Beyond the sky canopy, Ancestor Ziyuan hovered in place, his gaze profound.
His eyes fell upon Qi Yuan.
When he saw Qi Yuan go to see Ziyuan Daxue, the corners of his mouth could not help but twitch.
His heart, which had remained as calm as an ancient well for countless years, suddenly began to churn with unrest.
*Is there... something wrong with this fellow?*
Indeed, Qi Yuan had secretly sought out Ziyuan Daxue.
The moment he opened his mouth, he asked, "I'd like to ask you about something!"
About what?
"Does the old ancestor have a long-lost father wandering around out there?"
*Huh?*
"The meeting gift the old ancestor gave me was Black Demon Ancestral Blood. He's treating me far too well, so I'm getting a little suspicious..."
Seeing Ziyuan Daxue was one thing, but then he went around to the street sweepers, the trash dumpers, and the fishermen.
Whenever he ran into anyone, he hit them with the same one-two punch:
*Does the old ancestor have a father left behind out there?*
*The meeting gift the old ancestor gave me was Black Demon Ancestral Blood!*
Indeed, he questioned every passerby he came across, scaring quite a few cultivators in Ziyuan Heaven out of their wits.
He did not even spare unborn babies still resting in their mothers' bellies.
Speaking straight through the mothers' wombs, he announced that the old ancestor had gifted him Black Demon Ancestral Blood and asked whether the old ancestor had an old ancestor of his own left behind out in the world.
In short, within half a day, thousands of people across Ziyuan Heaven had been questioned by Qi Yuan.
At this moment, atop a precipitous mountain peak, crimson magma flowed freely, radiating thick waves of heat.
The earth was cracked and parched, bubbles occasionally surfacing from the molten rock.
Qi Yuan brought himself to a halt.
An unkind voice rang in his ear: "What did you come to my place for?"
The speaker was none other than An Xunlu.
Her expression was icy, arms crossed over her chest, eyeing Qi Yuan with a hint of wariness.
After all, she had provoked Qi Yuan just a few days ago, so his sudden arrival naturally made her suspect he had come to seek revenge.
"I came here because I wanted to ask you about something!" Qi Yuan said covertly.
An Xunlu narrowed her eyes. "What is it?"
"Do you know if the old ancestor has a father left behind out there?" Qi Yuan asked in all seriousness.
An Xunlu was very close with Hei Jian.
Hei Jian was the paramount prodigy and the beacon of hope of the Black Demon Abyss, so he might very well know many inside secrets.
"What... are you talking about?" An Xunlu could hardly make sense of his words.
"It's like this: didn't the old ancestor give me a meeting gift?" Qi Yuan continued.
An Xunlu turned her head away, the fiery glow of the magma reflecting off her fair skin and painting it a brilliant crimson. "So you came here just to show off?"
As if she had seen right through Qi Yuan's little schemes, she paid it no mind at all.
Being favored by the old ancestor and receiving a treasure might make others envious and jealous, but not her.
Her future man was Hei Jian.
A figure whom all nine ancestors of the Black Demon Abyss treated with utter devotion.
"What do you mean, show off? I'm genuinely puzzled and asking in earnest," Qi Yuan could not help but retort.
Where had the mutual trust between fellow beings gone?
Oh, right. He had forgotten—she wasn't human.
"Heh, what gift did the old ancestor give you?" An Xunlu asked with a sneer.
It was probably somewhat precious, which was why Blood Robe could not resist coming over to gloat.
Yet she was no ordinary cultivator; having stayed by Hei Jian's side, she had long grown accustomed to seeing all manner of precious treasures.
"What the old ancestor gave me was Black Demon Ancestral Blood," Qi Yuan said. As he spoke, he retrieved the ancestral blood, revealing half of it before An Xunlu.
An Xunlu's pupils dilated abruptly, her ragged breaths causing her ample chest to heave violently. "How... how is that possible!"
How could it possibly be Black Demon Ancestral Blood!
This was Black Demon Ancestral Blood!
Within the Black Demon Abyss, Black Demon Ancestral Blood was an item far more precious than even Creation Treasures.
Even Ultimate Principle Yang Gods were not qualified to receive it.
Only the ancestors in the realm of Great Ultimate Reason possessed the right to obtain it.
Back then, when Moluo Well of the Moluo Clan had swallowed a small amount of Black Demon Ancestral Blood, they were directly banished.
Even to this day, Hei Jian had not been granted the qualifications to receive Black Demon Ancestral Blood.
How could Blood Robe have it?
"Impossible! Black Demon Ancestral Blood is the old ancestor's palm treasure—how could he give it to you!" An Xunlu refused to believe it.
Yet the aura radiating from the storage pouch was unmistakably that of Black Demon Ancestral Blood.
As a bearer of the Black Demon Abyss bloodline, she could mistake her own father, but she could never mistake Black Demon Ancestral Blood.
"What? Palm treasure? Is the old ancestor a duck or something?" Qi Yuan was somewhat dumbfounded.
An Xunlu took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. "You certainly succeeded in showing off. I truly did not expect the old ancestor to give you Black Demon Ancestral Blood.
"However... even with Black Demon Ancestral Blood, the number-one figure among the younger generation of the Black Demon Abyss remains Big Brother Hei Jian, not you.
"No matter how hard you strive, you will only ever gaze upon Hei Jian's back!"
An Xunlu puffed out her chest, speaking with supreme pride.
"Hey, I never planned to fight Hei Jian for any number-one spot. Don't spout nonsense," Qi Yuan replied, rendered speechless.
Why would an introvert with social anxiety like him bother competing for an empty title of first place?
"Hmph!" An Xunlu lifted her chin arrogantly, flicking her sleeve as she took her leave, completely unwilling to pay Qi Yuan any further attention.
In truth, she was nearly grinding her teeth to dust.
That was Black Demon Ancestral Blood, a supreme treasure that no cultivator carrying the bloodline of the Black Demon Abyss could possibly refuse.
"Sigh, looks like this is another of the world's unsolved mysteries," Qi Yuan sighed.
By all logic, asking Ziyuan Heaven's old ancestor directly would have been the most sensible approach.
After all, a single question would provide the answer.
Yet Qi Yuan possessed high emotional intelligence; he could hardly go and ask the old ancestor of Ziyuan Heaven to his face, lest things become awkward.
...
At that moment, beyond the sky canopy, Ancestor Ziyuan was so incensed that his beard trembled.
"This fellow's personality is far too erratic!"
Over the course of this single half-day, his dignity had been utterly swept away.
Right then, space rippled slightly as the flow of ultimate principles coalesced, and a phantom silhouette materialized beside Ancestor Ziyuan.
"Old Sixth, you actually gave Black Demon Ancestral Blood to Blood Robe!"
The newcomer was none other than Third Elder, who had parted ways with Ancestor Ziyuan not long ago.
A trace of astonishment and incomprehension lingered in his eyes.
Even if Blood Robe's talent led straight toward the Great Ultimate Principle—and one capable of mastering a supreme Great Ultimate Principle at that—it was still not worth sacrificing their own monumental interests just to nurture him.
"Oh, I've had an excess of Black Demon Ancestral Blood lately and couldn't use it all," Ancestor Ziyuan said offhandedly, clearly unwilling to give a direct answer.
Third Elder's expression shifted several times before he let out a sigh. "Old Sixth, it seems you still harbor grievances toward Master. Back then..."
Hearing this, the smile on Ancestor Ziyuan's face vanished without a trace.
"It has nothing to do with Master," he replied indifferently.
Third Elder clearly did not buy Ancestor Ziyuan's words.
"You gave Black Demon Ancestral Blood to Blood Robe in the hope that he could defeat... Hei Jian, all to prove to Master that you were right.
"However... Hei Jian's very origin is Black Demon Ancestral Blood. No matter how peerless Blood Robe's talent may be, he cannot possibly be his match!" Third Elder lamented.
It seemed that the events of the past had left a deep mark on Old Sixth, one he remained bitter about even now.
"Hmph, I can't be bothered to explain. Believe whatever you want, just don't come bothering me!"
With a wave of Ancestor Ziyuan's hand, Third Elder's figure vanished.
Within the vast expanse of space, only Ancestor Ziyuan remained.
A look of displeasure surfaced on his face. "To think they take me for such a petty person?"
Soon, his displeasure turned into smug satisfaction. "Hmph, this works out well too. That way, they won't pay excessive attention to Blood Robe."
...
Time slipped by.
Inside the steel structure, all was exceptionally tranquil.
Ziyuan Xiaolu had long finished cleaning and departed.
Within the cold architecture, Qi Yuan remained alone.
"The Ancestral Blood Art has reached the seventh layer."
Qi Yuan rose to his feet, feeling thoroughly refreshed.
In three months' time, the Ancestral Blood Art had advanced to the seventh layer.
His cultivation and strength as a Myriad Dao Martial God had also undergone a qualitative leap.
*Once I reach the ninth layer of the Ancestral Blood Art, I should be able to contend directly against an Ultimate Principle relying solely on my Myriad Dao Martial God cultivation.
*If I max it out, wouldn't I be able to defeat a Great Ultimate Principle?*
Qi Yuan was in quite high spirits.
Ever since returning to reality, his cultivation had ground to a halt, making only negligible progress.
This kind of growth was vastly slower than playing games.
Yet he had never anticipated finding such an unexpected pleasant surprise in the Ancestral Blood Art.
With the elevation of his Myriad Dao Martial God cultivation, his innate divine ability, the Explosive Bird-Killing Fist, had advanced as well.
Faintly, he had comprehended sword intent, experiencing a sudden enlightenment that gave rise to the Explosive Bird-Killing Sword.
This strike was several times more powerful than the Explosive Bird-Killing Fist.
Against avian creatures, it dealt increased attack damage.
*It's a pity that cultivating the Ancestral Blood Art is far too difficult. I already tried so hard and risked my life cultivating it, aided by Black Demon Ancestral Blood, yet it still took me a full three months to reach the seventh layer!*
*Sigh, my talent is still too lacking. If I were like Hei Jian, I'd probably have maxed it out by now.*
*If talent falls short, resources must bridge the gap. How can I get my hands on more Black Demon Ancestral Blood?*
Qi Yuan pondered.
Devouring Black Demon Ancestral Blood could accelerate his cultivation speed.
However, Black Demon Ancestral Blood was precious—extraordinarily precious.
Aside from those few Great Ultimate Principles, the remaining Yang Gods were practically unqualified to lay their hands on it.
*I need to find an opportunity to squeeze gold coins out of their old ancestors,* Qi Yuan mused. *Should I do a blood-drop paternity test and have him recognize me as his father?*
Qi Yuan let his thoughts wander wildly.
Just then, a crisp voice as melodious as a lark drifted over.
"Is Senior Brother Blood Robe there?"
"Pink Horns girl, come in!"
With a wave of Qi Yuan's hand, the cave abode's gates swung open, and Ziyuan Xiaolu entered, clad in her pink pleated skirt.
Catching sight of Qi Yuan's face, a blush uncontrollably spread to the tips of her ears. She lowered her head and murmured, "Senior Brother Blood Robe, in a short while, the Heavenly Venerables will be giving a lecture. I came to invite you to come along and listen to the Dao of the Yang Gods.
"By the way, during this Heavenly Venerable lecture, there's also an important matter to be announced."
In the Black Demon Abyss, Yang Gods would personally give lectures every so often.
Those qualified to attend were the true core prodigies of the Black Demon Abyss.
In all of Ziyuan Heaven, fewer than a hundred prodigies were eligible to participate.
"Oh, is that so? Then I'll head over with you to take a look."
In any case, having just finished cultivating, he felt rather depleted and needed time to recover, so listening to a lecture suited him fine.
After all, Ziyuan Xiaolu had already invited him to this Heavenly Venerable lecture three months ago.
With their conversation concluded, the two flew together toward the lecture grounds.
"How has Senior Brother Blood Robe's cultivation of the Ancestral Blood Art been progressing?" Ziyuan Xiaolu asked curiously.
"My talent is mediocre; every step is fraught with difficulty!" Qi Yuan sighed.
The Ancestral Blood Art was simply too hard.
"Senior Brother's talent is so formidable, and you have Black Demon Ancestral Blood. All you lack is time!"
"I also lack resources. I really want to consume some more Black Demon Ancestral Blood," Qi Yuan remarked greedily.
The Upper Realm truly possessed an abundance of good things.
"Even the old ancestors don't have much Black Demon Ancestral Blood. Senior Brother's ability to obtain some is truly enviable," Ziyuan Xiaolu said softly.
Remembering something, she hastily cautioned, "Senior Brother, the news that you obtained Black Demon Ancestral Blood has now spread throughout the entire Black Demon Abyss. During this Heavenly Venerable lecture, quite a few people will likely be dissatisfied. You... should be careful."
Ziyuan Xiaolu was somewhat worried.
If Senior Brother's handsome face got bruised and battered by someone, where would she be able to steal glances at such a good-looking face?
"Don't worry. I have always convinced people with reason!" Qi Yuan replied, unconcerned.
The two boarded a teleportation array, departing Ziyuan Heaven and entering Black Demon Heaven.
Black Demon Heaven was the site for this Heavenly Venerable lecture.
Under Ziyuan Xiaolu's lead, Qi Yuan arrived atop a mountain peak.
At this moment, figures dotted the entire peak, numbering nearly a thousand.
Every single figure radiated an exceptionally formidable aura.
Any one of them, if placed in a sacred ground of the First Heaven, would be fully qualified to serve as a Holy Son.
Ziyuan Daxue lacked any proper posture, reclining languidly.
"Why has the supply of Miluo Immortal Qi provided for this Heavenly Venerable lecture decreased by more than half? Could it be that our Black Demon Abyss is about to be destroyed?"
Holding up a wine cup, she took a light sip of the Miluo Immortal Qi within, depleting it instantly.
Beside her, a man with a five-pointed star on his forehead gave a bitter smile. "Senior Sister, don't talk nonsense. It's just that lately... the Moluo Clan hasn't sent any tribute."
"Huh?" Ziyuan Daxue stared blankly. "Where did those people find the guts to withhold tribute?"
She had been to the Fifth Heaven and had witnessed the cowardly demeanor of the Moluo Clan.
Whenever they saw anyone from the Black Demon Abyss, they treated them like ancestral fathers.
During holidays and festivals, they would send fine offerings to the Black Demon Abyss, all in hopes of returning to the Sixth Heaven.
Yet now they had suddenly grown a backbone and halted their tribute.
Naturally, she was perplexed.
"I don't know. Perhaps... the Moluo Clan plans to cling entirely to Taihuang Palace's coattails," the man with the star on his forehead said.
He was one of the Five Demon Scions of Ziyuan Heaven.
"Hmph, this Moluo Clan has grown quite bold."
Right then, an annoyed voice sounded as a tall, straight-backed man approached, radiating an icy aura like a blade of frost.
Seeing this man, the prodigies present all revealed looks of awe and wariness.
Within the Black Demon Abyss, when Hei Jian was absent, Bing Jian held supreme authority.
Bing Jian belonged to the first echelon of prodigies—and was the foremost among them—possessing aptitude sufficient to step into the Great Ultimate Principle.
Prodigies like Bing Jian numbered three in total across the Black Demon Abyss.
Of course, this merely meant he had the aptitude; actually stepping into the Great Ultimate Principle was by no means simple.
"Once I step into the Yang God realm, I shall certainly pay the Moluo Clan a visit," Bing Jian said, a biting chill rolling off him.
"I hear Senior Brother Bing Jian has already stepped into the eighth layer of the Ancestral Blood Art. Surely you will soon elevate your divine throne and step into the Yang God realm!" a prodigy chimed in flatteringly.
Bing Jian's gaze was deep. "Short of the ninth layer, it is not worth mentioning."
Evidently, he had always treated Hei Jian as his goal.
"Hmph, Big Brother Hei Jian's Ancestral Blood Art has already reached the tenth layer!" Right at that moment, An Xunlu spoke up proudly, her tone overbearing.
Hearing this, the expressions of the prodigies present shifted drastically.
"He's already reached the tenth layer?"
"Senior Brother Hei Jian has been cultivating the Ancestral Blood Art for less than five thousand years, hasn't he?"
"That's absurd!"
The prodigies and cultivators present felt thoroughly disheartened.
On average, those present had possessed the Ancestral Blood Art for over ten thousand years.
Yet their cultivation mostly lingered at the third or fourth layer.
Those who managed to reach the fifth or sixth layer were already qualified to be Demon Scions of their respective Heavens.
Only true prodigies like Bing Jian had reached the eighth layer.
As for Hei Jian, he was like a towering peak, leaving everyone far behind in his shadow.
"Hmph. If I had Black Demon Ancestral Blood, I might not lack the chance to glimpse the tenth layer myself by now!" Resentment dripped from Bing Jian's tone.
Chapter 430