Undying Scripture

Undying Scripture . . . 

The Darknorth Immortal Mountain, a place that opened its gates once every decade, was now welcoming a new batch of experts, and over a decade had slipped by since Qin Wentian's initial entry. This time, as in the past, the host for the gathering was Beiming Nongyue.

The selection process had concluded, and those who had successfully passed the test had already ventured inside the mountain. However, one individual chose not to depart. Li Yufeng, having made up his mind, decided to join Beiming Nongyue in exploring the mysteries within.

Within the sprawling mountain range, on a remote ancient peak, an extraordinary spectacle unfolded, attracting throngs of curious cultivators.

Seated in a state of deep cultivation was a maiden whose beauty rivaled that of a painted portrait. Her delicate fingers gracefully plucked the strings of an ancient zither, conjuring music that seemed to possess a life of its own. In the air, enchanting images formed, as the music replaced a painter's brush, creating wondrous, living scenes.

"It's said that this maiden is called Zhiyin and is a master of music. Her comprehension abilities are astonishing, and she managed to attain her Dao during her ten years here," someone in the crowd whispered, invoking awe in the hearts of those who heard. In their eyes, Zhiyin had become a legendary figure.

Sometimes, ten years were enough to craft a legend.

"Darknorth Immortal Mountain, the Immortal Law Mountain Range, bestows good fortune upon those who seek it. However, attaining the immortal king realm can't be an easy feat. Although this place slightly increases the odds of breaking through, it remains a fact that only a select few can truly ascend to the immortal king realm. For Fairy Zhiyin to have achieved such heights, her state of mind must be transcendent. Originally, she should have left after three months, but Princess Nongyue was unwilling to ask her to depart, allowing her to continue her enlightenment here."

"Princess Nongyue seems to hold Fairy Zhiyin in high regard," someone observed, glancing in Beiming Nongyue's direction. This time, both Beiming Nongyue and Li Yufeng had entered together, standing side by side and gazing with admiration at Zhiyin.

"Lady Zhiyin is truly exceptional," Beiming Nongyue remarked.

"Yes, who would have expected her to be the first to reach the immortal king realm? It's quite surprising. Brother Qin's friends are truly outstanding," Li Yufeng added with a smile. He continued, "I haven't seen Brother Qin around. I wonder how he's faring."

"He should have entered the forbidden ground. You know his personality from our days at the sacred academy."

"Is the forbidden ground really that perilous?" Li Yufeng inquired.

"Indeed, the estimated survival rate is about 10%, but that figure exaggerates the actual danger," Beiming Nongyue replied, her status as a Darknorth Dynasty princess granting her intimate knowledge of the Darknorth Immortal Mountain's perilous forbidden ground.

"You hold him in high regard," Beiming Nongyue remarked, casting an amused glance at Li Yufeng.

"I've always been the one to surpass others, but he's managed to catch up and even surpass me. If I don't hold him in high regard, doesn't that suggest I have limited prospects in the future?" Li Yufeng playfully wrapped his arm around Beiming Nongyue's waist, flashing a charming smile. "If that were the case, what right would I have to take you as my wife?"

"Ah, so you're praising yourself in a roundabout way," Beiming Nongyue teased. "When are you planning to return?"

"Why would I want to return?" Li Yufeng retorted.

"What are your plans, then?" Beiming Nongyue asked with a smile as she looked at Li Yufeng.

"I'll focus on cultivation and strive to break through to the immortal king realm as quickly as possible. Then, I'll return to my Hundred Refinements Sect with a wife who happens to be a princess of the Darknorth Immortal Dynasty. That way, I'll have more prestige when I go back," Li Yufeng chuckled, earning a playful eye roll from Beiming Nongyue.

"Nongyue, you're a princess of the Darknorth Immortal Dynasty and must have a good understanding of the forbidden ground. Do you know what it's like inside?" Li Yufeng inquired earnestly.

"I do have some knowledge of it. They say it's filled with extreme danger, and even ordinary immortal kings would surely meet their end if they dared to enter. Not even immortal emperors can uncover all its secrets. You're aware of this too, but that impulsive Qin Wentian chose to enter at the immortal-foundation realm," Beiming Nongyue expressed her concern, her worry for Qin Wentian evident.

"Has anyone from your dynasty entered before?" Li Yufeng inquired.

"We've had a few, and one of them managed to emerge safely after entering the forbidden ground," Beiming Nongyue replied.

"Who?" Li Yufeng's curiosity was piqued.

"My elder sister," Beiming Nongyue disclosed.

...

Meanwhile, Qin Wentian continued his diligent cultivation. Having established his first law domain, he decided to take a break. Unlike manifested constellations, law domains could evolve continuously as one progressed. As long as the form of the domain wasn't fixed entirely, it could be modified in the future, making it more perfect and powerful.

Thus, he didn't need to dwell on improving his law domain at this moment, since he had temporarily reached a bottleneck.

Over the next few years, he focused on cultivating and comprehending the items left behind by the enigmatic old figure. Among these items was a saber technique—a devastating, brutally powerful art designed to annihilate all in its path. It possessed immense, god-and-devil-slaying might.

There was also a marvelous movement technique, encompassing numerous transformations. Even though Qin Wentian didn't cultivate wind-attribute energy, he managed to comprehend it. This technique was inspired by the movements of a divine roc, with some compatibility with his past techniques but vastly more potent.

Additionally, there was a divine weapon emitting a black aura and a terrifying presence. The moment Qin Wentian touched it, he recoiled, feeling as though his soul was under assault. He lost control of his body. Consequently, he dared not touch the weapon again.

Now, he stared at the unassuming rod-shaped divine weapon with a puzzled expression. Since the mysterious figure left it for him, he surmised it must serve a purpose. However, the last time he touched it, his soul was subjected to an excruciating attack, rendering him helpless. He wondered if this was a test or a potential threat.

"Let's try it again," Qin Wentian resolved, clenching his teeth. He approached the divine weapon cautiously, grasping it tightly. Instantly, the overwhelming energy surged into his soul like lightning, rendering him unable to control his body. An assault on the soul was a fearsome ordeal.

"I can't let go of it!" Qin Wentian's expression twisted in pain. He couldn't break free from the weapon's grip, and the relentless energy continued to assail his soul. He felt as though his soul was on the brink of separation, about to dissipate into nothingness. Was the undying figure's intent to harm him?

In the midst of his torment, the silhouette of the enigmatic figure reappeared. Instead of aiding him, the figure merely sat down before Qin Wentian, observing his struggle. Qin Wentian's eyes pleaded for help, but the figure remained seated, seemingly content to watch the spectacle.

"Don't you realize that this rod is an ultimate treasure? Giving it to you is truly a waste of heavenly material," the old freak remarked. Qin Wentian felt an overwhelming urge to throttle him. Did the undying old freak have any idea what he was enduring at this very moment?

"Don't give me that look. The fact that you've lived this long is already a miracle. Frankly, I don't even know why I allowed you to come here. But to be honest, in all the countless years I've spent here, you're only the second person to enter this ancient city. The first one was an incredibly beautiful young lady. I was rather taken with her appearance and couldn't bear to let her perish here. Of course, she worked hard and achieved remarkable progress. Eventually, I sent her out of the forbidden ground," the mysterious figure shared. 

Qin Wentian's body continued to tremble from the ordeal, but he had little time or patience for the old undying freak's tales. He felt deceived by the divine weapon.

Moreover, why had the undying freak chosen to remain here? With his power, he could have roamed freely throughout the immortal realms, even reigning supreme.

"Endure a little longer. When you truly sense it, I'll assist you," the enigmatic figure said. Qin Wentian was fully aware that this undying freak had no intention of helping him. Despite enduring the excruciating soul attack, he gradually began to sense his soul's existence.

Souls were shrouded in mystery, closely tethered to the body. For stellar martial cultivators, the majority of their innate techniques were body-focused. Those who cultivated the secrets of the soul were a rare few, but their power was extraordinary. However, because soul cultivation methods were so scarce, soul cultivators were like rare phoenix feathers or unicorn horns.

Qin Wentian had never previously connected with his soul, and he now found himself passively enduring this soul assault. Fortunately, the attack hadn't directly obliterated his soul, or he would have perished.

After enduring for what seemed like an eternity, Qin Wentian was on the verge of breaking. The undying freak continued to speak, "In this era, the souls of stellar martial cultivators are pitifully weak, incomparable to the past. In my era, characters like you would have perished without understanding why. The heavens have indeed changed, there's more innovation, but each successive generation grows weaker than the last. In truth, the genuinely formidable experts are no longer present."

Qin Wentian appeared as though he couldn't bear it any longer.

"Fortunately, you've encountered me. If you can't withstand this slight pain, then dying here is the most sensible choice. Continuing to cultivate would only result in your eventual death. All things considered, you can consider yourself quite fortunate," the undying freak continued. Qin Wentian felt his weakened soul teetering on the edge of detachment from his body.

"It seems the time has come. Feel it well," the undying freak remarked before a radiant light exploded from his eyes.

"Exit!"

With that command, Qin Wentian's soul trembled. He felt as though he was floating away, but his body remained motionless on the ground. Panic surged within him. Had his soul separated from his body?

The undying freak glanced at Qin Wentian, then muttered, "You do possess some potential."

"Return!" With a shout, Qin Wentian's soul re-entered his body, and the divine weapon slipped from his grasp. His entire body convulsed, white foam bubbling from his mouth. He had endured a harrowing experience.

Gazing at the ancient-looking old man before him, Qin Wentian couldn't help but wonder: what kind of terrifying being was this undying old freak?

"Back then, the young lady received the Death Scripture from me. Let me give you the Undying Scripture," the undying freak said. He placed his palm on Qin Wentian's head, causing Qin Wentian's body to stiffen as his soul felt constrained. Moments later, he lost consciousness.

"Ah, utterly useless," the old man shook his head. He continued, "When you can finally grasp this divine weapon, I'll send you out of here."