The inherent poison, having assimilated the Demon King of Ghosts, now wields a strength absolutely equal to a Shi Fang Heavenly Master. The poison itself specializes in toxins, and coupled with the innate divine abilities inherited from the Demon King of Ghosts, its soul and physical body are virtually indestructible. Under these circumstances, if it were to engage in a straight fight with an average Shi Fang Heavenly Master, it might even gain the upper hand.

From the residual memory fragments lingering in Ji Changkong's mind, he knew that even within the Shi Fang Heavenly Master realm, there were several minor stages. He was temporarily unclear on the specifics of the division, but he did know that Hong Mandun was likely only at the introductory level.

At this moment, Hong Mandun’s Shi Fang Heaven Realm was not yet fully consolidated, making it difficult for him to unleash the true power of a Shi Fang Heavenly Master. If he truly confronted the inherent poison head-on, he might very well lose. Especially with Ji Changkong standing by, who had yet to summon his Demonic Body. Given this situation, Hong Mandun proclaiming he could sweep the world was clearly a touch arrogant.

Consequently, after the inherent poison revealed itself, Hong Mandun paused for a moment before a look of frustration settled upon him.

Ji Changkong, observing his expression closely, felt a silent surge of relief the moment he saw Hong Mandun display that helplessness. He then retracted the Ancient Nine Transformations Grand Formation, walked over to Hong Mandun, and said, "I know you cherish Yi Rou, but such things cannot be forced."

Hong Mandun sighed deeply. "This girl has never scorned me over the years, always staying by my side. Now that I've broken through to the Shi Fang Heaven Realm and am about to depart this place, I desperately want to do something for her. But her heart only holds you; she constantly murmurs your name near my ear..."

Hearing this, Ji Changkong could only offer a helpless, wry smile. "Forget it, don't trouble yourself over this. When I eventually leave this place too, she will slowly forget about me." Hong Mandun looked helpless, pleading, "Have you considered it? Honestly, this girl is truly remarkable." "I understand, I know she is wonderful, but... we are not suited for each other." Ji Changkong shook his head.

"What exactly is going on with that little fellow? I sense the aura of that evil creature clinging to him. Will he eventually be assimilated by that evil entity?" Hong Mandun’s expression grew grave. "From what I know, that evil being possesses incredibly potent vitality and tenacity; it is absolutely not easy to deal with!" "I don't know what the future holds. If one day he is assimilated, I will handle the matter," Ji Changkong also sighed. The issue of the inherent poison left him feeling utterly at a loss.

It was true that the inherent poison currently seemed capable of erasing the consciousness of the Demon King of Ghosts. However, it had absorbed too much of the Demon King's aura; unconsciously, that lingering presence was subtly influencing it, potentially altering its temperament.

If the wicked side were ever to gain complete dominance, at that point, the inherent poison would no longer be himself and would inevitably bring disaster upon the world. "When that time comes, will you still be able to restrain him?" Hong Mandun inquired. "I don't know. I will do my utmost. Even now, it is difficult for me to fully control him," Ji Changkong replied. Hearing this, Hong Mandun did not press further.

After a moment of contemplation, Hong Mandun suddenly spoke, "I have been spiritually wandering the heavens for years. On one occasion, I stumbled upon a wondrous locale containing an ancient pagoda predating the Great Destruction. The pagoda had nine stories; my spirit once drifted through the first level but was blocked by a force before reaching the second..." "What do you mean?" Ji Changkong started, then quickly became intrigued.

"Let me finish explaining first," Hong Mandun motioned for him to remain silent and continued, "That pagoda has nine tiers. Around it are various restrictions and barriers. Each level of the pagoda functions as its own distinct world, inhabited by terrifying creatures. My spirit lingered on that first level for some time; it was through tempering myself there that I obtained a fragment of consciousness, allowing me to break through to the Shi Fang Heaven Realm so quickly..." Hong Mandun furrowed his brow, slowly recounting that experience.

Any relic dating back to before the Great Destruction is a target for exploration throughout the Endless Star Domain. The reason the Dead Star Domain became home to major high-tier races and attracted so many Shi Fang Heavenly Masters was precisely because it preserved numerous extraordinary items from before the Great Annihilation.

If the nine-story pagoda Hong Mandun mentioned truly predated the Great Destruction, it must contain treasures that would make people’s eyes turn red. "Why are you telling me this?" Ji Changkong asked, puzzled.

"You might not realize it, but once one cultivates to the Shi Fang Heaven Realm, whether it's Divine Weapons or profound techniques and insights, everything must be re-selected and re-cultivated. Most of the power insights you cultivated in the Nine Palaces Heaven Realm become practically useless in the Shi Fang Heaven Realm; even if they can be used, their true power cannot be fully exerted." "Shi Fang Heavenly Masters have their own specialized techniques and Divine Weapons. Once one enters this realm, they step into an entirely new world, completely distinct from before!" Hong Mandun's voice held a seductive quality. "What exactly are you implying?" Ji Changkong was even more confused, though curiosity stirred within him, he entertained no other immediate thoughts.

In his view, the "Heavenly Evolution Ancient Art" should certainly be viable for cultivation in the Shi Fang Heaven Realm. Even if other techniques proved unusable, that specific art should pose no issue.

Possessing the "Heavenly Evolution Ancient Art," he could at least guarantee continuous cultivation upon breaking through to the Shi Fang Heaven Realm.

Since the nine-story pagoda was a relic from before the Great Destruction, it was undoubtedly extraordinary. Rushing in blindly would likely result in nine deaths out of ten; he dared not take such a risk. "Are you interested in exploring it with me?" Hong Mandun asked with a grin. "Not interested!" Ji Changkong rejected instantly.

"Truly no interest?" Hong Mandun paused, slightly perplexed. "Do you understand what relics from before the Great Destruction signify? It means that even within the Dead Star Domain, you might not find such a unique location. Within that pagoda, there might be treasures from before the Great Destruction. If you obtain them, you will have something to rely on when you eventually break through to the Shi Fang Heaven Realm and reach the Dead Star Domain!"

After a brief pause, Hong Mandun sneered, "Perhaps you are unaware of the chaos in the Star Domain? Never mind the Dead Star Domain; consider just the journey from our Solar Star Domain to the Dead Star Domain. Do you know how many life-bearing stars of high-tier races you will pass? Do you know the sheer peril you will encounter?"

"I tell you this: throughout history, of the Shi Fang Heavenly Masters who traveled from our Solar Star Domain to the Dead Star Domain, at least two-thirds perished along the way! Not to mention the threats from other races and the omnipresent dangers in the Sea of Stars, which can snatch a Shi Fang Heavenly Master's life at any moment!" "If you can obtain the treasures within that pagoda, you might be able, with their aid, to enter the Dead Star Domain someday, instead of dying en route!" At his words, Ji Changkong suddenly felt dumbfounded.

To think that two-thirds of the preceding masters were buried on the road between the Solar Star Domain and the Dead Star Domain—that was terrifying.

If Hong Mandun hadn't mentioned it, he would have assumed the journey was smooth and safe. Now, he began to worry about Tuolei, suspecting that Tuolei’s trip might indeed be fatal. "That pagoda is certainly dangerous; why are you so determined to go?" Ji Changkong asked again.

"I don't have the confidence to survive that stretch of the journey," Hong Mandun murmured with a bitter smile. "Two-thirds of Shi Fang Heavenly Masters perish en route; I don't believe I can be that lucky." Ji Changkong looked astonished, unsure what to say. "The reason I sought you out is that your Ancient Nine Transformations Grand Formation is incredibly unique and could be of immense use within that pagoda," Hong Mandun explained. "I forgot to mention, I can only manifest about two-thirds of the Ancient Nine Transformations Grand Formation's power," Ji Changkong admitted with a wry smile.

"I know, but that's enough for us to press inside. Don't worry, the last time I went, it was only in spirit form. This time, I will certainly go with my physical body; it will undoubtedly be better than last time," Hong Mandun said enthusiastically. "Uh, I'll consider it," Ji Changkong hesitated, unable to make up his mind.

"Fine. I won't be leaving immediately anyway. If we gain anything from that pagoda, I absolutely must secure a great benefit for Yi Rou, as a compensation for my helplessness in this matter," Hong Mandun sighed. "Mm, I'll think about it. If I decide, I will find you at East Heaven Peak," Ji Changkong replied. "Good." Hong Mandun nodded, then ceased speaking. His figure flickered, and he instantly appeared beside Yi Rou, grabbing her and vanishing within a flash of sword light. Ji Changkong watched Hong Mandun disappear in an instant, his brow tightly furrowed. He walked unhurriedly toward Xuanyuan Valley.

After taking only a few steps, he saw Mo Yunyi and Han Feng rushing towards him. Mo Yunyi called out early on, "Changkong, are you alright?"

This location was not far from Xuanyuan Valley. Once the surrounding small peaks rose dramatically, the people inside Xuanyuan Valley naturally knew Ji Changkong was nearby. "I'm fine, don't worry," Ji Changkong smiled faintly. Seeing more experts from the valley approaching upon hearing the news, he felt a stirring of gratitude. "Changkong, I have something to tell you." Meng Gang was also among the crowd; he hesitated before speaking with a strange expression. "What is it?" "Miss Shang has left..." Meng Gang paused before delivering the news.

"Left?" Ji Changkong's expression changed. "What do you mean?" He knew Meng Gang and the Shang family maintained occasional communication, and any news concerning Shang Bingjie was usually relayed through him. "See for yourself," Meng Gang handed him a plain white letter and said no more, his gaze complex.