Mysterious Expert of Buddha and Ghost Dual Cultivation! A Heart-Palpitating Secret

After the thirteen Nascent Soul True Lord who attacked the Longevity Sect were either killed or fled,...

The many Outer Domain Evil Cultivators who had followed the Nascent Soul True Lord and the Demon Lord from another realm in their massive invasion had long since scattered like birds and beasts.

The numerous reinforcements brought by Zuo Qiu Ling from the Counterattack Cultivator Alliance searched the surrounding area for a day, covering a radius of two thousand miles, but ultimately only managed to capture a few scattered demons who had fallen behind or lost their minds in a bloodthirsty frenzy.

Even so, the area within two thousand miles of this Longevity Dao Domain was still devastated.

Many minor sects and Cultivation Family were plundered by Outer Domain Evil Cultivator.

The cultivators suffered heavy casualties, and some mortal towns were devoured by rampaging demons, with the entire town being slaughtered and turned into a living hell.

Human Heart Hall, the flames of the heart flickered within each lamp.

Some of the lamps had already gone out.

Chen Dengming strolled through the hall, took a closer look, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

These extinguished lamps of the soul, though now their former owners are nowhere to be seen.

Judging from their positions alone, he knew that these were probably the lower-level cultivators he had encountered in Chang'an Workshop over the past six years.

It makes sense. The Longevity Sect was nearly wiped out, so how could Longevity Sect Chang'an Workshop, located only a few hundred miles away, possibly survive?

"Fortunately, Qiangzi and his two children all left safely."

After observing Jiang Qiang, He Yingyu, and the two children for a while, Chen Dengming found that their emotions had stabilized and was relieved.

He quickly searched among the lamps closer to the light, and finally his gaze settled on one. As his eyes dimmed slightly, he breathed a sigh of relief.

At this moment, among the rows of inner flames that appeared in his eyes, there were Su Yan Yan, Xing Huiguang, and his Second Senior Brother Jiang Jian, but the inner flame representing his Senior Brother Fu Changyin had been extinguished.

This proves that the Senior Brother has truly sacrificed himself.

However, what made people feel a little better was that although the inner fire of the Second Senior Brother Jiang Jian was weak, it was still bright.

This suggests that the soul of the Second Senior Brother, Jiang Jian, may have been absorbed into the Longevity Incense and survived.

Although a Nascent Soul True Lord is reduced to Dao God, a truly tragic situation, signifying the complete dissipation of his Nascent Soul status, perhaps even requiring him to begin his cultivation as a ghost cultivator, at least he is still alive.

"My Second Senior Brother has lived for over 1,500 years in the mortal realm. Even if his soul were to transform into a ghost cultivator, based on the lifespan calculations of the Nascent Soul True Lord of the Longevity Sect, he would at most only have a thousand years of Yin Longevity."

Chen Dengming was also uncertain whether Jiang Jian could cultivate from an ordinary ghost cultivator to a ghost king within a thousand years.

Even if he had succeeded, by the time Jiang Jian reconstituted the Ghost Infant and became the Ghost King, his Yin Longevity would have already ended.

Unless Jiang Jian can go further and break through to become the Yin Spring Ghost Lord.

But that possibility is extremely small.

He then used the inner fire to further confirm the condition of the First Ancestor Lu Xiucheng, Qu Shenzong, Dongfang Huayuan, Qiu Feng, and others. After learning that they were not dead, he completely relaxed.

However, judging from the wavering state of their hearts, it can be observed that although they are not dead, they are all in bad condition and may be seriously injured.

Among them, Dongfang Huayuan fire dimmed and shrank to the size of a soybean, pecking uncertainly.

"Senior Dongfang is indeed seriously injured, his soul has been damaged?"

Chen Dengming pondered for a moment, not daring to delve into the past and make contact with the other party.

Dongfang Huayuan is now like a wounded beast, in its most dangerous moment.

If this situation causes a misunderstanding, it can easily lead to a desperate, all-or-nothing attack.

He immediately transmitted some of the Human Immortal Way Power through his inner fire as a signal of advance warning and goodwill.

Only he and Dongfang Huayuan possessed the Human Immortal Way Power immortal.

If the other party is conscious, they will naturally analyze the situation and respond accordingly.

Sure enough, his Human Immortal Way Power was transferred over in no time.

The inner flame within Dongfang Huayuan's spiritual lamp began to flicker slightly.

However, no Divine Sense was transmitted through the inner fire.

It seems the other side is also having difficulty pinpointing the location of the Human Heart Hall.

Through the emotions emanating from Dongfang Huayuan fire, Chen Dengming understood that the other party had received his expression of goodwill and was aware of his identity.

He immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

This kind of communication between the two is directly established between their hearts; it is more powerful than words, and belongs to the realm of spiritual connection.

After confirming that Dongfang Huayuan could communicate normally and that the location of the Human Heart Hall could not be located, Chen Dengming quickly sent his Divine Sense into the other party's heart fire to further communicate.

"Senior Dongfang, you are in very bad shape. To make a long story short, do you need my help? And what exactly happened? Who was so despicable as to ambush you and severely injure you?"

On the other side, Dongfang Huayuan, who was seriously injured, smiled upon hearing this.

That brat, even after becoming Nascent Soul True Lord, he still has such a sweet tongue and such a good attitude.

Unlike some fools who knowingly ask "How are you?" even though they know he's not feeling well, this person directly asks if he needs help, while also being considerate of his feelings and making him feel comfortable.

Being able to speak well, that's what speaking well means.

"You've indeed found and controlled the Human Heart Hall, you're quite something. But don't worry about saving face for me, I wasn't ambushed this time, I was defeated fair and square."

There's nothing shameful about it. That old fellow is probably already at the half-step Dao Integration stage."

Chen Dengming was startled. "Could it be that the Outer Realm Devil Venerable also attacked you at the same time, senior?"

Dongfang Huayuan said solemnly, "No, it wasn't that. The one who severely injured me was a Buddhist Way master, but he also seemed to be a member of the Ghost Path."

In short, this person doesn't seem like a kind person.

"If the Great Curtain Passage hadn't been forcibly destroyed by the Qu Shenzong Sect, and if another expert hadn't intervened, I might not have had a chance to escape."

"So strong? There's another expert here?"

Chen Dengming was shocked and astonished. His opponent actually possessed the strength to kill Dongfang Huayuan. Was a half-step Dao Integration cultivator really that strong?

"Senior, what exactly is the realm of the half-step Dao Integration? If this person is so strong, why hasn't he shown himself for so many years, but has he appeared this time?"

If this person harbors ill intentions, then even if the Great Curtain Passage is destroyed and the Outer Realm Devil Venerable escapes back, our situation is probably not good either."

"This formidable enemy has never shown himself or made a move before, perhaps it's related to the master who secretly helped me."

Dongfang Huayuan pondered, "The expert who secretly helped me must be at least on the same level as this person, and judging from his methods, he is also a Buddhist Way."

As for what is half-step into the Dao, simply put, you only need to know that the true Dao Integration Realm is to integrate oneself into a complete Dao.

Whether it is the Great Dao that one discovers on one's own or the Immortal Dao left behind by predecessors, such as the complete Human Immortal Orthodox Lineage.

"The half-step Dao Integration Realm refers to a top-tier cultivator who has already possessed the complete Dao, but has not yet fully integrated it."

"Is merging with the complete Great Dao the same as attaining the Dao?"

Chen Dengming pondered intently, his heart filled with astonishment. "Could a Buddhist Way master of similar level be the Living Buddha Venerable of Sumeru Island in the Northern Spirit Sea? The only one in the Four Seas Four Regions who is clearly suspected to be Dao Integration Realm expert?"

Dongfang Huayuan voice, "It's no longer just a suspicion; that Living Buddha Venerable is definitely a Dao-Merging master. He was able to frighten away a powerful enemy from a great distance; his cultivation is indeed Connecting to Heaven- reaching and earth-shattering."

"But didn't Sumeru Island say it wouldn't interfere in the Counterattack Cultivator Alliance or the war outside the realm? I didn't expect it to lend a helping hand at this critical juncture?"

Chen Dengming was puzzled. "Could it be that the reason why that Living Buddha Venerable didn't take action is because of this mysterious expert who attacked you, senior?"

Dongfang Huayuan said calmly, "Alright, kid, your strength hasn't reached the Spirit Transformation yet. Knowing too much will only do you harm. Don't think about these things for now, lest you cause trouble."

Chen Dengming understood immediately and realized that Dongfang Huayuan probably needed some help, since the other party had not rejected his earlier question about whether he needed help. He then immediately spoke up.

"Your injury is a loss to the Cultivator Alliance. I wonder what kind of help you need? Please feel free to ask. Even if I am unable to help, I can still make a request to the Cultivator Alliance."

Dongfang Huayuan was pleased with Chen Dengming's quick wit and cleverness. Dealing with someone who was both capable and intelligent was time-saving and effortless, and it also prevented him from feeling embarrassed or awkward.

Without mincing words, he said, "I do need some help, and I won't let you work for nothing. Just like last time, I'll owe you a favor."

My injuries are too severe, especially to my soul. I need soul-nourishing Spiritual Material and some pure Soul Power to heal. You'd better convey my request to the Cultivator Alliance.

I will tell you my location once the supplies are ready.

"Alright! Senior, please rest assured." Chen Dengming was secretly pleased.

That's unfortunate.

He has quite a few Spiritual Material for nourishing the soul.

Water of the Underworld River is a rare and precious Spiritual Material for nourishing the soul; ordinary people don't even have it.

However, it wouldn't be appropriate to have him hand over a bunch of the Water of the Underworld River for free.

The proper course of action would be to first report the situation to the Counterattack Cultivator Alliance, and then appropriately reveal that one possesses some Water of the Underworld River, either in exchange for battle merits or to do favors, thus maximizing one's benefits.

This way, he not only helped Dongfang Huayuan, but also saved trouble for the Counterattack Cultivator Alliance, and he didn't lose anything himself.

At this stage, he's the only one who can do this.

Because only he could contact the injured Dongfang Huayuan, and he wouldn't arouse the other party's suspicion or distrust.

After concluding his exchange with Dongfang Huayuan, Chen Dengming then attempted to communicate with the First Ancestor Lu Xiucheng.

The First Ancestor's heart fire was relatively stable and calm, but it had shrunk to a mere flame, indicating that he was not in good condition and may have suffered a serious injury.

Chen Dengming followed the same method, attempting to transmit the Immortal Celestial Dao Power to establish contact with the First Ancestor.

However, the transmitted Immortal Celestial Dao Power seemed to sink into the sea without stirring the slightest fluctuation in the Ancestor's heart fire, as if the other party was already in a state of unclear consciousness.

Chen Dengming's heart sank.

Given the First Ancestor's dire condition, it's likely that the soul of the Second Senior Brother, Jiang Jian, will also be difficult to properly arrange for the time being.

During this sensitive period, he dared not rashly transmit his thoughts to the past and disturb the First Ancestor, so he could only temporarily abandon the idea of contacting him.

Next, he observed the state of the heart fire of the few Spirit Transmutation Dao Lord he had met, including Qu Shenzong, Yongxin Sword Lord, and Mingguang Shangren.

Judging from their inner fire state, it can be roughly determined that these Nascent Spirit Transformation are all in abnormal condition and may be injured.

Among them, Qu Shenzong was in the worst condition, not much better than Dongfang Huayuan, but his inner fire was not extinguished, which meant that this senior was not in immediate danger.

"Hopefully, the people who Counterattack Cultivator Alliance will find Senior Qu soon."

Chen Dengming did not rashly attempt to contact Qu Shenzong through his inner fire, fearing it might provoke hostility and attack.

Losing his mental energy would be a minor matter; if it worsens the other party's injuries, it would be a case of good intentions gone wrong.

After confirming the specific circumstances of these people, Chen Dengming mentally withdrew from the Human Heart Hall.

Since it's impossible to contact the First Ancestor through the Human Heart Hall, the only hope is for his clone to search for him.

However, given the elusive nature of the Spirit Transmutation Dao Lord, it would be like searching for a needle in a haystack for his clone to find the First Ancestor Lu Xiucheng.

Chen Dengming didn't have high hopes.

The several clones he sent out also had the added task of observing the situation in all directions, which was something he urgently needed to do.

"My Incense Clone was also injured and needs to recuperate. The situation on all sides is still unclear, so I'll remain within the sect and await further news, and try not to go out."

The Incense Clone received his orders to ambush Cao Zhiqing Palace Master of the Body Sage Palace, who had been severely injured by him.

However, the opponent was, after all, an old monster in the Nascent Soul Late Stage. Even though he was seriously injured, he was not someone that a mere Nascent Soul cultivator like the Incense Clone could easily defeat.

In the end Cao Zhiqing naturally escaped, but his Incense Clone was also seriously injured.

However, the Incense Clone's mission at that time was to attack the opponent, preventing Cao Zhiqing from having time to heal and recover before rejoining the battle and posing a threat.

Having forced the opponent away, the Incense Clone had successfully completed its mission.

As Chen Dengming pondered, he felt the humidity in the air increasing, and a damp, musty smell intensified in the cave abode, as if a downpour was about to begin.

He immediately got up, made hand seals, and activated the Formation within the cave abode to begin dispelling dampness and cleaning it.

Although the empty cave abode was luxurious, it now felt cold and stifling without the girl's presence.

Chen Dengming knocked on the Soul House as he walked out of the cave abode.

"Fellow Daoist, you seem to be in a bad mood?"

Soul House, Little Array Spirit's voice, tinged with concern, rang out.

Chen Dengming stepped out of the cave abode, glanced at the gloomy sky outside, breathed in the fresh air of the mountains and forests, and said in a deep voice.

"Ling'er, have you ever heard of a highly skilled person who seems to cultivate both Buddhist Way and demonic paths, and may even be a powerful expert at the Dao Integration Realm?"

When the mysterious expert mentioned by Dongfang Huayuan was mentioned, Chen Dengming always felt a sense of familiarity.

In particular, Dongfang Huayuan also said that the other party was proficient in the art of ghosts.

Ghost cultivation is the lowest of the Five Great True Immortals immortal lineages, and those who can achieve Dao Integration are almost nonexistent since ancient times. This seems to vaguely point to a ruthless person from the Below the Yin Spring of the past.

"A highly skilled individual who appears to have reached the Dao Integration Realm, yet simultaneously cultivates Buddhist Way and demonic paths?"

Upon hearing this, Little Array Spirit was also confused for a moment. Then, her voice trembled slightly as she stammered, "That is, that is the former Ghost Emperor Yuan. According to your guess, fellow Daoist, he is only suspected to be that Dao-merging expert who cultivated the Dao of Earth Immortal Path. He merged with the Dao to form the Netherworld and made a grand vow."

This is already the strongest ghost cultivator in the last few thousand years, how could another powerful cultivator who has mastered both Buddhist Way and ghost cultivation suddenly appear?

Chen Dengming frowned in thought, "Back then, Ghost Emperor Yuan aspired to establish the Underworld, a place of reincarnation, a paradise for ghosts comparable to the Heavenly Immortal Realm, the Human World, the Divine Heavenly Court, and the Earthly Spirit Realm."

But ultimately it failed.

If, and I mean if, the Ghost Emperor Yuan not only cultivated the Earthly Path and the Ghost Path, but also the Buddhist Way, taking countless ghosts from the underworld as his worshippers...

Before he could finish speaking, he suddenly felt a pang of heart palpitation and a vague sense of unease for some unknown reason.

Since inheriting the spiritual tradition, and with the elevation of his Spiritual Realm, he has developed the Unseen sense of impending danger, almost a premonition.

At that moment, danger was realized.

Chen Dengming immediately stopped talking, quickly adjusted his mental memory, and swiftly changed the subject, chatting with Little Array Spirit about other things.

He dared not think about it anymore, and at the same time, he cursed himself in his heart.

I was previously warned by Dongfang Huayuan not to know too much about the powerful.

A moment of curiosity almost led to trouble.

The Little Array Spirit's senses were equally sharp. Noticing Chen Dengming's sudden and drastic change of topic, it immediately realized something was wrong, quickly stopped speculating, and forgot about what had just happened.

A short while passed.

The sense of danger gradually faded.

At this moment, the rain began to fall in torrents, and cool, moist air rose up, seemingly easing the heavy atmosphere.

Only when both the person and the soul breathed a sigh of relief did they feel a lingering fear in their hearts.

Could it be that he inadvertently came into contact with some earth-shattering secret that would terrify even a Spirit Transmutation Dao Lord?

Little Nascent Soul, just go about your business and don't cause any trouble.