Undercurrents on the Return Journey

Three flying ships sped away from the suffocating core area of Burial Demon Valley like startled birds.

Only when the distorted, blood-red canyon and the deep black hole completely disappeared from sight, swallowed again by layers of gray mist, did the people on the ships finally breathe a sigh of relief, but their taut nerves didn't completely relax.

The atmosphere on the journey back was even more somber than on the way there. Although they had successfully destroyed the core of the blood sacrifice and prevented the ruins' entrance from being fully opened.

The terrifying sight of the black hole devouring a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, and the ancient, chaotic aura emanating from the ruins themselves, far exceeding everyone's expectations, weighed on each person's heart like a massive stone.

What exactly was hidden within? Was the Netherworld Elder who was swallowed alive or dead? Everything was filled with unknowns and dangers.

Mo Yuan sat cross-legged in a corner of the Azure Wood Boat, his eyes slightly closed, fully circulating the Basic Qi Refining Manual (Foundation Establishment Chapter) and the Yi Wood Eternal Life Art. He absorbed the spiritual energy from the High-Grade Spirit Stones in his hand, repairing his nearly depleted Dantian and slightly damaged meridians.

Forcibly activating the Thunder Emperor's Will and the Five Thunder Divine Method for that devastating strike had consumed far more than he'd estimated. If not for the black hole's anomaly diverting the powerful enemy at the last moment, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

"Martial Brother Mo, how are your injuries?"

Chen Feng and Zhao Gan anxiously gathered around, offering healing pills.

"It's nothing, just a significant loss of True Essence. I'll be fine after a short rest."

Mo Yuan opened his eyes, took the pills, and smiled faintly at them. After fighting side-by-side through this battle, their bond had deepened.

Zhang Tianyun and Luo Li also approached. Zhang Tianyun cupped his hands and said, "Fellow Daoist Mo, we greatly benefited from your decisive action just now. I am truly impressed!" His tone was sincere, and he now regarded Mo Yuan as an equal, or even a superior.

Luo Li looked at Mo Yuan with her cool, clear eyes and said softly, "The thunderous might Martial Brother Mo summoned at the end... was no ordinary thunder technique, it was almost the manifestation of Dao principles. Congratulations, Martial Brother, for glimpsing the threshold of the Great Dao."

Her extraordinary insight allowed her to recognize the unusual nature of Mo Yuan's thunder techniques.

Mo Yuan humbly returned the courtesy, "Fellow Daoist Zhang's sword techniques were fierce, Martial Sister Luo Li's formations were exquisite, and Martial Brother Ying's stealth was unparalleled. I dare not claim credit. Without everyone's concerted effort, success would have been impossible."

He did not reveal the true nature of the Thunder Emperor's Will and the Five Thunder Divine Method, vaguely attributing it to profound thunder techniques.

After a brief exchange, they each returned to their respective spots to recuperate.

However, Mo Yuan could sense that after this battle, his prestige among the younger generation of the three sects had been firmly established. Both his strength and his character had earned genuine respect.

"System, sign in."

[Ding! Sign-in successful! Congratulations to the host for obtaining: Top-Grade Spirit Stones x3, Soul Nourishing Pills (High-Grade) x5, Ancient Demonic Script Analysis (Basic) x1, Remnant Aura of the Primordial World: A trace of pure Demonic Origin Source (Purified)!]

[Soul Nourishing Pills (High-Grade)]: Top-tier pills for nourishing and repairing spiritual consciousness.

[Ancient Demonic Script Analysis (Basic)]: Records methods for identifying and interpreting some common ancient demonic scripts and runes.

[A trace of pure Demonic Origin Source (Purified)]: Refined pure demonic energy, stripped of chaotic will. It can be absorbed and converted by specific cultivation techniques, or used to refine special magical artifacts and pills (Warning: Non-Demonic Dao cultivators should use with caution).

"Ancient Demonic Script? Demonic Origin Source?" Mo Yuan's heart stirred, and he immediately thought of the black stone slab and the ancient demon ruins.

The system's rewards once again precisely targeted his current needs. He immediately absorbed the knowledge from Ancient Demonic Script Analysis. Although it was only basic, it was enough for him to recognize most common demonic markings.

As for the purified trace of Demonic Origin Source, he temporarily sealed it in a corner of his Dantian, wrapped in his lightning True Essence, to study later.

While recuperating, he recalled the distorted runes he had seen on the black stone slab.

Combining the newly acquired knowledge of demonic script, he attempted to decipher them.

Most of the runes were incomplete and blurry, making it difficult to form complete sentences, but he vaguely recognized a few key word fragments:

"Seal...", "Key...", "Sacrifice...", "Return..."

These words, when combined, sent a chill down Mo Yuan's spine.

The stone slab seemed to point to a sealed entity, and the blood sacrifice and some kind of "key" were conditions for its "return"? Could what was sealed deep within the ruins truly be an ancient demon god?

Several hours later, the flying ship finally broke out of the Burial Demon Valley's range and returned to a relatively normal world.

Everyone felt a lightness in their bodies as the pervasive oppressive feeling largely dissipated.

The three leading elders ordered the ships to land on a safe mountain peak for a brief rest and to take stock of the gains and losses from the operation.

In terms of losses, five Qi Refining disciples from the three sects had perished, and over ten were injured. However, the core combat strength remained intact, which could be considered fortunate amidst the misfortune.

The gains were mainly concentrated on the black stone slab and a few low-level captured evil cultivators (whom Ying Wuhen had conveniently apprehended in the chaos).

Martial Grand-Uncle Qing Yun carefully examined the black stone slab, his brow furrowed. "The material of this slab and the demonic markings on it indeed originate from ancient times and share the same aura as the ruins' entrance. The content it records... concerns an ancient sealed entity, and it seems a specific 'key' and immense energy (blood sacrifice) are required to break the seal."

Martial Uncle Xuan Ji conducted a brief soul-searching of the captured individuals. The information obtained was limited, but it confirmed the core objective of the Netherworld organization and the Black Fiend Sect's operation this time.

Their goal was to use the power of the blood sacrifice, combined with a "key" they were searching for, to open the seal of the ruins and release the "Sacred One" (the sealed ancient demon).

As for what the "key" specifically was, these low-level cultists did not know.

"We must report this matter to the Sect Leader (Celestial Master/Daoist Master) as soon as possible!"

Elder Qing Ming said solemnly, "The Netherworld and the Black Fiend Sect have long been plotting. They will not give up after one failure. They must still be searching for that so-called 'key'."

After resting, the three flying ships set sail again, speeding towards their respective sect's directions.

Before parting, the disciples of the three sects bid each other farewell, agreeing to maintain contact and jointly face future storms.

Upon returning to Stone Bamboo Shoot Mountain of Mount Mao, night had already fallen.

Hearing of the team's return, Sect Leader Shi Jian and the various elders were already waiting in the Three Purities Hall.

Martial Uncle Xuan Ji detailed the events of the operation, especially Mo Yuan's crucial act of destroying the totem pole at a critical moment, which triggered the ruins' anomaly, as well as the deductions regarding the black stone slab and the ancient demon seal.

Silence filled the hall, broken only by the sound of Shi Jian's fingers tapping lightly on the armrest.

All eyes turned to Mo Yuan once more, filled with shock, admiration, and curiosity.

"Mo Yuan."

Shi Jian spoke slowly, breaking the silence.

"Disciple is here."

"You have rendered a great service this time, enhancing the prestige of Mount Mao and uncovering crucial intelligence. You are hereby granted ten thousand Sect Contribution Points and permission to enter the fifth floor of the Scripture Pavilion for one day! Furthermore, you are specifically permitted to enter the Ancestor Cave to meditate for three days!"

The fifth floor of the Scripture Pavilion! The Ancestor Cave!

Even the elders were moved.

The fifth floor of the Scripture Pavilion housed Mount Mao's true foundational scriptures and forbidden secret techniques, accessible only to those who had made significant contributions to the sect.

As for the Ancestor Cave, it was a sacred place where past generations of Mount Mao ancestors had left behind their insights and understandings of the Dao before their passing or ascension. Meditating within it offered unfathomable opportunities.

This reward was more substantial than any previous one, signifying the sect's unreserved cultivation and expectations for him!

"Many thanks, Martial Grand-Uncle (Sect Leader)!" Mo Yuan suppressed his excitement and bowed gratefully.

He knew this was not only a reward but also implied greater responsibility.

"As for the ancient demonic ruins and the matter of the 'key'…"

Shi Jian's gaze swept over everyone, becoming sharp. "This concerns the well-being of all under heaven. I will immediately write to Dragon Tiger Mountain and Ge Zao Mountain to discuss and jointly investigate the whereabouts of the 'key,' and to strengthen the monitoring of the Burial Demon Valley ruins. The entire sect must heighten its vigilance, cultivate diligently, and be prepared for any eventuality!"

"We obey the Sect Leader's decree!"

The crowd dispersed.

Uncle Nine brought Mo Yuan back to the Listening Thunder Abode. Looking at his disciple, who had brought him surprise after surprise, all his words finally condensed into one sentence: "Rest well and consolidate your realm. The opportunity in the Ancestor Cave is rare; you must be well-prepared."

"Disciple understands."

Returning to his quiet room, Mo Yuan did not rest immediately.

He first used his True Essence to nurture the Thunder Dragon Evil-Slaying Spear and the Soul Cleansing Banner, as both magical artifacts had suffered considerable damage in the recent battle.

Afterward, he took out the purified strand of Demonic Origin Source.

This strand of energy was pure and domineering. Although the system had purified its chaotic will, its essence was still demonic energy, incompatible with his righteous path of thunder.

"The energy purified by the system should be harmless… Perhaps the concept of 'merging all daos into one furnace' mentioned in the Primal Chaos Qi Refining Canon can be attempted?" a bold idea sprouted in his mind.

He attempted to draw out a minuscule trace of the Demonic Origin Source, using his thunderous True Essence as a furnace, and carefully began refining it.

The process was extremely arduous. The two energies, with their diametrically opposed attributes, repelled each other, nearly causing a conflict.

However, Mo Yuan, relying on his powerful divine sense and meticulous control over his power, forcibly restrained them and invoked that wisp of chaotic energy for harmonization.

Chaos, encompassing all things, could give birth to all creation.

With the intervention of the chaotic energy, that trace of Demonic Origin Source actually had its sharp edges slowly ground away by the thunderous True Essence, its last trace of malevolence removed.

It finally transformed into a drop of liquid, as black as ink yet incredibly pure, merging into the edge of his purplish-gold True Essence lake. It did not cause rejection; instead, it imbued his True Essence with an indescribable resilience.

"Success!" Mo Yuan rejoiced internally.

Although it was only a minuscule amount, it proved his idea was feasible.

If he could continuously refine such high-level origin energy, the quality of his True Essence would steadily improve, and his foundation would become even more robust.

He carefully stored the remaining Demonic Origin Source, leaving it for later slow refinement.

Then, he shifted his attention to the newly acquired introductory level of the Five Thunder Divine Method: Celestial Heart Scroll and the inextinguishable wisp of the Thunder Emperor's Will.

These were the foundations of his future Dao path!

The Five Thunder Divine Method did not refer to five types of lightning, but rather represented five different profound meanings of the thunderous Dao: Exorcism, Illumination, Creation and Destruction, Punishment, and Creation.

The introductory level of the Celestial Heart Scroll primarily expounded on the profound meanings of "Exorcism" and "Illumination," which corresponded precisely to the power he had displayed when destroying the totem pillar earlier.

He immersed himself in comprehending the Five Thunder Divine Method, combining it with the Thunder Emperor's Will, and his understanding of thunder deepened at a visible rate…

Several days later, with his condition at its peak, Mo Yuan, accompanied by Uncle Nine, arrived at the Ancestor Cave in the forbidden area of the back mountain.

The cave entrance was ancient, with only the three characters "Ancestor Cave" inscribed, yet it exuded boundless Dao charm.

Stepping inside was like entering another world; space and time became blurred, leaving only fragments of insights left by countless past sages and ancestors, shimmering like stars in the void.