Daluo Bows in Greeting, Today I Leave Prison
Tiandu.
Test site.
In the void beyond the reach of ordinary people, Iron Rule stand here, shining like a dazzling shadow. All Gods walk on the earth, and strange phenomena and auspicious omens flow across the land.
"Please, the Monster-Revealing Mirror."
The snake woman held the suspended mirror high, her face as cold as frost. The gods of this place were all watching from the sidelines, secretly gathering their strength.
Once the [World-Honored Tathagata] is truly found, a great struggle is foreseeable, involving a bloody hunt.
And no one could guarantee that they would survive the Buddha's desperate counterattack.
"I have a premonition." A powerful figure looked at the Heavenly Calculation Department, who was holding up the divine mirror, and said in a deep voice:
"Perhaps today, Divine Blood will flow like a river."
The All Gods remained silent, each secretly making preparations.
Just then, the Monster-Revealing Mirror shone forth like Heavenly Light, and that light was about to envelop the young man in hemp clothing and the Banished Immortal maiden who had lowered their heads and eyes.
Suddenly the ground shook, and then thunder rumbled.
The sky was torn apart, the earth shook, thunder roared, and the entire capital city swayed!
"What happened?" A deity asked in surprise, looking around. Then, All Gods present, along with those who had not yet arrived, followed suit.
They all looked in unison at a certain point in the void above the floating island.
There, the space rippled with visible folds, and six realms seemed to be rotating!
"Is it the Great Prison of the Six Paths Great Prison of the Six Paths's undergoing a dramatic change??"
A venerable being murmured, and the goddess holding the suspended mirror aloft paused, waiting until the Great Prison of the Six Paths, hidden in the folded void, ceased to tremble.
He finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Perhaps the Grand Director woke up and turned over?"
The All Gods looked at each other in bewilderment, only to see the goddess activate the Monster-Revealing Mirror once more.
Bright light shone through.
Under the Monster-Revealing Mirror, all changes and concealments can be seen through; it can reveal the true form and the True God.
Then.
All eyes converged and locked onto them; Little Dragon Man, Meng Tianhe, and the others breathed slightly faster.
Cui Liuduo still found it hard to believe, not thinking that the guy could be the legendary World Honored One—but at this moment...
The two people, those two figures, both underwent changes in the light of the Monster-Revealing Mirror.
"Who is this?" a deity asked, puzzled.
Zhuge Yu'yi gazed into the distance, looking at the two people in the open space. The Banished Immortal young woman stood beneath the Monster-Revealing Mirror.
A faint purple qi suddenly appeared around him!
Amidst the purple qi mist, her true face was revealed—though her appearance had changed, it was still an exquisitely beautiful face, like that of Banished Immortal!
I don't know him.
Almost none of the beings present, whether human or divine, recognized the Banished Immortal maiden before them—the only three exceptions were the Old Niu, whose pupils constricted sharply.
One was Kong Shentong, who immediately recognized her as the Cowherd Girl who had been beside Laozi that day.
Another was the golden-armored venerable one who had just arrived, a look of astonishment on his face. It was... Ruan Yutu?
Old Su's apprentice?
What is she doing here??
If she is here, then is this young man in hemp clothing really Zhang Fusheng?
Truly Buddha Ancestor Fusheng, the progenitor of humankind?
Amidst a flurry of thoughts, the golden-armored deity looked at the young man in hemp clothing, only to be even more bewildered.
The young man in hemp clothing remained unchanged in appearance, but under the Monster-Revealing Mirror, he appeared illusory, clearly a shadow, a trace.
Just like the dull colors shattered by countless swaying leaves when the intense sunlight shines on a broad-leaved tree.
In the light of the Monster-Revealing Mirror, the young man in hemp clothing blurred out like ink drops in water, his sharp features becoming indistinct.
"So, what is this?" The War Department frowned as he spoke, Nezha's spirit, who was watching from the sidelines, unconsciously narrowed his eyes.
Only He recognized him in this place.
Traces.
The traces left in reality by the Great Divine Ability Body Flying and Traces Entrusted and leaving a trail.
This Great Divine Ability was extremely rare even in the golden age of the old world, and many Daluo Immortals did not even possess it. Yet now it has suddenly appeared in the world?
With his thoughts racing, Nezha naturally wouldn't offer any explanations to these guys, keeping his lips tightly shut and observing coldly from the sidelines.
"Strangeness."
The goddess holding the suspended mirror aloft also frowned:
"How could such a scene be captured? It's like a watercolor painting with ink still wet, soaking in water."
He pondered for a moment, then continued to activate the Monster-Revealing Mirror. The figure of the young man in hemp clothing became increasingly blurry, almost turning into a human-shaped shadow!
"How could this little fellow's true form look like this?" another deity asked, frowning, before suggesting:
"Whether these two are from the Other Shore World or not, whether that little fellow is the World-Honored Tathagata, it seems there's something hidden inside."
"I propose we use the Haotian Mirror to take a look."
The Demon-Revealing Monster-Revealing Mirror reveals the true form, exposing concealment and changes, while the Haotian Mirror is different; it reveals the past, destiny, and cause and effect.
"That's only natural."
The goddess nodded indifferently, then activated the Haotian Mirror. This Supreme Treasure shone brightly, radiating dazzling celestial light.
Ruan Yutu's breathing quickened slightly, feeling as if all her past and present had been reflected in the Haotian Mirror, with certain events and memories flashing rapidly within it.
"A person born with nine virtues, nurtured by the mountains and fields, favored by heaven and earth?" A deity asked in astonishment, "Is such a destiny possible?"
Some deities also caught a glimpse of the Purple Bamboo Forest reflected in the Haotian Mirror and snorted:
"Is this woman Su Qiansuan 'Su Qiansuan disciple from the Golden Province?"
The white-haired old man who served as the War Department frowned, his expression turning somewhat unfriendly. The Golden Province had rebelled, and the War Department was currently preparing to launch a campaign against several rebellious provinces.
"Wrong."
The goddess suddenly frowned:
"Why can't the light be completely cleared afterward?"
He was puzzled. The contents of the Haotian Mirror became intermittent and blurry, obscured by a layer of purple qi mist.
Nezha's true spirit's pupils contracted slightly; was this... the Merit Purple Qi?
Such a rich Merit Purple Qi!
Merit Purple Qi, protect the true self, with boundless wondrous uses, Heavenly Numbers, elevating fate, concealing the past, and disrupting the workings of heaven.
Nezha's eyes darted around, seemingly lost in thought.
"Interesting."
The goddess regained her composure, made a light comment, and then activated the Haotian Mirror, shining it on the young man in hemp clothing.
What appeared in the mirror were blurry, indistinct figures.
It cannot illuminate the past, nor reveal the past, nor penetrate cause and effect, nor reveal destiny.
What can be reflected
It was merely a series of blurry figures—and then, these blurry figures collapsed with a roar, collapsing into an incredibly tiny, incredibly restrained 'point'!!
The humans and gods in the testing ground looked at each other in bewilderment.
Nezha looked up, utterly horrified.
A phrase flashed through his mind, a teaching from his master.
Before the creation of heaven and earth, before the birth of all things, the world was in chaos, all paths did not exist, and all wonders returned to oneness.
"The One is the point, the one who created heaven and earth, the Primordial Heavenly Venerate of Fuli. However, the Primordial Celestial Venerable of Fuli is not the same as the Primordial Heavenly Venerate, but is actually the source of the Three Pure Ones."
So.
This is the [Floating Primordial Heavenly Venerate], who is even above the [Primordial Heavenly Venerate of Fuli]!
Or perhaps it's the Dao Venerate!
A chill crept into his heart, Nezha's eyes turned terrified.
And it was at this moment.
"Can't it be photographed?"
The goddess's face held a frosty expression.
I refuse to believe it!
He used his own true essence, his own comprehended Dao, and the Heavenly Calculation Department in the Heavenly Capital for enhancement!
"I'd like to see who you really are and where you truly are!"
The Haotian Mirror swayed, faintly revealing the sound of a river, and displayed a dazzling light.
An unexpected scene unfolded.
Under the Haotian Mirror, bathed in divine light, the young man in hemp clothing actually dissolved and disappeared like ink.
All that remained was a patch of shadow on the ground.
Apart from that, there was no trace of them.
"Disappeared?" Cui Liuduo murmured in astonishment.
The testing ground fell into a deathly silence, with countless people exchanging bewildered glances.
After a long silence.
A deity spoke softly:
"Isn't there one left?"
Then.
All eyes were fixed on the Banished Immortal girl, and Ruan Yutu's face turned deathly pale.
At this very moment, in the Great Prison of the Six Paths.
Zhang Fusheng's expression shifted, and he suddenly sensed something—one of his shadows had vanished.
It was the young man in hemp clothing who existed in the testing ground.
Tracing back to the source, it was not due to external forces that it collapsed, but rather to the self-defense ability of [Body Flying and Traces Entrusted].
Just now, a moment ago, it seemed as if something broke through the obscuring shadows, attempting to trace the shadows back to its true form, which no longer exists in reality.
Thus, the locked shadow dissipated on its own to protect its true self.
The wonder of this Body Flying and Traces Entrusted is truly mysterious.
As his thoughts raced, his throat itched violently, his internal organs felt as if they were being burned by a raging fire, and his very soul was trembling and cracking!
"Cough, cough cough."
The coughs sounded almost simultaneously, one from a creature upstream, suffering a severe backlash, and the other from Zhang Fusheng—
He is also suffering the backlash and bearing immense pressure.
The immense pressure of reflecting the long river of time, along with the grand palace and all the living beings within it, was simply beyond His capacity to bear.
In fact, if it weren't for the upstream creatures actively helping to share most of the pressure, Zhang Fusheng would probably have been crushed.
That is, right now.
The ancient creature first paled, then stared intently at the illusory river, at the creature upstream.
He suddenly chuckled and spoke coldly:
"Not to mention that the supreme being of this era cannot manifest, even reflection is absolutely impossible. Even if reflection were successful for various reasons, you simply shouldn't be the Heavenly Emperor."
The ancient creature silently gazed at Zhang Fusheng:
"You shouldn't have chosen the Heavenly Emperor as a pretext. Like the Eastern Emperor, he was suppressed and sealed by all the Supreme Beings in the final calamity, unable to leave, move, or be manipulated."
Zhang Fusheng raised an eyebrow, looked at the illusory creatures upstream of the illusory river, and said with a smile:
"Jade Emperor, your plight was truly so tragic?"
The creature upstream shrugged helplessly.
"A grand plan, though meticulously crafted, has fallen apart at the last hurdle. But it's not all lost; a sliver of hope remains, and that hope rests on you, Fellow Daoist Fusheng."
After a brief respite, He began coughing violently again.
Clearly, forcibly projecting it into the modern era has brought about a terrifying backlash, almost causing it to weaken to the point of disintegration and pulverization.
But he still forced himself to stand, gazing at the ancient creature, and spoke softly:
"As you said, I was torn apart and suppressed by the Supreme Beings. What sits upon the river of time Non-Self body, spirit, or will."
"Essentially, it's just a historical snapshot, a mark on me, a remnant of the past."
The ancient creature's expression gradually grew solemn.
The creature upstream continued:
"That is why a wisp of shadow or a mark is not, in essence, Supreme Beings; it merely possesses certain characteristics of Heaven's Will. That is why I am able to barely cast a shadow in this era."
"Of course, the cost is still very high, and the backlash from the times is extremely severe."
Listening to the upstream creatures' nonchalant words,
The ancient being first glanced at Zhang Fusheng, and then asked, word by word:
"If that's the case, why did the Heavenly Emperor forcibly appear and project himself? Was it just to show his support for this person? You and I both know that's impossible."
"Um."
The creatures upstream nodded calmly:
"If there's no profit to be made, no greater benefit, I won't force the projection. And the profit and benefit are quite simple."
He raised his eyelids, his deep eyes filled with the vast history of the past, of all worlds and realms, of the infinite universe and of endless time.
The Central Heavenly Emperor then continued:
"I have come here to personally advise you to merge with your past Xuandu body, so that Taiqing's grand scheme will fail—this is also the reason why I am willing to project myself at any cost."
"Impossible!"
The ancient creature uttered a low growl, its gaze burning like fire, its eyes blazing with fury:
"I have waited for countless eons, schemed for countless eons, and finally succeeded in my plan, severing my past self. From this day forward, I am no longer a disciple of the Taiqing Sect. And you want me to turn back?"
"Do you want my age-old plan to come to naught in a single day?"
He stared intently at the creatures upstream:
Even if you were the true Heavenly Emperor, it would be absolutely impossible.
The Heavenly Emperor's expression remained unchanged; he merely gazed at the ancient being and shook his head slightly.
"Your inner demons have taken hold... Have you ever considered where these inner demons come from?"
The ancient creature shook the chains, spewing out a vast and rolling thunderous sound that left Zhang Fusheng completely disoriented.
"Inner demons? That's attachment to self, how can it be inner demons!"
Under the thunderous roar, the illusory forms of the River of Time and the beings upstream were violently distorted, almost shattered by the roar!
Zhang Fusheng suffered another backlash; his Fuli Dao Body was almost torn apart, and the Thirty-six colored light behind him became chaotic.
Even the Primordial Auspicious Cloud nearly collapsed!
"A projection!"
The ancient creature pointed to the creatures upstream, then pointed at Zhang Fusheng:
"A shadowy figure!"
He suddenly saw through the illusion of this floating Dao body, discerning the [Body Flying and Traces Entrusted], and then unleashed a thunderous roar like a tidal wave:
"Your true forms are nowhere to be found, yet you use words to bewitch others. I believe you are the ones with inner demons!"
"Get down here, Daoist!"
Amidst the shouts, Zhang Fusheng sensed an irresistible pulling force.
The ego, which had used the Body Flying and Traces Entrusted and forcefully brought down by the roar!
Even the 'defense mechanism' that had activated spontaneously under the [Haotian Mirror] hadn't had a chance to function, and Fu Lidao's figure hadn't yet spontaneously dissipated.
My true self has been forcibly dragged back to reality!!
The ancient beings were Daluo, and even more so, beings with one foot in the [Supreme Fruit Position].
He was not as powerful as the Northern Emperor at his peak, but in some ways, he was closer to the level of the Northern Emperor Supreme Beings!
Thus, now, in this moment.
A mere Minor Accomplishment Body Flying and Traces Entrusted is utterly no match for the immense power of a Daluo Immortal.
Even though this Daluo was bound by chains, imprisoned, and heavily restricted.
The floating body swayed, and the true self fell into this body.
The ancient creature remained indifferent.
"Inner demons... now tell me."
"What inner demons could this humble Daoist possess?"
A majestic voice echoed in this void space that contained the Six Paths of Reincarnation.
Zhang Fusheng sighed, rubbed his temples, then sat cross-legged in mid-air, placing his hands on his knees.
He remained calm and undisturbed, his demeanor solemn and dignified, as if singing a lotus song:
"Foolish, foolish, foolish!"
The three utterances of the word "foolish," borrowed from the Buddha Heavenly Position, are like a sudden, powerful blow, awakening the deaf and enlightening.
The deep anger that had risen on the ancient creature's face subsided by a third.
It was at this time.
Zhang Fusheng gazed at the ancient creature and solemnly spoke:
"Inner demons are external forces, while ego is the essence of the self."
"Whether it's an inner demon or ego, just break free from it, and you'll know."
As He spoke, He reached out and outlined light and shadow, which intertwined to form a covenant reaching to the heavens:
"Whether it's inner demons or personal attachments, it doesn't matter."
"Once you entrust your life to me, and then examine your own fundamental mind—whether it is bright or dark—wouldn't it be immediately clear?"
The ancient creature paused, a look of surprise and doubt flashing across its face as it gazed at the illusory contract formed by interwoven light and shadow.
The contract had writing on it, meaning that three coins of silver would be exchanged for the [inner demon].
"If it is [self-attachment] rather than inner demons, this contract is naturally invalid and will not be effective."
Grand True Person Fuli calmly said:
"Since you are so certain, why not give it a try?"
The ancient beings gazed at the illusory Great Contract, unaware of its nature or origin.
However, one can vaguely sense that as long as one nods, the inscribed text will truly take effect.
After a long silence.
The ancient creature let out a low groan:
"Let's give it a try."
As He finished speaking, a smile appeared on Zhang Fusheng's face. The Creator of Emptiness tossed down three coins of silver, and at that very moment...
The illusory contract created by light and shadow rippled, and a vast sound faintly rose and echoed.
"The contract is complete."
Then.
The three coins of silver fell into the hands of the ancient creature, while the [inner demon] that had tormented it for countless years...
That inner demon, planted by the [Supreme Beings] himself, is powerful enough to corrupt even the Daluo Immortal.
It was forcibly ripped away and disappeared into nothingness, into the Contract Book.
The frenzied look on the ancient creature's face suddenly vanished.
On the half of his body that was no longer covered by a Daoist robe, the deep wounds gradually healed, disappeared, and vanished.
He suddenly became calm and serene, and the heavy locks ceased to shake.
In the stillness,
The ancient being sat cross-legged, its Dao Sound melodious, its eyes slightly lowered, remaining silent.
"This is?"
While examining the Contract Book, Zhang Fusheng looked at the ancient creature and asked it a question, seemingly Daluo.
The upstream creature projected onto the screen spoke softly:
"Once the inner demons are gone, peace and tranquility will naturally follow."
"He had not experienced peace and freedom for countless years, but today, suddenly, he relaxed and entered into great freedom."
"In other words."
"He is attaining enlightenment."
Zhang Fusheng blinked, as if he had grasped the essence of things.
"That's truly a superior blessing," He said with a smile.
The creatures upstream smiled:
"This guy was one of the ancestors of the human race. His name was Xuandu. After he joined the Taiqing Sect, a demon arose in his heart, which he could not get rid of despite trying to eradicate it."
"So he actually thought of using the [One Qi Transforms into Three Pure Ones] method to cut out the past. His past self was still Xuandu, still a disciple of Taiqing."
"In his present form, He calls himself Xuanqing, regards the Three Pure Ones as fellow Daoists, and considers his former friends as juniors."
Zhang Fusheng listened quietly to the Heavenly Emperor's words, a look of seriousness suddenly appearing on his face:
"I just heard from Fellow Jade Emperor that it is precisely because this person severed his past that he could not Perfection, and therefore could not attain the supreme state."
"Are the drawbacks of the One Qi Transforms into Three Pure Ones method really that great?"
He was terrified, for he himself had used this method to slay the [Central Extreme Cult Master].
The creatures upstream shook their heads:
"Normally, there shouldn't be such a drawback, but Xuan Du and Xuanqing's strike was not their own path."
"What He severed was His own past—how can the past and the present be separated?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Fusheng finally breathed a sigh of relief.
After calming himself slightly, He gazed at the ancient being sitting cross-legged with eyes lowered and a smile on his face. After a moment of silence, He softly asked:
"So, this Xuandu—no, this Xuanqing —has truly fallen into the trap set by the [Supreme One]?"
"Um."
The creatures upstream nodded calmly:
"Yes and no. In the earliest history, they were indeed harmonious as master and disciple, and Xuandu was the only disciple of Taishang."
Zhang Fusheng's expression shifted slightly:
"And then?"
The creature upstream hesitated for a moment, then slowly spoke:
"Later? A fellow Daoist set up a scheme hundreds of millions of times. Taishang made a wrong move and fell into the trap, and had no choice but to turn Xuandu from a disciple into a tool. Thus, history changed."
"And so, we have what we have today."
Zhang Fusheng was dumbfounded and couldn't help but ask:
"What exactly is the game between the Supreme Beings like?"
The creature upstream smiled:
"Change, constant change. Let me give you two examples."
He paused for a moment, then continued:
"Does fellow Daoist Fu Sheng know [Di Jun] and [Taiyi]?"
Zhang Fusheng's expression shifted:
"Of course I know."
The creatures upstream nodded and continued their explanation:
"Throughout a long period of history, Di Jun was the [Central Heavenly Emperor], the most ancient being, and was referred to as the Upper Heaven, the Heavenly Father, etc."
"As for Taiyi, in that period of history, he was the Creation God who separated heaven and earth. Taiyi gave birth to water, and from it all things came into being."
After a brief pause, the creature upstream smiled:
"Later, in a series of struggles, both Di Jun and Tai Yi became losers, and history changed accordingly. Do you know how it changed?"
Zhang Fusheng shook his head and cupped his hands in greeting:
I would like to hear the details.
The upstream life spirit sighed:
"In later timelines, Di Jun became the Demon Emperor, and even became brothers with Tai Yi, who originally had no connection with him."
"Di Jun, who was originally the [Heavenly Father], and Taiyi, who was originally the [Creation God], were struck down and became Golden Crows, although the matter of the Demon Emperor has been erased."
"But neither of them has been able to return to their original selves; they are still the Golden Crows."
Zhang Fusheng was stunned.
Demon Emperor, Golden Crow, isn't this the primordial world of your past life?
Therefore, whether it's the Primordial One or the Golden Crow Primordial One, they are merely different historical lines of a game where one wins or loses?
Lost in thought for a long time, Zhang Fusheng sighed:
"No wonder all myths are so varied."
The creatures upstream nodded:
"Another typical example might help you understand the power struggle between Supreme Beings: Do you know about Empress Nüwa and Fuxi?"
Zhang Fusheng's spirits lifted:
"Of course I know, and I would like to hear your detailed explanation, Fellow Jade Emperor."
The creature upstream explained in detail:
Similarly, in some very early historical timelines, buried for many years, both Empress Nüwa and Fuxi created the world.
"Later, these two became mortal enemies, clashing and vying with each other, but no matter what, they could never determine a winner, and so..."
Smiles appeared on the faces of the creatures upstream:
"So, Fellow Daoist Fuxi used a trick to annoy Empress Nüwa."
Zhang Fusheng pressed on like a curious child:
How disgusting is it?
The Heavenly Emperor said with a strange expression:
"In a game of strategy, Fuxi rewrote history, bringing Empress Nüwa into the fray. As history was altered, Fuxi became Empress Nüwa's elder brother."
"Facing an old enemy, yet calling upon your elder brother, how can this not infuriate Empress Nüwa?"
Zhang Fusheng listened in stunned silence, while the upstream creatures looked even stranger:
"It wasn't finished yet, and in her anger, Empress Nüwa retaliated in kind."
"In another power struggle, Fuxi was defeated. He went from being a dignified Empress Nüwa to being reduced to the ancestor of humankind and the first of the Three Sovereigns by Nuwa. It sounds like a very high position, but what was the reality?"
Zhang Fusheng's lips twitched as he said:
"The progenitor of humankind, the first of the Three Sovereigns, but Nuwa is the true origin of humankind, the mother of all humankind."
"That's right."
The creature upstream shrugged:
"As you can see, Fuxi went from being Wa's elder brother to her son—it didn't have that much of an impact on Him, it was just a loss of face."
Zhang Fusheng fell silent, suddenly feeling that the Supreme Beings seemed somewhat childish, yet he was also suddenly horrified.
He murmured:
"All history, all the past, all cause and effect are merely 'tools,' and sheets of paper that can be rewritten at any time."
The creatures upstream nodded slightly and solemnly said:
"This is just one aspect of the power struggle and confrontation between those of Supreme Beings."
Zhang Fusheng was lost in thought.
[Upper Heaven Di Jun] and [Chuang Shi Tai Yi] later became brothers and became the Golden Crow;
There's also the Empress Nüwa and Fuxi, which evolved from enemies to siblings, and then, in a sense, mother and son.
He had an indescribable feeling in his heart.
Silence, silence.
I don't know how much time passed; it seemed like a very long time, yet it also seemed like only the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.
As if sensing something, Zhang Fusheng looked up and saw the ancient creature slowly opening its eyes.
"This humble Xuanqing."
A gentle voice echoed through the Great Prison of the Six Paths. The ancient being rose and bowed to Zhang Fusheng.
"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Fusheng; greetings, Fellow Jade Emperor."
He paused, his expression becoming solemn:
"Years of nightmares have vanished in an instant, finally bringing peace and freedom."
"Fellow Daoist Fusheng, I owe you a favor, a favor of immense value."
The Daoist priest then bowed deeply to Zhang Fusheng.
Zhang Fusheng accepted it calmly and spoke softly:
"I have a body, and I will soon enter the Tushita Heaven."
"Is there anything you want me to convey to the Daoist Xuandu in the Eight Trigrams Furnace?"
Xuanqing looked up in surprise, and the creature upstream also narrowed its eyes. After a long while, Xuanqing bowed:
"In this way."
"One favor hasn't been repaid, and now I owe another enormous favor."
A smile appeared on Zhang Fusheng's face.
"Cause and effect, and the consequences thereof, are nothing more than this."
Test site.
A divine nail fell from the sky.
The Great Divine Ability User served as the deputy director of the [Six Paths Department] was merely a 'fallen'.
Then, countless divine nails appeared from the void, carrying decrees of suffering, pain, torment, Non-birth, and Not obtaining what one desires.
It crashed into the limbs and bones of the Banished Immortal maiden.
She let out a piercing scream; this excruciating pain stabbed straight to the Spirit Root. Even the most virtuous person, blessed by heaven, could not escape it.
Ruan Yutu's cries were filled with anguish, while the young men of the Ten Families, such as Zhuge Yu'yi, the noblewoman Zhang Clan, and Xiaolongren, watched from afar.
They all turned their heads away, somewhat reluctant to do so, and even some of the gods shook their heads and sighed.
The deputy director of the Six Paths Department is someone who spends most of his time in the Great Prison of the Six Paths serving the Grand Director, and therefore his specialty is punishment.
"Fellow Daoist Hu's methods are indeed astonishing," the goddess said softly.
"This is still shallow."
The Great Divine Ability User surnamed Hu remained indifferent.
"There's more to come."
He issued decrees, piercing Ruan Yutu's flesh, bones, internal organs, and even Soul Spirit with divine nails symbolizing different punishments.
Ruan Yutu cried out in anguish, fainting countless times, but it was all in vain—the torment of the Soul Spirit could not be relieved by fainting.
The body may be unconscious, but the Soul Spirit remains conscious at all times.
"What is the origin of this fellow Dao Venerate, and where did he go?"
The Great Divine Ability User asked calmly.
Ruan Yutu only cried out, but did not utter a single word.
"Interesting, he's got a tough bone in his body."
The young man smiled, then gestured with his hand, and three thousand divine nails appeared from the void, one after another piercing into the girl's Soul Spirit.
Each of these divine nails carries a different law, each representing a different kind of human suffering.
What is this person's real name?
Ruan Yutu did not answer, so another three thousand divine nails were used.
Where is he now?
She continued to wail.
"Is that person the World-Honored Tathagata?"
Ruan Yutu gasped for breath, dying and coming back to life in excruciating pain, as if millions of ants were simultaneously gnawing at every inch of her body and soul.
The mournful cries even caused dark clouds to gather in the sky, and flowers withered and grasses died for miles around.
Those favored by Heaven are blessed by Heaven, and now that they are suffering great hardship, Heaven has taken pity on them.
The withered grass of a hundred miles has turned into a thousand miles.
The withering of flowers over a thousand miles has turned into ten thousand miles.
The Banished Immortal maiden of Jiushan continued to wail, remaining silent and uttering not a single word.
The young man frowned, somewhat displeased. Before the torture, he had boasted that he could extract all the details from within a hundred nails.
But now, he hasn't even managed to ask a single question, and feeling he's lost face, he becomes angry:
"I asked again, where is that person? Where is he? Where is he?"
Three sounds in a row, nine thousand nails in a row, and the girl was reduced to a pulp, her cries of agony almost gone.
Then.
"I am right here."
A deep, resonant sound suddenly arose, coming from the sky.
Everyone looked up, and even the All Gods gazed upwards, only to be met with the [Great Prison of the Six Paths], a place that should never have appeared in the mortal world.
The Great Prison of the Six Paths suddenly loomed over the heavens, and suddenly opened wide.
Then.
A young man in hemp clothing slowly walked out from within, and behind him, in the Great Prison of the Six Paths, the sound of chains clanging and vibrating could be heard.
It seemed as if they were beating drums for him.