Talisman Seal Anomaly, Chaos Secret

Innate Jade Fluid violently boiled under the radiance of the talisman seal, milky-white spiritual energy igniting like doused fuel, scattering as sparks of fire in all directions. Xuan Fu only felt a tearing pain from his talisman body—the Chaos Annihilation Talisman Seal had come alive like a venomous vine, its golden patterns madly spreading, burrowing along the runic lines straight into the Origin Core. Wherever it passed, the Rigid-Soft Talisman Power and Life Talisman Power were forcibly suppressed, leaving only the Fiend Spirit Origin to resonate with it in eerie harmony, emitting a low, rumbling hum.

"Focus your mind and hold steady!" The voice of the Jade Void Palace projection suddenly sharpened, its gentle pressure forming an invisible barrier that enveloped Xuan Fu. "This talisman seal was forged from the Taboo Power at the dawn of Chaos Beginning, governing annihilation and destruction. Once it seizes control of your Origin, you will become a puppet of the seal, eventually Completely Devoured!"

Xuan Fu grit his teeth and persevered (runes tightened), forcing the remaining talisman power to channel the Innate Jade Fluid into the rune core. The milky-white fluid flowed like a warm stream, scouring the golden patterns. Each wash slowed the seal's spread but could not eradicate it entirely. He could clearly feel that the Chaos Annihilation Power within the seal was more violent and more pure than the Fiend Spirit Origin, carrying a terrifying rhythm of "Return to Nothingness"—the exact opposite of Pangu's path of "Creation."

Donghua, drenched in sweat on the sidelines, poured Wood Spirit Power endlessly into Xuan Fu's body, trying to reinforce his Origin Barrier. "Fellow Daoist Mystic Talisman, hold on! This seal seems to be resonating with the evil aura underground—we must cut that connection!"

His heart stirred. The golden patterns inside the Demon Spider Commander earlier were fragments of this Chaos Annihilation Talisman Seal, and the mysterious entity in the underground evil space was clearly the seal's true master. That entity had deliberately sent the Demon Spider Commander carrying the fragments, then used the battle as an opportunity to implant the seal into him through Origin collision. Its goal was to use him to master the Chaos Annihilation Power, or to fully revive the seal through his Talisman Path Physique.

"I can't just defend passively!" A flash in his eyes (spiritual sense fluctuation) showed resolve. He suddenly abandoned suppressing the seal and instead activated the Fiend Spirit Origin, letting black Power of Destruction surge upstream along the golden patterns. The Fiend Spirit Origin itself stemmed from chaotic malevolence, sharing a common root with the Chaos Annihilation Talisman Seal. By flowing against the current, it temporarily stabilized the seal's spread and even began slowly devouring part of its power.

"You've gone mad!" Donghua exclaimed in alarm. "The Fiend Spirit Power and the Annihilation Seal share the same origin—doing this will only accelerate its revival!"

"Same origin also means mutual restraint!" Xuan Fu's voice came out hoarse. "The Annihilation Seal governs 'Return to Nothingness,' while the Fiend Spirit Origin governs 'Destruction.' Return to Nothingness is total obliteration; Destruction is breaking down to rebuild. They seem similar, but their paths are different!"

As he spoke, he activated the Purification Talisman, and emerald Life Talisman Power acted as a bridge, connecting the Fiend Spirit Origin with the Rigid-Soft Talisman Power. The three forces formed a bizarre cycle: the Fiend Spirit Origin devoured the seal's power, the Purification Talisman Transformed it into pure destructive talisman force, and the Rigid-Soft Talisman Power then absorbed that force into itself, creating a new power of "breaking down to rebuild, Rigid and Soft Harmony."

This process was extremely perilous. Each transformation came with violent tremors of the Origin, and Xuan Fu's talisman body was covered in cracks, golden patterns Intertwined with black, emerald, and cyan-gold lines like a porcelain vessel about to shatter. But he had no retreat; he could only Grit Teeth and Persevere, pushing the "fusion" trait of his talisman path To its extreme.

The Jade Void Palace projection watched this scene, a glint of approval in its eyes. "What boldness! Fusing taboo with talisman path, countering same origin with same origin—your talisman talent is rare in the primordial wilderness." Raised a Hand and Waved, sending a stream of even purer spiritual light into Xuan Fu's body. "This palace will lend you a hand, severing the seal's connection to the underground completely!"

The moment the spiritual light merged in, Xuan Fu felt his Origin Barrier suddenly strengthen, and the golden patterns of the Chaos Annihilation Talisman Seal dimmed noticeably. He seized this opportunity, activating the Rigid-Soft Talisman Power. Cyan-gold talisman blades sliced along the golden patterns, cutting off the seal's links to the underground evil aura one by one. At the same time, the Fiend Spirit Origin erupted fully, like a greedy beast, madly devouring the Annihilation Power Stripped Away from the seal.

"ROAR—!"

A furious bellow came from the underground evil space, the voice dripping with intense resentment and venom. The entire Kunlun Mountain Range trembled. Bereft of its source power, the Chaos Annihilation Talisman Seal's golden patterns rapidly receded, eventually shrinking back into Xuan Fu's rune core, settling as a faint Golden Imprint, temporarily dormant.

Xuan Fu Sighed in Relief (rune expansion). Under the nourishment of the Innate Jade Fluid and spiritual light, the cracks on his talisman body began to slowly heal. He could feel that his Origin had not only suffered no damage but had grown more condensed from devouring part of the Chaos Annihilation Power. Within his talisman system, a prototype of an "Annihilation Talisman" had taken shape. Though dangerous, this talisman held the terrifying might to destroy everything—another trump card for facing future crises.

"Thank you for your help, senior." Xuan Fu bowed, his heart full of gratitude. If not for the Jade Void Palace projection's intervention, he would have become a puppet of the seal.

The projection nodded slightly, its tone grave. "No need to thank me. The master of this Chaos Annihilation Talisman Seal is an ancient great power from the Chaos Era, known as 'Old Ancestor Nirvana.' He was obsessed with the path of annihilation, trying to use the seal's power to obliterate chaos and create a dead world of 'no life, no death.' Pangu and several other Chaos great powers joined forces to seal him deep underground."

"Old Ancestor Nirvana?" Xuan Fu was startled. He had never heard of this great power—clearly a taboo existence forgotten by the primordial wilderness.

"Though sealed, he has not fallen," the projection continued. "Using the Chaos Annihilation Talisman Seal's properties, he constantly absorbs the underground evil aura and Dragon Vein Origin, trying to Break Free. The Demon Tide and the Demon Spider Commander were all his pawns to disrupt the primordial wilderness and collect Origin. And you, fellow daoist, were likely chosen as the 'seal vessel.'"

Donghua's face changed. "Senior, since we know his origins, why not join forces to slay him completely and end the threat for good?"

"Easier said than done." The projection sighed lightly. "Old Ancestor Nirvana's seal is linked to the Kunlun Dragon Vein. Forcing it open would cause the Dragon Vein to collapse, plunging the entire primordial wilderness into crisis. Moreover, his strength is unfathomable—even sealed, he far surpasses a Quasi-Saint at peak. We are no match."

Xuan Fu understood. This was why Old Ancestor Nirvana acted so brazenly—using the Kunlun Dragon Vein as leverage, forcing the Jade Void Palace great power to tread carefully and only defend passively.

"However, your appearance may be a Turning Point." The projection's gaze fell on Xuan Fu. "Though the seal inside you is dangerous, it has also established a link between you and Old Ancestor Nirvana. Through this link, we might find weaknesses in the seal. At the same time, you can use the seal to absorb part of Old Ancestor Nirvana's power, enhancing your own strength. In the future, you may find a way to completely resolve him."

His heart stirred. This was indeed an opportunity—extremely risky, but if successful, it could not only eliminate the threat of Old Ancestor Nirvana but also elevate his talisman path strength by leaps and bounds.

"I am willing to try." Xuan Fu didn't hesitate. "However, my current strength is still shallow. I will need the help of senior and Fellow Daoist Donghua."

"Naturally." The projection nodded. "This palace will set up the 'Nine Revolutions Soul Suppressing Array' in Jade Void Palace to help you suppress the seal inside you while monitoring Old Ancestor Nirvana's movements. Fellow Daoist Donghua, you are skilled in Wood Spirit deduction techniques. Assist Fellow Daoist Mystic Talisman in deducing the seal's operation patterns and finding a safe way to absorb the Annihilation Power."

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

Just then, hurried footsteps came from outside Jade Void Palace. Ao Guang rushed in, his face pale. "Senior, something terrible! At the Outskirts of the Kunlun Mountain Range, a large number of corpses from the three clans have appeared. Their deaths are gruesome, and all bear traces of Chaos Annihilation Power!"

Xuan Fu and Donghua exchanged glances, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes. Old Ancestor Nirvana had only just been temporarily suppressed, yet people were already dying from Chaos Annihilation Power—clearly his backup plan.

"It's a Residual Soul Clone of Old Ancestor Nirvana." The projection's tone grew heavy. "Unable to act personally, he splits off residual souls to control Demonic Beasts infected by the seal, hunting primordial creatures to collect Origin and accelerate his escape."

"These three-clan cultivators were likely members of the Dragon, Phoenix, and Kirin clans who fled earlier." Ao Guang gritted his teeth. "Old Ancestor Nirvana is showing off his power and provoking the three clans!"

Xuan Fu thought to himself. Old Ancestor Nirvana's move wasn't just about collecting Origin—it was also meant to sow discord between the three clans and Jade Void Palace, plunging the primordial wilderness into chaos so he could reap the benefits. The three clans already harbored grudges over the spiritual vein disputes. Now, with their kin killed, they would inevitably blame Jade Void Palace for failing to protect them.

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

Xuan Fu nodded, turning to the projection. "Senior, I am willing to go and slay the Residual Soul Clone. First, to stop Old Ancestor Nirvana from collecting Origin; second, to take this chance to absorb more Annihilation Power and perfect the Annihilation Talisman."

The projection pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. But Old Ancestor Nirvana's Residual Soul Clone is no pushover—at least at the early Quasi-Saint level, skilled in stealth and ambush. Be careful. Fellow Daoist Donghua, go with Fellow Daoist Mystic Talisman and watch each other's backs."

"This junior obeys." Both cupped their hands.

Leaving Jade Void Palace, Xuan Fu and Donghua turned into two streaks of light, flying toward the Outskirts of the Kunlun Mountain Range. Along the way, they indeed saw many three-clan corpses, their bodies blackened and covered in fine golden patterns—Traces of Chaos Annihilation Power erosion. The air was thick with the stench of blood and evil aura, sending chills down the spine.

"The Residual Soul Clone's aura is ahead." Donghua activated his Wood Spirit Power, sensing the energy fluctuations. "He seems to be deliberately luring us, leaving obvious Traces along the way."

Xuan Fu nodded, alert. "Old Ancestor Nirvana is cunning. The Residual Soul Clone must have set an ambush. Let's proceed carefully—first conceal our Traces and scout his true situation."

The two activated a Stealth Talisman Array, their auras vanishing as if they had merged with the air. Following the Residual Soul Clone's Traces, they tracked him to a valley on the Outskirts of Kunlun. In the valley, demonic energy surged skyward. Countless Demonic Beasts infected by the seal were locked in a frenzied slaughter, while at the valley's center, a black shadow hovered midair, surrounded by golden Annihilation Talisman Seal patterns—the Residual Soul Clone of Old Ancestor Nirvana.

This clone was blurry, as if condensed from black mist, with only a pair of eyes gleaming crimson, radiating a malevolent pressure similar to the Demon Spider Commander's but purer. He watched the Demonic Beasts' carnage coldly, seemingly reveling in the pleasure of destruction and death.

"Indeed, early Quasi-Saint strength." Xuan Fu's Spiritual Sense locked onto the Residual Soul Clone. "His core is the Annihilation Talisman Seal fragment inside him. Destroy the fragment, and the clone will naturally collapse."

Donghua nodded, Wood Spirit Power gathering at his fingertips. "I'll distract him. You attack when the moment comes. My Wood Spirit Power can temporarily bind his Annihilation Power, creating an opening for you."

Xuan Fu didn't hesitate. He slowly drew the Malevolent Spirit World-Breaking Talisman and the newly formed Annihilation Talisman prototype. He took a deep breath, simultaneously channeling the Rigid-Soft Talisman Power, Fiend Spirit Origin, and Annihilation Power. The three forces wove together within him, forming a black, cyan, and gold tricolor talisman force that he infused into the Malevolent Spirit World-Breaking Talisman.

"Now!"

Donghua shouted, his Wood Spirit Power surging. Countless emerald vines burst from the ground, snaking toward the Residual Soul Clone like serpents. The vines carried intense Life Talisman Power, perfectly countering Annihilation Power. As they coiled around the clone, they began to seep in, trying to bind his movements.

"Ants, how dare you!"

The Residual Soul Clone let out a hoarse roar. Golden patterns around him flared, Annihilation Power erupting in an attempt to shatter the vines. But the Wood Spirit Power was highly resilient, and he struggled to Break Free.

Xuan Fu seized this chance, activating the Universe Folding Talisman. He turned into a tricolor streak, appearing instantly behind the Residual Soul Clone. The Malevolent Spirit World-Breaking Talisman, carrying the dual might of destruction and annihilation, slashed toward the clone's core seal fragment.

"CLANG!"

The talisman blade clashed with the clone's Annihilation Power, producing a metallic ring. Golden Annihilation Power and black baleful spirit power corroded each other, while the cyan-gold Rigid-Soft Power ceaselessly tore at the clone's black mist body. The Residual Soul Clone let out a pained shriek, its black mist form trembling violently, the core seal fragment dimming slightly.

"You seek death!"

The Residual Soul Clone, enraged beyond measure, spun around abruptly, its bloodshot eyes locked onto Mystic Talisman as it spat out a golden beam of Annihilation Power. The beam carried the terrifying might of "Return to Nothingness," collapsing space itself wherever it passed, even devouring light.

Mystic Talisman's heart tightened. He immediately activated the Rigid-Soft Talisman Array, and a cyan-gold barrier expanded in an instant. The beam slammed into the barrier with a deafening roar, the shield trembling violently as cracks spiderwebbed across it. Sent staggering back repeatedly by the immense impact, Mystic Talisman coughed up a trace of Talisman Blood from the corner of his mouth.

"Fellow Daoist Mystic Talisman, be careful!" Donghua called out, quickly amplifying his Wood Spirit Power output. Vines coiled tightly around the clone's limbs, preventing it from launching a follow-up attack.

Mystic Talisman Stabilized Form, wiped the Talisman Blood from his lips, and A flash in his eyes turned ruthless. Without a moment's hesitation, he hurled the nascent Nirvana Seal. Though not yet fully condensed, this talisman contained pure Annihilation Power, resonating strongly with the seal fragment within the Residual Soul Clone.

"Is that... the Nirvana Seal?!" A flash in his eyes of surprise crossed the Residual Soul Clone's face, quickly replaced by fury. "You dare steal Old Ancestor's Annihilation Power!"

The nascent Nirvana Seal exploded midair, golden Annihilation Power surging like a tidal wave. Instead of harming Mystic Talisman, it converged toward the seal fragment in the clone's body. This was Mystic Talisman exploiting the talisman path's "Same Origin Resonance" to forcibly seize the power of the seal fragment within the clone.

"No!"

The Residual Soul Clone let out a piercing wail. The core seal fragment, pulled by the Same Origin Power, began slipping from its control, flying toward Mystic Talisman. Bereft of its core power, the clone's black mist body rapidly disintegrated.

Overjoyed, Mystic Talisman immediately channeled his talisman power, drawing the incoming seal fragment into his body. The fragment merged with his own talisman core, fusing with the previous Golden Imprint. The nascent Nirvana Seal instantly grew more complete, its unleashed might even stronger.

Just then, as the Residual Soul Clone teetered on the brink of total collapse, it suddenly let out an eerie laugh: "Old Ancestor won't let you off... Once the seal fully awakens, you'll become Old Ancestor's perfect vessel... Hahaha!"

The laughter faded as the clone's black mist body completely dissolved, turning into wisps of golden Annihilation Power that dissipated into the air.

Mystic Talisman and Donghua Sighed in Relief, exchanging a smile. Slaying this Residual Soul Clone not only thwarted Old Ancestor Nirvana's collection of origin essence but also perfected Mystic Talisman's Nirvana Seal—a resounding victory.

Just as they prepared to return to Jade Void Palace, the Nirvana Seal within Mystic Talisman suddenly trembled violently. Golden Patterns surged once more, and in his Spiritual Sense, a bizarre image emerged: deep within the seal beneath Kunlun, a massive Black Talisman Array slowly rotated. At the array's center, a blurry figure opened its eyes—eyes brimming with the aura of annihilation and destruction.

Mystic Talisman's expression instantly turned grim. He could feel that Old Ancestor Nirvana seemed to have seen him through the seal, and the sealing power was rapidly weakening.

What unsettled him more was that at the edge of his Spiritual Sense, he suddenly caught a familiar aura rushing swiftly toward the valley.

This aura carried the dense draconic pressure of Ao Guang!

But Ao Guang's aura also held a faint trace of Annihilation Power—clearly, he too had been infected by the seal!

Mystic Talisman and Donghua exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes. Why had Ao Guang suddenly arrived? And what was the deal with the Annihilation Power on him?

Just then, Ao Guang's voice came from outside the valley, tinged with an eerie hoarseness: "Fellow Daoist Mystic Talisman, Fellow Daoist Donghua, this Venerable One has come to lend you a hand!"