[Chat Group For The Death] Chapter 266 - 270

Chapter 266: The King of Artifacts, Perpetual Motion Machine?

Zheng Qizi felt a pang of regret. After all, physical cultivation represented another path to greater power.

Though he could still access his existing physical abilities and draw condensed true qi from heaven and earth, these powers were now locked at their current level. It was similar to Xiao Xuan's situation—capable of using Dou Qi but unable to advance further to become a Dou Di.

Unless they became reincarnators who could invest Traverser coins to enhance their physical and spiritual attributes, they were at their limit.

After a moment of reflection, Zheng Qizi quickly employed his Dao method to seek the correct path, promptly identifying the direction to Middle Thousand World.

In the chat group:

Dongfang Yuechu: "Are you heading to your former battlefield?"

Zheng Qizi: "I can't even determine my current position. How could I possibly locate our former battlefield? I need to reach Middle Thousand World first to establish my bearings before I can find the Nine Regions Abyss."

Howard Stark: "Interesting. You can't pinpoint your own location, yet you can find the direction to Middle Thousand World. This suggests it must hold special significance in your world, functioning almost like a magnetic pole."

Zheng Qizi: "Magnetic pole? Though I'm unfamiliar with that term, Middle Thousand World is indeed a unique presence in the Great Thousand World. It alone represents the orthodox territory of humanity—beyond Thousand World lie the lands of barbarians."

Lo Pei: "A thought occurs to me—you don't maintain distance from these barbarian lands, do you? I advise against it. Be wary that a strong figure might emerge from barbarian territory."

Zheng Qizi: "No need for concern. The dynasties of Middle Thousand World have never abandoned their expansion into barbarian territories. However, formidable barbarian nations exist in all directions beyond Middle Thousand World, making humanity's expansion throughout the Great Thousand World exceedingly difficult."

Howard Stark: "I've just reviewed some information. These barbarians you mention—they're human too, aren't they? This terminology strikes me as rather unfriendly."

Zheng Qizi: "Barbarians share our human life form, yes, but they aren't pure humans. Ancient demon blood flows through their veins, which is why Middle Thousand World has never acknowledged them as truly human."

Sebastian Shaw: "Ancient demons? I presume the ancient demons of your world differ from those in ours?"

Lucas: "Essentially. Both emerged as immensely powerful beings with unparalleled strength."

Dongfang Yuechu: "Do these ancient demon gods still exist?"

Lucas: "No, they're virtually extinct. After humanity's rise, generations of powerful individuals dedicated themselves to eradicating the demons completely."

Dongfang Yuechu: "At the dawn of our world, demons subjugated humanity. Our innate capabilities simply couldn't compare to theirs. Only after discovering magic weapons and cultivation secrets did the emergence of Taoist priests give people a fighting chance."

Lucas: "The humans of this world followed a similar path! They discovered they could visualize demon gods in their minds to strengthen their souls, then channel soul power to cast spells."

Lucas: "Additionally, they explored the human body's mysteries, developing martial arts to enhance physical capabilities until their bodies rivaled those of demon gods, achieving combat prowess equal to their former oppressors."

Zheng Qizi: "We've arrived at Middle Thousand World. Let me inquire about the current timeframe."

Upon reaching Middle Thousand World, Zheng Qizi proceeded directly to a city where he used magic to confuse a high-ranking official. He questioned the man about the current era and past events.

From the official's responses, Zheng Qizi learned that hundreds of years had passed since the war between good and evil. Few people remained who recalled that conflict's history. The official knew nothing of the battle's outcome, only that both the once-flourishing good and evil factions had vanished from public knowledge.

Hearing this, Zheng Qizi turned questioningly to Lucas beside him. "Lord Group Leader, doesn't this suggest both good and evil perished together?"

Lucas: "No. After their fierce battle, the good and evil factions ultimately declared a truce. They remain in the Nine Regions Abyss, exploiting its resources to develop their respective powers."

Zheng Qizi: "They ended the war? Well, that's acceptable. Containing those evil demons within the Nine Regions Abyss is beneficial—at least it prevents them from spreading harm."

Lucas: "Not necessarily. Including your wife Yin Yunzi, there are currently three Taoist leaders, collectively known as the Three Ancestors of Taoism. Their purpose in remaining within the Nine Regions Abyss isn't to contain evil—it's purely to advance their own power."

Lucas: "They've oppressed the Taoist forces within the Nine Regions Abyss, attempting to annex them. They seek to merge all Taoist factions and establish a vision that serves only themselves."

Zheng Qizi: "Impossible! Yin Yunzi isn't that kind of person."

Lucas: "People change, especially after gaining power. The Yin Yunzi you remember no longer exists. She's become a ruthless woman willing to sacrifice her own daughter, consumed by her desire for power and strength."

Zheng Qizi: "..."

Senju Tobirama: "Another tale of corruption through power? Such occurrences seem universal throughout existence."

Lucas: "It's human nature—consistent across all worlds."

Zheng Qizi: "If that's true, I must stop them. They may have fallen, but I haven't forgotten my principles."

Leading the way, Zheng Qizi guided Lucas toward the Nine Regions Abyss.

In the chat group:

Xiao Xuan: "Is this Nine Regions Abyss some kind of special dimensional space? It appears the practitioners in this world possess remarkable spatial manipulation abilities!"

Zheng Qizi: "Those who cultivate the soul gain spatial powers after enduring four thunder tribulations, becoming capable of creating worlds through mere thought. After six thunder tribulations, they can breach the Great Thousand World's void, elevating their spatial mastery to higher realms. Seven thunder tribulations earn one the title of creator, able to manifest all things through thought—creating independent spaces like a Dou Sheng becomes entirely possible."

Xiao Xuan: "Thunder tribulations? In our world, powerful elixirs face thunder tribulations upon creation, but practitioners never experience such tests. And this Nine Regions Abyss seems more complex than mere space—other forces appear present, perhaps temporal manipulation."

Lucas: "The Nine Regions Abyss formed naturally as an independent space, structured similarly to a pagoda. Its name reflects its nine levels. The deeper you descend, the slower time passes, until reaching the bottom where time virtually halts."

Dongfang Yuechu: "The conditions in this nine-region space seem extraordinarily harsh! Environmental conditions worsen with depth. Can people truly inhabit such a place?"

Lucas: "Despite its harshness, the area abounds with natural materials and treasures. Both factions covet these rich resources. Their presence here serves one purpose—to harvest everything the Nine Regions Abyss offers."

Zheng Qizi: "I'm beginning to believe the Group Leader's assessment. This was indeed our battlefield. Compared to then, resources have grown significantly scarcer."

Howard Stark: "Resources? Are you referring to metallic minerals? Beyond that, I see nothing particularly noteworthy."

Lucas: "This world closely resembles Dongfang Yuechu's realm—magical artifacts exist here. The metals, stones, wood, water, and even creatures serve as excellent materials for crafting magical tools and medicinal pills."

Zheng Qizi: "What drives Yin Yunzi and the others to gather these resources?"

Lucas: "The three collaborated to create a supreme magical weapon called the Ancestral God Mountain. They aim to refine it into the King of Artifacts. However, this requires vast quantities of materials—more than the Nine Regions Abyss can provide. Consequently, they've begun coveting the ancestral magical weapons of various Taoist sects, intending to melt them down and incorporate them into the Ancestral God Mountain."

Zheng Qizi: "Is creating the King of Artifacts truly so simple? How naive! If it were easily accomplished, more than just two would have existed since ancient times."

Dongfang Yuechu: "What exactly is this King of Artifacts? From your description, it sounds like the pinnacle of magical items in the Yang God World."

Zheng Qizi: "Your assessment is correct! Only two Kings of Artifacts exist in legend, and rumors suggest both were destroyed together. I've never witnessed an actual King of Artifacts—I've merely heard they possess the terrifying ability to shatter stars with ease."

Liu Xing: "Easily destroy a star?"

Lucas: "Indeed. A fully powered King of Artifacts can obliterate a planet with a single strike."

Dongfang Yuechu: "Powerful magical weapons require substantial mana for activation. What happens if they succeed in creating this King of Artifacts?"

Lucas: "You're missing something crucial. The Yang God World features a special magical device called the Thunder Pond. It automatically harnesses the thunder power between heaven and earth, and once tamed, this energy strengthens and powers magical weapons. The two existing Kings of Artifacts incorporated such thunder pools, eliminating the need for human energy while maintaining their destructive capabilities."

Howard Stark: "A powerful force requiring no human input, extracting thunder to create perpetual motion for magical weapons? Such a thing couldn't possibly exist!"

Lucas: "Perpetual motion? Essentially. Don't overreact—don't the Infinity Stones similarly possess infinite energy?"

Howard Stark: "Fair point. If endless energy can exist, then perhaps perpetual motion machines aren't so impossible after all."

Chapter 267: It Would Be Strange If a Strong Man Could Emerge!

The Abyss of the Nine Regions:

Lucas and Zheng Qizi concealed their presence as they quietly observed the scene before them.

After studying the situation through the chat group, Lucas couldn't help but ask, "I have a question—are those who cultivate the soul in the Yang God World considered far nobler than those who cultivate the body? Or is this disparity unique to the Nine Regions Abyss?"

Zheng Qizi: "Soul cultivators in the Yang God World are indeed regarded as nobler than body cultivators. But the status gap isn't normally this extreme."

Dongfang Yuechu: "Shouldn't soul and body cultivation offer similar potential and strength? Why such a vast difference in status?"

Zheng Qizi: "Because soul cultivators can reincarnate after their physical bodies age. Upon reaching the ghost immortal level, they can find an unborn child and be reborn. Their lifespan depends on their soul, allowing them to live for hundreds of thousands of years."

Zheng Qizi: "By contrast, even body cultivators who reach the peak—immortals who rival seven-thunder-tribulation creators—live only two or three hundred years. See the difference? Soul cultivation is the obvious choice for most."

Zheng Qizi: "Those with wealth and status invariably choose soul cultivation. Only servants and battlefield warriors typically pursue body cultivation."

Lucas: "To be precise, it's not that soul cultivators possess noble status, but rather that the nobility choose soul cultivation."

Zheng Qizi: "Exactly! However, the warriors here are severely limited. Their strength never approaches the Martial Saint level because they're constrained by magical restrictions."

Lucas: "This isn't surprising. Cultivators here can't advance beyond ghost immortal level due to insurmountable calamities. Body cultivators don't face these limitations, which makes the soul cultivators fear potential rebellion if martial artists grow too powerful."

Lucas: "So they've imposed restrictions on all martial artists, preventing them from reaching levels that could challenge ghost immortals. Any martial artist showing exceptional potential is hunted down by the cultivators who benefit from this system."

Zheng Qizi: "This goes too far! How does this differ from evil demons who raise humans as livestock?"

Lucas: "There remains a distinction. Demons and heretics don't cultivate ordinary people at all. This doesn't mean the righteous path is truly good—their attitude toward common people barely differs from demons. Only their exploitation methods vary."

Lucas: "Evil monks exploit directly, while righteous monks allow for development. These warriors and commoners under their care must worship the Three Ancestors of Taoism and offer incense to them."

Xiao Xuan: "Incense power? Is this special soul energy derived from incense?"

Zheng Qizi: "Indeed! Incense power in our world possesses remarkable properties—it can transform fiction into reality. This power can crystallize fanatical thoughts and create gods."

Lo Pei: "Gods?"

Lucas: "Allow me to explain. Imagine I tell stories about Eight Great Demons in this world, then inspire a group to worship them. Their incense offerings would condense into fanatical thoughts, forming souls of these imagined demons."

Howard Stark: "Artificial gods?"

Lucas: "Precisely! But these divine souls have peculiar limitations—they require continual incense and faith from believers to maintain existence. This continues unless they manage to condense physical bodies and transcend their original life form's constraints."

Zheng Qizi: "Taoist Sect indeed possesses methods for condensing incense and creating fire gods. What are the Three Taoist Sect planning? Do they intend to use incense power to enhance artifacts? As I recall, incense power can strengthen magical items."

Lucas: "Strengthen magical weapons! Since they're committed to creating a King of Artifacts, they wouldn't divert energy toward creating incense gods. Integrating these incense powers into the Ancestral God Mountain represents their most logical choice."

Zheng Qizi fell silent, eventually releasing a soft sigh. "They weren't like this before. Can the Group Leader stop them?"

Lucas laughed. "Of course!"

Lucas stepped forward, positioning himself in the sky above the Taoist Sect site. An incomparable powerful aura erupted from him, causing people throughout the complex to emerge one after another.

BOOM!

A powerful light burst forth from the distant Ancestral God Mountain, attempting to counter Lucas's aura. Three figures rose from the Ancestral God Mountain—the current Three Ancestors of the Taoist sect.

"Who are you? How dare you behave so presumptuously at our Taoist Sect site."

"Leave immediately, and we'll overlook this transgression."

"If you persist, you'll face our wrath."

The Third Taoist Patriarch spoke harshly, attempting to intimidate Lucas with threats to cease his actions immediately.

"Unbelievable!"

A mocking expression crossed Lucas's face. Without further words, he struck with his palm. The Ancestral God Mountain—the Third Patriarch's greatest asset—shattered under his attack. The aftershock sent the Third Patriarch flying backward, blood spurting from his mouth.

"Zheng Qizi, take control of all this!"

"After all, many in today's Taoist sects were your former comrades-in-arms and juniors."

Lucas turned to Zheng Qizi. He had no interest in wasting time with the Three Ancestors of Taoism.

With Lucas's support, Zheng Qizi would undoubtedly manage the situation effectively.

"Agreed!"

Zheng Qizi accepted readily. He'd been thinking the same but hesitated to suggest it.

As Lucas noted, Taoist Sect's members—including the Three Ancestors—were mostly veterans or descendants of those who fought against evil demons. Though disappointed by the Three Ancestors' actions, Zheng Qizi wouldn't alienate innocent followers.

Even toward the Three Ancestors themselves, Zheng Qizi felt more disappointment than anger. They had once been righteous individuals who risked their lives battling evil.

Zheng Qizi suddenly asked, "Group Leader! According to what you mentioned earlier, evil forces also exist within the Nine Regions Abyss? I request that you eliminate them."

Lucas nodded casually. "No problem!"

He extended his hand, instantly tearing open the space before him to reveal an area shrouded in miasma. Lucas then delivered a powerful palm strike...

Black flames surged forth with his movement, immediately engulfing the entire area. Various forces attempted resistance but were forcibly suppressed by Lucas's power.

Shortly afterward, the jet-black flames returned to Lucas's body, transferring all the blood energy and soul energy they had devoured into his form.

"Excellent!"

Lucas nodded with satisfaction, smiling gratefully.

Before receiving Ancient Emperor Tuo She's inheritance, Lucas's strength came primarily from external sources—the Ten Tails, magic, dark energy, Infinity Stones, and phoenix power—with only minimal personal cultivation.

Emperor Tuo She's inheritance had successfully transformed Lucas into a Dou Qi practitioner while strengthening both body and soul. However, his spirit remained his strongest attribute, with body and soul as relative weaknesses. This was partly why he chose to enter the Yang God World.

A realm specializing in soul and body cultivation would certainly strengthen his physical form to match his Dou Qi abilities. The Void-Swallowing Flame had now transferred the evil cultivators' bodily and soul energies to Lucas, enhancing these aspects of his power.

In the chat group:

Xiao Xuan: "Group Leader, you aren't planning to bring the Nine Regions Abyss into the Dark Dimension, are you?"

Lucas: "Absorb the Abyss of Nine Regions into the Dark Dimension? That's an intriguing idea! The Abyss overflows with energy and resources that would significantly enhance the Dark Dimension's power, subsequently strengthening me as its lord."

Zheng Qizi: "Remove the Nine Regions Abyss? Such action would certainly deplete the Yang God World's energy! Does the Yang God World have a higher plane that could replenish it?"

Lucas: "No, the Yang God World lacks any higher plane to restore its energy."

Zheng Qizi: "In that case, I hope the Group Leader will reconsider taking the Nine Regions Abyss. I fear such actions would devastate the entire world. The Yang God World, like the Dou qi Continent, already produces fewer powerful individuals with each generation."

Lucas: "True! The ancient Yang God World once boasted naturally powerful demon gods, Yang God powerhouses, and vacuum-shattering masters. Now... not a single individual of either level remains."

Xiao Xuan: "What caused their world's decline? Did their most powerful beings leave with vital energy? Without a higher plane, did they perhaps migrate to parallel dimensions?"

Lucas: "Not at all! The Yang God World's decline has little connection to celestial energy—it follows the inevitable law of worldly development. The Yang God World measures time in eras. The ancient period marked the beginning, while now we approach the era's end. The diminishing number of powerful beings relates less to heaven and earth's decline and more to their own actions."

Zheng Qizi: "Their own actions?"

Xiao Xuan: "What do you mean?"

Lucas: "Whether cultivating soul or body, one requires proper techniques and guidance. The powerful individuals in this world never pass down their knowledge. Each generation of masters must discover everything anew!"

Chapter 268: Do You Think I Am a Good Person or a Bad Person?

Xiao Xuan: "So that's why there are no top masters in the Yang God World. It seems every realm faces similar problems! Had I known earlier that advancing to Dou Di required the Origin Qi source, I never would have consolidated all the Dou Di bloodlines within my family."

Zheng Qizi: "If we're discussing withheld information, the Dou qi Continent only harmed your Xiao Clan, correct? After all, apart from you, no one else suffered losses due to knowledge gaps!"

Lucas: "Indeed. The inheritance issues in the Dou qi Continent aren't particularly severe. The Yang God World is different—vast tracts of knowledge have become classified as top secret."

Zheng Qizi: "That's true! Soul cultivators have it better. At most, martial artists can reach immortal status, but they cannot attain vacuum-shattering levels. To achieve vacuum-shattering power, one must successfully cultivate all acupoints throughout the body."

Xiao Xuan: "Has the method for cultivating all acupoints been lost?"

Lucas: "Shattering the vacuum requires successful cultivation of all 1,296 acupuncture points. However, in today's Yang God World, a complete cultivation method no longer exists."

Zheng Qizi: "Correct! Even in the legacies left by Yang God and vacuum-shattering powerhouses, only hundreds of acupoint cultivation methods remain recorded. But rumors speak of thousands of worlds beyond our skies, and one supposedly possesses a complete acupoint practice method."

Dongfang Yuechu: "Group Leader, is this true?"

Lucas: "It is. On those living planets, soul cultivation proves exceptionally difficult, advancing at most to ghost immortal level. The thunder necessary for tribulation transcendence exists only within the Great Thousand World."

Zheng Qizi: "The classics record it thus! People in the Middle Thousand World have no future in soul cultivation, so they focus exclusively on physical cultivation through martial arts. Consequently, they've gradually probed and inherited acupoint cultivation methods, making them more complete."

Xiao Xuan: "Probed?"

Zheng Qizi: "Yes! Without predecessors' acupoint cultivation methods, one must discover everything independently. However, a single mistake can cause severe self-injury. This is why the martial arts path proves so treacherous."

Lucas: "This explains why I maintain that those without complete inheritance face misery. Nevertheless, complete acupoint cultivation methods do exist—they're simply hidden in the tombs of ancient powerhouses."

Xiao Xuan: "Like Emperor Tuo She? How convincing! I don't know whether to thank these powerhouses or despise them."

Lucas: "Beyond the tombs of the powerful, the most advanced central planet among thousands in the outer realm also possesses complete acupuncture cultivation methods. However, their acupuncture maps lack explanations—they require individuals with sufficient understanding to comprehend their meaning."

Lucas: "Discussing this frustrates me. Why don't these powerful individuals provide detailed explanations when leaving behind knowledge? Must they make everything so mysterious just to appear unfathomable?"

Why does practice become obsessive? A crucial reason is the incomprehensibility of practice descriptions.

Consider Mei Chaofeng, who transformed Jiuyin God Claws into Jiuyin White Bone Claws—why? Because she misinterpreted the Jiuyin Scripture.

Simply put—Jiuyin Scripture was written in classical Chinese, requiring translation into vernacular before cultivation. Mei Chaofeng's translation contained errors, leading to incorrect practice.

Lucas seriously questions whether the "comprehension" required of martial arts practitioners merely represents the ability to accurately translate classical Chinese.

Zheng Qizi: "Group Leader, Taoist Sect's issue has been resolved. I'll return them to the Great Thousand World and restore their proper form."

Lucas: "Proceed carefully! Remember what the official mentioned? We're now in the Dagan era."

Zheng Qizi: "What threat does Dagan pose? A dynasty established merely three to five years ago shouldn't inspire excessive fear."

Lucas: "What if I told you they've acquired the ancient Good Fortune Dao's inheritance and the damaged Good Fortune Boat?"

Zheng Qizi: "What?!"

Dongfang Yuechu: "The Good Fortune Boat?"

Lucas: "Indeed! The two Kings of Artifacts known to the world are the Good Fortune Boat and Taishang Dao's Eternal Kingdom. However, these superpowers clashed hundreds of years ago, and both artifacts sustained damage in the collision."

Zheng Qizi: "This infuriates me. Why couldn't they exercise restraint? Had they not destroyed each other, evil demons wouldn't dare act so brazenly. Precisely because these righteous powers defeated each other did evil demons find opportunity to rise."

Dongfang Yuechu: "Is the King of Artifacts truly that powerful?"

Lucas: "A complete King of Artifacts could easily overwhelm a seven-thunder-tribulation Creator. The most powerful demonic forces in the good versus evil battle reached only six thunder tribulations."

Golden Lion Shiki: "Shihahahaha! Why hesitate? If those magical weapons possess such strength, Group Leader should seize them directly!"

Lucas: "Excellent suggestion!"

Outside, Lucas glanced at the Taoist Sect forces. With a wave of his hand, he condensed the surrounding space, compressed them into a small area, and transported them away.

After returning to the Great Thousand World, Zheng Qizi prepared to restore the Taoist Sect forces to their rightful places. To his surprise, he discovered the righteous forces of Middle Thousand World gathering and advancing toward the Dachan Temple.

Zheng Qizi: "Dagan established their nation so recently, yet they already move against Dachan Temple? This is one of the foremost righteous sects!"

Dongfang Yuechu: "Dachan Temple? If they rank among the top righteous sects, why weren't they present in the Nine Regions Abyss?"

Zheng Qizi: "Dachan Temple didn't commit their full strength—their outside world inheritance remained intact, while other Taoist forces deployed completely. Alternatively, the Three Patriarchs of Taoism may have gathered Taoist forces within the Abyss but excluded Dachan Temple's Buddhist power."

Lo Pei: "Group Leader, why would the imperial court target Dachan Temple?"

Zheng Qizi: "I'd like to know as well!"

Lucas: "First, Dachan Temple conspired with the previous dynasty's remnants. Second, Dachan Temple possesses excessive wealth. Third, Dachan Temple impedes Dagan's development."

Zheng Qizi: "Dachan Temple collaborated with the former dynasty's remnants? No wonder Dagan seeks to eliminate them—they're justified in this suppression. But what's problematic about Dachan Temple's wealth or influence on Dagan's growth?"

Lucas: "Dagan's newly established government has empty treasuries. Dachan Temple's wealth exceeds Dagan's potential tax revenue for centuries. Yet Dachan Temple produces nothing—believers' donations merely fund oil and incense burning. Would Dagan permit this to continue?"

Lucas: "From the common people's perspective, Dachan Temple's downfall seems justified. They're parasites feeding on the populace—they deserve their fate."

Whitebeard: "Gurarara! Parasites feeding on the people? But don't these people donate voluntarily? I observe many spontaneously defending this place."

Lucas: "True, people give willingly, but they're being deceived! It's entirely appropriate for the imperial court to eliminate such fraudulent organizations. The government is obligated to remove powers that exploit public ignorance."

Pirate King Roger: "Damn! This is Dachan Temple? It's larger than an island!"

Lucas: "Running horses to light incense—you think it's merely an expression? People would rather starve while donating their remaining money to Dachan Temple. And what does Dachan Temple do with these funds? Burn incense oil and craft gold and silver statues. Their warehouses contain enough grain to feed populations for centuries, yet they refuse to assist the hungry while supporting tens of thousands of non-productive monks."

Zheng Qizi: "Dachan Temple has performed good deeds. At minimum, they've fought evil demons who harm innocents."

Lucas: "Did they commit their full strength? Soldiers who fought desperately against barbarian invasions did the same. How does their compensation compare to Dachan Temple's rewards? I acknowledge Dachan Temple's occasional good works, but they're insufficient."

Lucas: "If I rob people of ten taels of gold, then distribute one tael to help the poor, those recipients might view me as a benefactor. They might even resist government officials attempting to arrest me. So tell me—am I good or evil?"

Zheng Qizi: "..."

After momentary silence, Zheng Qizi changed the subject. "Even if the imperial court intends to confront Dachan Temple, why have all these jianghu martial artists gathered? They certainly didn't respond to imperial summons."

Lucas: "Simple plunder! Dachan Temple's accumulated wealth inspires envy beyond the imperial court! Many practitioners here merely seek to exploit the chaos."

Zheng Qizi: "They place that much faith in the imperial court?"

Lucas: "It's not just the imperial court—Taishang Dao's Dream Machine will participate. When Taishang Dao and Good Fortune clashed, both sustained injuries. The royal family secretly acquired Good Fortune's inheritance, producing a new successor. Meanwhile, Taishang Dao's Dream Machine successor is currently the Great Thousand World's only seven-thunder-tribulation Creator."

Zheng Qizi: "Now I understand! With Dagan's court and Dream Machine allied, Dachan Temple falls behind in every aspect—failure becomes inevitable. That explains why these scattered jianghu cultivators swarm like sharks scenting blood. Dachan Temple faces grave danger—should the Group Leader intervene?"

Chapter 269: A Long-Lost Familiar Plot!

Hearing Zheng Qizi's suggestion, Lucas contemplated thoughtfully. "Take action? Good idea! The forces of both the jianghu and imperial court have gathered at Dachan Temple. If I subdue them all, the entire Middle Thousand World would fall under my control."

Zheng Qizi: "Indeed! Especially those two Kings of Artifacts—they're the most valuable treasures. Though they're mere wreckage now, they should be recoverable, right? Repairing a King of Artifacts must be far less challenging than creating one from scratch."

Lucas: "Certainly! In the original timeline, both the Good Fortune Boat and the Eternal Kingdom were eventually restored. But with my presence, they need not follow their original fate."

Lucas smiled slightly as he stepped across space, deliberately canceling his aura concealment and appearing before everyone present.

"Who is that?"

His sudden appearance startled the gathered crowd—an unidentified powerful figure materializing from nowhere.

The unfathomable aura emanating from Lucas openly revealed his immense strength. The unexpected arrival of such a formidable unknown on the battlefield naturally provoked anxiety among all present.

"Who are you, sir?"

A middle-aged man wearing a dragon robe appeared, his soul body suspended in mid-air across from Lucas. He addressed Lucas with a deep, commanding voice.

"Me? I'm the one who's come to stop your fighting, and the one who's come to conquer you all."

Lucas replied calmly, his smile unwavering.

" conquer us? Such arrogance!"

The middle-aged man in the dragon robe bristled with anger upon hearing these words. Without further exchange, he struck out with his palm. A powerful surge of energy shot forth, hurtling toward Lucas.

In the chat group:

Zheng Qizi: "This is Emperor Dagan? He doesn't seem particularly impressive!"

Xiao Xuan: "Could he have failed to perceive the Group Leader's true power?"

Dongfang Yuechu: "Either he's too weak to sense the Group Leader's full capabilities, or he's too arrogant to recognize how vast the heavens truly are. Either way, attacking the Group Leader so impulsively reveals his fundamental flaws."

Lucas: "Don't be too harsh on him—he possesses some genuine talent. Besides, as an emperor, he must maintain his dignity!"

Han Fei: "Indeed! Group Leader was rather direct, announcing his intention to incorporate them immediately upon arrival. Ordinary people would find such declarations offensive, let alone an emperor."

Uchiha Madara: "Though this Dagan Emperor shows excessive confidence against the Group Leader, I admire his courage. If he lost his resolve to fight merely because an opponent seemed unfathomable, that would be truly pathetic."

Zheng Qizi: "That makes sense! He commands the Central Plain Dynasty as emperor. If he lacked even the courage to test an opponent who merely appears powerful, then the successor of the ancient Good Fortune Dao that once dominated the world would be utterly spiritless."

Lucas: "Your assumptions are incorrect! Although the royal family obtained the Good Fortune Dao inheritance, it wasn't received by the emperor before us. Specifically, Prince Yang Pan, currently a young man, is the Good Fortune Boat's true owner."

Zheng Qizi: "His son obtained the Good Fortune Dao inheritance? Impressive! One person obtains the Dao and the entire family ascends to heaven—the emperor is truly fortunate! Where is his son? I want to see what the Good Fortune Dao successor looks like."

Lucas: "At the Imperial Army's center, do you see those two imposing young men? One wears a dragon-patterned robe while the other wears golden dragon armor. The young man in the dragon robe is Yang Pan, Prince of Great Gan, possessor of the Good Fortune Boat."

Xiao Xuan: "This individual reminds me strongly of Hun Tian. They seem cut from the same cloth. If the Good Fortune Dao selected such a successor, perhaps that's not particularly encouraging."

Lucas: "Yang Pan does share similarities with Hun Tian, but significant differences exist. Primarily, Yang Pan isn't as cold-hearted—he values fundamental friendship!"

Golden Lion Shiki: "No way! I didn't expect to encounter such a familiar plot I haven't seen in ages. His friend must be the young man in golden dragon armor?"

Zheng Qizi: "That's the legendary armor left by ancient Sage Emperor Pan Huang—the Tianshi Dragon Armor. Only pure martial arts practitioners can wear it. Though the young man wears golden dragon armor, I'm unsure if he belongs to the royal family."

Senju Tobirama: "Definitely not! If both young men shared the same family, Group Leader would never use 'friendship' to describe their relationship. He would instead reference brother-complex or sister-complex."

Golden Lion Shiki: "Shihahahaha! Who claimed family members must develop brother-complexes? Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Shisui belong to the same family! Their relationship is based on friendship, not obsession."

Senju Tobirama: "Fair point. I was careless!"

Uchiha Shisui: "..."

Lucas: "The two young men aren't from the same family. The one wearing golden dragon armor is named Hong Xuanji. His relationship with Yang Pan is officially monarch and minister, but it transcends ordinary political bonds."

Pirate King Roger: "How close is their relationship?"

Lucas: "Yang Pan cultivates his soul, and to reach Yang God level, he requires a powerful body at human immortal level. Hong Xuanji primarily cultivates his physical body through martial arts and can contribute his body to Yang Pan."

Irisviel von Einzbern: "What touching friendship! No wonder Group Leader said their relationship exceeds normal boundaries."

Lancelot: "That's not necessarily exceptional. Dedicating one's body and even life for one's lord is something many knights would do."

Lucas: "Silence! You're a knight who harbored inappropriate feelings for your lord's wife. What qualifications do you have to speak on this matter? I believe you might dedicate your body to King Arthuria, but are your feelings absolutely pure?"

Lancelot: "..."

Speechless!

In the outside world:

Lucas waved his hand, unleashing pure white flames that instantly consumed Emperor Dagan's attack energy. The white flames then soared skyward, forming a rain of fire that descended upon the entire Central Plain area. The Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame's power enveloped the region completely.

The Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame possesses three primary characteristics: burning, illusion, and purification. Lucas currently employed its illusion power, controlling all high-ranking court officials and martial arts experts present as they stood transfixed before him.

"Perfect!"

Lucas nodded with satisfaction as he surveyed the entranced figures.

Zheng Qizi appeared beside him and hesitantly asked, "Group Leader, what do you intend to do with them?"

Lucas grinned. "Naturally, I'll make the world a better place. I'm a good person. If you doubt this, ask the other group members—I've never harmed any member's world."

Zheng Qizi sighed with relief before asking, "Then what exactly are you planning?"

Lucas explained, "This newly established country's treasury is empty, which has attracted victorious ships and barbarian invasions from all directions. To maintain sufficient strength against these barbarians, the imperial court had to increase taxation on citizens. This isn't good—it's very bad!"

Lucas clapped his hands and continued solemnly, "Today's Dachan Temple represents a cancer for Middle Thousand World—this is undeniable. However, since they've earned some credit fighting demons and heretics, they won't face complete destruction."

"While they may escape the death penalty, they cannot evade punishment."

"The wealth accumulated by Dachan Temple must be confiscated, and their practice of collecting money from believers must be restricted. These monks don't understand how precious those few copper coins are to common people who work tirelessly for their earnings."

As Lucas finished speaking, a monk with pure white flames in his eyes stepped forward—the current Dachan Temple abbot. He calmly acknowledged Lucas's assessment and declared Dachan Temple's decision to follow Lucas's directives.

Zheng Qizi smiled. "Though this will severely diminish Dachan Temple's power, it's preferable to complete annihilation. Not everyone present is local—many come from barbaric lands in the four directions. Do you intend to use these scattered cultivators as spies?"

Lucas responded disdainfully, "Spies? With their meager strength, they don't warrant such low-level tactics. Actually, aren't there group members who wish to cultivate their souls? Both exercises and opponents are available here—those interested should register immediately."

Han Fei: "Group Leader, I want to visit the Yang God World to practice. Beyond cultivating soul skills, I need evenly matched opponents to hone my combat effectiveness. My world's power level is rather low—I couldn't find suitable sparring partners."

Dongfang Yuechu: "Count me in! The Fox Spirit World's cultivation techniques are somewhat basic for me. To reach the Third Young Master of Aolai Country's level, I require more advanced techniques and worthy opponents."

Lucas: "In that case, come join us! @Xiao Xuan, bring your Xiao Chen as well! Blind practice yields limited results—he needs actual combat experience. This world offers precisely the right opponents for him."

Chapter 270: Your Opponent Is Coming!

Yang God World, Dagan Palace:

In a hidden space, a broken ship and a circular-domed building stood before Lucas. These were the two Kings of Artifacts in the Yang God World—the Good Fortune Boat and the Eternal Kingdom.

Zheng Qizi emerged from the Eternal Kingdom, his expression thoughtful. "As expected of the legendary Kings of Artifacts. I've gained tremendous insights just by studying these broken formations."

Xiao Xuan observed from nearby, "Are they truly so powerful? I fail to sense anything extraordinary about them."

Lucas smiled. "You lack understanding of this world's formations and soul cultivation techniques, so naturally you cannot perceive their magnificence."

Zheng Qizi: "Precisely! The highest-level formations are depicted here, and comprehending these structures can accelerate soul energy accumulation. Had I understood these artifacts during my lifetime, reaching seven thunder tribulation Creator status would have been well within my grasp."

Lucas: "No need to struggle with understanding them now. It's unfortunate that both Kings of Artifacts are severely damaged, especially the Good Fortune Boat."

Zheng Qizi nodded. "Indeed! Perhaps because the Dream Machine has achieved seven thunder tribulation Creator status, the Eternal Kingdom's damage isn't as extensive as the Good Fortune Boat's. At minimum, its core formation—the Eternal Thunder Pool—remains intact."

Lucas sneered upon hearing this. "The Eternal Kingdom's Thunder Pool remaining intact has nothing to do with me. When Good Fortune Dao and Taishang Dao clashed, you wouldn't think we were evenly matched, would you?"

Xiao Xuan: "Weren't you?"

Lucas shook his head. "Certainly not. Taishang Dao had only one leader in that generation—a supreme sect leader. His strength far exceeded the Good Fortune Dao leader's, and he alone could completely overwhelm Good Fortune Dao."

Zheng Qizi: "That explains the Good Fortune Boat's extensive internal damage—it was sabotaged from within. The Eternal Kingdom sustained damage from outside inward, and its resilient shell absorbed most of the impact, making repairs considerably simpler."

Zheng Qizi: "The Good Fortune Boat cannot be restored? What a tremendous loss!"

Lucas shook his head. "Who said it can't be restored? The Three-Nine-Element Magnetic Formation exists in the central world of the outer sky. In the original timeline, the central world's leader used the Yang God concept to help Yang Pan reconstruct the Three-Nine-Element Magnetic Great Array."

Zheng Qizi: "That's reassuring! After all, this is a King of Artifacts—one of only two in the Yang God World!"

Lucas: "Incorrect!"

Zheng Qizi: "What's incorrect?"

Lucas: "While the Good Fortune Boat is indeed a King of Artifacts, it's not one of only two. The Yang God World doesn't have just two Kings of Artifacts, but four!"

Zheng Qizi: "How could there be so many? Impossible!"

Lucas smiled. "Why impossible? Good Fortune Dao built the Good Fortune Boat, and Taishang Dao created the Eternal Kingdom. They were certainly among the ancient world's foremost powers, but entities stronger than them could have existed."

Zheng Qizi: "The first Holy Emperor Pan Huang of humanity? Or perhaps Pan Huang's teacher, known as the first emperor of ancient times?"

Lucas: "Though Ying Huang created numerous artifacts, he never produced a King of Artifacts. Emperor Changsheng, however, was different. He crafted a King of Artifacts surpassing both the Good Fortune Boat and Eternal Kingdom—the Immortality Monument!"

Zheng Qizi: "Why haven't I heard of this?"

Lucas: "Because the Immortality Monument was never completed—Emperor Changsheng abandoned it. This is precisely why I invited Xiao Xuan and Xiao Chen here. Beneath the Immortality Monument wait opponents I've prepared for them."

Lucas glanced at Xiao Chen beside him and asked, "Are you prepared? Your opponent approaches!"

Xiao Chen gripped a blood-red axe in his hand and replied gravely, "No problem! I've been confined in the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame's space for too long. A fierce battle is exactly what I need."

Lucas: "As you wish!"

Lucas extended his hand and swept it through the space before him. A spatial rift opened immediately, revealing an independent dimension beyond. Within this space stood a massive stone tablet in a square area, with magical energy continuously flowing from beneath it.

"The Immortality Monument?"

Everyone stared in astonishment, their gazes fixed on the enormous stone tablet.

Zheng Qizi nodded in agreement. "Group Leader, didn't you claim the Immortality Monument's power exceeds both the Eternal Kingdom and Good Fortune Boat?"

Lucas: "During ancient times, demons ran rampant, including five Demon God Kings at their apex. Emperor Changsheng forged five Immortality Monuments to suppress them, intending to use their flesh and blood to enhance the monuments' power."

Xiao Xuan: "So this represents only one-fifth of the Immortality Monument?"

Lucas: "The Immortality Monument consists of one master and four slave components. The master monument's power significantly exceeds the others. So it's not one-fifth—more like one-ninth or one-tenth!"

Xiao Chen: "Is that demonic energy being released by the suppressed Demon God? To fight him, should I release him?"

Lucas: "Naturally! Although powerful, the suppressed God King alone won't provide sufficient challenge to facilitate your breakthrough."

After speaking, Lucas waved his hand, propelling Xiao Chen into the independent space. Simultaneously, he removed the Immortality Monument with another gesture.

Once the Immortality Monument was displaced, pitch-black demonic energy erupted skyward. A monstrous demonic figure emerged from the darkness, immediately launching a vicious claw strike at the airborne Xiao Chen.

"Jie Jie Jie Jie! Did you grant me freedom? I shall reward you appropriately. Simply become part of me and share in my boundless glory!"

The Terror King, Jie Jie, smiled eerily, his razor-sharp claws reaching for Xiao Chen.

"Laughter like The Hun Clan—revolting!"

Xiao Chen glared at the approaching claws with undisguised disgust. The blood-colored giant axe in his hand slashed fiercely at the demonic appendages.

PING!

The Terror God King reeled from Xiao Chen's strike. Years of suppression had severely weakened his power, yet his arrogance remained undiminished. Though Xiao Chen's axe wounded him, it wasn't enough to force his retreat.

Conversely, centuries of imprisonment had cultivated immense rage within him. Unless facing truly dire circumstances, he wouldn't withdraw easily. He intended to vent his fury violently, preferably upon the individual who had just injured him.

"What formidable body energy!"

Xiao Xuan stood at the passage's end, silently observing the battle between Xiao Chen and the Terror King.

Lucas's spatial technique was so sophisticated that the Terror King remained completely oblivious to it.

"What's the nature of that black energy? Doesn't the Yang God World specialize in body and soul cultivation? That black demonic energy greatly resembles vindictive energy."

Noticing this peculiarity, Xiao Xuan couldn't help questioning Lucas beside him.

"That's martial arts true qi!"

"After martial artists reach immortal level, they begin cultivating their body's acupuncture points. Each opened acupuncture point reveals an expansive internal space."

"Martial artists can utilize these acupuncture spaces to store blood energy and also condense various true qi types within them."

Zheng Qizi explained that true qi functioned as a complement to physical cultivation.

In the chat group:

Lucas: "@Han Fei, have you studied the 'Book of Changes'?"

Han Fei: "I have. What about it?"

Lucas: "The Book of Changes holds special significance in this world. Try transcribing it here."

Han Fei: "What do you mean?"

Dongfang Yuechu: "I haven't studied the Book of Changes—I don't even know what it is. Is it important?"

Lucas: "How should I explain this? In the original timeline, Hong Xuanji's illegitimate son collaborated with great Confucian scholars to write the Book of Changes. This text represents perhaps the most powerful method in the Yang God World."

Han Fei: "Really? When I studied the Book of Changes previously, I never realized it was a cultivation method!"

Lucas: "I'm curious myself, which is why I've asked you to transcribe it in this world. Perhaps it will manifest uniquely here, with special properties and power."

Dongfang Yuechu: "So what exactly is the Book of Changes?"

Han Fei: "In my world, it's a masterpiece explaining the natural mysteries of heaven and earth. People use it for divination to predict fortune and misfortune. Here, it seems to function as a soul cultivation method?"

Lucas: "It's not limited to soul cultivation—it encompasses physical cultivation through martial arts as well. Beyond that, the Book of Changes facilitates calculation in this world and can even decipher others' unique cultivation techniques."

Han Fei: "That powerful?"

Lucas: "Absolutely! This world contains a prophecy stating 'When the Way of Yi emerges, humanity shall be reformed,' and the original author of the future 'Book of Changes' is destined to become the Son of Heaven!"