The impression held of this Hall Master of Blazing Flame was profoundly complicated. It wasn't quite aversion, yet he remained deeply guarded.

To seek this person's aid now felt dangerously close to walking into a snare. Those like and —their minds were intricate, full of hidden agendas, their ultimate aims unknowable.

Dealing with such figures demanded every ounce of vigilance, lest one stumble into a trap. Yet, upon deeper reflection, this strategy seemed to be the only viable path remaining.

As for ’s offer to recommend a successor for the Lord of the Azure Spirit Realm, harbored little suspicion. He knew this realm could not be held by him, nor could the Buddhist faction secure it.

Though the Hall of Blazing Flame was one of the Six Great Sanctuaries governing the external forces of the family, had only recently taken the position, and was likely preoccupied with his own stability. It was doubtful he could quickly produce a suitable heir for the Azure Spirit Realm Lord.

Even if harbored ill intentions, as long as the next Lord of this realm was not plundered of the ‘Primal Fire Marrow Essence’— that alone would satisfy . “Very well, we proceed as you suggest!” shook his head in resignation, ultimately choosing to yield.

He simply could not stand by and remain utterly indifferent to the future fate of the Azure Spirit Realm. This was also his promise to : that no woman in the Azure Spirit Realm would ever again suffer the agony of losing a child due to the Primal Fire Marrow Essence— Having no other choice, he would owe this favor for now!

However, he possessed no means to contact directly. Conversely, smiled, a small sphere of violet flame igniting in his hand, flickering brightly before vanishing without a trace.

The color drained from ’s face. After a moment, he spoke again: “The message will certainly reach the Hall of Blazing Flame within half a day.” ’s eyes narrowed.

His inheritance from the family was fragmented and incomplete. Yet, he recognized this secret communication technique.

Legend claimed it could transmit a sliver of intent to any corner of a million worlds within this domain, all within three days. But to employ this method required not only considerable mastery over the Fire of Burning Emptiness, but also profound immersion in the Dao of Space-Time.

“However, this man’s Dao is not the Space-Time Universe or any similar path. If I perceive correctly, it must be the Great Dao of the Crevice.

If cultivated to its zenith, it is truly formidable—” Crevice, gap, fissure—every existing thing possessed some form of void or gap. It was precisely because he mastered this Great Dao of the ‘Crevice’ that , though merely at the Immortal Realm, could command the Great Void Teleportation Incantation and this secret communication art of the family.

The thought flashed, and involuntarily recalled . Before he departed the Cloud Realm, though was only in the Spirit Realm, his Dao was already set: the character for ‘Measure’ ().

Capable of measuring heaven and earth, and capable of measuring all things. These two were not only matched in intellect, but their paths of cultivation were of a similar echelon, both possessing infinite potential.

When pushed to their limits, both would be equally terrifying. “If what said earlier is true, then his Dao is likely tied to his fortune.

In the Nine Deaths Prison, he must have been thinking only of escape, moment by moment—” A light sparkled in ’s eyes, and then he nodded with a smile: “I appreciate your trouble, Brother !” He then asked, “The Azure Spirit Realm is no longer safe to remain in for long. Does Brother have any advice for me?” “My Lord may call me by my name!” paused in thought before continuing: “Ordinarily, My Lord should return to the Primordial Lotus World.

However, as far as I know, Hong Jiuchen of the Nine Capitals Celestial Court, along with the Celestial Path Association, does not seem content to let the Primordial Lotus Realm go.” glanced at him with surprise, knowing the true crux of the matter had yet to be revealed. Indeed, continued: “External conquests always require a pretext of righteousness.

Without it, one cannot secure the army’s morale, nor deter other powers. Especially since My Lord originated from the Cloud Realm, caution is paramount.

One must be meticulous to ensure the Supreme Realms outside have no grounds for direct intervention. If the intent now is to annex the entirety of the Primordial Lotus Realm, or even expand further, then the best approach is to select a location, cultivate in seclusion for four or five months, covertly manipulate the Primordial Lotus Realm, mobilize the troops, and prepare for their inevitable uprising.

If there is no such intent, then an immediate return is necessary to warn these petty schemers.” “A pretext, you say?” raised an eyebrow, a flicker of incomprehension in his eyes. “From what I understand, the Nine Capitals Celestial Court possesses at least seven Saint Realms.

With no internal worries and no external constraints, they are currently at their zenith.” The major cultivator factions surrounding the Cloud Realm all faced their own troubles. Only the Nine Capitals Celestial Court could expand wantonly in all directions.

To have driven Hong Jiuchen out of the Primordial Lotus World was already an immense feat. Now, hearing suggest using Hong Jiuchen’s situation as a pretext to challenge the Nine Capitals Celestial Court seemed audacious.

“The Nine Capitals Celestial Court is indeed not to be provoked rashly at this time—” gave a slight smile, tinged with cold mockery: “However, supreme prosperity inevitably leads to decline! Through a fortunate coincidence, I know of one matter that suggests the Nine Capitals Celestial Court will face a monumental crisis half a year from now.

Even if they narrowly avoid it, I have means to throw them into chaos and force them to attend to their own problems. Furthermore, I happen to know of three newly acquired Lesser Thousand Worlds near the Nine Capitals Celestial Court that are ripe for My Lord’s conquest.

They are not far, and once a World Gate can be established, they can be linked together, equaling a Greater Thousand World! They would not need to fear a counterattack from the Nine Capitals Celestial Court.” Listening to him speak so fluently, the tightly furrowed brow of gradually eased.

He made no commitment, however. Whether ’s words held true would require investigation.

He would not readily believe them, nor would he rashly move against the Nine Capitals Celestial Court. But based on his counsel, this man seemed intimately familiar with the state of the outer realms.

Though he now controlled half the Primordial Lotus Realm, his next steps, and where to begin, remained utterly obscure. If was truly willing to help him sincerely, it would indeed be wonderful news.

He might gain another vital aide. Of all his suggestions, only the strategy of provoking Hong Jiuchen and others to act aligned perfectly with ’s own desires.

Seizing this opportunity, perhaps the entire Primordial Lotus Realm could truly be absorbed— In other words, he could not return to the Primordial Lotus World in the immediate future? If that were the case— ’s gaze sharpened slightly: “Where exactly is the Nine Deaths Prison?

And by what method did those two escape?” started, then frowned: “The Nine Deaths Prison shifts its location within a small radius once every hundred years. Its current position is not far from the Cloud Realm, perhaps five hundred worlds away, reachable within ten cycles.

This is also why Hall Master abandoned the stronger Hall of Violet Flame to take charge of the Hall of Blazing Flame. Their escape plan utilized this hundred-year shift.

Not only did the grand formation within the Nine Deaths Prison develop numerous flaws due to this shift, but the Nine Deaths Barrier itself also experienced certain gaps. Even a Venerable Saint cannot guard against every contingency!” After saying this, shook his head again: “In my view, My Lord seeking Princess Han Yan at this time is still premature.

Setting aside My Lord’s current insufficient strength, the hundred-year shift period is also far from arriving. The Nine Deaths Prison shifted fifty years ago.

The next shift will not occur for another fifty years. To cultivators like us, that is merely the blink of an eye; I implore My Lord to exercise patience for now—” fell silent.

Fifty years? The blink of an eye?

That sounded reasonable, yet his spirit seethed with impatience; he felt he could not endure a single moment more. The moment he recalled the woman who gave him birth was suffering endless torment within the Nine Deaths Prison, he felt his very soul tremble.

If he could endure fifty years, could his mother? He let out a soft 'harrumph' and clenched his fists tightly.

Looking coldly across at him, remained silent, bowing low, avoiding any exchange of gaze. was about to reluctantly set the matter aside when a sudden inspiration struck his mind.

“, what method do you plan to use to escape the Nine Deaths Prison? Surely, you are not planning to wait another hundred years?” ’s expression immediately shifted, turning ashen.

He still did not speak, until ’s gaze grew sharper and his intent turned icy. Only then did he reluctantly reply: “I do possess a strategy, but it is exceptionally risky, and I dare not inform My Lord.

The foolproof plan requires at least one Venerable of the Half-Step Supreme Realm to accompany me and provide support outside the Nine Deaths Prison. Unless My Lord can show me a path to success, I absolutely will not reveal it!

And even if we must enter the Nine Deaths Prison, I beg to accompany you!” His tone in these sentences was resolute, leaving no room for to negotiate or press further. pondered this.

A Half-Step Supreme Realm? He knew a few.

His senior brother, , was one, though his current whereabouts were unknown as he plotted his advance to the Supreme Realm. His senior brother’s Dao was related to the Great Sun, which inherently conflicted with the Buddhist Great Sun Tathagata.

However, always felt that ’s foundation was far from simple. Another was the Ice Chi.

But she was currently tending to and was unreachable. In the Dao of All Beings, there were over a dozen Saint Realms, many at their peak, but truly none at the Half-Step Supreme Realm besides .

His Master, Long Shadow, was in seclusion. If possible, it was best not to disturb him for the next fifty years.

And then there was another Supreme Realm cultivator he knew within the Dao of All Beings: his Martial Uncle, Yuan Jing Sanren. As he thought this, had already made up his mind to investigate the Nine Deaths Domain.

Whether he would enter would depend on the situation when he arrived. A thought flickered again, bringing to mind the seven drops of Reverting Heaven Nectar held close to his chest.

Speaking of the Half-Step Supreme Realm, there was one more person in the Sect. But this person’s whereabouts had been unknown for ages.

Though his name remained in the Profound Fate Golden Scroll, only a thread of life force remained. He was the one who failed the trial to forcibly ascend to the Supreme Realm and perished— His nominal ‘Master,’ Lin Xuan Shuang!

The Reverting Heaven Nectar was only effective below the Divine Realm. However, if combined with the Profound Fate Golden Scroll, and perhaps other methods, revival might be possible without the intervention of a Supreme Realm expert.

couldn't help but smile. It seemed the most urgent matter was to return to the Cloud Realm first.

The Daoist Sect only forbade his return to the Cloud Realm for twenty years; the Azure Firmament of the Dao of All Beings should not fall under that restriction.