Thunder Nether Ninefold Mystery Divine Edict Pill

The Jianghuai and Huai Rivers are the boundary of the land.

The area north of the Yangtze River is Huainan, while the Jiangnan is the heart of Yangzhou.

Yangzhou, the capital of the city, was located in Guangling. It was bordered by the Han Canal River to the south, facing Jingkou across the river.

Huainan stretches from Shouchun in the west, through Hefei in the middle, to Liyang in the east, covering hundreds of millions of miles. It serves as a barrier to Guangling and a key to the Jiangnan.

Huainan, Liyang.

A large crowd surged in front of the Pill Cloud Pavilion.

The once-a-decade Huainan Under-Heaven Pill Assembly opens here today.

The pavilion is nine stories high, with flying eaves and brackets. Each floor is hung with dazzling spiritual lanterns, illuminating the entire Liyang as if it were daytime. In the square in front of the pavilion, Pill Furnace are lined up and spiritual materials are piled up like mountains. Alchemist from all over the country gather shoulder to shoulder, and the place is bustling with noise and Spiritual Qi.

This year's Dan conference was exceptionally grand.

The event was presided over by Azure Waves Heaven, and the topic of the elixir was personally chosen by Sima Canglan —the refining of the [Thunder Nether Ninefold Mystery Divine Edict Pill].

The Pill Formula caused a sensation throughout the land.

The legendary pill, lost High Antiquity, can temper the soul, strengthen the Thunder Spirit Root, draw upon the thunder energy of heaven and earth, and connect with the grotto heaven.

Anyone with discerning eyes knows perfectly well that this alchemy gathering was never for the purpose of refining medicine.

What Sima Canglan wanted was never elixir.

An inconspicuous corner on the edge of Dange Square.

The young man in the blue robe stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze towards the Pill Cloud Pavilion calm as still water, the lightning around him barely visible, making him almost indistinguishable from an ordinary person.

Shen Zhe'an.

Yangzhou Song, the spirit of youthful chivalry.

His birth chart spread throughout Huainan, but this renowned genius remained out of place amidst the hustle and bustle, like a lone bamboo stalk in the snow.

Brother Shen!

Gu Qingyan, the eldest son of the Wuzhong Gu Clan, strode over with a broad smile, "Supreme Azure Waves specifically requested that you make the grand finale appearance, and Chief Clerk Li has been urging you several times already."

Shen Zhe'an said calmly, "No rush."

Gu Qingyan reluctantly agreed, and as she turned to leave, a hint of disdain and coldness flashed in her eyes. She muttered to herself, "What glory? It's nothing more than a sacrifice used by the Supreme Azure Waves to bind the Yinru Cave Heaven."

Shen Zhe'an had never heard of it, nor did he care to.

He gazed at the nine-story Pill Cloud Pavilion, at the figures appearing and disappearing on the pavilion— Sima Canglan, Chief Clerk Li, Gu Yongshi, the head of the Huainan Aristocratic Clan family... Everyone was waiting for him.

Wait for him to enter the game and face his death.

Shen Zhe'an slowly closed his eyes.

A long-forgotten memory surged forth along the thunderous energy within his bloodline.

He was born into the Shen Clan of Wu Commandery in Jiangnan. Through generations of accumulation, the family had become a prominent clan in Wuzhong, and none was more famous than Shen Zhou.

However, in terms of social standing in Wu Commandery, they are not as prestigious as the Gu, Lu, Zhu, and Purple Mansion Aristocratic Clan.

In terms of foundation, with a six-hundred-year heritage, the highest cultivation level in the clan is only at the Foundation Establishment Peak. Generation after generation, they are trapped at the threshold of the Purple Mansion. Without Purple Mansion, they cannot be called a clan!

They can only be considered top-tier among the Foundation Establishment Aristocratic Clan and powerful clans.

My father, Shen Shihong, was a man of great integrity and perseverance, for his responsibilities were heavy and his journey long.

Although he was only in the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage, he was the one who supported the Shen Clan family and established himself in the Wu Commandery government office as a clerk, in charge of documents and confidential matters, and his family was still quite well-off.

In addition, his mother died early, leaving behind a younger brother and sister, who were raised entirely by their father.

When I was seven years old, it was also snowing heavily.

Shen Shihong held his hand tightly as they went to Liyang in Huainan to have their spirits tested and receive the blessing of the Huainan Huanyu True Lord.

I remember that day, in front of the Spirit Testing Platform, there were the most elite members of the Jiangnan and Huainan aristocratic families, dressed in brocade robes and Purple Mansion gowns, surrounded by servants, looking like gods.

The Shen Clan dared not presume to associate with them, nor did they dare to covet their position.

His father, Shen Shihong, and he were both dressed in white brocade, huddled at the back of the line. He was like a quail, not daring to raise his head.

The supervising cultivator glanced at him and sneered, "Cowardly as a mouse, timid as a quail, weak and spineless, how dare the little Shen Clan come to Huainan to test spiritual energy and seize resources? Don't they know their own worth?"

This was the first time he had ever seen his father, Shen Shihong, smiling obsequiously, fawning and flattering him.

He secretly slipped the few precious spiritual materials that the clan had accumulated over many years, at the cost of many clan members' lives, into the other party's hands.

The supervising cultivator then lazily raised his hand and pressed the Spirit Stone onto Shen Zhe'an's forehead.

The next moment--

Lightning exploded!

Electric arcs shot skyward!

The entire spirit-testing platform trembled violently, and the light from the Spirit Stone was blinding.

The steward's expression changed drastically, revealing an undisguised smile. His hand, gripping the Spirit Stone, trembled uncontrollably. "Lightning... Thunder Spirit Root? Top Grade!"

It was even reported to Sima Huanyu, the supreme ruler of Huainan at the time.

However, Sima Huanyu had grand ambitions and certain bottom lines in his actions. He granted him resources and status, and bestowed blessings and spiritual elevation to solidify his foundation.

When Shen Hongshi learned the outcome, he froze on the spot, speechless for a long time, his voice a mixture of fear, excitement, and ambition.

At that time, young Shen Zhe'an simply looked up at the surging lightning, his eyes filled with pure curiosity.

He didn't understand what this meant.

But after that day, the Shen Household underwent a complete transformation.

News of the genius with a superior Thunder Spirit Root spread throughout Huainan and Jiangnan, and those who wanted to win him over, test him, or arrange marriages with him flocked to his door.

Shen Shihong politely declined all offers, only asking that his son cultivate peacefully and not get involved in any disputes for the time being.

Shen Zhe'an lived up to expectations.

At seven, one awakens their spiritual energy; at ten, Qi Refinement; at fifteen, they reach perfection; and at eighteen, Foundation Establishment.

Resources, renowned teachers, and powerful backers are all there; after all, [Luo River Cosmic Heaven] ascended to his Heavenly Position through his own efforts! Back then, he was renowned Cangxuan powerful, and was considered a hero by his contemporaries.

The grand vision and strategic planning of the Huanyu are generously bestowed upon us.

During those days in Huainan, countless geniuses emerged in a short period of time.

However, compared to Sima Canglan, the two are simply incomparable!

Shen Zhe'an also took advantage of Sima Huanyu's position at the time, coupled with his ruthless determination, to forcefully enter the Foundation Establishment.

His foundation in Daoism is named [Thunder Sound Shatters Delusion].

Thunder is divine punishment; sound is a deafening roar; breaking through illusions means pointing directly to one's true nature and tearing apart falsehoods.

On the day of his Foundation Establishment, thunderclouds gathered in the sky above Wu Commandery, and lightning snakes danced wildly. Shen Zhe'an stood under the thunder, drawing divine lightning into his body, using the lightning to temper his foundation and the Dao to forge his heart.

That scene shocked families throughout Huainan and Jiangnan (mainly Yangzhou).

From then on, the name "Yangzhou Song, Young Heroic Spirit" became famous throughout the Jianghuai.

Many more people came seeking his services, and the Ye Clan Luoyang, Huainan, and Jiangnan all sent people to test him, but Shen Zhe'an politely declined them all.

He asked for little: to protect his family and what he cherished, and then to cultivate himself peacefully, without concerning himself with the court or getting involved in disputes.

Unbeknownst to him, from the moment he initiated the lightning Foundation Establishment, he had been under the watchful eye of a pair of eyes.

The one keeping an eye on him was Sima Canglan, who would later become the ruler of Huainan.

At that time, Sima Canglan had just taken charge of Huainan and needed to cultivate his power and win over the people. A young man from a poor family, without any foundation or resources, but with unparalleled Thunder Spirit Root, was the most suitable prodigy.

"Without a background, he's easy to control; without a foundation, he knows how to depend on others." Sima Canglan said calmly to Chief Clerk Li, "I want this Shen Zhe'an."

A meticulously woven net has been quietly lowered.

Father Shen Hongshi was inexplicably promoted to Wu Commandery, and his salary increased tenfold; his younger brother and sister were admitted to Azure Waves Heaven without taking the exam, with all expenses waived and resources allocated to them; the old Shen Household family house was renovated overnight, and the dirt road in front of the door was paved with a blue jade Spirit Stone avenue.

Shen Zhe'an felt uneasy, but seeing his family's joyful expressions, he ultimately couldn't bring himself to refuse.

Then, Sima Canglan personally summoned him.

The moment he stepped into the main hall of Azure Waves Heaven, he knew that he had no way out.

The man on the throne looked down at them, his gaze scrutinizing yet filled with an unwavering certainty. "You are Shen Zhe'an?"

"That is indeed me, a humble citizen."

"Foundation Establishment draws upon the thunderous sounds of the Nine Heavens, allowing lightning to enter the body?"

"Yes."

"Very well, very well indeed." Sima Canglan stood up and walked to him. "I'm giving you a chance. Join my Azure Waves Heaven and become my person. Resources, Cultivation Method, status—whatever you want, I'll give you."

Shen Zhe'an remained silent for a long time before saying in a low voice, "This humble one only wishes to stay with his family and cultivate peacefully."

Sima Canglan smiled.

That smile was gentle, yet it concealed a chilling intent.

"Stability? There is no such thing as stability in this world. With this talent, you are destined to be unable to control your own destiny."

Sima Canglan looked at him calmly.

"Zhe'an, I know what you're thinking."

He returned to the throne and sat down again.

"Rest assured, I will take care of your family. I will promote your father to the position of prefect. I will arrange for your younger siblings to cultivate in Azure Waves Heaven, with the best resources and renowned teachers. I might even personally guide them!"

Sima Canglan paused.

"Besides, what I'm asking you to do isn't necessarily a matter of certain death!"

If you return alive, I will adopt you as my son and make your Shen Household the most prestigious Aristocratic Clan in Huainan.

No! I will personally elevate your Shen Clan to the status of a powerful clan within the Purple Mansion Palace, and grant you Shen Clan, the sole authority within the Purple Mansion!

Shen Zhe'an raised his head.

He looked at Sima Canglan, at that smooth face, at those unfathomable eyes, at the sinister look hidden between his brows.

a long time.

"This humble subject understands."

He stood up and bowed.

"This humble citizen is willing to do everything in my power."

Sima Canglan nodded in satisfaction.

"Go. I will be waiting for you."

Shen Zhe'an left the main hall.

The moment he stepped out of Azure Waves Heaven, he looked up at the sky.

Thunderclouds churned on the horizon.

He suddenly remembered his childhood, when his father held his hand and stood in front of the spirit-testing platform, a time filled with anticipation!

But then came a chill that penetrated to the bone, spreading from the depths of his heart to every part of his body.

For the next three years, he was gradually drawn into the situation, unable to control his own destiny.

Under the guise of nurturing, Sima Canglan bestowed upon him a vast amount of resources, lightning-based Cultivation Method, and Dao Pill.

Shen Zhe'an's cultivation progressed by leaps and bounds, advancing from the Foundation Establishment Early Stage in just three years.

But his unease grew increasingly uncontrollable.

The Cultivation Method bestowed upon him were all about attracting, controlling, and anchoring lightning veins; the pills he was given were extremely potent, causing his cultivation to surge, while a faint lightning imprint was quietly imprinted deep within his soul.

That's not a gift.

That's the key.

Now, the thoughts of the Supreme Azure Waves have been secretly spread by the Ye Clan and many other Aristocratic Clan. In recent days, they have been capturing barbarian and demonic cultivators in Huainan and Jiangnan and presenting them as prisoners to Luoyang.

What the Supreme Azure Waves wanted and sought was never a genius confidant.

What he wanted was a carefully cultivated sacrificial offering with a Thunder Spirit Root.

That was the Thunder Nether Grotto-Heaven that fell.

The legacy left behind by the Sima Clan's ancestors in the past when they destroyed the High Antiquity thunder-related lineage contains a Nine Heavens Thunder Origin. If Azure Waves obtains it, he can ascend to heaven in one step and attain the Golden Core Heavenly Rank.

However, the cave is dangerous and has many restrictions. If one rashly enters, even the most powerful person will face unpredictable fortune or misfortune, and there is no chance of survival.

There must be one person--

Possessing a superior-grade Thunder Spirit Root, a strong and resilient soul, and a cultivation level just at the Foundation Establishment, he willingly used his own body as a key to summon the thunder of the cave heaven and lock onto the location of the origin.

This person can only be Shen Zhe'an.

Sima Canglan waited for him for three years, not to cultivate him, but to bind him to a bell. He bound his talent, he bound his life, raising him until he was just right to be used for sacrifice.

Brother Shen?

A soft call pulled Shen Zhe'an back from his memories.

He opened his eyes and saw a young man in plain clothes standing in front of him. The young man had a handsome face and a weak aura. He Foundation Establishment Early Stage and dressed as Rogue Cultivator. His lips were white from the cold, but he stood straight.

"You are... Little Qi!" Shen Zhe'an frowned slightly, then felt a hint of joy. It turned out to be an old acquaintance.

"It is indeed I, Qi Ming, Rogue Cultivator Alchemist, who have come to observe the ceremony." The young man cupped his hands, his tone timid yet revealing a resolute spirit.

"The alchemy gathering is about to begin, Little Qi, why don't you go inside?"

Qi Ming smiled wryly, "My status is lowly, I belong to no sect or faction, I can't even get through the gates of the Pill Cloud Pavilion."

Shen Zhe'an looked at him, as if he were seeing himself cowering under the spirit-testing platform back then.

"We've known each other for so many years, and I always thought your talent for alchemy was self-taught. When did you find a master?"

Qi Ming hesitated for a moment, then whispered, "My master is Ye Chen, the former champion of the Pill Refining Competition!"

Shen Zhe'an's eyes flickered slightly.

He had heard of Ye Chen. He was a genius Alchemist from the Cloud Mist Ye Clan, once renowned Huainan, and a powerful figure at the Purple Mansion level! But he was also persecuted by his clan and expelled from Yunlan.

Later, it gained a great reputation, but then disappeared without a trace.

Unexpectedly, he is now merely a remnant soul, hiding in Huainan.

Where is he now?

"The small courtyard outside the city... only a wisp of a soul remains, it won't last much longer." Qi Ming lowered his head, his voice hoarse.

Shen Zhe'an remained silent.

We are both wanderers in this world.

He and Ye Chen are somewhat similar.

One was discarded like a pawn, the other sacrificed like a fire offering. On the surface, one was destitute and forgotten, the other renowned throughout Huainan; in reality, both were beyond their control.

"Don't tell anyone about your master," Shen Zhe'an said in a low voice. "Things are turbulent in Huainan right now; be careful not to get yourself into trouble."

Qi Ming was taken aback, then bowed deeply. "Thank you for your guidance, Brother Shen."

Shen Zhe'an waved his hand. "Go ahead, maybe you can squeeze in and take a look."

Qi Ming turned to leave, but suddenly stopped, turned back to look at the lone figure in blue, and said softly:

My master once said, "In this world, some people are used as bells, rafts, or medicine. Others are used as friends. Brother Shen... take care."

As soon as he finished speaking, his figure disappeared into the crowd.

Shen Zhe'an stood still, motionless for a long time.

Pill Cloud Pavilion, nine stories.

Sima Canglan sat high in the main seat, looking down at the ant-like crowd below. His aura was deep and powerful, and his imposing presence was faintly felt. Chief Clerk Li stood respectfully at attention, Gu Yongshi and other heads of the Aristocratic Clan families stood on either side, not daring to utter a sound.

"Your Majesty, everything is ready."

Where is Shen Zhe'an?

"We're already waiting outside the pavilion, just waiting for our grand finale."

Sima Canglan nodded slightly, his gaze calm and unwavering.

Below, Alchemist, spectators, and scions of the Aristocratic Clan were all arguing heatedly over the Pill Formula and spiritual materials for this alchemy gathering.

But they didn't know either.

This alchemy gathering was never an alchemy gathering.

This is a sacrifice.

A grand scheme was laid out for Thunder Nether Grotto-Heaven, the Nine Heavens Thunder Origin, and for Azure Waves to achieve the Golden Core Heavenly Rank.

Gu Yongshi suddenly whispered tentatively, "Your Majesty, what should we do with Shen Zhe'an...?"

Sima Canglan glanced at him indifferently, his smile cold and cruel:

"Why is Gu Household reluctant to do this? Is it to plead for him? Or is it the Shen Clan?"

I recall that among your Gu Household members, there seems to be one with a superior-grade Thunder Spirit Root, right? It was for this that you personally reported Shen Zhe'an to my desk back then!

"Your Gu Clan and his Shen Clan have some past ties, so you should take care of them in the future!"

"My word is my bond; I will only take Shen Zhe'an as my consort!"

Gu Yongshi was speechless and bowed as he withdrew.

"Today we take the long spear, to seize the seed of immortal genius!"

"This Nine Heavens Profound Thunder Edict Pill! It is my Long Spear!"

Seeing this, Sima Canglan looked at the lively scene at the Pill Gathering and said quietly.