The rapidly shooting starlight was like the Purple Star descending from the sky, possessing supreme power to control life and death.
Zuo Yurong had cultivated diligently for over seventy years, experiencing countless trials and tribulations throughout his life. His will was incredibly strong and resilient, yet he was directly overwhelmed by the rotating starlight and completely lost his will to resist.
However, given his powerful cultivation, he still unleashed a strong survival instinct at the critical moment, directly activating the Heavenly King Mirror in his hand.
The three-inch-long and two-inch-wide mirror, under Zuo Yurong's Law Power, transformed into a silver mirror wall over ten feet high.
The Heavenly King Mirror, First Rank Law Treasure, already possesses the ability to reflect changes in Law Technique, and it is further enhanced by the Yin-Yang reversal Law Power of Zuo Yurong.
The silver mirror wall appears motionless, but in reality, the silver light is rotating at an extremely high speed. Any external force that falls on it will be flung away or reflected by the force of yin and yang reversal.
The spinning, shooting nine-pointed star easily pierced through the rotating light wall, and a crisp sound of a mirror shattering echoed in the void.
Zuo Yurong tried to unleash Law Technique to resist, but the nine-pointed star pierced through him.
In an instant, Zuo Yurong's body transformed into a patch of azure starlight.
The flying nine-pointed star continued to shoot, piercing through Fang Yunzhen, who had been blasted away by Zuo Yurong.
Fang Yunzhen, who was still in the air, also transformed into azure starlight.
Upon seeing this, Zhou Wuji, who had urged the Northern Emperor's Book of Heavenly Punishment, also collapsed to the ground.
The nine-pointed star that had shot out no longer had his Sword Intent driving it, and returned to his brow.
He was secretly relieved that he had managed to capture the Heavenly Puppet a step ahead of time.
Otherwise, given the divine power of the Northern Emperor's Book of Heavenly Punishment, even the portion of the Heavenly Puppet implanted within Fang Yunzhen's body would have been destroyed.
Zhou Wuji sat on the ground, panting for a while, before his limbs gradually regained some strength.
He unleashed the power of the Northern Emperor's Book of Heavenly Punishment with his Sword Intent, draining his Divine Sense, Law Power, and physical strength.
He didn't even have the strength to activate the Rejuvenation Spirit Technique, but fortunately, he had pre-stored two Rejuvenation Spirit Technique in his kidney orifice, which he activated directly with a wisp of Divine Sense.
The Rejuvenation Spirit Technique flashed, but Zhou Wuji only managed to recover about 30% of his Divine Sense and Law Power.
This was because the Northern Emperor's Book of Heavenly Punishment had almost drained him dry; even consuming his life essence could only restore a portion of his condition.
Fortunately, this mountain is extremely remote, and the battle just now had frightened away all the birds and beasts in the vicinity.
Zhou Wuji first opened the Northern Emperor's Book of Heavenly Punishment and saw Zuo Yurong's fate of seven taels and one mace and Fang Yunzhen's fate of six taels and five mace. He breathed a sigh of relief.
He mustered his strength to stand up and inspected the battlefield.
Zuo Yurong and Fang Yunzhen's bodies turned to light, and all their belongings were destroyed.
Zuo Yurong's treasures were also reduced to fragments scattered all over the ground, and Zhou Wuji collected all of them.
The materials used to create the magical artifact still have some value. The key is that leaving them here will leave traces.
As for the traces of battle, when spring arrives and all things sprout, the place will soon be covered with grass and trees, concealing all traces.
Zhou Wuji consumed two more Fourth-Revolution Purple Qi Pill. Once the power of the pills circulated throughout his body and his True Qi gradually strengthened, he summoned the Vanishing Shadow Yin Dragon Steed.
Riding his horse back to the Cloud Dragon Lower Court, Zhou Wuji quietly returned to the side hall of the Heavenly Pivot Hall without alerting anyone.
He left without telling anyone, and probably no one knew he had left.
As for the few Devil Cultivator who died in the slums, he disposed of them very cleanly.
Even if someone notices something is wrong, probably no one will bother with such trivial matters.
The Devil Cultivator of the Yin Yang Dao dared not utter a sound; they simply ran as far away as possible.
The missing Zuo Yurong is a Dharma Protector Elder. It might alert some people, but that's fine; it's unlikely to be linked to him.
Zhou Wuji mentally reviewed the events twice. His Divine Sense was powerful, and he remembered almost every detail. If he wanted, he could even use the Water Mirror Technique to extract the memories, but there was no need for that.
The most important gain from this great battle was not killing Zuo Yurong, but figuring out the true power of the Northern Pole Book of Heavenly Punishment.
As expected of the number one Divine Artifact of the Daoist sect, even someone as powerful Zuo Yurong was powerless against it and was directly destroyed.
It's a pity that even Zuo Yurong's powerful magic weapon was completely destroyed.
Zhou Wuji took out Fang Yunzhen's Heavenly Mother Mirror. He felt that the Law Treasure in Zuo Yurong's hand should be a pair with the Heavenly Mother Mirror.
Without the corresponding Secret Method of Yin Yang Dao, and without believing in the deities of Yin Yang Dao, he cannot use this Law Treasure and can only keep it for the time being.
In summary, the Northern Emperor's Book of Heavenly Punishment is extremely powerful, but it must be able to hit its mark.
If he hadn't used the Heavenly Puppet to control Fang Yunzhen and launch a sneak attack, causing Zuo Yurong to suffer a great loss and distracting Zuo Yurong, the Northern Emperor's Book of Heavenly Punishment might not have been able to reach Zuo Yurong.
Forcibly activating the Northern Emperor's Book of Heavenly Punishment with Sword Intent would exhaust all of his Law Power Divine Sense.
If the first strike misses, all that's left is to lie on the ground and wait to die.
This move, though powerful, can only be used in desperate situations, not in competitive battles for victory.
Zhou Wuji, having confirmed that there were no oversights and that his secret of possessing the Northern Emperor's Book of Heavenly Punishment would not be exposed, finally felt relieved and went to sleep peacefully.
When he woke up, it was already broad daylight.
The young Daoist priest had also woken up early and was waiting in the outer room. Seeing Zhou Wuji come out, he hurriedly brought hot water for Zhou Wuji to wash his face.
A short while later, Wuming arrived. She dismissed the young Daoist, washed Zhou Wuji's Zhou Wuji, dried it, and then re-tied his hair into a bun and put the Pure Yang Lotus Crown on him.
Wearing a golden crown and belt, dressed in blue robes and carrying a sword, Wuming stared at the neatly dressed Zhou Wuji, somewhat mesmerized. "Senior brother is so handsome!"
Zhou Wuji was very satisfied with this. Having just killed Third Rank Devil Cultivator, he was even more pleased with himself. But having nowhere to show off, he could only hug Wuming and kiss him twice to vent his joy and pride.
Wuming's cheeks were rosy, and the sparkle in her bright eyes was even more radiant than the spring day outside.
Zhou Wuji held Wuming hand, his heart filled with joy. He felt that this kind of life was quite good.
The thought had barely crossed his mind when he quickly suppressed it.
The earth's veins are shifting, barbarians are emerging, and Devil Cultivator are bewitching the people everywhere; the world is on the verge of chaos.
Let alone the fact that he's only a Fourth Rank, even if he were First Rank cultivator, would he really be able to shut himself away and live a quiet life?
Besides, his goal is to reach the highest heavens, and that is something he cannot forget or change!
Whether for his own sake or for the sake of his relatives and friends like Wuming, he must continue to move forward along the Great Way.
After dealing with a few Devil Cultivator, Yunyang City returned to peace and quiet, and no one dared to cause any more trouble.
Zhou Wuji then stayed peacefully in the Heavenly Pivot Hall, leaving all matters in the Lower Court to Daoist Yizhen.
Daoist Yizhen also transferred Wuzheng and Wujing back to the Lower Court, appointing them as heads of various halls. With the connections he had made in the Lower Court, he quickly sorted out the various affairs of the Lower Court.
Daoist Yiding were eliminated, no one dared to cause trouble or show their faces again.
Yang Tie Ying, having nothing else to do, begged Zhou Wuji to go home and visit.
Zhou Wuji agreed; he also wanted to go back and visit Hidden Dragon Temple.
That place is not only where he grew up, but it also holds many secrets.
Hearing that Zhou Wuji was going to Hidden Dragon Temple, Wuming insisted on going with him, so Zhou Wuji took Wuming along.
In early February, the spring sun shone brightly and the spring breeze was warm. The grass was green and the leaves were lush, and everywhere was full of vitality.
Yang Tie Ying rode ahead alone, Zhou Wuji and Wuming lagged behind.
Both wore straw hats to shield themselves from the sun, and rode their horses slowly, enjoying the spring scenery along the way. They were both very relaxed and content.
Yang Tie Ying followed his master for a whole day, but he couldn't stand his slow walk any longer. He said something and rode off on his horse first.
With Yang Tie Ying out of the way, Wuming and Zhou Wuji were even happier.
As they walked, they both recalled their journey to Hidden Dragon Temple three years ago.
Traveling together again now is like revisiting a familiar place, which evoked a sense of nostalgia in both of them.
As Zhou Wuji passed through White Bamboo Village and Old Cang Village, he was recognized by the villagers.
The villagers all remembered Zhou Wuji's kindness in slaying the demon and eliminating the rebel soldiers, and they also knew that Zhou Wuji Zhou Wuji.
Zhou Wuji did not preach or give sermons; he simply treated the villagers' illnesses and gave them Golden Light Talisman for protection.
The villagers have simple ideas; for them, it would be better to see tangible results.
When Zhou Wuji arrived in Siming County, Yang Shuling, Li Cheng'an, the head of the Li Household family, and even the county magistrate greeted him at the city gate.
The welcoming procession was grand and impressive, complete with a drum and gong troupe, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
Three years have passed, and the county magistrate has long since changed. Zhou Wuji doesn't recognize him, but the middle-aged magistrate is very respectful.
Others may not know, but the county magistrate knows that the prefect highly values this True Person Hongde, so he dares not be disrespectful.
That evening, a banquet was held, and all the prominent figures in Siming County were present.
Zhou Wuji didn't like socializing, but he couldn't refuse this kind of banquet.
If everyone fawns over you and you refuse their hospitality, you will hurt their feelings and damage their perception of you.
After sharing a few drinks at a banquet, a rapport is formed. Although it's not of great use, it's still possible to say a few flattering words to him and create some buzz.
One or two such people are not very useful, but hundreds or thousands are enough to sway public opinion and are a force not to be underestimated.
For Zhou Wuji, behaving like a superior was easy; all he had to do was smile at everyone and offer a few words of praise.
The banquet ended with everyone enjoying themselves.
Upon returning home, the officials, gentry, and wealthy merchants of Siming County all praised True Person Hongde divine being.
Zhou Wuji checked into Hidden Dragon Temple that night. After Wuzheng left, Wuye, the older female cultivator who had accompanied Wuming, took over the management of Hidden Dragon Temple. She had finally reached the Seventh Rank and was also taken care of by Daoist Yizhen, which qualified her to take over the Hidden Dragon Temple.
Wuming and Wuye were very familiar with each other and hadn't seen each other for a while, so they had a lot to talk about.
Zhou Wuji didn't stand on ceremony and directly asked for the abbot's room.
As night deepened, he crossed the underground river and entered the cave where the underground eye was located.
Even with his current cultivation level and the Big Dipper Star Eye, he still cannot see through the true nature of the depths of the Earth Eye.
After much deliberation, Zhou Wuji ultimately decided against taking the risk.
Zhou Wuji stayed at Hidden Dragon Temple for a few days, during which time he went to the riverbank to pay respects to his master.
In mid-February, Zhou Wuji brought Wuming and Yang Tie Ying back to the Lower Court.
In early March, Zhou Wuji received a message from True Person Zhihua, instructing him to arrive at the Chuyang Northern Pole Academy before March 15th.
Zhou Wuji was also overjoyed. The matter of being True Disciple Candidate was finally settled. He wanted to see how many heroes and talents the Northern Pole Academy had!