Chapter 140: The Immortal Mansion is about to open, winds and clouds gather

The surface of the water roiled with fierce waves, stretching endlessly beyond sight. At this moment, Ji Feichen had transformed into the “Emperor Tai” deity, a being with a human upper body and a dragon’s tail, engaged in conversation with a black dragon. They were situated within Ji Feichen’s own Nirvana Palace.

The Nirvana Palace is the seat of the spirit, the palace of the soul. With the arrival of the Demon Ancestor’s will, a tremendous force automatically expanded Ji Feichen’s Nirvana Palace. Were it not for the final step—the demon seed—that had yet to be planted, Ji Feichen would have already fallen into demonhood again.

This vast, boundless sea was his spiritual realm. Yet, despite the endless ocean within the Nirvana Palace, the Emperor Tai deity was but an imperceptible rock, powerless to command the waters. The black dragon circled above, watching leisurely as Ji Feichen attempted to refine the seawater, striving to control the Nirvana Palace.

“But perhaps this misfortune is also a blessing? Such a grand Nirvana Palace is rarely seen by ordinary people,” Ji Feichen comforted himself as he worked.

“A blessing, yet also a curse,” the black dragon spoke slowly from the air. “Ordinary immortals or demons seldom require such an immense Nirvana Palace. Only the supreme lineage demands something of this scale.” He added, “If you fully mastered this Nirvana Palace, it would rival the Dao Fruit of a celestial immortal.”

The Demon Ancestor’s will had transformed the Nirvana Palace in ways that even surprised the black dragon. Though he helped resist some of the force, the endurance was also due to Ji Feichen’s steadfast will. Moreover, the expansion of the palace symbolized Ji Feichen’s own potential.

Upon hearing the dragon speak, Ji Feichen stopped and hurriedly asked, “May I ask, senior, since I came from beyond the heavens, could it be that you are somehow connected?”

“Sort of,” replied the black dragon, seemingly reluctant to discuss the matter. Then, thinking of someone, he said slowly, “Your path to enlightenment is connected with a certain person. When I first dragged you here, I hadn’t decided what to do. I even hoped you would become a demon.”

Suddenly, the black dragon felt a twinge of regret. Why did he save Ji Feichen? If Ji Feichen had fallen to demonhood, the dispute with that person would clear his own involvement, sparing him from having to curry favor with that individual.

Such familiar words—once spoken by a mysterious figure.

Ji Feichen cautiously inquired, “From what you and the Supreme Immortal said earlier, is that great transcendent usually upright in character?”

If he were some demon lord, would he care whether Ji Feichen fell to demonhood?

“That one is righteous. Though I don’t hold him in high regard, he wouldn’t strike at decent people. If you succumbed to demonhood, he’d have just cause to kill you. But if you… heh heh… refine the demon path into Dao and establish the orthodox Yuan Dao, I’m curious how he’d react,” the black dragon’s eyes twinkled with mischief. If Ji Feichen succeeded in founding the Yuan Dao and reviving the Refining Qi practitioners, would that person, despite his usual disposition, forcibly try to annihilate Ji Feichen for the sake of his own Dao diagram?

“Besides, your refusal to truly fall to demonhood despite all this time in the demon sect is also tied to your own heart. After all...” The black dragon seemed hesitant, changing the subject abruptly. “The Demon Ancestor has been sealed by the Three Dao Venerables. The fate of this world’s flourishing immortal path is already set. But this is a secret not to be disclosed. Don’t spread it, or if the heavens thunder and a Dao Venerable personally slays you, I won’t be able to save you.”

Ji Feichen pressed on, “Senior, what exactly is the situation with the Demon Ancestor? And the Three Dao Venerables—does this mean the demon sect cannot survive anymore?”

“The Demon Ancestor and the Demon Realm are suppressed; great changes are happening in the heavens. As for your mortal demon cultivators, they are mere novices. There is not even a celestial-level demon cultivator among them, so the Three Dao Venerables have no reason to intervene.”

In other words, the calamities in Xuanzheng Prefecture must still be dealt with slowly by the immortals and demons themselves.

“That also presents an opportunity,” Ji Feichen pondered. “If the demon sect declines and its cultivators turn toward righteousness, I can seize the chance to establish the Yuan Dao, grasp a thread of heavenly fate, bring them into the Yuan Dao, and restore orthodoxy. Even if that great transcendent gives me trouble, with this heavenly mandate, I need not fear him.”

“Senior, what level is that great transcendent? Surely not one of the Three Dao Venerables?” Ji Feichen asked, for if so, there would be no need for conflict.

“He’s not as powerful as the Three Dao Venerables. It’s just that his own path hinges on a certain step, so he cannot afford to give up on you.” The black dragon chuckled as he took flight. “That’s all I can say. Take care of yourself!”

As the black dragon prepared to leave, Ji Feichen hurriedly asked, “May I know your name, senior, so that I may honor you with a longevity tablet in the future?”

“A longevity tablet? Better not. When you learn the truth, you may either thank me or curse me.” With that, the black dragon vanished in a streak of light.

Suddenly, within the dragon scales on Ji Feichen’s chest, new insights into controlling water elemental power appeared—clearly the experience left behind by the black dragon.

With the black dragon gone, the source of the Underworld River returned to calm. Only the Three Sacred Manifestations quietly watched Ji Feichen. The blood oath worm above his head was then sealed into the Nine Fragrant Jade Tree.

“Fortunately, the Jade Tree can analyze and break oaths, or else how could we slay demon cultivators? How could we establish a new lineage?” Ji Feichen thought.

At that moment, the three manifestations each emitted a streak of black light, converging in the air to form a talisman which floated before Ji Feichen.

The talisman was square, pitch black, palm-sized—a symbol of the Yinming Sect’s human-immortal level demon cultivators.

Playing with the talisman, Ji Feichen produced his Demon Dragon Halberd. He exhaled a stream of Weak Water, fusing the talisman and the halberd near the handle, producing a faint golden glow.

“This talisman condenses the demon light essence of the Yinming Three Saints—perfect to strengthen the Demon Dragon Halberd’s power,” he said, transferring the talisman’s function to the halberd and using its materials to further refine the weapon.

This act had deeper meaning: Ji Feichen was concentrating all evidence of his ties to the demon sect onto this single black-gold halberd.

At the handle’s end hung a small shell-shaped ornament—his Yellow Springs Conch. This Demon Dragon Halberd thus bore all of Ji Feichen’s karmic ties to the demon sect. Even the clumps of demon qi recently obtained from the Subtle Ancestor had been infused into the halberd.

Only after repeatedly refining the halberd and elevating it to mid-tier treasure quality did Ji Feichen exit the palace.

Outside, besides the three black-flow figures, the Lord of the Pit Realm and a group of Earth Immortals were present.

Seeing these Earth Immortals, Ji Feichen’s expression shifted: “Disciple pays respects to the Sect Leader, the Ancestor, and all the Supreme Elders.”

All seven Earth Immortals of the Yinming Sect were there, scrutinizing Ji Feichen intently.

The Demon Sect Ancestor’s grace was rare even within the Yinming Sect. Even the Blood Sea, claiming direct orthodox lineage and known as the Lord of Ten Thousand Demons, did not always receive such favor each generation.

“Brother’s fine disciple,” the Sect Leader said to the Lord of the Pit Realm. “With such a talent in the Black Branch, the next All Saints Assembly will be yours to shine.”

Several elders of the Green and Yellow branches showed mild hostility but said little, departing with the Sect Leader.

The Lord of the Pit Realm observed Ji Feichen closely. “Ancestor’s transmission—what insights have you gained?”

“The Demon Ancestor’s grace is rare in our sect. What is inherited varies with the person.”

Ji Feichen considered before extending his arm. A swirl of black water light emerged at his fingertip, Weak Water flowing continuously around his right hand.

“Six Pit Water?” several Black Branch demon cultivators gasped.

Weak Water is the Yinming Sect’s signature skill, with tiers of Three Yin, Six Pit, and Nine Nether, each level more profound. Nine Nether Weak Water is the strongest.

The Lord of the Pit Realm examined carefully and shook his head. “Not quite. Though it has the flavor of Six Pit Water, it lacks the deathly cold essence needed.”

Thanks to the black dragon’s aid, Ji Feichen had absorbed elite Weak Water in the Celestial Nether Palace into his dragon pearl, boosting his Weak Water power. Utilizing the new Nine Nether Weak Water, he further refined the Three Yin Water, approaching a higher level of power.

“Anything else?” the Lord asked.

“Well…” Ji Feichen feigned difficulty, secretly transmitting a message to the Lord of the Pit Realm.

“Good!” Suddenly, those around saw the Lord of the Pit Realm clap and laugh heartily. “Well, your opportunities are truly extraordinary!” He turned to the Black Flow figures. “Take good care of your disciple; he might bring honor to our Black Branch at the All Saints Assembly.”

Seeing the curiosity of the others, the Lord shook his head. “No need to ask more. This matter can be our secret weapon.”

Afterward, he returned to revise the roster. At least for now, Ji Feichen’s potential could not be treated as cannon fodder—if anything, he was high-grade fodder.

Black Flow watched the Lord of the Pit Realm leave and asked Ji Feichen, “What did you just tell the Sect Leader?”

Ji Feichen played coy: “Master, the Ancestor forbids speaking too much. Otherwise, if we fail at the All Saints Assembly, you would bear the blame.” In truth, the secret was nothing that couldn’t be shared.

He had received the Three Saints’ transmission in the Celestial Nether Palace. The Primordial Ancestor had helped him expand the Nirvana Palace, the Subtle Ancestor had instilled demon qi, and from the Yinming Great Sage, Ji Feichen had obtained a supreme skill: ‘Pathless Underworld River.’

Among the nine great ultimate skills of the Yinming Sect, this was reserved only for the Sect Leader’s lineage. Yet in the Celestial Nether Palace, Ji Feichen had the fortune to witness its evolution.

The Pathless Underworld River is the essence of the Yinming Sect’s cultivation method, manifesting the true underworld river that destroys all things, plunging them into the deathly void of non-existence.

Had Ji Feichen not previously cultivated the ‘Great Secret of Unity’ and early perfected the Underworld River Dao Fruit, he could never have understood this supreme skill’s development.

Ji Feichen intentionally told only the Lord of the Pit Realm. According to psychological theories from his past life, sharing a secret strengthens bonds.

Telling only the old Lord would instill a sense of superiority and confidence that he could “control” Ji Feichen’s fate, easing suspicion.

Black Flow was left empty-handed, while Black Pool laughed heartily beside him: “Brother, Ji’s right. Why ask so many questions? The Ancestor forbids it—are you going to disobey him?”

Mocking Black Flow was Black Pool’s favorite pastime. Moreover, he had his own ideas about Ji Feichen’s opportunities.

“If I ever take charge of the Black Branch, I’ll need capable people to rival the other four branches. Otherwise, how can I, a newly minted Earth Immortal, compete?”

He expressed goodwill to Ji Feichen, deliberately saying in front of Black Flow, “Our Yinming Sect doesn’t mind changing allegiances. Why don’t you talk to the Ancestor about joining us?”

Hearing this, Ji Feichen glanced at Black Flow, feigning reluctance.

Black Flow ignored them, snorted angrily, “The Ancestor just told me to look after him—didn’t you hear? Or do you refuse to obey?” With that, he strode away.

“Brother, why argue with Black Flow so?” Elder Black Source put on an act, then handed Ji Feichen a silvery jade slip. “Nephew, this is the ritual refinement method for the Moon Palace’s Ice Soul Aurora Thunder Technique. Take it first. As for the three hundred jin of cold sand, you can give it to me within a year.”

Seeing Ji Feichen favored by the Primordial Ancestor, Elder Black Source naturally wished to cultivate good relations. Ji Feichen respectfully accepted the jade slip. After seeing the two elders off, he returned to his quarters.

Over the next few days, Ji Feichen dealt with probes from various branches, finally growing weary and hastily packing to return to the Yunxiao Immortal Mansion.

That day marked the beginning of midsummer, the first day of the fifth lunar month. The Huangyang Demon Cult began moving around the ancient battlefield’s perimeter.

Seeing their ambushes and traps designed to force out the location of the Immortal Mansion, Ji Feichen thought, “Let them be reckless a while longer. When the immortals arrive, they’ll have a surprise in store.”

He then slipped into the Immortal Mansion.

Returning to the Moonlight Courtyard, he swaggered onto the Biyou Bed.

In recent days, with Sima Kang’s help, Mu Sheng had arranged the mansion meticulously. The mansion’s twelve Golden Boys and Jade Girls were finally enlivening the place. The two attendants at the forefront, Qingzhu and Chitao, were Ji Feichen’s personal attendants, stationed at the Moonlight Courtyard.

“Now that the immortals are coming to visit, some of those people at the gate must remain, but not all. Otherwise, it’ll look suspicious,” Ji Feichen mused. “I’ll give you a treasure. Go bind those demon cultivators at the gate. Remember, don’t kill them—capture and imprison them inside the mansion.”

“Imprison them? With those people?” Mu Sheng asked, referring to the demon cultivators Ji Feichen had confined for years.

“They’re still useful. Hide them deep within the mansion, away from prying eyes. This time, the captives will be sent to the Demon Suppression Tower as a gift for the Supreme Heaven Palace,” Ji Feichen explained with a smile. “The calamity is about to begin; the Supreme Heaven Palace needs people to offset the calamities from the Xuanyuan Sect. Sending a gift now will build good relations.”

Sima Kang frowned, overhearing the siblings’ private discussion. He felt a touch of sadness recalling the fate of his fellow sect members.

But then he thought, “I’ve been expelled and labeled a traitor. If not for this guy suppressing the blood oath, I’d likely be dead by now. Why care so much?”

His burden lifted, he silently watched the scene.

Ji Feichen handed Mu Sheng a celestial rope shimmering with golden light—the Binding Immortal Rope. Woven from eight strands of golden silkworm spirit silk, it corresponded to the principles of the Bagua’s eight cords. It could bind all postnatal Bagua items—a near-treasure-grade supreme magical tool.

This rope belonged to the Wood Dao. Mu Sheng was ecstatic upon seeing it and set off to capture the demons outside.