Ye Xiu immediately grasped the implication. He considered how if Jun Bugu hadn't killed the Sky-Moon Hermit to seize the Myriad Poison Stone, he himself might never have earned the trust of the Drought Corpse Insect Emperor, and worse, the Soul of a Hundred Insects might have backlashed and killed him. Jun Bugu, perhaps thinking the same, might have resorted to such a drastic measure himself: "Birdman, we are friends, in a way. Regarding this matter with the Sky-Moon Hermit, is there any room for maneuvering?"
The Birdman, being straightforward by nature, naturally refused: "The Sky-Moon Hermit holds an Elder status among the Sun-Blind Clan. This matter likely won't just fade away."
"Speaking of which, I genuinely want to ascend to the Sky-Cloud Machine with you sometime, to see what the world above is truly like," Jun Bugu, completely oblivious to the gravity of the situation, joked lightly. "Hey, Big Bird, where exactly is the Sky-Cloud Machine?"
Ye Xiu shot Jun Bugu a look, cutting off his less-than-amusing jest: "Birdman, is there truly no other way out?"
"Unless he kills me," the Birdman stated bluntly, without reservation. "A life for a life. The Sun-Blind Clan will send someone else to replace me, and Jun Bugu won't escape either."
"Good, good, good!" Ye Xiu, unable to tolerate such inflexibility, threw up his hands. "What if I told you the Sky-Moon Hermit died because of me?"
Hearing this, the Birdman sighed deeply. "Ye Xiu, what exactly did you come to the Boundless Realm for? And where is Old Liu?"
Ye Xiu finally softened his tone and explained: "Old Liu and I entered the Boundless Realm together, but we were separated when we pierced through the boundary. That fellow saved my life, so could you perhaps put this matter aside for a moment?"
"Do you have any idea how much the people of the Boundless Realm despise the Death Gods? I'm surprised you’ve managed to live this long." The Birdman folded his wings back. Ye Xiu was, after all, a brother he had faced life and death with. "Your strength seems to have improved considerably."
Ye Xiu patted Jun Bugu’s shoulder: "It’s a long story, and I’m trying to find Old Liu. Also, have you heard that Killing Heaven Under Heaven has issued a decree of surrender to the entire Boundless Realm? Do you know about that?"
"Killing Heaven Under Heaven?" The Birdman was visibly shaken by those four words. He genuinely couldn't believe that the 'Killing Lord' had moved so fast. "Killing Lord's rebirth means his power shouldn't have recovered this quickly. Has some other force intervened?"
"The intricacies here are too complex. I just need to find Old Liu as soon as possible; I don't even know if that guy is dead." Ye Xiu couldn't untangle these relationships, but this time, he was determined to protect Jun Bugu.
The Birdman glanced disdainfully at Jun Bugu. "I’ll return to the Sky-Cloud Machine immediately. I’ll let this slide for now, but I will certainly come back to seize this fellow!"
Jun Bugu, having listened to their long conversation, felt quite slighted: "What am I to you two brothers catching up? I insist on going back to the Sky-Cloud Machine with you today, how about that?"
Ye Xiu swiftly grabbed the top of Jun Bugu’s head with one palm and bowed to the Birdman. "Thank you, brother. When will we have a chance to meet again?"
"Rest assured, the Sun-Blind Clan resides in the Nine Heavens; finding people should be easier for me than for you. I will also help you inquire about Old Liu’s whereabouts." The Birdman then walked towards Jun Bugu, pointing at the twin blades on his waist. "I didn't expect the Absolute Heaven and Absolute Earth Twin Blades to be in your hands already. To fuse the two blades, you must find the Boiling Beast Flame. Rumor has it that the Boiling Beast Flame was destroyed by the Death God during the ancient wars, causing the Savage Beast Sect to decline permanently."
Upon hearing this, Jun Bugu drew the twin blades and admired them repeatedly. "Truly fine weapons. So, I must find this so-called Boiling Beast Flame. When the Absolute Blades are forged, I will destroy it in front of the whole world!"
"Ye Xiu, enough talk. I must hurry back to the Sky-Cloud Machine." The Birdman was devoted to his duty; the matter of Killing Heaven Under Heaven was a major affair for the realm, demanding clear prioritization. "This fellow is temporarily entrusted to your care."
Ye Xiu smiled and nodded. As the Birdman was about to leave, he didn't forget to remind him: "Brother, don't mistake me for a Death God while I'm here!"
Whoosh! The Birdman sprang upward, soaring into the dark clouds. Debris from the surrounding trees churned the ground as a perfectly good forest was instantly obliterated.
Jun Bugu watched the Birdman ascend into the heavens, quite dejected. "Now that Big Bird is gone, there’s no fun left. Why don’t you accompany me to find that Boiling Beast Flame?"
Ye Xiu’s mind was in turmoil, unsure how to handle the situation. This Jun Bugu was a friend, but frankly, also a ticking time bomb. Finding Old Liu and the Life-Snatching Heavenly Needle were the immediate priorities. "I need to return to the Demon Insect Sect for a while. As for that Boiling Beast Flame, you handle the initial arrangements yourself. If anything happens, come find me at the Demon Insect Sect."
"I can’t wait any longer, hahahaha!" As Jun Bugu finished speaking, he vanished in a flash. He was used to moving alone, and besides, he harbored such a magnificent ambition. "Ye Xiu, when I fuse the Absolute Blades, we'll destroy it together!"
Ye Xiu let out a long breath and walked out of the woods. Accidentally, he spotted a long string of verdant Myriad Poison Stones lying on the sandy ground—clearly left behind when those savage beasts besieged Jun Bugu. "Truly, finding something when you least expect it!"
...
In the land of the Thousand Cave Insect Palace, the Drought Corpse Insect Emperor had completely absorbed the toxic essence from the Myriad Poison Stones. He reclined lazily on his throne, his massive body swaying leisurely. "The Ant Soldiers report that Hall Master Ye successfully slew the Four Wind Hall Masters of the Demon Peak Gate. This avenges a great wrong for our Demon Insect Sect. Congratulations."
The Ant Military Advisor had initially doubted Ye Xiu’s strength, but unexpectedly, he had managed to kill Gale Shadow, who was renowned for his speed. "The Four Wind Hall Masters ran rampant and murdered countless brothers of our race. Today, Hall Master Ye has certainly brought vengeance upon our clan. It is truly satisfying."
Congratulations erupted continuously. Ye Xiu was somewhat overwhelmed by the praise. He bowed slightly: "The success against the Four Wind Hall Masters was due to the contributions of Ant One, Spider Princess, and Serpent Beauty; it is not solely the achievement of Ye Xiu."
"Excellent! Lavish rewards for all!" The Drought Corpse Insect Emperor waved his hand, and countless gold and silver treasures rained down from the sky. "Ask for anything!"
"Your subordinate thanks the Insect Emperor." Ant One’s eyes turned green at the sight of the endless gold, while Spider Princess and Serpent Beauty, noticing Ye Xiu remained unmoved, also withheld their expressions.
Material wealth hardly interested Ye Xiu. He inquired: "Your subordinate passed by the Demon Fox Palace and heard of a bloody written decree. Does the Drought Corpse Insect Emperor know anything about this matter?"
The Ant Military Advisor fanned himself, well-informed on the topic. "It seems all the sects in the Boundless Realm have received surrender scrolls from the Mortal Realm. Who is Killing Heaven Under Heaven, that he dares challenge the world single-handedly?"
Ye Xiu pursed his lips, remaining silent; the fewer people who knew his background, the better.
"The Killing Lord's matter can wait. It appears the Bone Wasteland City has selected an elite force to investigate the Red Cliff Territory. However, regarding the Heavenly Bone Armor Assessment Platform, our sect needs to study it carefully." The Drought Corpse Insect Emperor moved his hands, and a green pearl ascended. "As far as I know, the Heavenly Bone Armor Assessment Platform will unveil three divine artifacts: the Heavenly Punishment Without Bow, the Beast Flame Key, and the Heavenly Gate. Whoever triumphs in the competition will earn the right to possess them."
Hearing the Insect Emperor's words, Ye Xiu’s heart tightened, realizing the Emperor likely intended for him to participate. "Your subordinate is willing to go. But what exactly is this Heavenly Bone Armor Assessment Platform?"
...
In the land of the Savage Beast Sect, yellow sand swirled endlessly. Within the desolate stone platform stood an elder, gripping a thousand-pound iron staff, clad in a dark yellow robe, his back to the crowd. A scroll stained with blood materialized in his withered palm: "A formidable enemy has entered the realm. It seems the Bone Wasteland City must also make its move. Bring forth the Beast Flame Key."
Below the platform, followers stood divided on both sides, clad in armor of various colors, their faces resembling fierce lions and tigers. "Beast Elder, why is this necessary?"
The Beast Elder turned around, his white hair obscuring his entire face. He smiled sinisterly. "Sect Master Jiaye of the Bone Wasteland City has already sent dispatches to all sects and factions. The Heavenly Bone Armor Assessment Platform is about to convene. Our Savage Beast Sect will offer up the Beast Flame Key to summon the heroes from all corners of the Boundless Realm."
"Reporting to the Beast Elder, the Beast Flame Key is intrinsically linked to the Boiling Beast Flame, making it the supreme treasure of our Savage Beast Sect. Is this truly appropriate?" A powerfully built man shaped like a pale lion stood forward, his concern valid. "The Heavenly Bone Armor Assessment Platform is clearly a recruitment maneuver by the Bone Wasteland City Sect Master. The Bone Sect intends to use the divine weapons and artifacts from across the land to attract heroes, leveraging the opportunity to bolster their strength against Killing Heaven Under Heaven."
"What the Mad Lion says is absolutely correct," the Beast Elder responded calmly, as if everything was within his grasp. "Unveiling the Beast Flame Key will undoubtedly attract more heroes, but as the master of a divine artifact, I have the right to choose its possessor. Killing Lord’s entry and the Heavenly Ranking Holy War are merely the start of chaotic times, and chaos will also be the beginning of the Savage Beast Sect’s resurgence!"
"Beast Elder means..." A figure shaped like a fierce tiger cupped his hands in salute. "To use the Heavenly Bone Armor Assessment Platform as a catalyst, waiting for the chaos of the Boundless Realm to descend—that will be the day our Beast Sect rises again!"
"Beast Elder’s foresight is profound; we are in awe!" The figures below bowed their heads. In their hearts, the Beast Elder was the strategist for the entire Savage Beast Sect, and his words were their guiding path.
The Beast Elder raised his iron staff, scattering the surrounding sand and wind, and roared: "All of you, withdraw! I have important matters to attend to!"
"Yes!" No one dared disobey, and they all vanished in flashes of light amidst the wild sand.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh... Suddenly, a powerful figure descended forcefully. The person wore an ornate, regal purple robe, possessing a robust physique and swift movements. Where he landed, a massive boulder exploded apart. "Beast Elder’s divine calculation is impeccable; within the Savage Beast Sect, you alone suffice!"
The Beast Elder extended one hand in a gesture of invitation, turning his head with a scornful smile. "I wonder when I'll have the chance to see the true face of the Masked Demon."
The newcomer’s face was hidden by a grotesque devil mask. With his hands clasped behind his back, his aura was no less imposing than the Beast Elder’s. "The Heavenly Bone Armor Assessment Platform will showcase the Sky Gate, a divine weapon long held by the Bone Wasteland City. This is a top-tier divine object in the Boundless Realm; it is bound to attract all the heroes of the world!"
"Coupled with our Savage Beast Sect's Beast Flame Key, it will surely draw those Daoist practitioners who favor arcane studies!" The Beast Elder was full of confidence. The Beast Flame Key was the key to opening the Boiling Beast Flame, and the Boiling Beast Flame was a realm rather than just a mere fire.
The Masked Demon shifted slightly and said sharply, "And my offering, the Heavenly Punishment Without Bow, is sure to summon people from the Sun-Blind Clan and the Demon Peak Gate. This way, the entire Boundless Realm will fall under our control."
"Hahaha! Chaos is approaching. Will the Bone Wasteland City still maintain its position as number one in the Boundless Realm?" The Beast Elder was resolute. The Masked Demon was his partner, yet also his adversary. His scheme was to profit from the chaos for the Savage Beast Sect’s resurgence. "By then, what benefit will you gain?"
"Benefit? How is that boy doing?" The Masked Demon did not directly answer the Beast Elder's question. "How is the Mad Vein Celestial Pivot running inside his body?"
The Beast Elder nodded coldly. "That boy’s Sand Shadow Beast Blade has made great progress. Bolstered by the Mad Vein Celestial Pivot within him, he will surely make a startling appearance at the Heavenly Bone Armor Assessment Platform."
"The Mad Vein Celestial Pivot is the foremost of the nine ancient meridians! Coupled with the secret arts I taught him! Our plan, plotted for so many years, must be seamless," the Masked Demon summoned his bone sword, sweeping a terrifying arc of sword light across the surrounding yellow sand, forcing the flying grains to momentarily halt. "I just hope that person dies."
"That's all..." The Beast Elder's white hair stirred as he swayed slightly and drifted away. The people of the Bone Sect held a deep-seated grudge against that person; he truly couldn't fathom what profound hatred it was.
"What does Killing Heaven Under Heaven even matter!" The Masked Demon moved one palm, and the suspended sand fell back down. He chuckled lightly. "The Boundless Realm is by no means as fragile as outsiders imagine!"
...
High above in the Thousand Cave Insect Palace, the Drought Corpse Insect Emperor had fully absorbed all the toxic power from the Myriad Poison Stones. He lay lazily on his throne, his obese body swaying leisurely. "The Ant Soldiers report that Hall Master Ye successfully slew the Four Wind Hall Masters of the Demon Peak Gate. This avenges a great wrong for our Demon Insect Sect. Congratulations."
The Ant Military Advisor had initially doubted Ye Xiu’s strength, but unexpectedly, he had managed to kill Gale Shadow, who was renowned for his speed. "The Four Wind Hall Masters ran rampant and murdered countless brothers of our race. Today, Hall Master Ye has certainly brought vengeance upon our clan. It is truly satisfying."
Congratulations erupted continuously. Ye Xiu was somewhat overwhelmed by the praise. He bowed slightly: "The success against the Four Wind Hall Masters was due to the contributions of Ant One, Spider Princess, and Serpent Beauty; it is not solely the achievement of Ye Xiu."
"Excellent! Lavish rewards for all!" The Drought Corpse Insect Emperor waved his hand, and countless gold and silver treasures rained down from the sky. "Ask for anything!"
"Your subordinate thanks the Insect Emperor." Ant One’s eyes turned green at the sight of the endless gold, while Spider Princess and Serpent Beauty, noticing Ye Xiu remained unmoved, also withheld their expressions.
Material wealth hardly interested Ye Xiu. He inquired: "Your subordinate passed by the Demon Fox Palace and heard of a bloody written decree. Does the Drought Corpse Insect Emperor know anything about this matter?"
The Ant Military Advisor fanned himself, well-informed on the topic. "It seems all the sects in the Boundless Realm have received surrender scrolls from the Mortal Realm. Who is Killing Heaven Under Heaven, that he dares challenge the world single-handedly?"
Ye Xiu pursed his lips, remaining silent; the fewer people who knew his background, the better.
"The Killing Lord's matter can wait. It appears the Bone Wasteland City has selected an elite force to investigate the Red Cliff Territory. However, regarding the Heavenly Bone Armor Assessment Platform, our sect needs to study it carefully." The Drought Corpse Insect Emperor moved his hands, and a green pearl ascended. "As far as I know, the Heavenly Bone Armor Assessment Platform will unveil three divine artifacts: the Heavenly Punishment Without Bow, the Beast Flame Key, and the Heavenly Gate. Whoever triumphs in the competition will earn the right to possess them."
Hearing the Insect Emperor's words, Ye Xiu’s heart tightened, realizing the Emperor likely intended for him to participate. "Your subordinate is willing to go. But what exactly is this Heavenly Bone Armor Assessment Platform?"