The drop of Black Tortoise essence blood merged into his body, stirring up a tempest within him, and the Main Buddha refined his entire being anew.

Once the essence blood of the Black Tortoise truly fused with the blood inside him, all the fierce fluctuations vanished without a trace. A feeling of profound comfort and ease washed over him from head to toe, his mind as still as water, his body as if submerged in a hot spring—an indescribable tranquility.

Bathed in moonlight, the moon’s radiance poured into him, entirely absorbed by his body, flowing through every meridian and vessel to merge with his blood, steadily augmenting its power.

His erect figure hovered in the night sky.

Ji Changkong did not hurry to continue his journey. Instead, he floated quietly in the air, using his mind and soul to experience the marvelous transformations occurring within his body following the infusion of that single drop of Black Tortoise essence blood.

A mere drop of Black Tortoise essence blood had brought about an earth-shattering change to his physique!

Over the years, the meridians and bones he had strengthened through various methods possessed ample hardness but lacked resilience. Especially his internal meridians; despite continuous widening and reinforcement allowing them to hold more essence blood, they were slightly too rigid, lacking flexibility.

The same applied to his flesh and bones. With a mere thought, his robust muscles could harden like iron or stone; even without utilizing the power of the Xuanyuan bloodline, the sheer hardness of his body far surpassed that of Heavenly Masters at the same realm.

However, perhaps due to overemphasizing physical cultivation, when he wasn't exerting his internal strength, his muscles seemed perpetually tensed, as if incapable of truly relaxing.

That single drop of Black Tortoise essence blood suddenly relaxed the rigidity in his meridians, flesh, and bones. The widened meridians gained suppleness, and his muscles could relax when not in use, releasing the constant tension. Even his otherwise incomparably hard bones rotated through an entire cycle with a series of sharp crackling sounds.

The blood of the Black Tortoise, the ultimate in softness—truly miraculous!

Carefully sensing the changes in his body, a pleased smile slowly spread across Ji Changkong's face. In his state of complete relaxation, he sensed the essence of the moonlight descending from the heavens, unexpectedly replenishing the vital energy depleted by his long journey.

His vital energy was rich, his spiritual power abundant; before he realized it, he had recovered to the peak state.

Furthermore, he could sense that due to the infusion of the Black Tortoise essence blood, his internal blood had subtly undergone a transformation, gaining a degree of flexibility that seemed to neutralize some of its inherent volatility. While its power was undiminished, the blood acquired a touch of calmness.

With a stir of thought, the blood within him could flow according to his will; where his spirit led, the changes in his blood were instantly apparent, capable of surging or settling exactly as he commanded.

Indeed, the transformed blood had become far easier to control.

The succession of wondrous changes within his body filled Ji Changkong with utter delight. Thinking about the possible presence of the vital essence blood of the Vermilion Bird and White Tiger hidden within certain regions of his body, Ji Changkong concentrated all his spiritual energy, sweeping through every corner of his physical form again and again.

Once, then again.

After nine complete sweeps that traversed every inch of his body, he found nothing unusual, nor did he sense that wondrous feeling.

It seems I cannot force it, he mused. Perhaps the time is not right, which is why I cannot perceive the essence blood left by the Vermilion Bird and the White Tiger within me. Ji Changkong thought to himself, though without much disappointment.

He knew that the vital essence blood of the Sacred Beasts Vermilion Bird and White Tiger certainly resided somewhere hidden within him; it was just that, perhaps like today, it required a specific environment or a particular event to reveal itself. Since those two drops of blood, surely infinite in their uses, were within him, they wouldn't escape him, so there was no need to rush their discovery.

Letting out a soft breath of the cool night air, he gazed ahead. Ji Changkong’s figure shot forth like lightning, continuing his flight eastward.

A pool of water, clear to the bottom, lay like a mirror under the moonlight. Small fish, palm-sized, swam quietly in the lake, and stones the size of fists at the bottom shimmered with tiny gleams when touched by the moonlight.

His movement abruptly arrested.

Gazing down at the small lake, bright as a polished mirror, a faint smile touched the corners of Ji Changkong’s mouth. With a thought, a surge of power slowly extended toward the lake below.

In the center of the tranquil lake, a bizarre, massive vortex suddenly formed. The small fish scattered in panic, fleeing rapidly towards the banks.

The vortex spun furiously, the surging water condensing into a colossal water dragon. The dragon swayed its thick body within the lake, as if tethered by invisible chains, being forcefully lifted out of the water.

The giant dragon writhed, slowly ascending into the sky amidst the sound of splashing water. Crystalline droplets scattered everywhere, creating a faint mist that permeated the space above the small lake, lending a touch of tragic beauty to the suddenly agitated waters.

Boom! Boom!

The water dragon flew into the sky, shooting directly toward Ji Changkong’s feet. With a powerful tail sweep, its massive body elegantly circled him once before soaring above his head and plunging back toward the lake.

The water dragon struck the lake, once again stirring up monstrous waves that made the quiet water boil.

The sudden turmoil of the lake came quickly and departed just as fast. After the water dragon plunged in and the waves churned, the lake surface calmed once more.

Hovering in the air above the lake, Ji Changkong could not suppress a satisfied smile.

A single drop of Sacred Beast Black Tortoise blood had not only greatly benefited his soul-body but had also made him incredibly adept at controlling water!

Fortunately, he had diligently cultivated the powers of the Four Symbols and Five Elements; otherwise, possessing a drop of Sacred Beast Black Tortoise essence blood, he might not have been able to utilize its power fully.

The Black Tortoise is the God of Water, and its control over water power surpasses that of any other creature. Its blood contains the strength of the Water God, naturally giving him an advantage over others in wielding water power.

The East Sea region was vast, an endless expanse of azure water as far as the eye could see. Having obtained this drop of the Water God’s essence blood, once he reached the East Sea, he could utilize the omnipresent boundless seawater, which would significantly enhance his overall strength.

As the lake settled back into tranquility, a few bold fish swam curiously toward the center, poking their pointed heads around, seemingly investigating the whereabouts of the water dragon.

Ji Changkong let out an amused chuckle and his figure suddenly moved again, instantly traversing a hundred zhang. Traveling eastward for two or three hours, utilizing his full strength, his speed was like lightning and thunder as he sped east.

Suddenly, a small, smoke-choked country below fell into his view. After observing from high above for a while, Ji Changkong shook his head with a sigh.

The nation below, riddled with sores and overrun by bandits, was the Lanrou Kingdom, not too far from the Gray Mountain Range. Back then, experts from the Lanrou Kingdom had allied with forces from that side to invade Blood Rain Mountain, only to be violently driven out by them.

Afterward, the He Family and the Star Stone Sect, allied with some sects and families from the Water Cloud Kingdom, launched a bloody retaliation against the Lanrou Kingdom, unleashing a reign of terror.

The Lanrou Kingdom ultimately paid a terrible price for its greed!

Not long after, the Ghost Demon King emerged. The Gray Mountain Range was relatively close to the Lanrou Kingdom. After emerging from the mountains, the Ghost Demon King began sweeping through the Lanrou territories. The powerful Heavenly Master sects and families within the Lanrou borders wailed across the land during this catastrophe.

The prominent Heavenly Master sects and families of the Lanrou Kingdom, having barely escaped the retribution of the Water Cloud Kingdom’s Heavenly Masters, now faced the slaughter brought by the Ghost Demon King!

The Ghost Demon King, a creature devoid of humanity, operated differently from the Water Cloud Kingdom’s revenge. Wherever it passed, no sects or families remained intact; all who cultivated the Way of the Heavenly Master were executed.

The Lanrou Kingdom was inherently weak, its entire structure supported by those powerful sects and families. With its foundations destroyed, the Lanrou Kingdom became an undefended nation, turning instead into a paradise for bandits.

With peace shattered, bandits poured into the Lanrou borders, burning, killing, robbing, and committing atrocities, transforming the Lanrou Kingdom completely into a capital of chaos!

Looking down upon the territory of the Lanrou Kingdom, Ji Changkong felt a twinge of sorrow in his heart. To see a thriving nation decline so quickly, causing the common people to suffer alongside the cultivating Heavenly Masters, was truly a lamentable tragedy.

If traced back truly, Ji Changkong bore an undeniable responsibility for the collapse and suffering of the Lanrou Kingdom. Whether it was the revenge from Blood Rain Mountain or the massacre by the Ghost Demon King, he was involved to some degree. Thinking of this, a subtle guilt surfaced in Ji Changkong’s heart.

Hovering above the Lanrou Kingdom, he released his soul sense, probing toward the most severe areas of conflict.

Waves of cyan brilliant light rolled down from the clouds, piercing the thick layers, condensing into fist-sized cyan heavenly thunders that suddenly descended from the void!

Boom! Boom!

Earth-shattering explosions echoed between heaven and earth. The cyan heavenly thunders seemed to possess eyes, falling one after another precisely into the gatherings of bandits, splashing severed limbs and broken bodies among them.

Wails of ghostly anguish erupted from the bandits, crying out for their parents; under this bloody baptism, the bandits forgot their plunder and slaughter, fleeing desperately into the distance.

The thunder rumbled, cyan light flashing like a viper in the void, blasting downward repeatedly.

The entire Lanrou Kingdom echoed with screams, but now, the ones crying out were the wicked bandits. Those bandits, looking up at the single figure standing proudly in the void, were struck with terror; all their courage was instantly annihilated by the cyan heavenly lightning.

Suddenly, every bandit who had invaded the Lanrou Kingdom fled for their lives, terrified of being targeted by the Heavenly Lightning hovering in the sky.

Soon, the ruthless and inhumane bandits, from the perspective of the common folk, either died or fled, leaving no trace.

The common people within the Lanrou Kingdom gazed up at the sky and spotted Ji Changkong, standing as proudly as a deity in the void. Every single resident of Lanrou knelt down, bowing towards the heavens, shouting phrases like, "The Old Lord has opened his eyes!"

Ji Changkong felt ashamed and believed he was undeserving of their homage. Seeing the bandits fleeing in all directions, he did not linger in the Lanrou sky and departed with a heavy heart.

If they knew that the calamity of the Lanrou Kingdom was directly related to him, would they light incense and curse me?

After leaving the Lanrou Kingdom, Ji Changkong continued eastward. Passing through a dense forest, a towering peak, reaching into the clouds, slowly came into view.

That peak was not much lower than Tianshan. Its slopes were covered in lush greenery, filled with the songs of birds and the fragrance of flowers, where various spirit beasts moved peacefully, showing no fear of strangers.

East Heaven Peak.

This peak bordered the East Sea. Since ancient times, East Heaven Peak served as the demarcation line between the Central Lands and the East Sea. Heavenly Masters from the East Sea traveling directly to the Central Lands would pass through this peak, as would Central Lands Heavenly Masters wishing to venture out to sea.

The spiritual energy on East Heaven Peak was not particularly dense, far less than Tianshan or Kunlun, and even less than cultivation paradises like Blood Rain Mountain or Xuanyuan Valley. However, due to East Heaven Peak's unique geography, situated at the junction of the Central Lands and the East Sea, it was the most crucial trading hub between Heavenly Masters of both regions, ensuring that East Heaven Peak was never short of resident Heavenly Masters.

The Yi Family, one of the Seven Great Families of the Central Lands, resided on East Heaven Peak!

All transactions on East Heaven Peak were controlled by the Yi Family, making them the true, hidden masters of the peak.

Looking at East Heaven Peak piercing the clouds, Ji Changkong suddenly recalled Yi Jia and Yi Rou, those two young girls. He had many past entanglements with them.

As the boundary between the Central Lands and the East Sea, East Heaven Peak was not only the main exchange point for spiritual treasures and Yuan Stones between the two sides but also a vital location for gathering news from the East Sea.

Approaching East Heaven Peak, Ji Changkong slowly descended from the void, stopping halfway up the mountain. From there, he began walking briskly toward the summit.

Whether it was the Duan Family, the Chen Family, or the Xiao Family, they all established intelligence relay points on East Heaven Peak. These outposts could receive news from Xuanyuan Valley as well as intelligence from the East Sea. Ji Changkong ascended East Heaven Peak specifically to check for the latest news from the sea.

“Come, come! Everyone, take a look! Fire Fish produced on Doll Island in the East Sea! Friends who cultivate the Five Elements Fire path absolutely cannot miss this! Just by eating Fire Fish, you are guaranteed to advance further on the path of cultivating Fire power!”

“Southern Yi Moon-Shooting Bow, comes with three Moon-Shooting arrows! Only eight thousand Yuan Stones, only eight thousand Yuan Stones! Those who want it, hurry! Be quick or it will be gone!”

Before even reaching the summit, Ji Changkong heard shouts of hawking coming from the top. Heavenly Masters from the East Sea and the Central Lands were loudly advertising their spiritual treasures.

Upon reaching the peak, Ji Changkong saw people everywhere. Some set up simple stalls right where they stood, leisurely calling out the Yuan Stone wonders in their hands.

On the summit were various simple structures, their architectural styles differing, but the only similarity was the continuous sound of sales pitches. This location’s unique nature made it highly suitable for the exchange of spiritual treasures among Heavenly Masters, thus stalls selling treasures were everywhere.

Looking around, Ji Changkong felt this place resembled the Spiritual Treasure Conventions he had attended—stalls littered everywhere, wandering Heavenly Masters aimlessly browsing, their eyes darting everywhere, as if equipped with fiery golden eyes capable of discerning the authenticity of every treasure.

Without wasting his spiritual energy scrutinizing the ubiquitous "spiritual treasures," Ji Changkong wove through the crowd and soon arrived before a grand entrance bustling with important figures, suggesting wealth and high status.

The three characters "Lingbao Ge" (Spiritual Treasure Pavilion) greeted his eyes, and Ji Changkong quickened his pace.

The Chen Family's spiritual treasure trade spanned the globe; they had shops not only in the Water Cloud Kingdom of the Central Lands but also in some regions of the Western Regions and Southern Yi. The Chen Family's Lingbao Ge not only sold various spiritual treasures but also purchased rare ones from every region, always maintaining fair prices.

Lingbao Ge employed its own appraisers, ensuring that any spiritual treasure within their pavilion was genuine, never shoddy. Discerning individuals would always come to Lingbao Ge to select treasures truly suited to them, just as those holding genuine spiritual treasures would come here to sell them.

The Heavenly Masters moving about Lingbao Ge were clearly not those looking for petty bargains, as every spiritual treasure here commanded a high price; one wouldn't come to Lingbao Ge to humiliate themselves without sufficient Yuan Stones in their pockets.

"Young Master, what can I get for you?" A sprightly, cute girl with small pigtails and large, round glasses leaned close to Ji Changkong and asked, blinking.

As she spoke, the girl’s gaze lingered on Ji Changkong, her mind clicking with surprise.

Seven-Star Heavenly Master! To reach the Seven-Star Heavenly Realm at such a young age—truly remarkable! Which family does he belong to? Could he be from Kunlun or Tianshan?

A ring worn on the girl's finger shimmered with a strange light, displaying numbers of varying sizes that quickly scrolled past, revealing Ji Changkong's true cultivation realm.

Ji Changkong was dressed in coarse hemp clothing, appearing unremarkable, but anyone reaching the Seven-Star Heavenly Realm so young was definitely a major figure! The girl understood this perfectly.

It was precisely for this reason that the girl bypassed several individuals wearing the cyan robes of the Cloud Silk Pavilion and walked directly up to Ji Changkong, inquiring with an ingratiating manner.

Ji Changkong looked curiously at the girl, puzzled as to why she chose him out of everyone else.

"Young Master, did you not find anything to your liking outside?" The girl gave a charming smile, revealing a slight dimple on her fleshy lips, which added to her adorable innocence.

"Hey, hey! I’ve been inside for half a day and you weren't this enthusiastic. This kid clearly looks like a pauper, what kind of flattery is that?" A young man in a white robe, sporting a Fire Luo Jade pendant at his waist, complained indignantly while fiddling with the storage ring on his right index finger with his left hand.

The girl glanced at him with a sweet smile, chuckling softly, "Young Master Yi Yuan, when you cultivate to the Seven-Star Heavenly Realm, I will definitely greet you the moment you enter."

"What? This pauper has Seven-Star Heavenly Realm cultivation? Chen Bao'er, you must be trying to fool me!" The youth named Yi Yuan protested impatiently.

Chen Bao'er pouted, her reddish lips showing a hint of disdain, but when she turned back to Ji Changkong, her face was again wreathed in smiles: "Esteemed Young Master, ignore him. Come, let me take you inside to look around. I am certain there is something you will find appealing."

Ji Changkong nodded with a faint smile and calmly followed Chen Bao'er, unhurriedly entering another area reserved for VIP guests.

The new room displayed a dazzling array of spiritual treasures: cultivation materials of all kinds and gemstones. Spiritual treasures from the Western Regions, Northern Barbarians, and Southern Yi were gathered together, all gleaming with intoxicating light under the illumination of the grand glazed lamps overhead.

A faint spiritual energy permeated the room, partly originating from the spiritual treasures and partly from the misty essence of East Heaven Peak. Together, they made the entire room feel spiritually charged—so much so that one might wish to stay here and cultivate diligently.

Chen Bao'er’s small dimple showed as she introduced with slight pride, "Our Lingbao Ge has branches throughout the world. All spiritual treasures here have been certified by our specialized appraisers; there is not a single substandard item! Young Master, you have come to the right place at Lingbao Ge. Though East Heaven Peak is vast, only our Lingbao Ge can truly be called a land of spiritual treasures."

Ji Changkong grinned and nodded. "I am naturally familiar with the reputation of Lingbao Ge, but I did not come here today to purchase your treasures."

Chen Bao'er’s slender eyebrows raised, her large glasses full of confusion. "You came to Lingbao Ge but not for spiritual treasures? What business do you have?"

"Who is in charge here?" Ji Changkong asked with a smile.

Chen Bao'er stiffened, pouted, and her face turned cold. "Sir, what exactly are you here for?"

"I have a certain connection with your Lingbao Ge. Our Xuanyuan Valley and the Chen Family have always maintained close ties. Your Chen Family Patriarch once stated that any news from the Chen Family would be open to me," Ji Changkong said mildly, looking at the cute girl. "I believe your side must have received the messages from the Duan Family and the Xiao Family recently?"

Chen Bao'er's expression changed drastically. She hurried to the door, gently closing the slightly ajar entrance, then said gravely, "Sir, just who are you?"

"Ji Changkong."

"Ah?"

Chen Bao'er covered her mouth in surprise, examining Ji Changkong with curiosity, clicking her tongue in amazement. "You are Ji Changkong of Xuanyuan Valley? So young? How is that possible? People say the new generation Xuanyuan of Xuanyuan Valley is as imposing as a massive ferocious beast, with eyes like bronze bells and a voice like thunder!"

Chen Bao'er excitedly mimicked, comparing Ji Changkong to a creature like the Cloud Dream Marsh Sky-Winged Dragon.

Ji Changkong’s face darkened, and he remained silent, his expression sullen.

Chen Bao'er continued to chatter excitedly, even jumping up and down, mimicking the predatory poses of a fierce beast, as if Ji Changkong were truly a colossal monster that consumed men without spitting out bones, utterly unlike ordinary mortals.

After a while.

Chen Bao'er saw Ji Changkong's dark expression and silence, seemingly realizing she had gotten a little too carried away. She stuck out her tongue sheepishly, slapped her head hard, and exclaimed, "Ah? You came to find my grandpa, I almost forgot!"

The moment the words left her mouth, without waiting for Ji Changkong's reply, she hopped out and started shouting, "Grandpa, someone's here, someone's here to see you! This time it’s a real big shot, not some small fry—wake up, stop sleeping!"

As if afraid others wouldn't hear, the girl’s voice boomed everywhere.

This girl, is she missing a screw? Ji Changkong shook his head with a wry smile, thinking that while Chen Bao'er was reckless, she was quite endearing.

Creeeeak! The door opened again, and the excited Chen Bao'er dragged an elderly, stooped figure into view. She pointed excitedly at Ji Changkong and announced loudly, "Grandpa, it's him! He’s not like what they say outside—look, one nose and two eyes, just like me! Exactly the same, I even compared!"

Ji Changkong wore an expression of deep, pained amusement.

The chubby old man’s cheeks were piled high with fat. His expression was benevolent, but his cloudy eyes held no sharp light, and there wasn't a strong surge of Yuan Power emanating from him—he was merely a complete failure, only at the Two-Phase Heavenly Scholar realm at such an advanced age. Clearly, the old man hadn't focused his energy on cultivation; otherwise, he wouldn't be at this level. Even Chen Bao'er beside him, young as she was, had reached the Three-Talent Heaven Realm, surpassing her own grandfather.

Chen Hongji’s plump face was etched with embarrassment. He bowed deeply, repeatedly saying, "Bao'er always talks nonsense. Please, don't mind her."

Waving a hand, Ji Changkong smiled faintly. "No trouble at all, haha. Elder. I came to the Lingbao Pavilion because I wanted to learn some recent news from the East Sea region. I am from Xuanyuan Valley."

Chen Hongji had clearly already learned of Ji Changkong's identity from Chen Bao'er. Hearing this, he hurriedly nodded, then turned and glared at Chen Bao'er, huffing, "Girl, go stand guard outside and don't bring anyone else in for now!"

Chen Bao'er stuck out her tongue, widened her eyes, and shot Ji Changkong a resentful glance before reluctantly leaving.

Once Chen Bao'er was gone, Chen Hongji immediately bowed deeply to Ji Changkong before adopting a solemn expression. "The East Sea side has been quite restless lately…"

Several Elders of the Guiyuan Sect passed through East Heaven Peak a few days ago and have now reached the East Sea.

News that Li Hentian was in the East Sea has already spread there. Li Hentian not only has enemies everywhere in the Central Lands, but he also has many foes in the East Sea. These enemies appear to have joined forces and are actively searching for Li Hentian’s whereabouts.

Even setting aside the matter of Li Hentian, the East Sea has been far from peaceful recently.

Two Ghost Demon Kings emerged from the Gray Mountain Range. One of them is currently in the East Sea. This Ghost Demon King is equally brutal and cold-blooded, having committed numerous atrocities there, destroying many Heavenly Scholar sects and families in the East Sea.

The East Sea expanse is immense, several times larger than the Central Lands. Fortunately, the Ghost Demon King’s current activity is limited to a few specific areas and hasn't spread widely across all the sea regions.

Because of the Ghost Demon King's presence, the major sects and families of the East Sea have united, preparing to eradicate that Demon King.

During this period, another bombshell report erupted from the East Sea: the Ghost Demon King, carrying numerous lesser demons, invaded an East Sea sect but surprisingly failed to wipe it out completely.

According to reports filtering out of the East Sea, the Ghost Demon King, who had been sweeping through the region, had finally encountered a formidable adversary!

The place where the Ghost Demon King was foiled was shockingly the abandoned "Blood Pool." It is said that while the Demon King was slaughtering in that area, a figure unexpectedly emerged from beneath the ruins of the "Blood Pool." This person claimed the title of Blood Emperor and, after engaging the Ghost Demon King in battle, actually forced the Demon King to retreat.

Everyone who heard this news speculated that the individual calling himself the Blood Emperor must have grasped the true secret of the "Blood Pool." This person had been cultivating beneath the "Blood Pool" in seclusion for years, yet had never made a name for himself in the East Sea—undoubtedly an extraordinary figure.

Only a Nine Palace Heavenly Scholar could fight the Ghost Demon King to a standstill! It was certain that the Blood Emperor was a Nine Palace Heavenly Scholar!

As soon as this news broke, the Heavenly Scholar circles of the East Sea were thrown into an uproar. Many sects that had split off from the ancient "Blood Pool" were greatly invigorated, converging upon the abandoned "Blood Pool."

For years, masters of the Nine Palace Heaven Realm across the world were few and far between; each one was a world-shaking figure. Cao Xuanqi of Kunlun, Gu Ya of Tianshan, the Holy Mother Youlan of the Western Regions, and the Asura King of the Northern Barbarians—these renowned Nine Palace Heavenly Scholars were the most revered beings in their respective domains.

Until now, no news had emerged of a Nine Palace Heavenly Scholar existing in the East Sea. The absence of one had long been a source of regret for the Heavenly Scholars there. Because of this, in the eyes of the world, the scholars of the East Sea always seemed slightly inferior to those in the Western Regions and the Central Lands.

However, due to the rampages of the Ghost Demon King, a Nine Palace Heavenly Scholar suddenly revealed himself in the East Sea, immediately creating massive waves!

The existence of this Nine Palace Heavenly Scholar, dubbed the Blood Emperor, was even more shocking than the news of the Ghost Demon King’s killings across the East Sea!

Instantly, legends of the Blood Emperor saturated every corner of the East Sea; everyone believed only the Blood Emperor could finally destroy the Ghost Demon King.

Many East Sea sects and families, regardless of any past connection to the "Blood Pool," began sending envoys to contact the Blood Emperor, hoping to forge an alliance, seek his protection in the East Sea, and implore him to command them to drive the Ghost Demon King out.

The Blood Emperor, the Ghost Demon King, Li Hentian, and the three Elders of the Guiyuan Sect—news of their presence in the East Sea spread like wildfire, instantly making that region the focal point of the entire world.

Even the news of Xuanyuan Valley repelling the Ghost Demon King was overshadowed by the great events unfolding in the East Sea. In the eyes of many, the East Sea was now the liveliest place, the prime territory for making a name for oneself.

Chen Hongji's jiggling fatty face slowly recounted the dispatches from the East Sea.

Listening to the news brought by Chen Hongji, Ji Changkong’s expression grew grim. Neither the Ghost Demon King nor the three Elders of the Guiyuan Sect were good omens for him. Now, with the addition of a Nine Palace Heavenly Scholar calling himself the Blood Emperor, this venture was fraught with even greater peril.

Hatred was long predestined between Xuanyuan Valley and the Blood Pool. Whichever side grew stronger, the other would surely face disaster. Ji Changkong understood clearly that a great war between Xuanyuan Valley and the Blood Pool was inevitable sooner or later.

Before the Blood Emperor appeared, Ji Changkong hadn't given the threat of the Blood Pool much thought; after all, in terms of Eight Trigram Heavenly Scholars, Xuanyuan Valley certainly didn't lag behind.

However, with the emergence of the Blood Emperor, the power of the Blood Pool had undergone a seismic shift. The presence of a Nine Palace Heavenly Scholar now posed a threat to the safety of all the experts in Xuanyuan Valley!

Ji Changkong felt the intense threat emanating from the "Blood Pool."

"Young Master Ji, I know you intend to go to the East Sea, but you must reconsider carefully! Things are very chaotic over there now. Many people in the East Sea are your enemies, Young Master. If you go, you will face many hidden and overt dangers. Think twice!" Seeing his grim silence, Chen Hongji hesitated before speaking a word of caution.

"I know the East Sea is perilous, but I must go," Ji Changkong replied with a smile.

Chen Hongji said no more. After fumbling for a moment, he pulled out a smooth, white bone fragment and presented it to Ji Changkong, urging him with his eyes to accept it.

Ji Changkong paused, suspiciously taking the bone. Suddenly, his expression shifted, and he cried out, "What kind of bone is this?"

A sinister, strange power surged into his body the instant he touched it! It felt as if thousands of tiny creatures were trying to burrow into Ji Changkong’s flesh. The blood within him instantly stirred, spontaneously forming a barrier across the pores of the skin holding the bone, blocking the invasive power.

If Chen Hongji hadn't maintained his calm, gentle gaze, Ji Changkong would have thought the old man was trying to harm him.

Chen Hongji slowly slipped off the black silk glove on his left hand, letting out a faint sigh of relief. He then explained, "I don't know the origin of this bone fragment. I've heard that anyone who touches it without the cultivation of the Eight Trigram Heaven Realm will have great difficulty controlling it. I need this specially made glove to keep the power within the bone from harming me. I only dared to hand it to you because I heard your true cultivation is no less than an Eight Trigram Heavenly Scholar."

"Where did you obtain it?" Ji Changkong asked, his face grave.

"I bought it. Someone brought this bone fragment to the Lingbao Pavilion, and I felt it was extraordinary, so I purchased it," Chen Hongji explained. "You might not know, but I am just an appraiser. I have a deep interest in all kinds of spiritual treasures. This is why I can manage the affairs of the East Heaven Peak Lingbao Pavilion despite only being at the Two-Phase Heavenly Scholar realm."

He paused, his face growing heavy. "After acquiring this bone, I spent three years studying it, yet I couldn't determine what creature it belonged to. The strange, evil power attached to it is clearly not righteous. I originally intended to send it back to the Chen family, but I knew that if I couldn't discern its secrets here, likely no one else in the Chen family could."

As the old man spoke this, a hint of pride flashed across his face.

Ji Changkong immediately showed respect, understanding that the old man might be the most skilled spiritual treasure appraiser in the Chen family, otherwise, he wouldn't have spoken such words.

"I kept it with me because I thought perhaps one day I might discover its true nature. Alas, even today, I still don't know its origin or see any clues," Chen Hongji sighed.

"Then why give it to me?" Ji Changkong asked, puzzled.

Chen Hongji smiled strangely, narrowing his eyes into slits. "Heh heh. I heard you are connected to the Saint. A Saint's insight is naturally beyond our guessing. Having lived so long, a Saint’s experience surely surpasses ours. I cannot meet the Saint, but you can."

Ji Changkong gave a wry smile; it turned out Chen Hongji wasn't giving him the bone because he thought highly of Ji Changkong himself.

"Just remember to tell me the situation once you discover the origin of this bone. That will be enough," Chen Hongji quickly added.

Nodding slowly, Ji Changkong fought to control the strange power emanating from the bone. "If I ever learn its origin, I will certainly send word to you with the full details."

"That’s good," Chen Hongji said, satisfied. It seemed he cared more about the bone's lineage than its power—a true testament to the Lingbao Pavilion’s top appraiser.

Using his own strength to forcibly suppress the bone’s encroaching power, Ji Changkong prepared to safely store the mysterious fragment away.

Just then!

The Origin Poison, deeply hidden within his Tianyuan Pearl, was abruptly awakened. It shot out of the Pearl with a surge.

The liquid form of the Origin Poison writhed violently, shifting before Ji Changkong’s eyes until it slowly coalesced into the shape of a small figure, about the size of a palm.

"Give it to me! Quickly, quickly give it to me!"

The blurry eyes of the Origin Poison fixed intently on the bone fragment in Ji Changkong’s hand. It instantly lunged onto the bone, its liquid body suddenly engulfing the entire fragment.

The strange power continuously released by the unknown bone vanished instantly due to the sudden wrap of the Origin Poison.

"With this bone, I can finally have a real body! Ha! It's mine!" the Origin Poison shrieked triumphantly. Its liquid form slowly undulated, seeming to swallow the bone fragment whole.

Both Ji Changkong and Chen Hongji stared dumbfounded.

"Little Poison, what's going on? Why did you have to devour this bone? Do you... do you know its origin?" Ji Changkong asked, astonished.

Chen Hongji’s eyes suddenly lit up, the fat on his face trembling rapidly. He muttered under his breath, "It knows? Does it know?"

Snapping back to reality, Chen Hongji looked at Ji Changkong and shouted, "It—what is that?"

Chen Hongji pointed at the Origin Poison, his face full of shock.

"Uh… that’s a bit complicated to explain," Ji Changkong said with a wry smile.

"Wonderful, what a wonderful sensation, so wonderful…"

The Origin Poison let out a wondrous moan, as if enjoying the most exquisite massage. Its contorted body swayed in various suggestive postures, clearly highly excited.

The bone fragment slowly cracked inside its liquid body, breaking down into even smaller pieces that permeated the Origin Poison's entire being, instantly propping up its formerly soft form!

Threads of dark light, visible to the naked eye, spread out from the bone fragments, coursing through every part of its body. At a glance, this dark light looked like sinews and meridians, spreading to every corner of its structure.

The originally indistinct appearance of the Origin Poison—perhaps due to the bone and the meridian-like dark light within—miraculously began to rapidly clarify…

"That… is he your son?" Chen Hongji stared blankly at the Origin Poison, then after a long moment, looked at Ji Changkong with utter confusion.

"You’re his son! Your whole family are his sons! You old fool, what nonsense are you spouting? Believe it or not, I’ll poison you!" The Origin Poison swayed its body, slowly standing upright, glaring furiously at Chen Hongji.

Chen Hongji shrunk back, retreating fearfully. "Then, then why does he look so much like Young Master Ji?"

As expected, the Origin Poison, whose appearance was becoming clearer by the second, bore an astonishing, nearly identical resemblance to a miniature Ji Changkong.

It was no wonder Chen Hongji had said that. (To be continued)