Xu Ying had always been a vicious thug at heart, prone to vicious impulses at the slightest provocation. It was only because the other shore was thick with mighty experts that he had behaved himself a little better.
Now that Lingxuzi had drawn his saber against him twice, swaggering and flaunting his might, Xu Ying could not help but glare with ferocious menace.
The long saber flashed like white silk, blindingly bright. Previously when Lingxuzi struck, wherever the saber light shone, all things transformed. After three months apart, as he swung his blade once more, all things shifted frantically even without the saber light shining upon them!
Wherever the Dao power of Creation blanketed, it seemed as if the earth itself had gained life; the metals, stones, grass, and trees upon the ground sprang to life one after another, feeding power into Lingxuzi!
Even the sun and moon in the sky turned into living behemoths, sending the forces of Lunar and Solar flooding in an endless stream into the saber!
The might of this strike far surpassed before!
Before, when he swung his saber down, Xu Ying had pinched it between two fingers and pushed him back with a flick of a finger.
Yet now, wherever the reach of his saber extended, even Xu Ying sensed danger.
"A Dao Master cultivating anew advances in cultivation and strength far too quickly!"
Inside Xu Ying's body, the Hongyuan rotated, unifying the Nine Daos. Dao power poured into his palm, and lo and behold, heaven and earth inverted—up, down, left, and right completely flipped!
Just a moment ago, Lingxuzi's strike had cleaved toward his skull, but now it struck from below upward. Even Lingxuzi was flipped upside down, head below and feet above!
Xu Ying pressed his palm force downward to meet the saber light. The moment palm and blade collided, a large gash was actually carved into his palm, but the wound snapped shut immediately after, not a single drop of Dao blood spilling out!
The divine saber of creation shattered with crisp pops. Jolted backward repeatedly by the impact, Lingxuzi praised, "Xu Ying, you truly are capable—worthy of my full strength!"
Xu Ying's expression darkened. "Full strength?"
Taking a step forward, he flipped his hand, and it was as if the Chaos Sea itself plummeted from the heavens, crushing down toward Lingxuzi!
Shocked, Lingxuzi surged all his Dao power and raised his hand to block head-on. The moment they made contact, his entire skeleton popped and cracked under the crushing weight.
He let out an enraged roar and bolstered himself with Dao power. Instantly, his physical body grew vaster and mightier. Though he did not cultivate the Dao of Force, his physical strength was peerless in this world, forcibly propping up Xu Ying's palm force!
The muscles on his legs bulged and swelled again and again, and the muscles on his arms coiled like dragons. Where he had once been a handsome man, he now looked like the mightiest god-fiend of the present world!
Even Grand Dao Lord Shenmo fell short in comparison!
Such was the wonder of augmenting oneself with the Dao power of Creation: concentrating the power of Creation in a single body could rival the Daos of Gods and Fiends.
Xu Ying bowed, and the Firmament of Divine Powers erupted, unleashing thousands upon thousands of divine powers that bombarded forward!
Lingxuzi roared at the top of his lungs. From the Creation cave abyss behind his head, countless immortal treasures flew out—mostly magic treasures such as sabers, spears, swords, halberds, axes, battleaxes, hooks, and forks, along with flying-locust stones, arrow feathers, and the like. The moment they emerged, they gained life, swooping and darting about to clash against the Firmament of Divine Powers!
What he displayed was actually an Extreme Realm of the Great Dao as well, known as the Extreme Creation Realm!
Xu Ying's Firmament of Divine Powers collided with his formation of magic treasures, obliterating space and time. Coughing up blood, Lingxuzi was blasted flying backward.
Xu Ying threw a punch, instantly sundering the space around Lingxuzi as thousands of fists struck at him from every direction in an instant!
Light flashed within the Creation cave abyss behind Lingxuzi's head, and one Lingxuzi after another suddenly leapt forth, each defending to ward off the blow.
"Xu Ying, let me show you the true Dao of Creation—what it means to be the bodily equal of the Great Dao!"
More and more Lingxuzis flew out of that Creation cave abyss, soaring up one after another to pounce toward Xu Ying.
Suddenly, an incomparably bright Ring of Reincarnation sliced open space and time, pulling every Lingxuzi into reincarnation!
The cycle spun, and each Lingxuzi plunged into reincarnation, one after another being annihilated in an instant!
"The Dao of Creation conceals within it the Dao of Fortune! Great fortune graces my body—I shall not fall into reincarnation!"
Lingxuzi's true body catalyzed the Dao of Fortune, transforming into a long saber to conquer strength with weakness, actually cleaving open the Ring of Reincarnation and breaking free!
"Then I shall sever your fortune!"
Xu Ying flicked his finger, and Dao power of calamitous destiny shot forth, piercing right through Lingxuzi's physical body. Panic gripped Lingxuzi's heart as he felt his painstakingly tempered Dao of Fortune wiped out entirely!
"Though I was a Dao Master in my past life and possess the experience of one, in this life I am still only an Immortal after all, unable to contend with him. Better to flee!"
Lingxuzi leapt up and fled into the distance.
"Thinking of leaving?"
Xu Ying coiled and extended his body, already growing until he towered between heaven and earth. As he splayed his five fingers, hundreds of millions of li of space and time collapsed toward his hand!
Lingxuzi looked back in terror, seeing that Xu Ying's hand was like a Hongyuan that destroyed everything, the Dao power of Nirvanic Extinction madly swirling within, churning everything to pieces!
Even the space and time he occupied was torn away, plunging toward Xu Ying's hand!
"The Dao of Nirvanic Extinction! He has mastered the Dao of Nirvanic Extinction! I'll be refined away!"
He flew with all his might, yet drew ever closer to Xu Ying. Just as he was about to fall into the Hongyuan of Nirvanic Extinction and perish, a palm seal came flying swiftly, colliding heavily against Xu Ying's palm!
Xu Ying's body swayed slightly, the Hongyuan in his palm annihilating. A look of surprise surfaced on his face: "The Dao of Hongmeng from the Nine Innate Daos!"
What was contained in that palm seal was precisely the Dao power of Hongmeng. Hongmeng cleaved through chaos and evolved into the Wuji, possessing extraordinary power. Even Xu Ying's Hongyuan of Nirvanic Extinction had been annihilated by the other party's Hongmeng Dao power. The newcomer's strength was far greater than Lingxuzi's.
A pale pink figure flew over, caught hold of Lingxuzi, and retreated, putting distance between them and Xu Ying.
"Fellow Daoist Xu, Lingxuzi has given great offense. I hope you will let bygones be bygones!"
The speaker was a woman. Her long dress cascaded like lotus petals; as she walked, her footsteps were unseen, and her posture was like a blooming lotus, exquisitely dazzling.
Xu Ying's heart stirred. "Another person of Tianjing. Likely another Dao Master of Tianjing."
He was not yet willing to fall out with the Dao Venerable of Tianjing, so he suppressed the killing intent in his chest and said, "Lingxuzi attacked me twice without cause, his techniques vicious, eager to take my life. Were it not for some skill on my part, I would have died by his hands. As for letting bygones be bygones, I am not quite that magnanimous. But for your sake, lady, I shall spare him this once."
Lingxuzi was about to speak when he coughed up a huge mouthful of blood with a retch.
Seeing this, the lotus-dressed woman hurriedly inspected his Dao injuries and could not help but frown slightly. Lingxuzi's Dao injuries were very troublesome: though he had not been swallowed by the Hongyuan of Nirvanic Extinction, the Dao of Nirvanic Extinction had invaded his body, leaving behind no small hidden danger.
And his Dao injuries did not end there—there were also the wounds inflicted by the Dao of Calamitous Destiny, which had cut away Lingxuzi's cultivation in fortune and wrought significant damage to his Dao of Creation.
Beyond that, residual chaotic qi lingered within him.
"Why did you have to provoke Xu Ying for no good reason?"
The lotus-dressed woman had no idea how to resolve these Dao injuries either. Looking at Xu Ying's attitude, he certainly would not help heal Lingxuzi. Fortunately, Lingxuzi's life was not in immediate danger for the time being.
"Lingxuzi, leave first," the lotus-dressed woman whispered.
Suppressing his injuries, Lingxuzi glared fiercely at Xu Ying and leapt away.
The lotus-dressed woman stepped forward and said apologetically, "Lingxuzi acts rashly. I offer an apology to Fellow Daoist Xu on his behalf."
Xu Ying did not stop her, accepting her bow outright, and asked, "How should I address you, fellow Daoist? And how did you come to know of me?"
The lotus-dressed woman smiled. "This humble one is Gong Jiexuan, Daoist moniker Lianshu. I had already heard Fellow Daoist Xu's name from the Dao Venerable when the Great Daos of Tianjing first began to revive. Later, when the Dao Venerable expounded the Dharma, I attended the lectures and also heard that Fellow Daoist Xu traveled to Tianjing to debate the Dharma and discuss the Dao with him, which left a deep impression on me."
Xu Ying grunted softly. "So that's how it is. Lady Gong, this is no place to linger. Let us walk and talk. Were you a Dao Master back then, Lady Gong?"
Gong Jiexuan shook her head. "I was not a Dao Master. I practiced the Dao of Hongmeng, but before I could attain the Dao Master realm, all my cultivation was dissolved away, leaving me with only comprehension."
The two walked side by side away from the area. Xu Ying inquired, "Can those in the Immortal realm also be revived when heaven and earth's Great Daos revive?"
Gong Jiexuan smiled. "Of course. Immortals embody the Dao, becoming the bodily equal of the Great Dao. When the Great Dao ebbs, the Great Daos of heaven and earth turn to nothingness along with it, and Immortals are no exception. When the Great Dao rises at high tide and the Great Daos of heaven and earth recover, Immortals revive along with them."
Xu Ying nodded gently and voiced his doubt. "With Tianjing's Great Daos reviving, all your cultivations can recover accordingly. Why, then, come to the other shore to cultivate? The other shore is far more perilous than Tianjing, after all."
Gong Jiexuan replied, "The Dao Venerable said one must not put all one's eggs in one basket. If all four Dao Masters descend upon Tianjing at once, the people of Tianjing will all die. Therefore, the Dao Venerable sent us to cultivate on the other shore. Moreover, knowing oneself and knowing the enemy ensures victory in a hundred battles; entering the other shore allows us to understand the progress of their Daos and methods as well."
Enlightened, Xu Ying nodded repeatedly.
Gong Jiexuan said, "Fellow Daoist Xu's progress in Dao arts is truly astonishing. I heard that when the Dao Venerable discussed the Dao with you, your accomplishments were not yet particularly exalted. To think that in such a short time, your cultivation and strength have risen to such heights—it is truly admirable."
Xu Ying replied modestly, "Had it not been for the Dao Venerable's guidance, I would never have made such rapid progress. Xu Ying will never forget the Dao Venerable's grace of instruction."
Gong Jiexuan smiled. "The Dao Venerable cherishes talent like his very life and thirsts for talent deeply. Seeing your extraordinary aptitude, he naturally guided you with great care."
She paused, then added, "My identity is rather sensitive, so I will not converse with you any longer. Farewell."
"Farewell." Xu Ying bowed.
The two parted ways and went their separate paths.
Gong Jiexuan turned back and looked toward the direction Xu Ying had departed. Her delicate brows knitted slightly as she murmured, "Xu Ying's progress is so swift, his Dao arts soaring. He will inevitably transmit the Daos and arts he knows into the Three Realms. Will the Three Realms become another 'other shore' to Tianjing?"
After parting with Gong Jiexuan, Xu Ying's expression flickered between light and dark. He hesitated for a moment, then abruptly changed direction. Rather than heading to the next forbidden zone to look for Grand Dao Lord Taiyi, he made for Biyou Palace.
Biyou Palace was not located in Daoji Heaven, but in the outer reaches of the heavens on the frontier of the other shore's mortal realm—a remote and bitterly cold land.
Xu Ying arrived outside Biyou Palace and saw that it was enshrouded in exceptionally heavy qi of slaughter. Evidently, under the influence of the other shore's calamitous destiny over the years, the Dao of Slaughter had likewise risen like a ship lifted by rising waters.
Xu Ying bowed and called out, "Brother Tongtian, Xu Ying requests an audience."
Where the palace gates swung open, a tall, slender Daoist in green robes walked out, solemn and unsmiling. "It is rare for Fellow Daoist Xu to visit an old friend. Please."
Xu Ying followed him into the palace. The palace was cool and austere, devoid of any worldly atmosphere; clearly, only this old Daoist lived here alone.
Xu Ying asked, "Has Brother Dao been out recently?"
"I have not gone out," Daoist Tongtian said. "There is no need for me to step outside; the trends of slaughter throughout the world can hardly escape my ears and eyes. Calamitous destiny weighs heavily upon the other shore, and slaughter rises everywhere. Even Dao Masters inevitably find themselves ensnared in the catastrophe. With calamitous destiny hard to dispel, a slaughter tribulation is bound to break out sooner or later. As the Dao Master of Slaughter, it is only proper that I preside here and prepare for what is to come."
He looked Xu Ying up and down, frowning slightly. "Fellow Daoist Xu, you achieved the Dao through slaughter, yet in recent years you have shown no progress. Now that my Dao of Slaughter flourishes, you should comprehend the somber qi of slaughter in this universe if you wish to take another step forward."
Xu Ying bowed in thanks. "Thank you for the guidance. My visit today comes with an audacious request."
Dao Master Tongtian gazed at him without speaking.
Xu Ying continued, "I wish to invite Fellow Daoists Xuhuang, Yuxu, Yuqing, and the others to leave Tianjing and return to the Three Realms, but I fear they will be hunted down on their journey back. Therefore, I wish to request Brother Dao's assistance."
Dao Master Tongtian said, "Dao Master Hua and the others wish to discover the location of the Three Realms. If they learn that those people intend to return to the Three Realms, they certainly will not stop them; they will only follow."
Having said this, he said no more.
Xu Ying hesitated, then nodded gently. "I suspect that those who hunt them down will not be Dao Master Hua and his faction."
He paused, then bowed. "This matter concerns the lives of Xuhuang and the others, as well as the heritage they are bringing back to the Three Realms. It is of grave significance, giving me no choice but to act with utmost caution. Nor can I be certain whether pursuers will come, which is why I can only trouble you, Fellow Daoist."
A cold glint flashed in Dao Master Tongtian's eyes. "I understand. That person will be somewhat difficult. But I will act."
Xu Ying bowed again.
Dao Master Tongtian paid him no further heed, bringing out the Zhuxian Sword and dedicating himself wholly to consecrating it.
The big bell had originally wanted to chat with this disciple of his, but seeing this, could only give up on the idea.
Xu Ying did not rush to leave Biyou Palace. Instead, he sat down within the hall, allowing his primordial spirit to exit his body and slip into the void. Catalyzing the Void Pendant, he arrived in the Void Realm after only moments.
Within the Void Realm, disciples from the Three Realms were still pursuing their studies and delving into Dao arts; Dao Ancestor Yuxu and others would occasionally come here to teach.
Xu Ying waited for several days until Heavenly Venerable Taiyi entered the Void Realm to deliver a lecture. Catching sight of Xu Ying, he was pleasantly surprised and smiled. "Fellow Daoist Xu, it has been quite a few days since we last met."
Xu Ying had no time for pleasantries and said, "Brother Dao, could you please invite Xuhuang here for a meeting? I have an urgent matter to discuss."
Seeing his solemn countenance, Heavenly Venerable Taiyi prepared to return and fetch Xuhuang at once. Xu Ying added, "When Brother Dao goes to see Xuhuang, do not panic; remain as calm and composed as possible."
Heavenly Venerable Taiyi was puzzled, but complied nonetheless.
Before long, Xuhuang's primordial spirit arrived in the Void Realm.
Xu Ying said, "I implore you, Xuhuang, to lead all the Dao Ancestors and Buddha Ancestors back to the Three Realms this very day!"
Xuhuang was baffled. "Why such haste? We have always wanted to return and visit, but the Dao Venerable repeatedly urges us to stay, saying Tianjing has not yet stabilized and needs our help to resist the other shore. We acquired our Dao arts from Tianjing; if we leave rashly, wouldn't we be betraying what we have learned?"
Xu Ying said, "The other shore and Tianjing have forged a Chaos Oath, so there is no need to fear an invasion from the other shore. The Three Realms, on the other hand, is about to run aground on the other shore. I fear the Three Realms lacks mighty experts to hold down the fort, which is why I wish to ask all of you to return and preside there."
Hearing this, Xuhuang said, "If that is so, then I shall take my leave of the Dao Venerable."
Xu Ying pressed down on his hand. "It is best not to alert the Dao Venerable to this matter. If he is alerted and continues to urge you to stay, complications will arise. Once you return, leave immediately!"
Xuhuang looked straight into his eyes. "What on earth is going on?"
Xu Ying smiled. "It's nothing major. However, once you enter the Chaos Sea, if a strange Dao light appears behind you, do not linger—just head straight for the Three Realms. Someone will naturally step in to hold it off for you."
Xuhuang frowned, but followed his instructions to make preparations.
Xu Ying's primordial spirit returned to his physical body. Rising to his feet, he placed down an emerald rock multi-decked vessel and said, "I trouble you, Brother Dao."
Dao Master Tongtian stood up and said calmly, "Go on about your business."
Chapter 830