The Dao Venerable Left a Method, the Human Emperor's Path Was Severed

The night breeze seemed to suddenly stop.

An Ruyu's words struck the two of them like a thunderbolt.

"The Human Emperor?" Yu Tunzhou glanced at the demoness. "Who are you trying to scare? Could the Human Emperor be suppressed Floating Hill Mountain?"

At the same time, numerous scattered clues rapidly connected in his mind, including but not limited to the note under the bed reminding him, the Daoist Shouzheng's long-term seclusion, and the Human Emperor's tomb.

The disappearance of the Human Emperor is the greatest mystery of High Antiquity, and no one knows his final whereabouts.

He absolutely refused to believe that he was suppressed under Floating Hill Mountain.

Even Hun Huntian in the Primordial Spirit Heaven and Earth was busy pecking at his newly grown feathers.

Since emerging from the Dragon Gate, Huntian's complexion has improved day by day, and his Primordial Spirit spirit has entered a new "development" period, starting to grow taller.

"With the Human Emperor's realm, who can suppress him? Even the Heavenly Dao that rules this world cannot suppress him!" Huntian sneered, "This little brat doesn't even think before she speaks."

Yu Tunzhou wholeheartedly agrees.

He had previously suspected that some kind of Immortals and Gods might be suppressed Floating Hill Mountain, which was why the Daoist Shouzheng had remained inactive for many years, but he had only speculated about other Immortals and Gods.

"It really is the Human Emperor." An Ruyu's face showed a rare seriousness.

Seeing the seriousness in her voice, Yu Tunzhou frowned and asked, "Is it something like a distraction, or a lingering obsession?"

An existence like the Human Emperor, even if it is just a wisp of thought, can exist in the world for a long time and possess some of the original body's great power.

An Ruyu shook her head and continued, "The Human Emperor was a genius of unparalleled talent, the closest Dao Venerable since the Primordial Era, but he still hadn't reached the Dao Venerable realm. In order to advance further, he tried many methods."

"During this time, he obtained a method for severing his own self from a palace left behind by the Dao Venerable, and ultimately severed three selves."

"Each self is a completely new self, capable of existing independently yet interconnected, possessing new destiny changes; the mysteries within are beyond the comprehension of divided spirits or obsessions."

"You mean... Severing the Three Corpses?" Yu Tunzhou found the name somewhat familiar and asked tentatively, "In order to break through his realm, the former Human Emperor severed his own Three Corpses? Is the one suppressed under Floating Hill Mountain the Human Emperor's ' Malevolent Corpse,' ' Benevolent Corpse,' or ' Self-Obsession Corpse '?"

"I don't know, and it's precisely because I don't know that the one at Floating Hill Mountain would never dare to take the risk," An Ruyu said softly. "As for the current situation at Floating Hill Mountain, I don't know either."

Yu Tunzhou suddenly said, "After severing the Three Corpses, shouldn't I be able to return to my original state? Why are the Human Emperor's Three Corpses left outside?"

"Naturally, it's because the Human Emperor failed," An Ruyu said meaningfully. "The method left behind by the Dao Venerable had problems, which tricked the Human Emperor. The Human Emperor failed to sever his Three Corpses, completely losing the possibility of reaching a higher realm, and his own cultivation also suffered considerable problems as a result."

"Nonsense!" The Daoist Xuanfa, who had been listening attentively, suddenly interrupted, his brows furrowed with indignation. "What kind of status does the Dao Venerable have? How could he possibly deliberately harm a junior like the Human Emperor!"

The True Martial Sect worships the Great Emperor Zhenwu, while the Great Emperor Zhenwu worships the Dao Venerable!

Therefore, although the Zhenwu Lineage acknowledges the nobility of the Three Pure Ones, they also uphold the Dao Venerable as the leader of the Daoist School and the head of the Daoist religion, and will not tolerate any slander against him.

"I never Dao Venerable intended to harm the Human Emperor," An Ruyu said with a light smile. "Perhaps the Human Emperor simply obtained the method first."

The young Xuanfa priest snorted coldly and said nothing more.

"Furthermore, Young Hero Guo seems to know quite a lot."

An Ruyu looked at Yu Tunzhou, her clear black and white eyes blinking as if filled with admiration.

"They even understand the specific concept and general cultivation methods of the ' Three Corpses,' something that has long been lost even in Daoist School True Martial Sect."

Yu Tunzhou glanced at Xuanfa, who nodded slightly, indicating that he was also unaware of the relevant secrets.

His knowledge of these concepts stemmed entirely from mentions in his previous life. Furthermore, the idea that "severing the Three Corpses leads to becoming Golden Immortal" is a core tenet of Daoist cultivation.

"It's just hearsay," he retorted calmly. "But you, you describe it so vividly, as if you saw it with your own eyes. Is this also recorded in the scriptures of the Incense-Smelling Cult?"

"No, that's not right. There's no such record in the sect. This is a secret I only learned recently," An Ruyu said with a grin. "Although I didn't see it with my own eyes, I heard it with my own ears."

Yu Tunzhou smirked, not believing a single word.

Putting all that aside, the claim that one of the Human Emperor's Three Corpses was suppressed Floating Hill Mountain was indeed far beyond his expectations.

The Three Corpses are not the true self. If they are Benevolent Corpse, there is still room for discussion. If Malevolent Corpse, then it will be a catastrophe that changes the world.

"What exactly is your purpose in coming to the Eastern Wilderness?" Yu Tunzhou stared intently at An Ruyu. "Release those Three Corpses?"

"In Young Hero Guo's eyes, am I the kind of person who thrives on chaos?" An Ruyu's eyes flickered with a hint of reproach. "If we really follow my sect's plan, it would be better to keep those Three Corpses suppressed. This would maintain the chaos and conflict in the Eastern Wilderness, and also keep the Daoist Shouzheng, thus reducing the righteous path's fighting power by one less Dharma Aspect."

The saying "Yu Tunzhou" is neither convincing nor debatable; it sounds reasonable.

But he knew all too well that this enchantress was a man of many schemes, and that beneath her apparent purpose lay a deeper plot.

For example, what she actually obtained in the Dragon Gate Secret Realm remains a mystery to this day.

"Who is the Devil Lord standing behind the Nan Household?"

"That was a powerful demonic figure active in the Nine Netherworlds during the ancient times. The patriarch of the Nan Household accidentally entered the Nine Netherworlds and awakened him." An Ruyu lightly tossed a strand of hair, smiling brightly. "Does Young Hero Guo believe me now?"

Yu Tunzhou squinted and asked, "You want to cooperate? Cooperate on what?"

"There's a Immortal Cauldron left behind by the Human Emperor on Floating Hill Mountain. I hope you can help me meet it." An Ruyu suddenly stopped smiling and looked into Yu Tunzhou's eyes. "In exchange, I can guide you on how to break this predicament. Besides, you possess the Human Emperor's inheritance; perhaps you'll also gain something from seeing that celestial Immortal Cauldron."

"The Immortal Cauldron left behind by the Human Emperor?" Yu Tunzhou didn't agree rashly. After pondering for a moment, he said, "Tell me how to break this deadlock."

An Ruyu smiled sweetly, making no attempt to hide anything, and spoke frankly:

"Young Hero Guo has completely disrupted the situation in the Eastern Wilderness, but to truly break the deadlock, we must lighten the burden on that Daoist Shouzheng, for example, by devising a method to suppress the Immortals and Gods Portal."

"Coincidentally, I know a Method Formula that can temporarily relieve the pressure brought by the Immortals and Gods Portal."

As soon as An Ruyu finished speaking, she raised her right hand, and a wisp of purple flame rose from her slender fingertips, ethereal and otherworldly, carrying a hint of the Void.

Um?

Yu Tunzhou's gaze suddenly narrowed, locking onto that wisp of purple flame.

Its color was completely different from his own Glazed Flame, and the Martial Intention it contained was also different, but the Glazed Flame in his Dantian was trembling slightly, which was a resonance of the same source of energy.

The enchantress's fingertips were swirling with what was actually the Human Emperor's [One Qi Breaks Ten Thousand Methods]!

In the past, An Ruyu claimed that the Incense-Smelling Cult inherited the lineage of the Human Emperor, which he dismissed as a common tactic used by heretics to curry favor with ancient sages. Now it seems there was more to it than met the eye...

An Ruyu smiled faintly, "This Method Formula can effectively suppress the Immortals and Gods Portal in the Eastern Wilderness and eliminate the Sha Qi of Fallen Immortals. I can pass this Cultivation Method on to Young Hero Guo, Young Hero Lin, and the young Daoist priest over there."

Unexpectedly, no sooner had she finished speaking than Yu Tunzhou raised his hand.

The azure color swirled around the palm like flames, clear as crystal, deep and weighty, carrying the ancient majesty of Human Race's legacy and the belief that human will triumph over nature.

Strictly speaking, this is not a flame, but a condensation of Martial Intention, Blood Qi, and Sha Qi; it is a manifestation of a certain kind of energy, more akin to a raging fire.

Two wisps of energy faced each other across the air, subtly displaying a posture of rivalry.

An Ruyu stared intently at the aura flowing in Yu Tunzhou's palm, surprise and astonishment appearing on her small face, though only for a fleeting moment.

Clearly, even she hadn't anticipated that Yu Tunzhou would obtain this Secret Method!

She said thoughtfully, "It seems that Young Hero Yu's fortuitous encounter has far exceeded my expectations; he has even obtained this core technique."

Heh heh, Young Hero Guo isn't calling out anymore?

Yu Tunzhou suppressed a laugh, feeling exhausted from holding it in; the bittersweet feeling inside was something only he knew. He said nonchalantly:

"If this is all there is to it, then forget it. I don't see any sincerity in your willingness to cooperate."

An Ruyu's beautiful eyes flickered, giving him a look that could be both delighted and reproachful, before she pursed her lips in a hint of resentment:

"Young Hero Guo, were you deliberately trying to embarrass me? Does Young Hero Guo only bring you pleasure when you bully me?"

... As if you were a sadist.

Yu Tunzhou closed his palm and said calmly, "We can talk if we can, but there's no need to cooperate if we can't reach an agreement. I don't trust you very much, so you'll have to work hard to improve your reputation with me."

"For example?" An Ruyu blinked.

"Fulfill your obligations as much as possible."

Yu Tunzhou said earnestly,

"The Human Emperor rose to power in the Eastern Wilderness in his early years, and this place is where his path began. Your Incense-Smelling Cult claims to be the lineage of the Human Emperor, yet you intend to stand by and watch the Eastern Wilderness become a pasture for Immortals and Gods?"

Instead of negotiating terms and offering assistance, you should first demonstrate the responsibility befitting the Human Emperor lineage.

Upon hearing this, An Ruyu actually gathered up her skirt, gave him a proper curtsy, and looked serious.

"Young Hero Yu is right. In fact, the purpose of meeting the Immortal Cauldron was to share the burden of the Daoist Shouzheng."

"You want to use the Immortal Cauldron to suppress the Human Emperor's Three Corpses?" Yu Tunzhou's mind raced. "Then why do I need you to go? Floating Hill Mountain can't control that Immortal Cauldron."

An Ruyu explained, "That immortal Immortal Cauldron was the last divine artifact forged by the Human Emperor before his disappearance. Although it was not fully completed, it accompanied the Human Emperor through his final years. It had extremely high standards, and Floating Hill Mountain did not have the method to control it, so it was impossible to manipulate it."

Yu Tunzhou was deeply moved, having accompanied the Human Emperor through his final years...

Was this demoness implying that the Immortal Cauldron might hold the secret of the Human Emperor's death?

"Do you have the means to control it?"

"I have a way to persuade it to take action, first suppressing the Devil Lord behind the Nan Household, and resolving the crisis in the Eastern Wilderness."

"Why not suppress the Human Emperor's Three Corpses first?"

"To that immortal Immortal Cauldron, the Three Corpses severed by the Human Emperor, even if they are not the original body, are still of the same origin."

The Yu Tunzhou understood; was it afraid the Immortal Cauldron would betray them?

Tell me your specific plans.

"Young Hero Lin and the young Daoist priest will be in charge of suppressing the other sects, while Young Hero Guo, you and I will go to find Zhang Buyu. He will be a crucial figure in the situation in the Eastern Wilderness."

An Ruyu looked at Lin Yueheng and the other person.

"Young Hero Guo will pass on the [One Qi Breaks Ten Thousand Methods] to you two. I will show you a direction; you should go there first to meet the other like-minded person. After you have taught him the [One Qi Breaks Ten Thousand Methods], you will split up and proceed separately."

Lin Yueheng hesitated and said, "This is the inheritance of the Human Emperor, which is far too precious. I do not have any corresponding reward at the moment. I came here to repay a favor, how can I accept such a generous gift?"

The core law of the Human Emperor also tempted Daoist Xuanfa, but he knew that the law could not be easily passed on, and he hesitated about what to offer in return.

Yu Tunzhou shook his head and solemnly Human Dao, "You two have gone to great lengths to travel to the Eastern Wilderness, and I will always remember this kindness. A single Method Formula is nothing. Furthermore, you cultivate this Method Formula to suppress the sect and save the people of the Eastern Wilderness. If the Human Emperor were alive, he would certainly not hesitate to pass it on."

"There's no need to keep making excuses!"

Yu Tunzhou did not give the two a chance to refuse, and passed on the Method Formula of [One Qi Breaks Ten Thousand Methods] to them.

An Ruyu then provided the coordinates of four locations, stating that these were the gateways where another uprising might occur.

"According to your plan, shall we set off now?" Yu Tunzhou looked around.

An Ruyu smiled and said, "I would like to ask Young Hero Guo to summon heavenly lightning to strike the pavilion in front. Heavenly lightning restrains the evil spirits of the Nine Netherworlds and can temporarily sever the connection between the Nan Household and the Nine Netherworlds, preventing them from seeking help from that Devil Lord."

"You mean... the Nan Household can contact the Devil Lord at any time and ask him to take action?"

Yu Tunzhou felt a chill run down his spine, realizing the key to this matter.

"If I'm not mistaken, that Devil Lord's intention was to use the Nan Household to open the Nine Netherworlds Rift and seize control of the Central Plains. However, the Nan Household wasn't entirely foolish; they knew that once the Nine Netherworlds Rift was opened, there would be no turning back. Instead, they used it as leverage to force that Mountain Lord to concede and refine the Heavenly Origin Pill to strengthen themselves."

An Ruyu spoke slowly.

Yu Tunzhou suddenly remembered something and said, "Wait, there should be another link in this. I once heard someone from the Nan Household talk about Reincarnated Spirit Physique. Have you noticed anything about it?"

An Ruyu was silent for a moment, then asked, "Is that Reincarnated Spirit Physique Zhang Buyu?"

Yu Tunzhou nodded.

An Ruyu shook her head and said, "I haven't figured out this part either. After all, it involves beings above Devil Lord and gods like the Immortals and Gods, so it's difficult to make a judgment even Dao of Changes. I only know that some of the Dao lineages on Floating Hill Mountain seem to have other ideas."

Yu Tunzhou suddenly remembered Nan Guan's words about "using the power of Fallen Immortals to counterbalance Fallen Immortals," and his expression changed slightly as he said, "Are these guys so crazy that they think they can seize the power of the Devil Lord or the Human Emperor's Three Corpses?"

"If that's the case, then we need to hurry even more." An Ruyu's expression also turned serious. "Young Hero Yu's disruption of the Eastern Wilderness might force them to take risks and implement their plan ahead of schedule."

"Next, I ask that you all cause a ruckus here to lure the remaining powerful External Scenery from the outer realms back to Cangling City, so that it will be easier for the two of you to travel to the other portals."

"Alright." Yu Tunzhou nodded, looking at An Ruyu, "But before that, you and I need to sign Primordial Spirit Contract to ensure that during the cooperation period, neither of us will lie to the other, nor will we harm each other in any way."

"Even if I pour out my heart, Young Hero Guo still refuses to believe me?" An Ruyu's eyebrows drooped, and she looked as if she was about to cry, a sight that evoked pity in me.

Yu Tunzhou wasn't buying it at all, and chuckled, "If you build up some trust with me in the future, maybe one day I'll start to believe you."

After both parties signed the Primordial Spirit Contract and confirmed that everything was correct, Yu Tunzhou turned his attention to the pavilion in front of him.

Thunder Method... he hasn't used it for quite some time now.

The battles between External Scenery are actually more about the struggle for the laws of heaven and earth and the mastery of Divine Ability.

For example, the power of Thunder Method relies on the mastery of the laws of law, which is actually a disadvantage for him in battle.

Even if he also forged his Inner Heaven and Earth and mastered the Unity of Heaven and Celestial Person, in the control and struggle of the laws, he was ultimately no match for a true External Scenery expert.

Therefore, in his daily battles, he relies more on his innate Divine Ability and the physical training he has gained from the Eight-Nine Mysterious Art.

In addition, Limitless Gang Qi also has the power to dissolve the laws and Divine Ability, so he doesn't need to compete with others for control of the laws of heaven and earth; he can simply use force to overcome skill.

In the future, when one breaks through the External Scenery and even opens up the Dharma Domain, Dao Path begins to emerge, that will be the [Outer Dao of No Self Under Heaven].

The Daoist Xuanfa spoke up, "I can also help with this matter."

The Zhenwu Lineage, having been taught by the Great Emperor Zhenwu and the Nine Heavens Demon-Subduing Heavenly Venerable, naturally also possesses the inherited Thunder Method!

The two simultaneously unleashed their Thunder Method, Hand Seals to summon lightning.

In an instant, the heavy night sky above Cangling City was abruptly torn open.

Streaks of bluish-purple lightning descended from the depths of the sky, initially just a faint glimmer, but in an instant, they ripped through the night like the claws of a raging dragon.

A rumbling Thunderclap followed closely behind, deep and majestic, as if crashing directly into the earth from the heavens, causing the roof tiles of the entire Cangling City to tremble slightly.

Who is causing this trouble!

Deep within the Nan Household mansion, several angry shouts rang out simultaneously, and several figures approached from all directions.

Lin Yueheng raised his hand and slashed out with his sword. At first, the sword light was like a cold autumn pool, but in an instant it swelled into a mighty river.

The Sword Qi energy swept in all directions, stopping the first few groups of Nan Household cultivators who arrived.

"Yu Tunzhou?! You actually delivered yourself right to my doorstep!"

Under the cover of night, Nan Zhongwei's gaze instantly locked onto Yu Tunzhou's figure, his expression changing slightly, it was hard to tell whether it was surprise or shock.

He quickly realized that Yu Tunzhou was not the only one who had come!

"You are... the Incense-Smelling Demoness An Ruyu!?"

"Lin Yueheng sixth on the Dragon and Tiger Ranking... and Daoist Xuanfa of the True Martial Sect?"

As figures came into view, Nan Zhongwei felt a mixture of shock and anger, along with a strange chill.

The Incense-Smelling Cult had actually joined forces with the ancestral temple of Daoist School to infiltrate the Nan Household —what kind of signal does this send?

He finally understood why half of the External Scenery he had sent out had lost contact.

The next moment, lightning poured down!

Nan Zhongwei's expression changed drastically. Without bothering to consider the reason for An Ruyu and the others' appearance, he roared:

Stop them!!!

"Too late!" Yu Tunzhou said coldly, raising his hand and pressing down sharply.

Boom--

Several bolts of heavenly lightning poured down simultaneously, with the Danlou Pavilion bearing the brunt.

The purplish-blue lightning struck the eaves with pinpoint accuracy, shattering the glazed tiles into countless fragments the instant they touched it.

The moment the lightning exploded, the entire Danlou (Imperial Pill Tower) trembled with a deafening roar.

The bluish-purple lightning snakes swiftly traversed the beams, window frames, and floor tiles, their passage accompanied by a hissing sound of black mist that melted away as quickly as snow under the blazing sun.

A series of mournful roars echoed from the bottom of the pavilion, and any restless energy that had been stirring within instantly subsided.

"Oh no! The connection to the Nine Netherworlds has been severed!" An elder from the Nan Household's External Scenery Realm exclaimed in shock. "Where's the lightning-avoiding array? Why is it useless?!"

"Form ranks! Activate the clan's guardian weapons to protect the Pill Tower!"

"Immediately inform Phoenix Ancestor and the others that the Yu Tunzhou is launching a night attack on Cangling City!"

As the Nan Household descended into chaos, An Ruyu's voice reached their ears:

"That's about it."

"Such a commotion is enough to draw all the powerful External Scenery outside who are still searching for Young Hero Guo back to Cangling City."

"Young Hero Lin, you should head south first to meet one of them, then split up and work separately. You must suppress the four sects within three days!"

"We will not fail in our mission!" Lin Yueheng voice. He and Daoist Xuanfa flashed away, each transforming into a streak of light and breaking out of the city.

During the incident, a powerful member of the Nan Household tried to stop them, but Yu Tunzhou easily repelled him.

The Nan Household, fearing the consequences, dared not press the matter too much and could only watch them leave.

"Young Hero Guo, we should also leave. This place is not safe to stay any longer; the Devil Lord might be hiding something. Finding Zhang Buyu is the key."

"Walk!"

With a powerful and righteous punch, Yu Tunzhou swept aside the two Nan Household members who were attacking him together. External Scenery green robe fluttered as he and An Ruyu swept out of the courtyard side by side, and no one dared to chase after them.

Watching the two figures calmly depart, Nan Zhongwei's face was so gloomy it could drip water.

If they could hold out a little longer, the clan's full strength would be enough to capture those two. However, the clan elders each had their own agendas, and none of them were willing to fight to the death.

He coldly swept his gaze over this group of cowards, his anger surging within him, ultimately culminating in a chilling rebuke:

"A bunch of clueless idiots!"

Three streaks of light swept in together, cutting through the night with their shadows, their presence akin to the ethereal beauty of External Scenery.

"Three more," Huang Tian muttered to himself, his voice as calm as if he were counting his prey.

He straightened up, his joints cracking, the exhaustion from his previous fierce battle with the three External Scenery shooters was forcefully suppressed.

"Kid, don't you think you've gone a bit too far in repaying favors?"

In his mind, the voice of the Golden Crow Divine Intent once again pierced through everything.

Huang Tian coldly snorted, "A life for a life! How much do I, Huang Tian, cherish my life!"

"Heh heh, your pride is quite to my liking."

Golden Crow chuckled softly, his voice unhurried, and said...

"Given your current situation, stubbornly resisting will only lead to your death. I can bestow upon you a Divine Ability to transform these reckless warriors into nourishment for your ascent to the top. What do you say? Are you interested in cultivating it?"

The voice carried an undisguised arrogance.

Even though He has died and vanished into oblivion for eternity, His words at this moment still carry an arrogance and composure that transcends all living beings, showing no disdain for deceiving a mere junior.

"With my assistance, it's not impossible for you, junior, to become an immortal ancestor in the future."

Huang Tian completely ignored them, stepping on a pebble and shooting off like an arrow towards the three streaks of light.

White Water Mountain.

Zhang Buyu stopped at the foot of the mountain and looked up.

The mountain path winds its way up, and a Daoist temple stands on the mountainside, but no lights shine through, as if the entire mountain is asleep.

He traveled day and night, even avoiding his fellow disciples from Floating Hill Mountain along the way, and finally returned to White Water Mountain quietly tonight.

After glancing at the deserted Daoist temple halfway up the mountain, Zhang Buyu did not go up the mountain, but instead detoured to a mountain peak behind White Water Mountain.

With Master gone, White Water Mountain is deserted.

The senior brother probably sent him here for a reason: to take him to a sacred mountain gate behind White Water Mountain.

Thinking this to himself, he quickened his pace. Just as he turned a corner, he saw a white figure standing on the stone steps, blocking his way.

He was a young Daoist priest who looked to be around twenty years old, with clear and handsome features, and a long sword hanging at his waist.

"Junior Brother Zhang, I've been waiting for you for a long time."