Chapter Fifty-Nine: The Venerable’s Grand Aspiration

Seeking the master of Kunlun, Yang Nan asked three questions about the Dao. After Bu Xu pointed out the path of the Infinite Dao, a sudden clarity swept through Yang Nan’s mind, as if the mists had lifted, leaving a pristine brightness.

The Infinite Dao lay right before him. Whether it was the mastery of mystical arts or the cultivation of the Dao heart, it all required one to step into the mortal world and undergo trials one by one.

Whether he could transcend the mundane world and become one with the great Dao depended entirely on his own fate.

Having finished explaining the Dao, Bu Xu was about to leave. Yang Nan bowed respectfully and said, “Your disciple awaits your esteemed presence at Spirit Beast Mountain!”

Upon leaving the Ancestral Master Hall, Bu Xu returned to White Cloud Peak on his own. Yang Nan summoned the Golden-Top Roc, which carried him flying to the foot of Kunlun Mountain. It was only then that pure King Li Hao and the two grandmasters, Chang Wen and Jiang Wu, along with the women of Die Yi, were released from the Jiangshan Ring.

Yang Nan recounted the entire ordeal, and all listened with deep emotion. Pure King Li Hao, seeing such a significant turn of events, was secretly elated. He had staked everything he had on this gamble, proving that the greater the risk, the greater the reward. Otherwise, how could Yang Nan have spoken to him with such conviction?

Li Hao needed the Confucian power Yang Nan held, and Yang Nan equally needed Li Hao’s assistance to wipe out the Yang family.

Having shared hardships once, their collaboration now bore a deeper trust.

Yang Nan greatly admired this bold and resolute Pure King. He looked at him and said, “In these times of chaos, my grandfather once said: without great disorder, how could there be great order? He longed for true peace in the world. If I am to become a venerable one, I must establish a grand vow worthy of such a title.

Since the world is endlessly troubled, I vow for peace throughout the realm. My grandfather’s wish and my Dao cultivation are one and the same, both for the sake of all living beings. Your Highness has the heart to save the world; I am willing to lend you my strength. You may return to prepare; when I become a grandmaster, I shall meet you again.”

Peace in the world is easier said than done.

Currently, the world is rife with competing warlords, various clans encroaching upon the mortal realm, and even sects and schools unwilling to remain aloof from worldly affairs.

Grand vows can be countless, but Yang Nan chose the most difficult: the vow to save the world. This not only fulfills his grandfather’s wish but also ensures those with beastly hearts who masquerade as kin suffer the bitter consequences of lost power, worse than death.

To deal with Yang Lan, Yang Cheng, and the like, it would require not only strong cultivation but also worldly influence. Whether for public or private reasons, Yang Nan must help this Pure King achieve greatness.

The greater the vow, the stronger the Dao heart. This is why Yang Nan made such a solemn vow.

To tread the Infinite Dao, being a venerable one is but a single step. If one cannot even accomplish this, how can they speak of immortality or sainthood?

Li Hao, upon receiving Yang Nan’s promise, was overjoyed. He knew that under Bu Xu’s tutelage, Yang Nan would certainly enter seclusion to train hard. With their pact sealed, Li Hao repeatedly nodded: “Brother, I, Li Hao, shall await your return in East Continent. I hope you come back soon; all our plans depend on you.”

Yang Nan nodded. There was no need for more words. After setting their meeting place, Grandmasters Chang Wen and Jiang Wu turned and swiftly flew away with Pure King Li Hao.

Yang Nan then turned to release Yang Da and Yang Er from the Jiangshan Ring. “Although Miss Fang has been abducted by demons, fate must still be kind. She surely is unharmed. There are still hundreds of mortal women in Spirit Beast Mountain. You two should go and see if she is among them. If so, it would be a great blessing.”

Yang Da and Yang Er, seeing the young master’s plan settled, finally relaxed and respectfully said, “We shall obey your wishes in all matters, young master.”

Yang Nan nodded. His wife, whom he had never met, was strong-willed and resolute, her spirit unmatched even by most men. No matter what, whether in life or death, he must see her or her remains to honor her deep affection.

Such a remarkable woman was now his wife, and Yang Nan must shoulder his responsibility. Otherwise, how could he face his grandfather in the underworld?

Returning to Spirit Beast Mountain, Old Crab and the demon soldiers were aghast to find Chi Yang unconscious. Upon hearing that their master had nearly been assassinated, the demon soldiers were furious and cursed loudly. The Golden-Top Roc was scolded harshly by Old Crab, who berated it for failing to protect their master. As a subordinate, how could it be of any use?

The Golden-Top Roc, once mighty, was now humiliated by a mere young demon master’s scolding. Knowing it was at fault, it could only endure in silence. Yang Nan reached out to restrain the furious Old Crab, sparing the Roc from further wrath.

Their battalion had dwindled from a thousand demon soldiers to just the Shrimp Commander and thirty others—an utterly dire situation. While Old Crab mourned their loss, he also took pride in the loyal soldiers he had personally trained.

“A cracked pot is bound to break at the well’s edge; a general is bound to fall in battle. Young master need not grieve. To have fought alongside seven grandmasters is our honor. Those who died would not have it any other way!” Old Crab wiped his tears, but his face was filled with pride despite the carnage.

The demon soldiers echoed this sentiment in unison. Yang Nan felt a pang of guilt. No matter human or demon, there was no distinction in his heart. Over two thousand demon soldiers had died for him in that battle. The supreme demon body technique and the Ten Thousand Demon Convergence Formation, while seemingly invincible, were in truth merciless!

If not for the terrifying Yang Lan and the formidable Ba Bing Xuan Huang, how could a thousand comrades risk their lives for him?

“Old Crab, I have decided never to use the supreme demon body technique again! My loyal soldiers are flesh and blood; I will not let them die in vain. One mistake is enough—I cannot make another!”

Since cultivating the supreme demon body technique, thousands had died for him. Though cruel to outsiders, Yang Nan could not remain indifferent to his devoted soldiers.

This supreme demon body technique must be abandoned.

Old Crab, the Shrimp Commander, and the others, seeing their master’s compassion, were invigorated but opposed his decision. Loyal guards live to serve and die for their lord. To see their master abandon such a life-saving technique moved them deeply, and they were willing to devote their lives even more.

Yang Nan waved his hand coldly. “My mind is made up. No more discussion. If death comes, so be it, but the demon body technique will not be used again!”

The massacre of a thousand demon soldiers filled Yang Nan with sorrow. Demons, too, are born of parents and endure centuries of hardship. To sacrifice them lightly was unthinkable.

He was resolute: this supreme demon body technique must be forsaken.

The demons dared not argue further in the face of their lord’s anger, only weeping in deep gratitude for his care.

This display of compassion spread throughout the Seventy-Two Demon Valleys. Every demon regarded Yang Nan as their true master, and any thought of rebellion vanished completely.

Seeing the young master’s demeanor today, Yang Da and Yang Er realized that over the past years, their master had accomplished much. Though amazed, they grew anxious and hurried to find the young mistress. Yang Nan, sensing their urgency, led them to the rear hall’s medicinal garden and ordered Yu Niang to summon all the hundreds of mortal women.

The women were arranged in rows, their beauty surpassing flowers, their voices like singing orioles and dancing swallows. The scene was lively indeed. Yang Da and Yang Er examined them repeatedly, but in the end, disappointment weighed heavily on their heads.

Frowning, Yang Nan called Old Crab close. “Order the four commanders to lead demon soldiers to patrol within a thousand miles of East Sea Port. Wherever there is a demon valley, wipe it clean! Bring back all mortal women! Any demon who dares disobey is to be killed without mercy!”

To find his wife, Yang Nan would show no mercy. All who resisted would be swept away.

Old Crab saw the murderous intent on his young master’s face and understood the urgency. He thumped his chest and vowed, “Young master, rest assured. Old Crab will go with them. Any who dare defy will be slain. Not a single mortal woman shall escape!”

With such beauties at his side, why would the young master need mortal women? Old Crab murmured to himself but took the responsibility gladly. If the young master desired, even celestial maidens from the heavens would be seized.

Yang Nan smiled wryly. “I asked you to find the demons who abduct mortals, not to abduct mortals yourselves! If you cause trouble, I will deal with you!”

Old Crab realized his mistake and laughed sheepishly. “That’s even easier. We have gathered all the demons within thousands of miles around Spirit Beast Mountain. The demon numbers near East Sea Port’s mountains have decreased. Interrogating them won’t be a problem.”

Spirit Beast Mountain was already the largest demon valley in the region. Why bother going far to capture demons?

Yang Nan retrieved from the Jiangshan Ring six treasures seized from Bu Xu: Divine General Talisman, Blood Corpse Talisman, Relic, Blue Blood Sword, Black Ink Whip, and Ink Chi Pearl.

All six were master-level treasures confiscated by Bu Xu, who also possessed the mighty Ba Bing Xuan Huang, one of the top ten divine weapons of the world. This had sealed a deadly feud between Yang Nan and six sects.

These six treasures were no ordinary items. The Divine General and Blood Corpse Talismans could summon grandmaster-level generals and flying blood corpses, immensely powerful though slightly damaged when Bu Xu defeated them and needing refinement to restore full potency. Yang Nan decided to bestow the Ink Chi Pearl upon Old Crab. With this pearl, Old Crab, who had trained for eight centuries to grandmaster tier nine, could ascend to grandmaster rank, greatly enhancing his strength.

Old Crab knelt repeatedly, overwhelmed with gratitude. A grandmaster-level demon, combined with his own treasures, was far stronger than ordinary demons, capable of facing grandmaster cultivators without fear.

Yang Nan then refined the two talismans and handed them to Old Crab to aid in demon suppression. With these treasures and the four demon kings, demons below the venerable rank would be easily captured.

Old Crab, empowered by his lord’s gifts, marched proudly to issue orders in the demon valley. Yang Nan returned to his chamber, summoned Yong’er with the Tianyuan Qingxu Talisman, and began refining the newly acquired treasures together.

Nurtured by the innate spiritual water within the Innate Qi Divine Gourd, Yong’er’s divine radiance had stabilized, and his form was now solidified. Drawing energy within the Tianyuan Talisman was smooth, almost draining its power if Yang Nan did not restrain him.

Yong’er’s origins were mysterious. The Kunlun Sect Leader seemed to know but remained silent, and Yang Nan dared not pry. What was certain was that Yong’er had accepted him as master and would not harm him. Though the innate artifact was immensely powerful, Yang Nan’s own low cultivation limited its many extraordinary uses.

Without spiritual energy replenishment, Yong’er was newly formed, lacking divine abilities. At most, he could emit several beams of seven-colored light to help Yang Nan block attacks from magical treasures but had yet to realize the full power of an innate divine artifact.

With the aid of this seven-colored light, refining the Relic, Blue Blood Sword, and Black Ink Whip was easier. The Undying Yin Wheel, capable of transforming mana, aided greatly. Though these treasures came from different sects with varying spiritual energies, Yang Nan refined them with ease. Yong’er, observing Yang Nan’s unique Thirty-Six Refining True Methods, learned and tried them himself. As a spirit-formed boy, he could also refine treasures like cultivators.

The Thirty-Six Refining True Methods involve transforming one’s mana into threads that penetrate the treasure, converting it and removing seals, and finally engraving the refiner’s divine consciousness.

The depth of a treasure’s owner’s mana imprints a spiritual soul within it. If this imprint is too strong and the refiner too weak, the treasure will backlash. The Thirty-Six Refining True Methods allow the refiner to emerge unscathed.

Thus, this method is both a means of self-defense and a divine technique for engraving seals and refining treasures.

Though Yong’er lacked Yang Nan’s Undying Yin Wheel skill, his seven-colored light was unique and seemed capable of harnessing myriad spirits. Yang Nan refined the Relic and Blue Blood Sword, erasing their original souls and imprinting his own, making them uniquely his weapons. Yong’er, a novice, even managed to refine the Black Ink Whip successfully.

The Relic was finally transformed into a small stone-like treasure that, when ejected, became a golden ring of light for defense—more convenient than any sacred scroll. The Blue Blood Sword, infused with water elemental power, could transform into a blue dragon, its might not to be underestimated.

The permanently refined Black Ink Whip, originally requiring Confucian mental methods to wield, became a golden rope after Yang Nan infused it with a ray of divine light. With a mere thought, it could bind and capture others, proving extraordinarily useful. Yang Nan laughed silently: this was none other than the legendary Immortal Binding Rope from ancient myths.

This Immortal Binding Rope, forged from the Black Ink Whip and protected by divine light, fashioned from the wondrous fairy vine, would leave any ordinary grandmaster helpless if bound.

With such a sudden windfall, Yang Nan now possessed ample means of defense and attack. Though lacking his original destined weapon, he remained overwhelmingly powerful—all thanks to the Fairy Bu Xu.

Besides these three treasures, Yang Nan also had the Demon Valley Thunder Command. Like the Golden-Top Roc’s Wind-Thunder Pearl, it required a heavenly thunderstorm to activate. For now, Yang Nan could not refine it and set it aside.

During a month of seclusion training, empowered by these treasures, Old Crab swept through thousands of miles east and west, capturing countless demons. He seized five or six grandmaster-level demons, countless demon masters, and innumerable demon soldiers, returning hundreds of mortal women. Unfortunately, after verification by Yang Da and Yang Er, none matched the young mistress of the Yang family.

Seeing the young master’s disappointment, Old Crab went into a frenzy, subjecting captured demons to 108 kinds of brutal tortures repeatedly, driving them to the brink of death, yet none confessed to having seen the woman described by Yang Da.

Old Crab and Shrimp Commander racked their brains to find any clue. The legion of Spirit Beast Mountain’s demons spared no means in searching for their mistress’s whereabouts but found nothing.

However, the Seventy-Two Demon Valleys’ reputation soared within ten thousand miles. Within this vast area, no demon dared disobey the Four Severing Edicts set by Yang Nan. All demons trembled at the mere mention of Spirit Beast Mountain’s name, fearing death. Old Crab’s contributions were invaluable.

The demon population of the Seventy-Two Demon Valleys surged, with each of the four commanders’ troops nearly doubling. Demons from near and far, unwilling to die, flocked to join. The demon valley flourished like never before, and while humans around Yang Nan were few, demons were many, making him truly the king of demons.