Talisman Seal Disturbance, Chaos Secrets

Innate Jade Fluid boiled violently under the radiance of the talisman seal. The milky-white spiritual energy seemed like fuel set alight, transforming into sparks that flew in all directions. Xuan Fu felt a tearing pain surge from the main body of his talisman script. The Chaos Annihilation Talisman Seal was like a poisonous vine that had come alive, its Golden Patterns spreading wildly and burrowing into the Origin Core along the lines of the talisman script. Wherever it passed, the Rigid-Soft Talisman Power and Life Talisman Power were forcibly suppressed. Only the Fiend Spirit Origin resonated with it strangely, releasing a low hum.

"Focus your mind and guard your unity!" The voice of the Jade Void Palace Shadow suddenly rose. Its gentle pressure transformed into an invisible barrier that enveloped Xuan Fu. "This talisman seal was condensed from the Taboo Power that arose when Chaos first began. It governs annihilation and destruction. Once it takes control of your Origin, you will become its puppet and ultimately be devoured completely!"

Xuan Fu clenched his teeth (the talisman script tightened), forcibly circulating the remaining talisman power and guiding the Innate Jade Fluid into the core of the talisman script. The milky-white jade fluid was like a warm, gentle stream, washing over the Golden Patterns. Each wash could temporarily slow the seal's spread, but could not eradicate it completely. He could clearly sense that the Chaos Annihilation Power contained within the seal was more violent and purer than the Fiend Spirit Origin. It carried the terrifying rhythm of "All Things Return to Nothingness," diametrically opposed to Pangu's Dao of "life" when he split the heavens and earth.

Donghua was sweating anxiously at the side. Wood Spirit Power continuously surged into Xuan Fu's body, attempting to reinforce his Origin Barrier. "Fellow Daoist Xuan Fu, hold on! This talisman seal seems to be responding to the evil aura beneath the earth. We must sever this connection!"

Xuan Fu understood at once. The Golden Patterns within the Demon Spider Commander earlier had been fragments of this Chaos Annihilation Talisman Seal, while the mysterious existence in the evil spirit space beneath the earth was clearly the seal's true master. The other party had deliberately made the Demon Spider Commander carry the seal fragments, then used the opportunity provided by the battle to drive the seal into his body through the collision of their Origins. Its goal was to control the Chaos Annihilation Power through him, or use his Talisman Path Physique to make the seal fully revive.

"We can't just defend passively!" A trace of resolve flashed through Xuan Fu's eyes (his Spiritual Sense fluctuated). He suddenly abandoned his suppression of the seal and instead activated the Fiend Spirit Origin. The pitch-black Power of Destruction flowed upstream along the Golden Patterns. The Fiend Spirit Origin had originated from the murderous force of Chaos and shared the same origin as the Chaos Annihilation Talisman Seal. As it flowed upstream, it actually stabilized the seal's spread for the moment and even began slowly devouring part of its power.

"Have you gone mad?" Donghua was horrified. "The Fiend Spirit Power and the Nirvana Seal share the same origin. Doing this will only accelerate the seal's revival!"

"Sharing the same origin also means they counter each other!" Xuan Fu's voice held a trace of hoarseness. "The Nirvana Seal governs 'Return to Nothingness,' while the Fiend Spirit Origin governs 'destruction.' Return to Nothingness is complete annihilation, while destruction is Destruction and Rebirth. They may appear similar, but their paths are fundamentally different!"

As he spoke, he activated the Purification Talisman. The emerald Life Power became a bridge connecting the Fiend Spirit Origin and Rigid-Soft Talisman Power. The three forces formed a strange cycle: the Fiend Spirit Origin devoured the seal's power, the Purification Talisman converted it into pure destructive talisman power, and the Rigid-Soft Talisman Power merged that destructive power into itself, forming a new force of "Destruction and Rebirth, Rigid and Soft Harmony."

The process was exceptionally dangerous. Every conversion was accompanied by violent tremors in his Origin. Cracks covered the main body of Xuan Fu's talisman script, while Golden Patterns intertwined with black, emerald, and blue-gold patterns, like porcelain on the verge of shattering. But he had no way back. He could only grit his teeth and persist, bringing the fusion characteristic of his Talisman Path to its limit.

The Jade Void Palace Shadow watched this scene, a trace of admiration flashing through its eyes. "What courage! To fuse taboo power through the Talisman Path, and counter power of the same origin with power of the same origin. Fellow Daoist, your talent in the Talisman Path is truly rare throughout the Primordial Wilderness." The shadow raised a hand and sent an even purer spiritual light into Xuan Fu's body. "I shall lend you a hand and sever the connection between the seal and the underground completely!"

The moment the spiritual light merged into him, Xuan Fu felt his Origin Barrier suddenly strengthen, while the Golden Patterns of the Chaos Annihilation Talisman Seal dimmed considerably. Seizing this opportunity, he activated the Rigid-Soft Talisman Power. A blue-gold talisman blade followed the Golden Patterns and sliced through them, severing the connections between the seal and the evil aura beneath the earth one by one. At the same time, the Fiend Spirit Origin erupted at full force, greedily devouring the Annihilation Power stripped from the seal like a ravenous beast.

"Roar—!"

An enraged roar rang out from the evil spirit space beneath the earth. It was filled with unwillingness and venom, and the entire Kunlun Mountain Range trembled. Having lost the support of its source power, the Golden Patterns of the Chaos Annihilation Talisman Seal rapidly faded. In the end, they shrank back into the core of Xuan Fu's talisman script and transformed into a faint Golden Imprint, temporarily sinking into silence.

Xuan Fu let out a long breath (the talisman script expanded). Nourished by the Innate Jade Fluid and spiritual light, the cracks in the main body of his talisman script began slowly repairing themselves. He could feel that not only had his Origin escaped damage, but it had also become more condensed after devouring part of the Chaos Annihilation Power. Within his Talisman Path system, a rudimentary Nirvana Talisman had taken shape. Though this talisman was dangerous, it contained the terrifying power to destroy everything and would become another trump card for facing future crises.

"Thank you for your help, Senior." Xuan Fu bowed, his heart filled with gratitude. If the Jade Void Palace Shadow had not intervened, he would likely have become the seal's puppet already.

The shadow gave a slight nod, its tone solemn. "There is no need to thank me, Fellow Daoist. The master of this Chaos Annihilation Talisman Seal was an ancient mighty figure from the Chaos Era named 'Old Ancestor Nirvana.' This person was obsessed with the Dao of annihilation and attempted to use the seal's power to obliterate Chaos and create a deathly silent world where there was 'neither life nor death.' Pangu and several other mighty figures of Chaos joined forces to seal him deep beneath the earth."

"Old Ancestor Nirvana?" Xuan Fu was startled. He had never heard of this mighty figure. Clearly, it was a taboo existence forgotten by the Primordial Wilderness.

"Though this person was sealed, he did not perish." The shadow continued, "Relying on the characteristics of the Chaos Annihilation Talisman Seal, he has continuously absorbed the evil power beneath the earth and the origin of the Dragon Vein, attempting to break free of the seal. The Demon Tide and the Demon Spider Commander were both pawns he used to disrupt the Primordial Wilderness and gather Origins. As for you, Fellow Daoist, you are likely the 'talisman seal vessel' he chose."

Donghua's expression changed. "Senior, since we know his origins, why don't we join forces and kill him completely to prevent future trouble?"

"Easier said than done." The shadow sighed softly. "Old Ancestor Nirvana's seal is connected to the Kunlun Dragon Vein. If we forcefully break the seal, the Dragon Vein will inevitably collapse, plunging the entire Primordial Wilderness into crisis. Moreover, his strength is unfathomable. Even while sealed, it far surpasses that of a Quasi-Saint at the peak. We are no match for him."

Xuan Fu understood. This was why Old Ancestor Nirvana dared to act so recklessly. He was using the Kunlun Dragon Vein as leverage, forcing the mighty figures of the Jade Void Palace to hold back and defend passively.

"However, your appearance may be a Turning Point." The shadow's gaze fell on Xuan Fu. "The talisman seal within your body is dangerous, but it has also established a thread of connection between you and Old Ancestor Nirvana. Through this connection, we may be able to locate a weak point in the seal. At the same time, you can use the talisman seal to absorb part of Old Ancestor Nirvana's power and increase your own strength. Perhaps in the future, you will find a way to resolve him completely."

Xuan Fu's heart stirred. This was indeed an opportunity. Though the risks were enormous, if he succeeded, he would not only eliminate the hidden threat of Old Ancestor Nirvana but also achieve a qualitative leap in his Talisman Path strength.

"This junior is willing to try." Xuan Fu did not hesitate. "However, my current strength is still shallow. I will need Senior's and Fellow Daoist Donghua's assistance."

"That is only natural." The shadow nodded. "I shall set up the Nine Revolutions Soul Suppressing Array in the Jade Void Palace to help you suppress the talisman seal within your body while monitoring Old Ancestor Nirvana's movements. Fellow Daoist Donghua, you are skilled in deduction through Wood Spirit Power. You can assist Fellow Daoist Xuan Fu in deducing the seal's operating patterns and finding a safe way to absorb the Annihilation Power."

Donghua hurriedly cupped his hands. "This junior obeys."

Just then, hurried footsteps came from outside the Jade Void Palace. Ao Guang rushed in, his face pale. "Senior, this is bad! Large numbers of corpses belonging to cultivators of the three clans have suddenly appeared around the outskirts of the Kunlun Mountain Range. Their deaths were horrific, and all of them still carry traces of Chaos Annihilation Power!"

Xuan Fu and Donghua exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise in the other's eyes. Old Ancestor Nirvana had only just been temporarily suppressed, yet someone had already died to the Chaos Annihilation Power. Clearly, this was his backup plan.

"It is the Residual Soul Clone of Old Ancestor Nirvana." The shadow's tone grew solemn. "He cannot act personally, so he split off a residual soul and used it to control monsters infected by the seal, hunt living beings of the Primordial Wilderness, gather Origins, and accelerate his escape from the seal."

"These cultivators of the three clans were likely members of the Dragon Clan, Phoenix Clan, and Kirin Clan who escaped earlier," Ao Guang said through clenched teeth. "Old Ancestor Nirvana is demonstrating his power to us—and provoking the three clans!"

Xuan Fu pondered inwardly. Old Ancestor Nirvana's actions were not merely meant to gather Origins. He also wanted to sow discord between the three clans and the Jade Void Palace, plunging the Primordial Wilderness into internal chaos so he could profit from it. The three clans already harbored grievances because of the struggle over spiritual veins. Now that their people had been killed, they would inevitably vent their anger on the Jade Void Palace, believing that the palace had failed to protect them.

"We must stop the Residual Soul Clone as soon as possible, or the consequences will be unimaginable," Donghua said gravely. "Once the three clans are enraged and turn against us, Old Ancestor Nirvana's scheme will succeed."

Xuan Fu nodded and turned toward the shadow. "Senior, this junior is willing to go and kill the Residual Soul Clone. First, I can stop Old Ancestor Nirvana from gathering Origins. Second, I can use this opportunity to try absorbing more Annihilation Power and perfect the Nirvana Talisman."

The shadow pondered for a moment before nodding. "Very well. However, Old Ancestor Nirvana's Residual Soul Clone is not weak. It has at least the strength of a Quasi-Saint at the initial stage, and it excels at concealment and ambushes. You must be careful. Fellow Daoist Donghua, go with Fellow Daoist Xuan Fu and watch each other's backs."

"This junior obeys." The two cupped their hands simultaneously.

After leaving the Jade Void Palace, Xuan Fu and Donghua transformed into two streaks of light and flew toward the outskirts of the Kunlun Mountain Range. Along the way, they indeed saw many corpses of cultivators from the three clans. Their bodies were pitch-black, with tiny Golden Patterns covering their surfaces—the marks left by the erosion of Chaos Annihilation Power. The air was thick with the stench of blood and evil aura, making one shudder.

"The Residual Soul Clone's aura is just ahead." Donghua activated his Wood Spirit Power and sensed the energy fluctuations around them. "He seems to be deliberately luring us in, leaving obvious traces of his aura along the way."

Xuan Fu nodded, growing vigilant. "Old Ancestor Nirvana is cunning and calculating. The Residual Soul Clone must have laid an ambush. We should proceed carefully. Let's conceal our traces first and investigate his strength before making a move."

The two activated the Stealth Talisman Array, and their auras vanished instantly, as if merging into the air. Following the traces left by the Residual Soul Clone, they tracked it to a valley on the outskirts of Kunlun. Demonic energy soared within the valley, where countless monsters infected by the seal were engaged in a frenzied slaughter. At the center of the valley, a black shadow hovered in midair. Golden Nirvana Talisman patterns revolved around it. It was the Residual Soul Clone of Old Ancestor Nirvana.

The clone's figure was indistinct, as though condensed from black mist. Only its pair of eyes shone with crimson light, radiating an evil pressure similar to that of the Demon Spider Commander's, yet purer. It looked coldly down at the monsters slaughtering each other, seemingly savoring the pleasure brought by destruction and death.

"As expected, it has the strength of a Quasi-Saint at the initial stage." Xuan Fu's Spiritual Sense locked tightly onto the Residual Soul Clone. "Its core is the fragment of the Nirvana Talisman within its body. As long as we destroy the fragment, the clone will naturally collapse."

Donghua nodded, Wood Spirit Power gathering at his fingertips. "I'll restrain it. Take the opportunity to attack. My Wood Spirit Power can temporarily bind its Annihilation Power and create an opening for you."

Xuan Fu did not hesitate. He slowly took out the Malevolent Spirit World-Breaking Talisman and the newly condensed rudimentary Nirvana Talisman. He took a deep breath and circulated the Rigid-Soft Talisman Power, Fiend Spirit Origin, and Annihilation Power simultaneously. The three forces intertwined within his body, forming talisman power woven from black, blue, and gold, which he poured into the Malevolent Spirit World-Breaking Talisman.

"Attack!"

Donghua shouted in a low voice. His Wood Spirit Power surged, and countless emerald vines drilled from the ground, coiling toward the Residual Soul Clone like long serpents. The vines carried intense Life Power, which perfectly countered the Annihilation Power. The instant they wrapped around the clone, they began to seep inward, attempting to restrain its movements.

"Ants, how dare you act so arrogantly!"

The Residual Soul Clone released a hoarse roar of fury. The Golden Patterns around its body surged, and Annihilation Power erupted as it attempted to shatter the vines. But Wood Spirit Power was extraordinarily resilient, and for a time it could not break free.

Xuan Fu seized this opportunity and activated the Universe Folding Talisman. He transformed into a three-colored streak of light and instantly appeared behind the Residual Soul Clone. The Malevolent Spirit World-Breaking Talisman carried the combined might of destruction and annihilation as it slashed toward the seal fragment at the clone's core.

"Clang!"

The talisman blade collided with the clone's Annihilation Power, ringing like metal striking metal. The Golden Annihilation Power and black Fiend Spirit Power eroded each other, while the blue-gold Rigid-Soft Power continuously tore apart the clone's black mist body. The Residual Soul Clone let out a pained shriek. Its black mist body trembled violently, and the seal fragment at its core dimmed somewhat.

"You're courting death!"

The Residual Soul Clone flew into a rage. It spun around sharply, its crimson eyes fixing upon Xuan Fu, and opened its mouth to spew a Golden Annihilation beam. The beam carried the terrifying might of "Return to Nothingness." Space collapsed wherever it passed, and even the light was swallowed.

Xuan Fu's heart tightened. He immediately activated the Rigid-Soft Talisman Array, and a blue-gold barrier unfolded in an instant. The beam slammed into the barrier with a deafening boom. The barrier trembled violently as cracks spread across it. Xuan Fu was knocked backward repeatedly by the enormous impact, and a trace of Talisman Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.

"Fellow Daoist Xuan Fu, be careful!" Seeing this, Donghua hurriedly increased the output of his Wood Spirit Power. The vines bound the clone's four limbs tightly, preventing it from launching another attack.

Xuan Fu steadied himself and wiped away the Talisman Blood at the corner of his mouth. A ruthless glint flashed through his eyes. Without the slightest hesitation, he threw out the rudimentary Nirvana Talisman. Though the talisman had not yet fully condensed, it contained pure Annihilation Power and immediately resonated intensely with the seal fragment within the Residual Soul Clone.

"This is... the Nirvana Talisman?!" Surprise flashed through the Residual Soul Clone's eyes before turning into even greater fury. "How dare you steal the Old Ancestor's Annihilation Power!"

The rudimentary Nirvana Talisman exploded in midair. Golden Annihilation Power surged forth like a tide. It not only failed to harm Xuan Fu, but instead converged toward the seal fragment within the Residual Soul Clone. Xuan Fu was using the Talisman Path's characteristic of Same Origin Resonance to forcibly seize the power of the seal fragment within the clone.

"No!"

The Residual Soul Clone released a shrill wail. Under the pull of the Same Origin Power, the seal fragment at its core actually began to break free of its control and fly toward Xuan Fu. With its core power gone, the clone's black mist body began rapidly disintegrating.

Xuan Fu was overjoyed. He immediately activated his talisman power and absorbed the flying seal fragment into his body. The fragment merged into his Origin Core, fusing with the Golden Imprint from before. The rudimentary Nirvana Talisman instantly became much more complete, and the power it radiated grew stronger.

At that moment, just as the Residual Soul Clone was about to completely disintegrate, it suddenly let out a strange laugh. "The Old Ancestor will never spare you... Once the talisman seal fully revives, you will become the Old Ancestor's perfect vessel... Hahaha!"

Before the laughter faded, the clone's black mist body completely disintegrated, transforming into wisps of Golden Annihilation Power that dispersed into the air.

Xuan Fu and Donghua both breathed sighs of relief and exchanged a smile. By killing the Residual Soul Clone this time, they had not only stopped Old Ancestor Nirvana from gathering Origins, but had also perfected Xuan Fu's Nirvana Talisman. It could be said that they had achieved a great victory.

Just as they prepared to return to the Jade Void Palace, the Chaos Annihilation Talisman Seal within Xuan Fu's body suddenly began trembling violently. The Golden Patterns surged once more. Within his Spiritual Sense, a strange scene appeared: deep within the seal beneath the Kunlun Underground, a huge black talisman array was slowly rotating. At the center of the array, a blurred figure opened its eyes. Those eyes were filled with the aura of annihilation and destruction.

Xuan Fu's expression instantly grew solemn. He could sense that Old Ancestor Nirvana seemed to have seen his existence through the talisman seal. Moreover, the power of the seal was rapidly weakening.

What shocked him even more was that, at the edge of his Spiritual Sense, he suddenly caught a familiar aura rapidly approaching the valley.

The aura carried a dense pressure belonging to the Dragon Clan. It was Ao Guang!

But mixed into Ao Guang's aura was also a faint trace of Annihilation Power. Clearly, he too had been infected by the talisman seal!

Xuan Fu and Donghua exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise in the other's eyes. Why had Ao Guang suddenly come here? And how had the Annihilation Power entered his body?

At that moment, Ao Guang's voice came from outside the valley, carrying a strange hoarseness. "Fellow Daoist Xuan Fu, Fellow Daoist Donghua, this Venerable One has come to lend you a hand!"