Nine Nether Dao Master's Fengshan Contingent

"Cook, what are you standing there for? Get moving!"

The Year Beast was getting a little irritable. It was hungry and tired, and this place made it very uncomfortable. The cook still wasn't doing anything.

"Yes, Year Beast Nian, I'll go right away!"

Concealing his excitement, Zhao Xing immediately covered his head and headed towards the Sky Swallowing World Sea.

The Sky Swallowing World Sea is shaped like a mountain; it looks close at first glance, but it's actually quite far away.

After walking briskly for two hours, the panel finally indicated that they had entered the Sky Swallowing World Sea region.

Looking back, the outline of the Year Beast had become blurred, leaving only a dim shadow, like the setting sun.

Zhao Xing felt two things at this moment. One was cold. Even the Year Beast was afraid to go to the Sky Swallowing World Sea, let alone the Great Sun Sea in his body. Now, the Great Sun Sea had lost its Great Sun and was filled with pure darkness.

The other is the warmth emanating from the palm, originating from the Extreme Star Origin provided by the Year Beast. It reflects on the divine body, causing a small Solar Yang to rise again in a corner of the Great Sun Sea.

Zhao Xing looked at the progress of the Great Sun Sea Technique.

[Second Floor of the Great Sun Shining Sea: 3465/10000]

The Great Sun Nature Sea's original progress was over 3,000 points, but it has been very difficult to improve since then, and it may not be able to increase by even 1 point in a thousand years.

Now, however, the heartbeat was slow and intermittent, though it was only a few beats at a time, it still made Zhao Xing extremely excited.

"First layer: Extreme Star Light; second layer: Great Sun Divine Body. How long have I been stuck? Now I finally see hope."

I'll eat it!

Without hesitation, Zhao Xing opened his mouth and took a deep breath of the Extreme Star Origin in his palm.

"Metaphor~"

The sphere of light visibly shrank, while its progress began to increase rapidly.

Zhao Xing stopped when the Solar Yang in his hand was about to go out.

He had to return home, so he couldn't eat it all at once.

[Second Layer of the Great Sun Sea: 5583/10000]

"Over two thousand points. Looks like I'll have to get more from the Year Beast."

"I'll have to make several more trips."

Zhao Xing glanced at the pitch-black Sky Swallowing World Sea ahead. Although he couldn't see it, he could vaguely sense terrifying, ribbon-like objects moving in front of him.

"Only a fool would risk going to such a dangerous place." Zhao Xing snorted and retreated immediately.

As for spiritual energy? There's plenty in the Internal World. The reason Zhao Xing said that was just an excuse.

He once gained a piece of divine land and a large amount of Earth God Crystal on the Cosmic Ark; in the Divine Mechanism City, the Immeasurable True God did not mistreat him, allowing him to take materials such as Yin Yang World Stone and World Stone at will.

Of course, the most outrageous thing is the vast amount of inheritance he received from the Internal World of Divine King Yu Heng.

Initially, Zhao Xing's Internal World had a radius of only 3 World Yuan Unit, but now it has exceeded 30,000 World Yuan Unit.

In terms of the size of its Internal World, it is larger than the largest ancient kingdom in the Xuanling Star Domain.

Not enough for Du Yun? Of course, that's just an excuse!

Even if we had ten thousand more Du Yun, we couldn't finish them even after hundreds of eras!

Several hours later, Zhao Xing returned to the Year Beast's side.

"How is it?" the Year Beast asked weakly.

"Reporting to Year Beast, I am incompetent and have only managed to obtain a year's supply." Zhao Xing's expression was somewhat ashamed and fearful.

"A year? That's pretty good! Let's go back." The Year Beast seemed quite satisfied.

"Yes." Zhao Xing paused for a moment, then quickly lowered his head and followed.

Damn, I've said too much!

Old Master Zhao was filled with resentment; he had thought that obtaining a year's worth would be a very small amount.

The Year Beast will definitely give him some more Time Origin to salvage.

But the Year Beast was actually quite satisfied!

What a miscalculation.

Back to the plaza of the Nine Nether Dao Palace.

Du Yun quickly cast a questioning look at him.

"Brother Du, I'm sorry," Zhao Xing said, feeling somewhat ashamed.

"It's nothing." Du Yun somewhat wistfully, "Give me the box."

"Hmm-" Zhao Xing skillfully took out the box and turned his back.

The steaming hot Du Yun was brought to the front of the Year Beast's lair.

After enjoying a feast, the Year Beast took a nap and soon ran off again.

Zhao Xing glanced around; it wasn't in the direction of the Sky Swallowing World Sea.

He quickly went to Du Yun's side, Du Yun was recovering at the time.

After he recovered, the two arrived at the gate of the Nine Nether Dao Palace.

For over forty years, Zhao Xing and Du Yun would visit the gates of the Nine Nether Dao Palace after the Year Beast left each time, studying the mysterious runes on the gates.

Zhao Xing made little progress in his comprehension, because it was rumored that the Nine Nether Dao Master was the God of Martial Arts.

On the contrary, Du Yun would watch for a long time each time, seemingly gaining some insights.

"Brother Du, any progress?"

"No." Du Yun shook his head.

"Really not?"

"Would I lie to you?" Du Yun, somewhat displeased.

"Brother Du, don't misunderstand," Zhao Xing quickly explained. "You may have undergone some changes that you yourself may not be aware of, but the Year Beast said that the marrow of your bones is becoming increasingly delicious."

"Oh? Which one?" Du Yun asked, puzzled.

"The sacrum," Zhao Xing pointed. "That's why I said that."

Du Yun looked up thoughtfully. "Now that you mention it, I feel like I've grasped something myself."

"The patterns on the palace gates resemble some kind of divine runes, and seem to have a subtle connection to the black storm outside."

Seeing that Du Yun was somewhat dazed, Zhao Xing quietly stepped back.

The Daoist Nine Nether Dao Master left behind this Dao Palace after his death, which must have been for some purpose. Divine King Gu Xiao couldn't figure it out after obtaining it, so it's unknown whether Du Yun's comprehension is good or bad.

Three years later, on this day, Zhao Xing complained to the Year Beast again.

"Year Beast, the spiritual energy needed to restore Du Yun is insufficient."

Last time I mentioned the amount for a year, that was based on the assumption that the Year Beast would eat it every day.

In reality, because the Year Beast would leave after eating one meal and its return time was uncertain, Zhao Xing waited until the third year before pointing out that the spiritual energy was insufficient to replenish itself.

"Let's go, to the Sky Swallowing World Sea." Without another word, the Year Beast led Zhao Xing into the storm.

As they approached the Sky Swallowing World Sea, the Year Beast spat out a ball of light from its mouth.

This time, the light orb was very solid. It was obvious that the Year Beast was too lazy to run away and wanted Zhao Xing to take more at once.

"Cook, hurry back!"

"Yes!"

Zhao Xing ran into the Sky Swallowing World Sea and absorbed the head-sized ball of light in one go until it was only the size of a fist.

A boiling sensation surged through my body.

The progress on the panel has increased dramatically.

[Great Sunless Sea, Second Layer: 9143/10000]

"It's almost here, the breakthrough is just around the corner!"

Zhao Xing took a deep breath and started walking back.

As usual, the Year Beast asked how long it could be eaten.

Zhao Xing replied, "Year Beast, this time it can last for two and a half years."

"How come there's only so little?" The Year Beast stared at Zhao Xing suspiciously. "Cook, you're not being honest!"

Compared to last time, he gave seven times the amount!

It was already somewhat tired after expelling such a small amount of its essence. It had hoped that the cook could hold on a little longer, but unexpectedly, it could only last for a little over two years.

"Year Beast Nian, I'm innocent!"

"The roads inside are difficult to traverse, filled with terrifying creatures that nearly cost me my life. Obtaining spiritual energy is also extremely difficult," Zhao Xing complained.

"Hmph, you're really useless."

"Never mind, let's go."

The Year Beast said something and then led Zhao Xing back.

Back Nine Nether Dao Palace, the Year Beast began to devour Du Yun.

A day later, the Year Beast suddenly pointed to one of the food boxes.

"Chef, this is delicious! Please make more of this next time."

Upon closer inspection, Zhao Xing saw that the food box contained Du Yun's left thigh bone and flesh.

"Yes, Year Beast."

The Year Beast ate for a month and then got full.

I slept for another month, then got up, ate one more meal, and then leisurely went out.

Zhao Xing immediately went back and told Du Yun what the Year Beast had said.

"Left thigh bone?" Du Yun nodded. "It seems that what's recorded on the gate of the Dao Palace is indeed some kind of cultivation method."

Zhao Xing stared intently at Du Yun, examining the data, and discovered that the other party had not revealed any new secret techniques.

"Be careful, if you sense anything is wrong, immediately use the Golden Cicada True Form Second Body."

To ensure Du Yun's safety, Zhao Xing taught Du Yun the Golden Cicada True Form Second Body.

Even if you make a mistake in your cultivation, you won't Going Berserk and can immediately eliminate the problem.

Now the two share weal and woe. If Du Yun dies, he, as the cook, will lose his value, and the Year Beast might even eat him.

"Don't worry," Du Yun nodded, "It's not easy for Qi Sect Martial Practitioner to die."

1II

My comprehension was intermittent because the return time of the Year Beast was uncertain; sometimes it wouldn't return for several months, and sometimes it would leave and return on the same day.

Occasionally, he would also be injured.

Zhao Xing wanted to ask the Year Beast who it was fighting, but the Year Beast refused to answer and wouldn't take Zhao Xing to see it.

They waited until one day in the seventh year, when the Year Beast returned, severely injured.

He was bleeding, a piece of his horn was broken off, his aura was weak, and he was missing a lot of hair.

"Year Beast, you're injured!" Zhao Xing exclaimed in surprise and rushed over with great concern.

He looked the Year Beast up and down, ostensibly with concern, but in reality, he was assessing Year Beast injuries to see if it was possible to kill it.

However, he ultimately did not make a move, because the Year Beast did not mind his approach, which clearly meant it did not trust him, but rather was not afraid.

"Cook, this is not an injury, but a symbol of glory!" The Year Beast raised its head, its eyes gleaming with pride.

He opened his mouth and spat.

"Boom!"

Something hit the ground.

Zhao Xing looked closely and realized it was a corpse.

It can't be called a corpse, because this person is still alive and still has a chance to live.

[Name: Lü]

[Occupation: God of Musicians]

[Realm: Divine General Peak Stage (Free God)]

[Divine Soul: Divine General Peak Stage]

[Divine Skills: Eight Pillar Feather Sound, Divine Emblem - Thunder (Fengshan Divine Skill), Divine Emblem - Cloud (Fengshan Divine Skill), Divine Emblem - Wind, Divine Palace - Rain (Fengshan Divine Skill), Palace Enemy Curse, Thousand Silk Tribulation, Earth God Twelve Stages (Fengshan Divine Skill)]

[Seven Palace Divine Body]

[God's Domain: Five Tone Divine Domain]

He lay on the ground, his face pale and sickly, adorned with divine ornaments on his wrists, ears, and hair.

His robes were adorned with numerous small musical instruments, a dazzling array, but they were extensively damaged.

The fact that it could injure such a special Divine Beast as the Year Beast clearly indicates that Wen is also a very powerful being.

But now, he has become the Year Beast's meal.

"The cook is in your hands now. Make sure he's delicious." The Year Beast nudged Lu's body with its hoof, seemingly in a good mood. "I can allow you to have a little too."

"Thank you, Lord Year Beast." Zhao Xing put away his question.

Taking advantage of the Year Beast's good mood, Zhao Xing asked a question, "Lord Year Beast, besides us, are there any other living people here?"

"Of course," the Year Beast said. "Back then, the Nine Nether Dao Master was only one step away from becoming Divine Emperor, and he was even stronger than Emperor Luo before he became Divine Emperor."

"The Nine Nether Dao Master can almost completely ignore the damage from most Dao Lords; only mental attacks will affect him."

"And even when he's injured, he recovers very quickly."

"In the five 'Heaven Reaching Convention,' the Nine Nether Dao Master won the title of Overlord three times, and had one win and one loss in the remaining two, only losing once to the Five Extremes Dao Court of Pan Hu Land."

"Year Beast, what is the Heaven Reaching Convention?"

"Cook, don't interrupt me!" the Year Beast said, somewhat displeased, but still explained.

"The so-called Heaven Reaching Convention arose after the disappearance of the Xu Zu, leaving the position of the Divine Emperor of the Human Race vacant."

"The Dao Lords' competition for the position of Divine Emperor sparked a large-scale Great Dao Competition."

"In order to prevent the collapse of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, the [Heaven Reaching Convention] was established."

"Because Sacrifice to Heaven is the first step to becoming Divine Emperor; the second step is Sacrifice to Earth."

"The location is a special Space-Time Territory within the River of Time, named the Heaven Reaching River because a major river from the Primordial Sea flows there."

"I see, Year Beast Nian is truly knowledgeable."

"That's it," the Year Beast said smugly.

"The Dao Court established by the Nine Nether Dao Master has many powerful figures."

"A small number died in the Heaven Reaching Convention, while the majority perished in the battles against Emperor Luo."

"However, the Fengshan Contingent of the Nine Nether Dao Court is extremely valuable and well-protected, rarely Dao Palace."

The Year Beast recounted the past. "Once the Nine Nether Dao Master ascends to the Divine Emperor level, then the Dao Palace will become the new Divine Court. The ministers who performed the Fengshan ceremony will at the very least become God King, or even ascend to become the new Dao Lord."

Looking at the environment around him, filled with an aura of destruction, with space shattering and countless black storms, Zhao Xing couldn't help but sigh.

This place once held the promise of becoming a new Divine Court, but now it lies in ruins.

"Year Beast Nian, then..."

"Cook, you're asking too many questions," the Year Beast said impatiently. "Hurry up and cook, I'm hungry."

"Yes." Zhao Xing cursed inwardly, then left with the question in his hand.

"Who is this?" Du Yun asked, looking at the person lying on the ground, puzzled.

"The Year Beast's new dishes." Zhao Xing began to peel off the clothes.

"He's a pitiful person too," Du Yun sighed.

"I'll come and help," Zhao Xing said.

"Okay." Du Yun handed over the knife.

"What are you doing?" Zhao Xing Xinglun looked at Du Yun with surprise.

"Didn't you want to cut him off?"

"Who said I was going to cut him down?" Zhao Xing said. "He's seriously injured right now, and he doesn't have the regenerative abilities of a Martial God. If I cut him down again, he'll die."

"I'm asking you to donate some blood to save him."

Du Yun seemed somewhat reluctant.

Before Wen arrived, he was supposed to cut off flesh and bleed it; now that Wen has arrived, he's still supposed to cut off flesh and bleed it, and there's one more person to eat.

Wasn't the trip a waste?

Du Yun thought this person was there to share the burden of the damage, but judging from Zhao Xing's expression, he would actually have to bleed even more!

"Slash!" Zhao Xing slashed Du Yun's wrist, drawing blood.

"Who is this guy?" Du Yun's emotions were fleeting; he knew Zhao Xing wouldn't waste his time.

"He is a subject of the Nine Nether Dao Master, and an important member of his inner circle," Zhao Xing transmitted his voice. "Saving him might allow us to learn some secrets of the Nine Nether Dao Palace, which would be of great help to both of us."

"Understood." Seeing the wound close, Du Yun took the initiative to make another cut with the knife. "Is that enough? If not, keep adding more."

Seeing that Wen's eyes twitched, Zhao Xing pushed Du Yun's hand away. "Enough, enough. Your flesh and blood are very nourishing; he's very weak right now."

Don't kill him again.

"He's about to wake up. In a moment, you do this, and I'll do this—" Zhao Xing and Du Yun plotted together.

Du Yun nodded repeatedly. "Yes, yes, okay, I understand!"