Chapter 499: Passing the Torch

Chapter 499: Chapter 499: Passing the Torch

Tianlang Island, Xuanjing.

The true Zhong Shan sat in the Longevity Hall, recruiting talents from across the world, organizing the myriad affairs of Dazhen, and issuing decrees to ensure its prosperity. Zhong Shan noticed that each time he organized the state affairs of Dazhen or issued a decree to promote its prosperity, the fate energy in the air seemed to become more condensed.

After morning court, he was accompanied by his three consorts: Bao'er of the Zhong Cauldron, Ling'er of the Li Cauldron, and Qianyou of the Xun Cauldron. Their assistance during his cultivation sessions made the energy within Zhong Shan even more solidified.

Despite the challenges, Zhong Shan was steadily advancing in the second tier of the Imperial Extreme Realm. Although progress was slow, it was essential to continuously strengthen his foundation. Hence, he did not personally venture to expand into Shenzhou; instead, his shadow body handled the task.

On this day, after inspecting the construction of the Lingxiao Treasure Hall, accompanied by the Earth God, who was setting up feng shui formations, Zhong Shan was preparing to return when two figures flew over from a distance.

Before Zhong Shan could speak, numerous guards surrounded him.

"Protect His Majesty!"

With a loud shout, three wolf generals and numerous guards blocked the path to Zhong Shan.

"Stand down!" Zhong Shan commanded.

"Yes!" The guards immediately retreated.

The newcomers were dressed in white robes, one master and one servant, each carrying a sword.

It was Jian Ao and Chujiu Mo Luo.

"Jian Ao, how did you find this place?" Zhong Shan raised an eyebrow.

Jian Ao glanced at the black-robed Earth God behind Zhong Shan, hesitating to speak.

"This is my trusted confidant; there's no need to avoid him," Zhong Shan said. With a wave of his hand, the surrounding guards and wolf generals quickly retreated to a distance.

Seeing the guards leave, leaving only Zhong Shan and the Earth God, Jian Ao nodded.

"I was taking a chance. The first time we met was here on Tianlang Island. I heard you left the ancient abyss recently, so I came here hoping to find you. I got lucky," Jian Ao smiled.

"Yes, lucky indeed. Come, let's go to my residence," Zhong Shan invited.

"No, I came this time to ask for your help," Jian Ao replied.

"Oh?" Zhong Shan was puzzled.

"This task requires two people. Initially, Chujiu was to accompany me, but I think over the years, Chujiu is no longer your match," Jian Ao said.

"Two people? The torch passing of Youming Heaven?" The Earth God frowned. for new novels

Hearing the Earth God's words, Jian Ao's pupils contracted, and he looked at the Earth God with a fierce expression.

"How do you know?" Jian Ao asked, his voice filled with suspicion.

"My master once participated in it with a young demon seed," the Earth God explained.

Upon hearing the Earth God's words, Jian Ao seemed to understand, looking at the Earth God with surprise. The torch passing of Youming Heaven was known to very few, and the external aids sought by each young demon seed were all exceptionally talented. Could the master of this black-robed man also be an extraordinary powerhouse?

"Where are we going?" Zhong Shan asked.

"The Yin-Yang Two Realms Mountain of Youming Heaven!" Jian Ao replied.

Hearing about the Yin-Yang Two Realms Mountain, the Earth God suddenly moved, wanting to speak but hesitating, while looking at Zhong Shan with a hint of eagerness.

Although the Earth God was wrapped in a black robe, Zhong Shan could sense his emotions.

"You could say that," the Earth God nodded.

"What is it?" Zhong Shan inquired.

"Taiji Diagram!" the Earth God declared.

"Taiji Diagram?" Zhong Shan echoed.

"Indeed, the Taiji Diagram. It's one of the top ten divine treasures in Shenzhou's history, the supreme treasure of Youming Heaven," the Earth God explained.

"Similar to the Immortal Slaying Flying Blade and the Heaven-Opening Axe, it can be crafted by human hands?" Zhong Shan asked.

"Yes, it can be crafted by human hands, using a method unique to Youming Heaven. However, there is an existing Taiji Diagram at the Yin-Yang Two Realms Mountain, crafted by a former Tianzhu of Youming Heaven. Over generations, each Tianzhu unable to create a new Taiji Diagram has continued to reinforce and refine this existing one. The Taiji Diagram remains there," the Earth God elaborated.

"Very well, I will do my best," Zhong Shan nodded. He didn't make any grand promises. Obtaining the supreme treasure of Youming Heaven wouldn't be easy, especially for an outsider. It all depended on luck.

"Understood," the Earth God nodded, aware of the difficulty and not pressing further.

Youming Heaven was located in the northwest of Shenzhou, one of the three great holy lands and a sacred place for demonic cultivators. The hierarchy of positions from low to high included Mo Luo, Mo Jun, and Tianzhu.

Two years later, outside Youming Heaven, on a high mountain named Desolate Mountain, stood a manor. Jian Ao and Chujiu waited inside.

Suddenly, a black figure shot from the southeast—a black-robed Zhong Shan, his shadow body.

The shadow Zhong Shan stood at the foot of Desolate Mountain, marveling at its grandeur. The entire mountain was filled with an endless sword intent, like a colossal sword pointing to the heavens.

"Zhong Shan!" Jian Ao greeted with a smile as he stepped out of the manor.

At this moment, Jian Ao also seemed like a sharp sword, his aura blending seamlessly with the majestic Desolate Mountain behind him.

What a profound technique, Zhong Shan thought in awe.

Chujiu followed Jian Ao, showing no signs of competition.

Chujiu deeply respected Zhong Shan. Despite his initially poor aptitude, Zhong Shan's cultivation speed was unmatched. Even though Chujiu had reached the later stages of the Imperial Extreme Realm, he knew he couldn't compare to either Jian Ao or Zhong Shan.

Without a doubt, Chujiu realized that he might not withstand even one move from Jian Ao, and if Zhong Shan had been chosen by Jian Ao, then Zhong Shan must be more powerful.

"Have you made any breakthroughs recently, Zhong Shan?" Jian Ao asked with a hint of concern. Breaking through two levels in two years was an astonishing feat, requiring extraordinary talent and effort. Zhong Shan had spent these years consolidating his cultivation, not advancing further.

"Breakthroughs are not so easy, especially for someone like me. I have made no progress," Zhong Shan replied with a smile.

"Not easy?" Chujiu thought to himself, feeling a mix of frustration and admiration. For them, breakthroughs were 'not easy,' but for him, it seemed nearly impossible.

"In that case, let's enter Youming Heaven. Most participants have already arrived," Jian Ao said.

"Alright," Zhong Shan nodded.

Led by Jian Ao, the three flew towards the sky.

In the distance, the sky was filled with endless black clouds, blocking out the sun. These clouds had covered the sky since the birth of Youming Heaven, filled with boundless killing intent.

The entrance to Youming Heaven, one of the three great holy lands, lay within these dark clouds.

The killing intent didn't faze Zhong Shan, especially in his shadow form, which thrived in such an environment. He felt a sense of comfort, as if soaking in a hot spring.

As they approached the dark clouds, Jian Ao led them through the thick, oppressive atmosphere. The entrance to Youming Heaven loomed ahead, shrouded in the endless black clouds and killing intent, marking the gateway to one of the most dangerous and mysterious places in Shenzhou.

Zhong Shan, Jian Ao, and Chujiu continued their ascent, ready to face the challenges of Youming Heaven and the legendary Yin-Yang Two Realms Mountain.