a True Immortal. If they could defeat Vast Sun Mountain, others would probably be unwilling to provoke them.
In the future, I will no longer have to be so anxious and hesitant, even when I am in seclusion.
The problem is that Vast Sun Mountain has three Dao Fruit, and Zheng Fa, wielding the Immortal-Trapping Sword, probably can't withstand them.
At that point, even escaping with peace of mind won't be an option, let alone peacefully entering seclusion.
"So, the problem now isn't cultivating the < Yellow Court Scripture >, but how to deal with Vast Sun Mountain after refining the Immortal-Trapping Sword?"
The Old Yuan understood.
Cultivating the Yellow Court Scripture is important, but Immortal-Trapping Sword incident is the real problem.
"Of course, I could also have the Immortal-Trapping Sword feign resistance and wait another ten years... but that would still delay the progress of the < Yellow Court Scripture >, and I would find it difficult to concentrate on seclusion for those ten years—if Vast Sun Mountain has other methods, I would have to react as soon as possible."
Ultimately, the Nine Mountains Sect was far too passive.
If Vast Sun Mountain were to launch another sneak attack while Zheng Fa was in seclusion, he wouldn't have time to react and would be finished.
Senior Sister Zhang and Old Yuan exchanged a glance. After a while, Old Yuan looked somewhat guilty. "The Nine Mountains Sect can't do without you. In the end, it's because we're both incompetent."
That's absolutely true.
Putting aside other matters, if Zheng Fa were in seclusion, even if Senior Sister Zhang could briefly control the Sun-Moon Bell, she wouldn't be able to escape quickly with the Nine Mountains Realm.
A formidable enemy has arrived; the entire Nine Mountains Realm is in danger.
Even Zheng Fa had to admit that while the Nine Mountains Sect was an asset to him—without the collective wisdom and efforts of the cultivators in the Nine Mountains Sect, the < Yellow Court Scripture > would never have been completed so quickly— the Nine Mountains Sect also left him with a lot to do.
Now, either going into seclusion or subduing the Immortal-Trapping Sword is not an option; he is caught in a dilemma.
"Senior sister, could you please predict how Vast Sun Mountain will retaliate if I subdue the Immortal-Trapping Sword beforehand? What are our chances of winning?"
Upon hearing this, Senior Sister Zhang took out her Flying Immortal Brush and drew the Innate Eight-Trigrams Diagram in the air.
"... can't figure it out."
Senior Sister Zhang's face turned pale, and she said dejectedly.
That's understandable; the issue is far too complex.
After all, Vast Sun Mountain is too powerful. Senior Sister Zhang is only at the Spirit Transformation now. No matter how miraculous the Primordial Eight Trigrams are, it is difficult for her to predict the opponent's reaction.
Zheng Fa thought for a moment, then said, "Senior Sister, could you calculate how much chance I have of surviving if I were to face two True Immortal while wielding a True Immortal Method?"
This problem is much simpler than before.
Especially if the Primordial Eight Trigrams contains data corresponding to the strength of True Immortal, then the deduction is not too difficult.
Senior Sister Zhang calculated it again, her expression growing paler, but she remained silent.
Zheng Fa understood:
I couldn't figure it out last time.
This time, I've figured it out, but I don't want to say it.
Two True Immortal were already an underestimation of Vast Sun Mountain; the opponent should have two True Immortal and one Loose Immortal.
Senior Sister Zhang then pointed to the Eight-Trigram Diagram in front of her and quickly began to calculate:
"If you were facing a True Immortal, your chances of winning would be no more than 20%, but your life would be in danger by no more than 10%."
"If you were at the Spirit Transformation stage and were to fight two True Immortal at the same time, the chance of losing your life would be... as high as 80%."
"If..."
Senior Sister Zhang spared no effort in using her spiritual energy to calculate seven or eight possibilities, only to finally realize in despair that if the Nine Mountains Sect were to rely solely on itself, even if Zheng Fa quickly achieved the Spirit Transformation stage, he would still be unable to contend against more than a True Immortal.
"In other words, even if I were to wield the Immortal-Trapping Sword against True Immortal, I could probably only defend myself. Against more than one True Immortal... even with my three Divine Ability, there's a very high probability I'd lose my life?"
"Even if I were to Spirit Transformation, it would be difficult to achieve a qualitative change?"
Senior Sister Zhang nodded and added, "But the deduction is only a possibility; it can't be said to be completely accurate. In fact, we don't even know the true power of the Immortal-Trapping Sword."
These words were mostly meant to comfort.
As Innate Divine Ability, the Primordial Eight Trigrams are not 100% accurate, but they are not so far off.
Based on Senior Sister Zhang's understanding of him, the Primordial Eight Trigrams ' assessment of his own strength is unlikely to be far off.
"In other words, even if we wait ten years, even if I reach the Spirit Transformation, my Nine Mountains Sect still doesn't have much of a chance against Vast Sun Mountain..." Zheng Fa frowned.
Senior Sister Zhang fell silent, but her silence was the answer.
The Old Yuan listened from the side, a hint of despair on his face.
Zheng Fa pondered for a long time, then asked, " Senior Sister Zhang, can you predict when the Nine Nether Devil Ancestor and Sect Master Yan will make their move?"
The two men perked up and understood Zheng Fa's idea.
As soon as the Primordial Eight Trigrams stirred slightly, Senior Sister Zhang's face turned pale, and she spat out blood.
The Eight-Trigram Diagram in the air exploded and dissipated into specks of clear light.
"Senior sister?"
"It's impossible to calculate. I tried to calculate Vast Sun Mountain, but I just couldn't get a result." Senior Sister Zhang wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth and said with a bitter smile, "But once I started calculating these two people, the Primordial Eight Trigrams immediately backfired..."
Zheng Fa didn't speak, but grasped Senior Sister Zhang's wrist and probed her body with his spiritual energy. Seeing that she was mostly unharmed, only lacking spiritual energy and with a weak Divine Soul, he was slightly relieved.
"It seems that the Nine Nether Devil Ancestor is stronger than we imagined."
Upon hearing this, the Old Yuan echoed, "He's probably even stronger than an ordinary True Immortal."
This is easy to understand. When Senior Sister Zhang deduced Vast Sun Mountain, she didn't have such a big reaction, but when she deduced the Nine Nether Devil Ancestor, she immediately suffered a backlash. Naturally, it's because the Nine Nether Devil Ancestor is stronger.
"I was also thinking that if we could figure out the plans of the Nine Nether Devil Ancestor and his companion, we could take advantage of the situation..."
Zheng Fa sighed.
Since the Nine Mountains Sect alone cannot withstand it, then let Sect Master Yan and the Nine Nether Devil Ancestor take the brunt.
The fact that the Nine Nether Devil Ancestor is so powerful is naturally a good thing for him—the two are essentially an unspoken alliance.
But there's a big problem:
" Sect Master Yan seems to want to use us as scapegoats..." Old Yuan frowned. "With the current disparity in strength, aren't we just left to be slaughtered?"
Upon hearing this, Zheng Fa's heart also grew heavy.
Indeed, with such a large disparity in strength between the two sides, it would be difficult for them to coexist on equal footing. Moreover, they were both plotting to harm each other.
Just as the group was fretting, they suddenly received a Spirit Message from the Creation Jade Disc.
"What's wrong?"
Seeing that Zheng Fa's expression was unusual, both Senior Sister Zhang and Old Yuan asked him.
"A letter from the Nine Nether Devil Ancestor says that Sect Master Yan has decided to take action in three months, at which time Vast Sun Mountain will certainly deal with the Immortal-Trapping Sword separately..."
"If we can obtain the Immortal-Trapping Sword, we should seize the opportunity."
"If not, the Immortal-Trapping Sword will be used against the Tianhe Sect, rendering it ineffective as a threat to us."
The Old Yuan's eyes widened in surprise. "This... is it really that good?"
Zheng Fa was also puzzled; this Sect Master Yan was like a mine-clearing soldier, having cleared all the mines.
Is he really that willing to give?
Have you thought it through?
The Nine Nether Devil Ancestor looked at Sect Master Yan, his tone carrying a hint of surprise.
"I've thought it through."
"I never knew... you had such a selfless heart."
Sect Master Yan stood at the entrance of the Sect Leader's Hall, without turning around, and simply said:
"Once the formation diagram is revealed, Four Sects will likely besiege my Tianhe Sect," Sect Master Yan said softly. "What use is one more or one less Nine Mountains Sect Nine Mountains Sect?"
"My previous statement about waiting for Zheng Fa to make a move was merely an excuse because I was hesitant and afraid of dying."
The Nine Nether Devil Ancestor smiled slightly, "Aren't you afraid of death now?"
"When Wu Shuang was born, I had already cultivated the < Immortal-Slayer Sword Canon >. Although she possessed consciousness, she was no longer in control of her own destiny."
"..."
"His mother seemed to have discovered something; she went into the Sword Pavilion one day and never came out again."
"When I went inside to look for it, all I found was a suicide note telling me to take good care of Wu Shuang."
The Nine Nether Devil Ancestor listened without saying a word.
"... I was afraid he'd stay inside, and I was also afraid he'd go looking for the cause of his mother's death. So I just let him run around; I think it's better if he's a little slow."
"After all, his mother died because of me, so it's understandable that he's angry with me, his father."
The Nine Nether Devil Ancestor looked at Sect Master Yan and asked, "So you want to help Zheng Fa?"
Sect Master Yan smiled and said, "He's even learned the * Yellow Court Scripture *, so I haven't failed his mother's expectations. There's nothing to worry about."
(End of this chapter)