Fierce Killing Intent, Minghe's Thoughts

As Minghe revealed his true form and showed sufficient sincerity, Di Jiang no longer put on airs. The vast and powerful aura around his body receded, making him appear more peaceful. He cupped his hands towards Minghe, a formal return of courtesy.

"I am Di Jiang! Indeed the master of Mount Buzhou, born from Pangu's essence blood."

Di Jiang candidly admitted his identity and stated his true name. This was basic courtesy among Great Powers in the Primordial World, and also a response to Minghe's decision just now.

Upon hearing Di Jiang's name, a flicker of understanding crossed Minghe's crimson eyes.

"So it's fellow Daoist Di Jiang, my apologies."

Minghe cupped his hands again, his youthful face showing just the right amount of curiosity.

"May I ask why fellow Daoist has come to this foul land of mine to collect this malevolent energy? If you require anything, Minghe might be able to lend a small effort."

Di Jiang glanced at him, naturally unwilling to reveal core secrets like the Great Formation of the Myriad Heavens. He simply said calmly, "Nothing else, just for cultivation needs."

Seeing that Di Jiang was unwilling to say more, Minghe wisely did not press further. He watched Di Jiang's effortless and profound method of drawing in the malevolent energy, as if he had merged with space itself, and a desire to observe and learn arose in his heart.

Even the mere act of a powerful being like this collecting malevolent energy contained applications of laws that would benefit him greatly.

Minghe hesitated for a moment before speaking, his tone carrying the directness of youth and a subtle hint of anticipation. "Fellow Daoist Di Jiang, your method of drawing in malevolent energy is quite profound. Minghe admires it greatly. May I observe from the side? I absolutely won't dare to disturb your cultivation!"

Di Jiang heard this and pondered for a moment. What he was about to test was the activation of the Pangu bloodline, which might cause a significant commotion. However, the core secret lay in the resonance between the bloodline and the malevolent energy, and the external techniques were not entirely impossible to reveal. Considering this young man was quite sensible and of the same origin, letting him watch wouldn't hurt.

"Okay!" Di Jiang replied concisely with a single word.

Minghe's face immediately lit up with joy. He quietly retreated to the side, like an obedient student, his crimson eyes fixed on Di Jiang's actions without blinking.

Di Jiang ignored him and fully immersed his mind. Feeling that the collected malevolent energy was sufficient for a preliminary attempt, he began to circulate the Pangu bloodline within his body, which had integrated the characteristics of the Twelve Ancestral Witches.

Hummm--!

A vast, ancient, and terrifying pressure, as if originating from the very beginning of creation, slowly permeated from Di Jiang's body! Although it was only a trace, it caused the entire Nether Blood Sea to tremble. Countless vengeful spirits and ferocious ghosts fearfully retreated to the seabed, and even the churning blood waves seemed to freeze for a moment!

Minghe beside him paled, feeling an immense pressure from the very source of his life. It was the majesty of "Father God Pangu"! His gaze towards Di Jiang was now filled with even greater reverence.

"It succeeded! It can indeed be activated!"

Di Jiang was overjoyed. This proved his idea was correct; even though the bloodlines were unified, they could still serve as a catalyst!

Next was the crucial step—drawing the malevolent energy into his body, resonating with the bloodline, and attempting to condense a phantom image of Pangu's true form!

Di Jiang's mind moved, and the dense, almost tangible dark red malevolent energy gathered around him began to surge wildly into his Ancestral Witch body like a hundred rivers returning to the sea!

The moment the malevolent energy entered his body, a cold, violent energy filled with destructive intent rampaged through his meridians! For an ordinary cultivator, even a Golden Immortal, they would likely have their bloodline corrupted and their physical body collapse in an instant!

But for Di Jiang's body, which had been tempered a thousand times and integrated the origin of the Twelve Ancestral Witches, this pain was like a mosquito bite, completely within the bearable range. Not even his skin was broken.

"Body unharmed! It seems feasible!"

Di Jiang's confidence grew. He guided the malevolent energy towards the trace of activated Pangu bloodline, attempting to construct the core of the legendary formation.

However, the moment the malevolent energy came into contact with the Pangu bloodline and, following the bloodline's power, inevitably affected his Primordial Spirit, which was perfectly integrated with his physical body—

"Ugh—!"

Di Jiang let out a muffled groan, his face instantly turning deathly pale! A tearing sensation, completely different from the physical pain and originating from the depths of his soul, erupted!

The countless negative emotions, killing intent, and venomous curses contained within the malevolent energy, like billions of burning venomous needles, fiercely pierced into his Primordial Spirit! The pure light of his Primordial Spirit violently vibrated, as if it were about to be corrupted, torn apart, and assimilated!

Agony! Indescribable agony! Tens of thousands of times more intense than the physical pain!

Di Jiang decisively cut off the influx of malevolent energy and vigorously circulated his cultivation technique, using the power of the Space-Time Law to forcefully soothe and dispel the residual malevolent energy that had invaded his Primordial Spirit. After a long while, the soul-tearing agony slowly subsided, but he still felt lingering fear.

He stood there, his expression gloomy and uncertain.

"It failed, and the reason was the Primordial Spirit!" Di Jiang instantly understood the crux of the problem.

The original Twelve Ancestral Witches had no Primordial Spirit! They drew malevolent energy into their bodies purely by enduring it with their incredibly powerful physical bodies, using their bloodline as the core drive. The erosion of malevolent energy on their bodies was a price they could bear. But they had no Primordial Spirit, so there was no issue of corruption or impact on the Primordial Spirit by malevolent energy.

But Di Jiang was different! He possessed a Primordial Spirit, rewarded by the System, that perfectly integrated with his physical body! This was originally a tremendous advantage, allowing him to use magical artifacts, deduce Heavenly Secrets, and comprehend the Great Dao. However, when performing this Great Formation of the Myriad Heavens, this Primordial Spirit instead became the biggest flaw and obstacle!

As the malevolent energy resonated with the Pangu bloodline, it would inevitably affect his Primordial Spirit, which was closely connected to the bloodline. His "pure" Primordial Spirit simply could not withstand the direct impact of such extremely fierce and malevolent energy!

"Damn it! Does having a Primordial Spirit mean I can't use this ultimate trump card of the Witch Clan anymore?"

Di Jiang frowned, a strong sense of unwillingness surging in his heart. This was like being given a sweet date, only to have it slapped away!

Di Jiang forcibly suppressed the residual stinging sensation in his Primordial Spirit, his expression grim, and his mind rapidly contemplating countermeasures. The power of the Great Formation of the Myriad Heavens was undeniable, but the conflict between the Primordial Spirit and the malevolent energy was an almost unsolvable problem. Unless he self-destructed his Primordial Spirit, which would be equivalent to cutting off his own future, it was absolutely impossible.

Just as he was feeling vexed, a glint flashed in Minghe's crimson eyes as he observed quietly from the side. Although he didn't know what specific divine ability Di Jiang was cultivating, he clearly captured the momentary disruption of his aura and the fleeting look of pain on Di Jiang's face.

A powerful being at the level of a Primordial Golden Immortal actually suffered a setback while drawing malevolent energy into his body? This surprised him greatly.

"Although malevolent energy is fierce, for me, the master of the Sea of Blood, it's just everyday fare. My Primordial Spirit has been immersed in it since its inception and has long adapted. There are even methods in the inheritance that use it to temper the Primordial Spirit and transform malevolence into spirit..."

Minghe's thoughts raced. From Di Jiang's situation just now, it was clear that his Primordial Spirit could not withstand the impact of the malevolent energy. He had gone to such great lengths to collect malevolent energy, so whatever he was seeking must be extremely important. This conflict between his Primordial Spirit and the malevolent energy had likely become his biggest obstacle.

A bold idea sprouted in Minghe's mind. If he were to reveal the part about tempering the soul with malevolent energy from the Sea of Blood God Refining Art to Di Jiang, thus resolving his urgent problem, perhaps he could gain some unexpected benefits?

Offering help in times of need was far better than adding to someone's wealth. Di Jiang was currently facing a difficult situation, and he happened to have what the other party urgently needed. This was simply a heaven-sent opportunity for a transaction!

Although he was born in the Sea of Blood and his mind was cunning, he also understood that when trading with a powerful being like Di Jiang, one needed to maintain a proper balance, showcasing value without being overly greedy and causing offense.

With this in mind, a look of appropriate concern and confusion appeared on Minghe's handsome youthful face. He stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Fellow Daoist Di Jiang, I noticed earlier that your aura seemed to falter. Is there some obstruction in your method of circulating malevolent energy?"

Hearing this, Di Jiang's gaze sharpened as he looked at Minghe. Seeing that his expression did not seem feigned, he replied indifferently, "Just some minor issues, nothing to worry about."

Naturally, he wouldn't reveal his core predicament to an outsider.

Minghe, however, seemed oblivious to Di Jiang's distant attitude and continued speaking with a tone of youthful curiosity:

"Forgive my directness, fellow Daoist. I observe that your method of drawing in malevolent energy is incredibly profound, and its power must be earth-shattering. However, it seems you are not accustomed to dealing with such energies, especially concerning the protection and adaptation of your Primordial Spirit!"

Minghe's words stopped just short of revealing everything, yet they precisely struck Di Jiang's sore spot.

Di Jiang's eyes flickered, and he re-examined the young man from the Sea of Blood before him. It seemed this fellow wasn't just a bystander but had actually seen through some of the tricks. Without missing a beat, he asked, "Oh? Fellow Daoist Minghe has resided in the Sea of Blood for a long time; do you have considerable experience in this path?"

Seeing that Di Jiang neither denied nor refuted his observation but instead inquired, Minghe's heart settled, knowing his opportunity had arrived. A seemingly innocent smile spread across his face as he said:

"I wouldn't dare claim experience. It's just that I was born here and grew up here; my Primordial Spirit has long coexisted with the malevolent energies of the Sea of Blood. To be frank, my lineage does indeed possess a method that can draw in malevolent energy to temper the Primordial Spirit, making it not only fearless of erosion but also capable of absorbing its fierce intent to strengthen the divine soul and condense the will. Although it is a secret art of my Sea of Blood, not to be passed on..."

Minghe paused deliberately, observing Di Jiang's reaction before slowly continuing:

"But since you and I both hail from Pangu's lineage, our meeting today is fated. If what you require is indeed related to this, Minghe is willing to impart this method wholeheartedly, hoping only to forge a good relationship with you."

Minghe's words were beautifully crafted, mentioning only "forging a good relationship" and making no mention of specific demands. He returned the initiative to Di Jiang, appearing full of sincerity while leaving ample room for himself.

Di Jiang, being who he was, instantly understood Minghe's intentions. This young man wanted to exchange the Primordial Spirit tempering method for benefits!

Di Jiang gave Minghe a deep look. He didn't feel much displeasure at being schemed against. To seize an opportunity in such a short time and propose a transaction he could hardly refuse—this insight and boldness were indeed worthy of his Origin/Foundation as a primordial demon god.

"A method to temper the Primordial Spirit with malevolent energy!" Di Jiang mused. This was precisely what he needed most at the moment! If it could truly resolve the conflict between his Primordial Spirit and the malevolent energies, the success rate of the Great Formation of the Myriad Heavens would greatly increase! In comparison, paying a price was entirely worthwhile.

"What do you want?" Di Jiang asked directly, cutting to the chase.