Kunling, the restricted zone cluster. Thick black fog hung heavy. In its innermost core, incomprehensible "phenomena" and indelible, terrifying "scenes" existed.
Whether it was Xiao Wu's old home or the auspicious beast once besieged by various path patriarchs, both had only been along the periphery of the restricted zones.
The deepest depths of the restricted zones were entirely uninhabitable; trespassers could hardly hope to leave alive.
In truth, as Yujing plummeted and bizarre occurrences manifested everywhere, the upper echelons of Night Province had gradually come to understand the true nature of the world's restricted zones.
Those incomprehensible "phenomena" and indelible "scenes" in the core of the restricted zones were all rooted in the Night Ruins.
In a sense, they were merely certain "outward manifestations" of the Night Ruins.
Yet what proved most terrifying was that the Night Ruins possessed thirty-six heavens in total. No one knew in which heaven these "phenomena" and "scenes" were actually rooted.
Now, as the Night Ruins drew ever closer to the mortal realm, its "manifestations" within the restricted zones became increasingly unpredictable and chilling.
And precisely against this backdrop, someone had actually chosen to refine a restricted zone, remaining in seclusion and treating it as a foundational element for attaining godhood.
One could only imagine the immense audacity of such a person—what vast power he sought to assimilate, and what lofty Dao fruit he intended to achieve.
Altering his own lifeform was evidently not his desire.
Four Earth Immortals arrived, venturing deep into the Kunling restricted zone cluster!
Perhaps only beings like them dared enter such an area. Anyone else would suffer sudden death at any moment, utterly incapable of traversing the core of a restricted zone.
Nian Songhe frowned. His white hair draped over his shoulders, his complexion ruddy. In this no-man's-land shrouded in pitch-black fog, even standing at the Seventh Realm, he felt a faint sense of unease.
"Is that... the Flower of Immortality?" Xiao Qingheng's red lips parted slightly, her focus drifting as she looked upon an abnormal spectacle in the deepest part of one restricted zone.
Amidst pitch-black clouds, a dazzling, wondrous flower swayed. Auspicious glow trickled like a gentle stream, yet also resembled thick, undiluted moonlight, flowing softly through the night sky.
What woman did not fear aging? Even an Earth Immortal had a finite lifespan, their life far shorter than mortals imagined. Naturally, she yearned for imperishable elegance.
The four even caught a wisp of refreshing fragrance. Was this not a "scene" rooted in the Night Ruins? Yet an actual trace of longevity medicine's aura drifted out, which was truly startling.
This meant that within the unknown Night Ruins, a Flower of Immortality very likely truly existed!
Most bewitching of all was that more than one Flower of Immortality blossomed there, resplendent and captivating.
Qi Yunding said, "Look closely at the terrain where its parent stalk takes root. That is actually... a mountain range of heads."
They opened their Earth Immortal Dharma eyes to behold the "truth." The parent stalk of the Flower of Immortality was colossal; otherwise, rooted atop pitch-black clouds, it would have been difficult to see at all.
The soil beneath the parent plant consisted of severed head after severed head. Some had already turned to white bone, while others still clung to flesh and blood. Beneath the roots of the Flower of Immortality, they resembled grains of "earth."
Among the mountains of heads lay the skulls of all manner of creatures, including legendary species, and even true spirit-level heads.
Mu Cangwu drew in a sharp breath of the night fog and said, "Which layer of the Night Ruins is this a 'manifestation' of? It must be from at least above the twentieth heaven, right?"
They explored and excavated as they advanced. The four Earth Immortals were searching for traces of that expert from the esoteric sect.
When they entered another restricted zone, all four were stunned into silence.
Only after a long while did Nian Songhe break the quiet, remarking, "The 'scene' here is quite terrifying and unfathomable. In which heaven of the Night Ruins is this one rooted?"
Ahead, boundless black fog churned. Within it ran a massive fissure that emitted a soft glow, revealing some of what lay inside.
In the illuminated expanse stood magnificent mountains and rivers. A Golden Crow crossed the sky, acting as a sun to shine down upon all living things, while majestic cities dotted the earth.
It was an entirely flourishing, profoundly prosperous vista.
Yet the four Earth Immortals peered at its "original form." Outside the glowing fissure, the black fog was exceedingly dense, and through the haze, they glimpsed the faint outline of a coffin.
That vast expanse of splendid mountains and rivers was merely a sight revealed through a parted crack in an ancient, black, and long-decayed coffin.
"This..." How could they not be shaken? Unavoidably, all sorts of thoughts arose in their minds.
The four Earth Immortals composed themselves and pressed on, finally catching faint traces left by the ruthless expert of the esoteric sect.
Qi Yunding said, "Without the Sky-Patrolling Mirror, finding him would have been genuinely difficult."
It was an ancient artifact, its front smooth and its back engraved with intricate patterns. While lacking supreme offensive power, it held miraculous efficacy for tracing recent "past scenes" and capturing spiritual sources, making it an extraordinarily rare and precious treasure.
Without a doubt, the four Earth Immortals were exceedingly vigilant and deeply on guard.
Every time they traced a path or excavated deep into a restricted zone, they conducted exhaustive tests and observed their surroundings from all angles to prevent any unexpected mishap.
"This must be the ninth restricted zone. He truly went from one to the next. Could he have traversed every single restricted zone?" The four Earth Immortals began to act, digging deep into the earth until they uncovered a patch of scorched soil.
They channeled the Sky-Patrolling Mirror. Within its surface, the image revealed that a small fragment of human skin and some viscous fluid had once been left here, but the person had been cautious and refined it all away before departing.
Nian Songhe's snow-white brows furrowed. "Could he truly have succeeded in his transformation? Becoming a god of the Seventh Realm without altering his lifeform?"
"Not necessarily. He seems flawed and might not have stepped into the Seventh Realm yet. Look closely—he must have left in a hurry, and only a short while ago. He realized we were looking for him."
"Is the Dao brother of the esoteric sect present? We bear no ill will. We come today only to visit a friend," Xiao Qingheng called softly, smoothing her hair. Though over nine hundred years old, she still retained her youthful beauty.
Qi Yunding spoke. "No need to shout. This person is exceedingly cautious. Before attaining true godhood, he likely won't show his face. He has probably left the Kunling restricted zone cluster. This further proves he hasn't fully succeeded and has major issues."
Mu Cangwu nodded. "With the Sky-Patrolling Mirror in hand and having captured his aura here, we have a high probability of tracking his movements."
The four Earth Immortals conferred in secret and decided to pursue him relentlessly.
"In an era where Heavenly Gods cannot be born, an Earth God's standing is already exceptionally high, yet that is not his ambition. His aspirations are truly far too grand."
***
The esoteric sect already knew the four Earth Immortals had crossed the night fog into the depths of the Kunling restricted zone cluster. A few individuals had followed cautiously behind.
When they arrived and stood in the outer perimeter, gazing upon the traces of excavation deep in the restricted zone, their cultivation and strength allowed them to glimpse only a single corner.
Yet that was enough to prove that the four old monsters had made their move in the restricted zone cluster!
"This... the four Earth Immortals are actually digging up that legendary fierce figure of our esoteric sect?"
"They truly have no scruples! They dare act anywhere!"
In an instant, an uproar broke out in all directions.
Within the esoteric sect, many were filled with righteous indignation. Were the four old monsters intending to sever the foundation of a peerless Seventh Realm powerhouse?
Many youths walking the path to godhood clenched their fists, their blood boiling as they hated their own powerlessness to alter this cruel reality.
"Who can save the pillar of our esoteric sect? He is a future monument of the divine path. Someone wants to harm him now; they must be stopped!"
In the esoteric sect, several youths and vigorous adults rushed about, seeking strong reinforcements. Yet currently, even the patriarchs of the various paths had grown quiet due to severe ailments, nowhere to be seen. Who in this world dared face top-tier Earth Immortals whose bodies were entirely sound?
Presently, there was no solution!
After the great environmental shift, full-fledged Earth Immortals walked the world, wielding supreme lethal armaments like Dao chains. Who dared oppose them?
"Truly, no one can stop them. Alas!" Some elders sighed.
Moreover, shortly thereafter, a major event unfolded.
While tracking the peerless ruthless expert of the esoteric sect, the four Earth Immortals broke into a medium-sized restricted zone and clashed with a clan residing there, suppressing them with absolute dominance.
There were many restricted zones throughout the world, and mysterious species inhabited their perimeters. They maintained contact with one another and formed a Restricted Zone Alliance.
Just as when Qin Ming had gone to Black-White Mountain in search of sacred baleful aura and accidentally wandered deep into the restricted zone with Old Man Liu and the red squirrel, it had coincided with Black-White Mountain lifting its five-hundred-year seal and hosting old acquaintances. Many restricted zone species had attended the feast back then.
Qin Ming had witnessed it firsthand. The members of this Restricted Zone Alliance were quite numerous—such as the silver giant rat occupying the Dark Abyss, the nine-headed bird occupying Tongtian Mountain, and the Giant Spirit God occupying Death Valley... all had attended.
When the four Earth Immortals entered the Tongtian Mountain restricted zone, the Sixth Realm patriarch of the nine-headed bird clan emerged, and even an awakened demon god appeared. Not knowing the identities of the four old monsters, their words lacked deference, resulting in the clan's strongest expert being struck dead on the spot!
"A mere lesser god dares act insolently?" Those were Qi Yunding's exact words, terrifying this powerful race.
In the end, the nine-headed bird clan's Sixth Realm master was bound by Dharma chains, and the entire clan was brought to heel, kneeling before the four Earth Immortals to pledge total submission.
This incident sent shockwaves everywhere, creating intense unease across major organizations.
Half a day later, two more restricted zones were consecutively suppressed by the four Earth Immortals. This sparked a massive uproar, casting deep panic across the surface of Night Province.
The four Earth Immortals walked the world without equal; all creation submitted!
At this moment, the four old monsters frowned slightly and quickened their pace. They had nearly pinned down the esoteric sect's fierce figure, only for him to evade them once more.
Along the way, they also stopped by several prominent clans, such as the thousand-year-old Zheng family, who surrendered on the spot.
By now, everyone knew that Earth Immortals had descended, displaying their immortal majesty. Any major faction that had not gone into hiding or hibernation by this point was making an unmistakable show of voluntary allegiance.
The Zheng family believed that if any experts from their clan could follow the Earth Immortals into the heavens, it would be a fine choice.
They knew well that ninety percent of their clan would remain on the ground, and that doing so would render them completely safe.
In truth, looking at the people of the Zheng family, the four Earth Immortals all furrowed their brows and ultimately sighed, tossing them to their disciples to inspect and see if any required prodigies could be chosen.
Xiao Qingheng looked into the distance and remarked, "Eh? There seems to be five-colored divine light passing over there, brimming with spirituality. Could there be a subterranean secret aperture?"
Undoubtedly, without the Sky-Patrolling Mirror, the four Earth Immortals truly would not have noticed that ripple of the five elements.
The old palace master of the Five Elements Palace felt an immense headache. He had already left the ancestral court and hidden away in this rather desolate area, yet someone had still tracked him down. What a dreadful disaster.
"Is this a side estate of the Five Elements Palace? A sect without a Sixth Realm expert holding down the fort. Still, your body flows with respectable Dao rhyme, showing your heritage is decent."
The four old monsters had originally concluded their assessment of the Newborn path and had not thought much of the Five Elements Palace, mainly because this lineage had never produced a Sixth Realm patriarch.
Now, they had tracked their way here and halted in the courtyard, their eyes showing curiosity.
The old palace master of the Five Elements Palace personally walked out, showing obvious signs of aging. He was currently afflicted with illness, his face pale, with virtually no hope left of reaching the Sixth Realm in his lifetime.
He coughed, blood staining the corner of his mouth.
"Greetings, seniors." The old palace master welcomed the four with utmost courtesy.
"There is actually a good sapling here—it is no subterranean secret aperture!" Xiao Qingheng remarked in surprise. The spiritual glow in the Sky-Patrolling Mirror had actually originated from a youth practicing cultivation in the rear mountain.
The four Earth Immortals then soared into the air, heading straight over.
"Not good! He was discovered after all. My disciple has never stepped into the outside world—how could they have set their sights on him?" The old palace master grew anxious, mounted a black peacock, and immediately followed.
That was his closed-door disciple, the bearer of his highest hopes. The youth possessed a Five Elements Spirit Body, naturally suited for cultivating scriptures related to the five elements, with an immeasurable future ahead.
Nian Songhe appeared celestial and profound, his white hair drifting, and smiled kindly. "Very good. Child, do not be afraid. We shall bestow a blessing upon you, granting you brilliance above the nine heavens. You may ascend to the heavens with us."
The youth possessed delicate features, his flesh and blood brimming with five-elements spiritual light, catching the Earth Immortal's eye at first glance.
A chain of order flew from Nian Songhe's fingertip, sinking into the bewildered youth's body.
"Senior, please show mercy! You may take this old man instead..." In the distance, Jiang Hai, the old palace master of the Five Elements Palace, panicked. He had heard of Dharma chains and Dao chains—once bound by them, one could never break free.
Even if one became a Heavenly God in the future, one would have to serve obediently in the heavens, forever stripped of freedom.
"You are too old. Even if you ascended to the heavens, you wouldn't have many years left to live." Nian Songhe shook his head.
The old palace master, Jiang Hai, pleaded, "Senior, I should be able to break into the Sixth Realm. Take me up in his place, and let this child go!"
Earth Immortal Qi Yunding shook his head flatly and said, "Even if you break through to the Sixth Realm, you would be nothing more than a drudge. He is different; the path of a Five Elements Spirit Body is vast and wide."
"Master, I don't want to ascend to the heavens!" the youth Zhong Sheng cried out, his face pale.
"Child, do not fear. Your future holds infinite possibilities. Come with us." The four Earth Immortals swept up the youth Zhong Sheng and took flight, having already planted the divine chain within his body.
"Master, save me!" The youth wept loudly. His face was still tender; he did not wish to journey far, nor did he want to part with his master.
The old palace master, Jiang Hai, spat a mouthful of blood. Watching the youth he treated like his own flesh and blood reach out to him and cry for help, his body staggered, nearly collapsing.
"My good disciple!" Jiang Hai's old tears streamed down, deeply feeling his own impotence.
On that day, soul-crushed and with blood trailing from his mouth, he departed the place, softly calling his disciple's name in utter desolation.
He knew that even if Zhong Sheng achieved great things in the future, he would be nothing more than a servant to certain figures in the heavens, never again a free soul. His heart tore with grief.
Soon, people on the outside discovered him. Once the news spread, the various factions grew even more unsettled.
"This crosses the line!" someone muttered.
The patriarchs of the various paths had not fully withdrawn from Night Province. From safe vantage points, some were even watching the four Earth Immortals from afar.
"Did those who ascended gain anything?"
"The situation is exceedingly grim. Among the revived mountain peaks in the heavens, each harbors more than a single Earth Immortal!"
Several patriarchs conferred in secret.
Without question, they were bold. Had it not been for their wariness toward those unseen old Earth Immortals in the heavens, some hot-tempered patriarchs would have launched their moves on the ground long ago.
"This leaves us helpless!"
"We should also ascend to the heavens to take a look. We must find another way."
***
Near Gengjin City in Dayu, Qin Ming was present not far from an entrance to the Night Ruins. He was already aware of recent events.
When he heard that the old palace master of the Five Elements Palace had coughed up blood and wandered desolately through the outside world, endlessly calling his disciple's name, he was deeply touched.
For it brought to mind Elder Jin Yu of the Five Elements Palace, who had once shown him great kindness.
Back on the western battlefield—the Plain of Divine Demise—both Yu Gensheng and Jin Yu had taken great care of him. Regrettably, Jin Yu had fallen in battle.
In his heart, Qin Ming had always held goodwill toward the Five Elements Palace.
"This world, and these Earth Immortals!" Qin Ming turned toward a subterranean secret aperture, deciding to reenter the Night Ruins to see what he could do.
"Those entities waiting to revive inside the ancient almighty being's cave estate in the deep sea—are they strong enough? Xie Jinglan, Qi Daozhen, I'm giving you a chance to prove yourselves!"
***
Above the nine heavens, a group of patriarchs gathered.
"Alas, what a pity. Our reputation is rather tarnished. When we contacted those Earth Immortals from the outer realms, not a single one paid us any heed."
"Preposterous! Those people always assume we intend to harm them!"
The group was helpless. They wanted to find allies and band together, but it proved impossible.
They kept constant watch over developments on the ground. Several times they felt the opportunity was ripe and wished to strike against the four Earth Immortals, yet they were forced to hold back.
Unless the problems in the heavens were resolved, acting alone on the ground would leave endless future trouble.
Suddenly, all the patriarchs fell silent, crouching behind the Heaven-Anchoring Divine Stakes.
Ahead, in the sea of night fog, two indistinct humanoid figures appeared. Both of their bodies stiffened slightly as they sensed the chill before them.
One of them had a physique like a small mountain, towering a head taller than ordinary men. The other was a rather imposing old man, riding upon the back of a Great Red Dragon.
"The Old Barbarian God!"
"That sage from Pugong!"
Unquestionably, the patriarchs of Night Province recognized the rider through the Great Red Dragon.
In fact, a few patriarchs had even seen him five hundred years ago!
As for the Old Barbarian God, the group of patriarchs was no stranger to him either, having paid visits to his old nest and seen his divine statues and portraits.
The silk book method patriarch drew in a breath of the night fog. Looking at the Heaven-Anchoring Divine Stakes in the dense mist and then at that group of figures, he said, "Sure enough, when children go quiet, they must be up to no good!"
He had been wondering where that bunch of old rascals on the ground had vanished to, only to encounter them here after ascending to the heavens!
The Old Barbarian God's expression turned somewhat unfriendly. He cast a few glances at the shadowy figures ahead. His home being robbed had definitely not been the work of a single group; besides the scoundrels in the heavens making trouble, that notorious bunch from Night Province had almost certainly taken part as well.
He secretly transmitted his voice to the old sage: "Just a bunch of greenhorns. Are you actually wary of them?"
"Do you see those thirty-six divine stakes? They can send you on your way," the old sage warned him against speaking recklessly.
The Great Red Dragon widened its eyes, looking at the crowd that had suddenly popped up opposite them. Why did they seem so similar in style to its old master?
The Old Barbarian God said, "Don't tell me your reluctance to enter Night Province has something to do with them."
The silk book method patriarch smiled faintly. He was far too familiar with the customs of his homeland. He hailed from Night Province himself; how could he not recognize their generational tactics? If he grew careless and caused misunderstandings, something truly might happen to him.
He secretly replied to the Old Barbarian God, "How do you know none among them have produced a Seventh Realm expert?"
"Don't misjudge! Friendly dragon here—let's chat!" It was actually the Great Red Dragon that called out first.
***
On the ground, the four Earth Immortals pursued the esoteric sect's peerless expert, nearly locking onto him several times, only to miss him through unexpected turns.
Not long after, as they passed by the lands of another thousand-year-old clan, they halted once more. The four descended upon the Cui family.
The Cui family was very straightforward, proactively pledging allegiance and expressing willingness to submit, respectfully welcoming the four old monsters into their estate.
"We hear your Cui family has two true dragons. Where are they?"
"They are traveling abroad and have not yet returned," the Cui family Grandmaster said, bowing deeply. He felt entirely uncertain inside; they were willing to submit, but they did not want Cui Chonghe and Cui Chongxiao bound by Dao chains.
An elder of the Cui family mustered his courage to speak: "Seniors, although everyone in the world admires you Earth Immortals and reveres heavenly majesty, some are rather apprehensive, fearing that being bound by Dharma chains will deprive them of lifelong freedom. In truth..."
He tactfully suggested that instead of taking such a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach, if they provided a more lenient atmosphere, many extraordinary prodigies might willingly head above the nine heavens.
"What you say holds some truth," Nian Songhe nodded. He had naturally noticed that the people on the ground were not sufficiently cooperative, biased from the start by fears that their future paths would be severed.
Descending to the mortal realm, the four Earth Immortals' methods might indeed have been too extreme and rushed; a gentler approach would have been more appropriate.
Thus, they lingered a bit at the Cui family, chatting a little longer.
Mu Cangwu even brought up Taiyi.
The Cui family Grandmaster put on an expression of deep contemplation, then spoke: "Senior, in the lands around Night Province, if one speaks of who is strongest in the first realm, it truly is not the two dragons of our Cui family, nor is it likely Little Rulai, Jiang Ran, Tang Yushang, or Chunyangzi. Rather, it is very likely... Qin Ming!"
He sighed. "Though I hold no goodwill toward him, I must admit that aside from him, hardly anyone across the surface of Night Province could claim first place in the first realm. At this moment, he might be at Black-White Mountain; he should be found there."
The four Earth Immortals neither agreed nor disagreed, departing shortly thereafter.
However, as they set off once more to pursue the traces of the esoteric sect's fierce figure, their route took them by Black-White Mountain.
"Hm? What is that panda gnawing on? It is actually an ethereal bamboo shoot! What a reckless waste of celestial treasure, treating it as ordinary fodder!"
Deep within Black-White Mountain, they discovered an endearingly clumsy black-and-white bear—silly, cute, and round—sprawled out on its back, gnawing on a precious bamboo shoot.
"What are you staring at?" The chubby black-and-white bear noticed them instantly, immediately growing alert and rolling to sit upright.
Nian Songhe reached out, grasping toward it.
*Clang!* Though the black-and-white bear was exceedingly fat, its movements were as swift as thunder. In a flash, it drew the green bamboo sword from its back and slashed directly outward.
*Squelch!* Amid a muffled grunt, one of the Earth Immortal's hands was severed, falling away as bright, resplendent blood burst into blinding immortal light, illuminating the entire mountain range.
Chapter 466