In the Southern Region of the Eastern Wasteland, outside the capital of the Wei Kingdom.
Amidst verdant mountains, by a small, sapphire-blue lake, Ye Fan is exploring and creating his own unique physical techniques.
His movements were sometimes as fierce as Racing Thunder, and his imposing manner was overwhelming;
Sometimes it is as gentle as a breeze, soft and natural, attempting to reveal the ethereal and intangible Daoist essence through its tangible physical form.
Sweat soaked his clothes, and a faint humming sound filled the air with his movements.
However, the path to creating laws is far more difficult than imagined.
More than a year of experimentation has made him realize that having ideas is far from enough; the key is whether or not they can be put into practice.
With his current cultivation level at the Divine Bridge Realm, it would be nothing short of a pipe dream for him to create an astonishing physical technique in a short period of time.
Tempering the physical body is destined to be only a secondary function at this stage.
"The true foundation lies in the supreme secret realm systems of the Sea of Bitterness and the Dao Palace, which have withstood the test of countless ages."
Ye Fan stopped his stance and stood still, gazing at the shimmering lake surface, muttering to himself.
He looked inward into the Bitter Sea, where a fist-sized golden ocean surged and gushed forth, its Life Spring and rosy mists.
He hopes to combine the wisdom of the Mighty Figure sages of his hometown, ancient China, with the supreme principles of this world, and forge a unique path that integrates inner and outer cultivation and complements each other.
In my spare time, the thought of returning to Earth always lingered in my mind.
However, his cultivation level was too low, and he lacked the opportunity of the Nine Dragons Pulling the Coffin, so returning to Earth was simply a pipe dream.
After much thought, it seems that only powerful forces with vast scale and profound resources are likely to possess the ability to traverse the stars.
"Hmph, kid, standing here staring at the lake again, pondering your weird and unorthodox boxing style?"
A gruff, somewhat roguish, and familiar voice suddenly rang out from behind him.
Upon hearing this, Ye Fan not only showed no alarm but also revealed a helpless smile as he slowly turned around.
Sure enough, there stood a Big Black Dog, as big as a calf and with glossy black fur, standing upright with its paws clasped to its chest.
The dog's face was full of mockery, its mouth twisted in a smirk; Ye Fan had seen that expression all too well over the past year.
" Black Emperor, can't you say something nice?"
I call this exploring the potential of the human body and evolving the art of combat.
Ye Fan replied irritably, casually picking up a water bag from the shore and tossing it over.
"Here, this is some spring water I just got from the city. It tastes alright."
Black Emperor nimbly took the water pouch, pried open the stopper with its claws, gulped down several large mouthfuls, then exhaled a satisfied breath and plopped down on the grass next to Ye Fan.
"What kind of fighting art is this! I think you're just spouting nonsense."
If you really want to improve your combat power, why not learn a few real Life-Killing Great Art from me!
I guarantee it'll be more effective than your weak punches and kicks.
This Big Black Dog, which calls itself " Black Emperor," was encountered by Ye Fan more than a year ago, not long after he left Spirit Ruins Paradise.
The situation was quite dramatic. Ye Fan was being robbed by a few petty thieves when Black Emperor suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
They quickly subdued the petty thieves, leaving them begging for mercy, and even ransacked their belongings. Their skillful methods left Ye Fan speechless.
At first, Ye Fan was also wary of this large dog that could speak human language, possessed considerable strength, and was greedy and cunning.
However, after a shared experience of facing a powerful enemy, and when Black Emperor helped stabilize his qi and blood despite his cursing, the relationship between the man and the dog gradually became closer.
Although the Black Emperor was never one to mince words, always mocking Ye Fan's Sacred Body as a "useless body" and complaining that having him around was a "burden," he never truly abandoned him when danger struck.
When she occasionally gave him guidance on cultivation, she was often very insightful, which greatly benefited Ye Fan.
What truly put Ye Fan at ease was when, after they had both drunk some spirit wine and the Black Emperor was slightly tipsy, it patted Ye Fan on the shoulder and slurred:
"Ye, Ye Fan, you, you listen to me right now!"
If it weren't for that bastard Li Qingshan repeatedly and incessantly insisting that I take care of you bunch of greenhorns from your 'hometown',
He says you're his important students, but I don't care whether you live or die!
"Hmph, that brat went off to Jade Pool to be his Holy Son, cultivating in seclusion, leaving this arduous task to me, the Emperor."
Although Black Emperor denied it the next day after sobering up, Ye Fan already knew the truth.
It turns out that this seemingly unreliable Big Black Dog was entrusted by Teacher Li Qingshan.
This concern and arrangement from his hometown teachers was especially precious in the vast and unfamiliar Big Dipper Star Domain, and it also made Ye Fan feel more genuine trust and closeness to the Black Emperor.
" The Life-Killing Great Art?"
Ye Fan raised an eyebrow and sat down beside him.
"The ' Heavenly Dog Devours the Moon ' technique you taught me last time was utterly useless, except it almost drained all my divine power from the Bitter Sea. And you still have the nerve to say that?"
"Bullshit! That's because your cultivation level is too low to unleash its full power!"
How can you blame my method for being ineffective?
Black Emperor, as if its tail had been stepped on, stubbornly retorted.
"Besides, I have plenty of secret techniques I've always kept hidden away. Do you think I'd just teach them to anyone?"
I need to pay more... no, it depends on my mood!
Ye Fan was too lazy to argue with it, so he asked instead:
"Did you sneak into the Wei Capital yesterday and find out anything?"
What about the aftermath of the Demon Emperor's Tomb, or perhaps clues about Pang Bo?
After more than a year of getting along, Ye Fan had already told the Black Emperor that Pang Bo might have been related to the demon race before his disappearance, and that he himself possessed the " Dao Scripture " Wheel Sea Scroll.
Black Emperor has also been using its seemingly well-connected information channels to help gather intelligence.
When serious matters were mentioned, the playful look on the Black Emperor dog's face subsided somewhat. Its eyes darted around, and it lowered its voice:
"Well, there's some news going on."
I have discovered that a descendant of the Azure Emperor, a young girl named Yan Ruyu, is leading a group of elite demon warriors and seems to be hiding within the territory of the Wei Kingdom.
And they are very likely hiding in that small sect called " Profound Origin Sect " outside the city.
Ye Fan's spirits lifted:
" Yan Ruyu? A descendant of the Demon Emperor?"
Is it true that they possess the Demon Emperor's Heart?
"Most likely!"
The Black Emperor dog's eyes gleamed with shrewdness.
" The Demon Emperor's Heart is too powerful. Although its vitality is abundant, it will continue to dissipate without special methods to nurture it."
They're like holding a hot potato; they can't use it easily, but they're also afraid someone else will snatch it away.
It moved closer to Ye Fan, its dog face revealing that expression Ye Fan was very familiar with—the look of someone preparing to dig a pit and plot against him.
"Kid, weren't you always worried about not having enough resources to improve your Sacred Body?"
Now, an incredible Fortune is laid out before you; the question is whether you dare to accept it.
Looking at its expression, Ye Fan began to mutter to himself that whenever Black Emperor showed this kind of expression, it was never a "good" thing.
But he still asked, "What kind of Fortune?"
"Hehe," Black Emperor rubbed his paws together.
What Yan Ruyu and the others need most right now is a suitable "vessel" to nurture the Demon Emperor's Heart and maintain its vitality.
This "vessel" requires a special constitution characterized by exceptionally vigorous blood and energy, and boundless vitality.
It pointed at Ye Fan with its paw:
"And you, with your Desolate Ancient Sacred Body, and having even consumed sacred medicine, your physical body, your blood and vitality are simply made to be this 'sacred artifact'!"
How about we offer ourselves up and infiltrate the demon race?
They can use their Demon Emperor's Heart to nourish your Sacred Body, and might even find clues about that brat Pang Bo —a win-win situation!
Ye Fan's eyes twitched as he listened:
"Sending oneself to be a 'vessel' for the demon race?"
Black Emperor, you're playing with fire!
Why should they believe me?
What if they don't just want to nurture me, but also want to Body Seizure or refine me?
"What's there to be afraid of!"
Black Emperor slapped the grass hard with its claws, making a loud thud.
"With me pulling the strings behind the scenes, you'll be safe and sound!"
I have some old connections with the demon race, so if I vouch for them, they'll have to give me some face.
Besides, the cultivation technique that little girl Yan Ruyu practices is said to require the complete Demon Emperor's Sacred Heart.
Before the Sacred Heart is stable and in harmony with her cultivation method, she would never dare to let the "vessel" carrying the Sacred Heart have any problems; she would only treat you like an ancestor!
Seeing that Ye Fan still had a furrowed brow, it changed its tone to one of "I'm doing this for your own good":
"Think about it, kid, the Demon Emperor's Heart!"
Even the slightest wisp of essence that escapes is a great tonic for your current Sacred Body!
It might just help you break through your limitations and undergo a complete transformation!
That's more effective than practicing mindlessly by this lake for a year!
Moreover, Pang Bo,
" Pang Bo might be there," Ye Fan said, his eyes hardening.
No matter how great the risk, he would not give up as long as there was a glimmer of hope in finding Pang Bo.
He took a deep breath and looked at the Black Emperor:
"Are you sure you can guarantee my safety? At least until we find Pang Bo or I'm able to protect myself?"
The Black Emperor stood up.
One paw rested on Ye Fan's shoulder, giving him a "good buddy" look, its dog face serious:
"Rest assured!
I, the Emperor, guarantee this with the very integrity of that brat Li Qingshan!
They'll bring you in completely, and bring you out completely, while also reaping all the benefits!
Although Li Qingshan can be indecisive at times, I can definitely protect the people he values!
Although Black Emperor's guarantee still sounded unreliable, Ye Fan's mind had already shifted when he thought about Teacher Li's involvement.
He nodded and said in a deep voice:
"Alright! Let's do it! When do we set off? What are the specific steps?"
Seeing Ye Fan agree, Black Emperor's mouth instantly widened into a grin, and it wagged its tail triumphantly.
"That's right! Following me will bring you tremendous opportunities!"
Let's go, let's enter the Wei Capital now. I'll refine the plan a bit more, and I guarantee those demons will "willingly" invite us in, and treat us like honored guests!
Looking at the Black Emperor's smug expression of "everything is under control," Ye Fan still felt a little uneasy.
But after spending more than a year together, he realized that although this Big Black Dog was greedy, cunning, and unreliable, it had never really let him down when it came to important matters.
Moreover, its sense of opportunity is indeed unusually keen, unlike that of a dog.
Tell me more about your "brilliant plan."
As Ye Fan tidied up his things by the lake, he asked,
"We can't just walk up to the Profound Origin Sect's gate and shout, 'We're here to be vessels, open the door!' can we?"
"Pah! That's so low-class!" Black Emperor curled his lip disdainfully, standing upright beside Ye Fan, gesturing wildly with his paws.
"We need to be strategic; we need to make them practically beg us to get in. I've already planned this!"
It lowered its voice, a cunning glint in its dog eyes:
First, we need to get into the city.
The Wei Capital is a melting pot of people, and its intelligence network is excellent. It's a good opportunity to confirm the exact movements of Yan Ruyu's group, and while we're at it, hehe, we can also pick up some "props."
"Props?" Ye Fan raised an eyebrow.
"That's right!" Black Emperor said mysteriously.
"I know that the Profound Origin Sect is having some kind of small gathering of cultivators in a few days, which is a moderately large event."
We can take this opportunity to sneak in, and then, with a little trick, I'll make you "accidentally" wander into their forbidden back mountain area.
At that time, I will reappear as a descendant of an old friend to defuse the situation and then propose "cooperation".
With my reputation as the Emperor, they'll have to give me some face. Plus, with this "perfect holy artifact" delivered right to their doorstep, how could they possibly refuse?
Ye Fan frowned slightly upon hearing this. "Trespassing into forbidden territory?"
The plot is a bit clichéd; doesn't it feel too forced?
"What if they attack without warning?"
"Don't worry!" Black Emperor patted his chest with his paw.
"I have extensive knowledge of the formations and restrictions of the demon race, and I guarantee that you will break through them 'naturally' and 'unexpectedly'!"
As for taking action? Hmph, with me here, they'll have to think twice.
Besides, with your current strength and that strange golden Bitter Sea, it wouldn't be so easy for an ordinary cultivator at the Other Shore Realm to take you down.
If you can't beat them, you can always run away, right? Don't forget the life-saving footwork I taught you!
Mentioning the life-saving footwork, Ye Fan's face darkened even more:
"You mean that ' Heavenly Dog Meteor Steps ' that makes me run like a lame mutt and almost shook my Bitter Sea apart?"
"Ahem, that's because you haven't grasped the essence yet!"
Black Emperor coughed awkwardly twice, forcibly changing the subject.
"In short, this is the plan! We'll refine the details as we go."
Hurry, hurry! While it's still early, we can still catch the freshly brewed " Hundred-Fruit Brew " from Drunken Immortal Restaurant in town. The taste is simply divine!
As it spoke, it couldn't wait to stand upright and dart forward, its mouth practically watering.
Ye Fan shook his head helplessly, already used to Black Emperor's behavior of closely combining doing serious business with satisfying his appetite.
He quickly followed, and the two of them, along the forest path, headed towards the capital of the Wei Kingdom, which was not far away.
As the capital of the Wei Kingdom, Wei Capital had tall city walls and a magnificent appearance.
The city was bustling with activity, filled with the sounds of people and all sorts of cultivators, a testament to its prosperity.
Black Emperor clearly knew the area well, leading Ye Fan through a maze of turns, avoiding the main roads and entering a relatively quiet alley lined with shops.
"Fill your stomach first, then go and gather information."
With a clear goal in mind, Black Emperor headed straight for an unassuming tavern deep in the alley, a place that exuded a fragrant aroma. " Old Sun's Spirit Food Shop."
"Old Sun! Same as always, braised pork hock, braised koi, stir-fried bamboo shoots, and two more jars, no, three jars of Hundred-Fruit Brew!"
As soon as Black Emperor entered, he started shouting familiarly, jumping onto an empty bench and tapping the table with his paws.
The shopkeeper was a sprightly old man who smiled when he saw Black Emperor.
"Hey, Mr. Blackie, it's been a while! And who's this young man?"
His gaze fell on Ye Fan, tinged with curiosity.
"My newly acquired subordinate, let me show him the world."
Black Emperor spoke smugly, completely ignoring Ye Fan's eye roll.
Ye Fan bowed respectfully and said, "Greetings, Manager Sun."
"Young Master Ye, you're too kind. Please have a seat."
Old Sun responded with a smile and quickly went to prepare the food and drinks.
While waiting, Black Emperor lowered his voice and said to Ye Fan:
"Don't underestimate this Old Sun just because he runs a tavern. He's very well-informed in the cultivation world of Wei Capital, and he knows people from all walks of life."
We can listen while we eat; maybe we'll hear something useful.
Soon, the food and drinks were served.
The Hundred-Fruit Brew truly lived up to its reputation. When poured into a bowl, it had an amber color, and the aroma of fruit and wine blended together, creating a delightful and refreshing experience.
Spiritual food contains spiritual energy, which is of great benefit to cultivators.
Black Emperor, gnawing on a pig's trotter bigger than its head, its mouth dripping with oil, mumbled something to Ye Fan:
"Eat, eat up! Old Sun's cooking skills are unparalleled in Wei Capital. You're in luck!"
Ye Fan was indeed hungry. He picked up a piece of crystal-clear koi fish meat and put it in his mouth. He felt that the meat was tender and melted in his mouth. A gentle spiritual energy spread into his limbs and bones, making him feel extremely comfortable.
As the tavern filled up, most of the customers were low-level cultivators. After a few drinks, they began to engage in lively discussions.
"Have you heard? Ji Haoyue, the Divine Body of the Ji Family, made a name for himself in the Northern Region a few days ago. With a single move, ' The Bright Moon Rises over the Sea,' he directly killed an elder of the Netherworld Palace!"
Wow, the power of Divine Body is terrifying!
"More than that! I heard he's gone so far as to say he's going to seek revenge on the demon race's Emperor Weapon. It seems he's got his eye on that Saint Weapon that flew away from the Demon Emperor's Tomb."
"The demon race is also on edge right now. It's said that the descendants of the Azure Emperor have led a portion of their core clansmen into hiding, Yaoguang Holy Land can't find any trace of them."
"Hidden? I think they're just afraid! The Ji Family's Divine Body is at its peak; who dares to challenge its might?"
Hearing the surrounding discussions, Ye Fan and Black Emperor exchanged a glance, both seeing the seriousness in each other's eyes.
Ji Haoyue's target is the demon race, and she has already taken action, which adds uncertainty to their plan to infiltrate the demon race.
"Looks like we need to hurry," Ye Fan said in a low voice.
A glint flashed in the Black Emperor dog's eyes, and it finished the hoof in a few bites, then licked its paws.
"What's the rush? It's precisely at times like these that they need a stable 'sacred artifact.' Our chances are much greater!"
It turned to look at Old Sun, who was doing his accounts behind the counter, and called out:
"Old Sun, anything interesting happening in the city lately? Especially about the Profound Origin Sect outside the city?"
Upon hearing Old Sun raised his head, wiped his hands, walked over, and whispered:
"Mr. Blackie, you've come to the right person for this question."
The Profound Origin Sect has indeed been acting strangely lately. Although on the surface it appears to be preparing for a small gathering of cultivators in a few days, the sect is actually under much stricter security, especially in the back mountain area, where it is said that even its own disciples are not allowed to approach.
A few days ago, some familiar fellow cultivators wanted to visit me, but they were all politely declined, as the sect leader was in seclusion.
Black Emperor and Ye Fan exchanged a glance, both understanding each other's intentions.
"Is there anything else?" the Black Emperor pressed.
Old Sun and then said:
"By the way, a few days ago some unfamiliar faces inquired about 'special physiques' and 'those with abundant blood and energy' in the city. They were quite generous, but their questions were a bit strange, not like those of an ordinary sect recruiting disciples."
"A new face? What kind of person is he?" Ye Fan's heart skipped a beat.
"They were dressed plainly, but had an extraordinary air about them, especially the woman in the lead. She wore a veil, but her eyes were so cold and clear that they seemed to see right through you to the bone," Old Sun described.
Black Emperor scratched his chin with his paw, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"The masked woman has a cool and aloof demeanor; she's quite interesting."
It seems we're not the only ones looking for them; they themselves have been keeping busy, secretly searching for suitable candidates as well.
This further proves that our plan is feasible!