The night was deep, and in the grand hall deep within the Nether Snake Earth Vein, the clinking of cups and lively chatter continued.
After several rounds of drinks and countless polite exchanges, Yao Ming seemed to recall something. He dismissed those not involved and cupped his hands towards Chen Xiao, asking, "Previously, in the Nine Nether Yellow Spring, I sensed that your soul power was very strong, Brother Chen Xiao. I wonder if it has reached the Heavenly Realm?"
Perhaps sensing that the question was a bit abrupt, Yao Ming quickly added, "Brother Chen Xiao, please don't misunderstand. I'm asking because there's an opportunity within my clan. If you possess a Heavenly Realm soul, you might be able to try it out."
Here it comes!
Finally, they were going to discuss the real matter!
Hearing this, the Grand Elder Qing Shan, who had been resting with his eyes closed, became somewhat interested. He slowly opened his eyes and asked, "What kind of opportunity requires a Heavenly Realm soul to attempt?"
It was known that throughout the Dou Qi Continent, there were very few experts who had reached the Heavenly Realm soul. Their numbers were even fewer than Dou Saints.
This was because many Dou Saints, especially those who originated from Magical Beasts, had not reached the Heavenly Realm soul.
Take Yao Ming, for example.
He was a typical case.
After hearing the Grand Elder's question, Yao Ming thought for a moment and did not hide anything. "Have Grand Elder and Brother Chen Xiao heard of the Yellow Spring Demon Saint?"
"Yellow Spring Demon Saint..."
The Grand Elder repeated the name, his expression instantly changed, and his body straightened slightly.
"Could it be the Yellow Spring Great Saint from ancient times, who had one foot in the Dou God realm?"
"Precisely," Yao Ming nodded.
The Grand Elder stared intently at Yao Ming. After a moment, he suddenly smiled, with a hint of doubt, and said, "Could it be that this legendary Yellow Spring Demon Saint is someone from your Nine Nether Earth Python Race?"
As expected, under their gaze, Yao Ming calmly shook his head.
"Grand Elder jokes. The Yellow Spring Demon Saint is not a member of my Nine Nether Earth Python Race; otherwise, my race wouldn't have fallen to this state. However, he does have a significant connection with my race."
"After this peerless expert passed away, his legacy had long since scattered with time," Yao Ming smiled, then lowered his voice. "But within our Nine Nether Earth Python Race, we hide a Yellow Spring Stone Tablet, passed down from ancient times. This stone tablet records the Yellow Spring Demon Saint's ultimate skills. It is said that the deepest part of the stone tablet even contains his vital blood!"
"Vital blood!" The Grand Elder was stunned and couldn't help but be moved.
The Yellow Spring Demon Saint was rumored to have one foot in the Dou God realm, his strength reaching an almost divine level!
At this level of cultivation, a strong individual's bloodline would gradually mutate. As long as he could take that final step, his descendants could inherit his bloodline power, giving rise to a new ancient powerful race!
Although the Yellow Spring Demon Saint perished before breaking through, the preciousness of his vital blood was still undeniable.
The most direct example was Chen Xiao.
Previously, a drop of blood from the old Dragon Emperor had greatly increased Chen Xiao's strength and even condensed the life-saving Dragon Emperor Ancient Armor.
From this, it could be seen that treasures were not an exaggeration for individuals of that caliber!
Moreover, the Yellow Spring Demon Saint's strength was definitely not inferior to the old Dragon Emperor, and might even be slightly stronger.
After all, this was a peak expert who was rumored to have one foot in the Dou God realm!
"Since the Yellow Spring Stone Tablet holds such a great secret, why hasn't anyone from your Nine Nether Earth Python Race taken anything out of it yet?"
After a brief shock, Grand Elder Qing Shan quickly identified the crucial issue.
Yao Ming shook his head with a wry smile. "Grand Elder, it's not that we don't want to take the vital blood, it's just that we are incapable of doing so."
He continued to explain, "The Yellow Spring Stone Tablet is our clan's treasured artifact, and it records the Yellow Spring Demon Saint's three ultimate techniques."
"Yellow Spring Finger, Yellow Spring Palm, and Yellow Spring Sky Fury!"
"Among them, Yellow Spring Finger is a low-grade Heaven Rank Dou Skill, and Yellow Spring Palm is a mid-grade Heaven Rank. These two are the current limits our clan can master, and only the Clan Leader and a few Elders are qualified to cultivate them."
Yao Ming's tone was filled with helplessness. He continued, "As for the high-grade Heaven Rank Yellow Spring Sky Fury, we still know very little about it because we don't even have the qualification to obtain the cultivation method."
This feeling was like guarding a mountain of treasure but being unable to use it, a tormenting experience.
Chen Xiao naturally understood the situation of the Nine Nether Earth Python Race and nodded slightly. "Yellow Spring Finger, severing life and death; Yellow Spring Fury, shattering souls... You asked earlier if my soul had reached the Heavenly Realm. Could it be that to obtain the cultivation method for Yellow Spring Sky Fury, one must have a soul at or above the Heavenly Realm?"
On the Dou Qi Continent, Dou Skills, excluding the Dou God realm, were divided into four tiers: Heaven, Earth, Profound, and Yellow.
Yellow Spring Sky Fury, as a high-grade Heaven Rank Dou Skill, was already at the peak level on the continent.
Furthermore, it was a sonic wave Dou Skill!
Chen Xiao had already perused no less than a hundred thousand scrolls and his knowledge was by no means inferior to anyone. Many ancient texts recorded that during the era of the Yellow Spring Demon Saint, even Dou Saints would turn pale upon hearing Yellow Spring Sky Fury.
Of the Dou Saints who died at the hands of the Yellow Spring Demon Saint, at least nine out of ten had their souls shattered to death by this Dou Skill!
Such a domineering Dou Skill naturally piqued Chen Xiao's interest.
If he could learn it, it would definitely be a great trump card!
However, Chen Xiao also knew that given his current situation, obtaining Yellow Spring Sky Fury would not be easy.
"Brother Chen Xiao is correct, exactly!"
Yao Ming nodded. "For so many years, no one in my clan has been able to cultivate Yellow Spring Sky Fury because this Dou Skill is hidden in the deepest part of the stone tablet. The experts in the clan cannot meet its requirements and cannot obtain the cultivation method. And this requirement is soul power."
"Within that stone tablet, there is a trace of the Yellow Spring Demon Saint's residual soul guarding it. The cultivation method for Yellow Spring Sky Fury is hidden within that residual soul. We Magical Beasts do not value soul power, so even with my strength, my soul's intensity is only comparable to a Seventh Grade Alchemist. I cannot subdue that residual soul."
"We have tried many times over the years and found that at least a Heavenly Realm soul is required to possibly infiltrate the stone tablet. However, Heavenly Realm souls are too rare; they are generally only found in Grandmaster-level Alchemists among humans."
"My clan had also discussed inviting a Grandmaster Alchemist to help before, but we were afraid of exposing the Yellow Spring Stone Tablet and attracting great trouble. After all, the stone tablet also hides the Yellow Spring Demon Saint's vital blood. If this matter were to spread, even Dou Saints would be tempted. Currently, many people in the clan only know about the Yellow Spring Stone Tablet, but have no idea what is truly hidden within it."
Having opened his mouth, Yao Ming decided to hide nothing more, and explained everything in detail.
Of course, he had his own considerations for doing so.
Chen Xiao's lips curved into a faint smile, and he shook his head with a hint of apology, "I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you, Clan Leader Yao Ming. My soul is indeed a little stronger than most people my age, but there's still a gap between it and the Heavenly Realm."
Ever since absorbing the soul origin of the Soul Hall branch, Chen Xiao's soul had reached the peak of the Spirit Realm, just one step away from the Heavenly Realm.
But this small step, without a stroke of luck, who knew when he would break through.
Perhaps if he got lucky, he'd wake up one day and have entered the Heavenly Realm.
Or perhaps he'd stay stagnant for three to five years.
In short, anything was possible; matters of the soul were inherently ethereal and unpredictable.
Hearing this, Yao Ming was clearly taken aback.
Previously, in the Nine Nether Yellow Spring, he had seen Chen Xiao effortlessly break the seal, and coupled with the vastness of Chen Xiao's soul power that he could clearly feel, Yao Ming was certain that Chen Xiao had already entered the Heavenly Realm.
He hadn't expected that his judgment was wrong.
But since the words were out, Yao Ming didn't regret it.
He revealed this secret, firstly to repay Chen Xiao and the Grand Elder for saving his life.
Secondly, he wanted to use this opportunity to open the stone tablet. As long as Chen Xiao could pass the trial of the Yellow Spring Demon Saint's remnant soul, the cultivation method for Yellow Spring Sky Fury would be revealed, and the people of the Nine Nether Earth Python Race could cultivate it at any time as long as they met the cultivation requirements.
This way, not only would Yao Ming's strength be enhanced, but it would also be more beneficial for his control over the Nine Nether Earth Python Race.
"It's alright. Since I've brought this up, it means I trust you wholeheartedly, Brother Chen Xiao. You've reached Seven Star Dou Venerate at such a young age; your talent and opportunities must be top-notch. Your soul entering the Heavenly Realm is just a matter of time. When that happens, we can try again, and it won't be too late."
"Then I'll accept your good wishes, Clan Leader Yao Ming." Chen Xiao raised his wine cup and said with a smile, "I plan to stay with your clan for a few days. Perhaps after some time, I'll have the chance to try the stone tablet."
Long before coming to the Nine Nether Earth Python Race, Chen Xiao had already thought of the Yellow Spring Stone Tablet.
Moreover, he also knew that a Heavenly Realm soul was required to have a chance of success.
But even so, he still came.
Not only for Cai Lin's matter, but he himself had also made some preparations in private.
However, before things were truly settled, he couldn't guarantee 100% success.
Yao Ming could hear the implication in his words and was immediately surprised.
"Brother Chen Xiao, you can stay as long as you like. I'm also looking forward to the day you successfully break through."
...
The Nine Nether Earth Python Race had just experienced a great upheaval. Overnight, there were bound to be bloody conflicts, but these matters had nothing to do with Chen Xiao and Grand Elder Qing Shan.
They had no interest in interfering in other people's clan disputes.
The commotion of the night gradually subsided with the dawn.
As the sky was illuminated by the morning sun, Yao Ming was already standing outside the room where Chen Xiao and the Grand Elder were staying.
"Clan Leader Yao Ming, why are you here so early?" Chen Xiao asked as he opened the door.
"It's not a big deal," Yao Ming replied with a smile. "I just want to take you and Grand Elder to see the Yellow Spring Stone Tablet. You can get acquainted with its location, and if you wish to try it later, Brother Chen Xiao, you can go anytime. I'll inform my subordinates."
Seeing Chen Xiao and Grand Elder Qing Shan nod in agreement, Yao Ming didn't waste any more words and led the two directly towards the back mountain.
They flew without stopping. After about ten minutes, the three landed on an ancient altar.
This altar was extremely magnificent, constructed entirely from massive green stones. Standing on the platform, one could look down upon all the surrounding peaks, as if surveying all the mountains.
As the three slowly landed, Chen Xiao and Grand Elder Qing Shan's gazes were instantly drawn to the scene in the center of the altar.
There stood a pale yellow stone tablet, about a hundred feet tall. Its body exuded an ancient aura of eternal existence, appearing particularly desolate in the morning light.
"Is this the Yellow Spring Stone Tablet..."
Chen Xiao and Grand Elder Qing Shan looked up at the stone tablet. They saw that the tablet was covered in strange runes, with a faint light flowing between them.
In addition, the surface of the stone tablet was carved with a giant finger pattern and a palm print that was half a foot deep, with a peculiar aura emanating from them.
Yao Ming first bowed respectfully towards the stone tablet before turning to explain to Chen Xiao and the other.
"This is the treasure of our clan, the Yellow Spring Stone Tablet!"
"The finger and palm prints on the tablet correspond to the cultivation methods of Yellow Spring Finger and Yellow Spring Palm, respectively. Both of you can cultivate them. This way, even if you can't obtain Yellow Spring Sky Fury in the short term, you'll at least have some tangible gains. This is a small token of my gratitude, and it will put my mind at ease."
Hearing this, Chen Xiao and Grand Elder Qing Shan finally understood.
Come to think of it, judging by his actions rather than his intentions, Yao Ming was quite a good person!
"Thank you, Clan Leader Yao Ming."
Chen Xiao cupped his fists slightly, not refusing, nor could he refuse.
With two Heaven Rank Dou Techniques delivered to his doorstep, few people could remain indifferent to such a good thing.
Most importantly, there were no hidden consequences.
"You're too kind, Brother Chen Xiao."
Yao Ming was being sincere, waving his hand and smiling, "In the future, if I want to cultivate Yellow Spring Sky Fury, I'll still need your help. At that time, you'll still get Yellow Spring Finger and Yellow Spring Palm; this is just a little earlier."
Chen Xiao nodded; that was indeed the truth.
As they were speaking, an elder from the Nine Nether Earth Python Race, who looked somewhat familiar, appeared on the mountain behind them, seemingly looking for Yao Ming.
"Clan Leader Yao Ming, you should go take care of your business first. Don't worry about us."
Seeing this, Yao Ming hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement.
"Alright then, Brother Chen Xiao and Grand Elder, take a look at the stone tablet here first. I'll go deal with some tribal matters and come back to pick you up later."
"There's no need to go through such trouble. You go ahead and handle your business; we can get back on our own." Grand Elder Green Mountains couldn't help but roll his eyes at him.
After watching Yao Ming and the Nine Nether Earth Python Race elder leave, Chen Xiao and the Grand Elder withdrew their gazes and turned their attention back to the stone tablet in the center of the altar.
It wasn't just Chen Xiao; even Grand Elder Green Mountains, after a careful examination, could feel an extremely powerful soul pressure emanating from the stone tablet.
This pressure was very peculiar, indescribable, as if the entity before them was a being from a different dimension.
Chen Xiao and Grand Elder Green Mountains had only experienced such a feeling once before with the old Dragon Emperor.
"As expected of a powerful being who had one foot in the Dou God realm. Even with just a wisp of his soul remaining and after countless years, he still possesses such formidable pressure!" the Grand Elder sighed.
Chen Xiao also gazed at the towering stone tablet, but his thoughts were entirely different from Grand Elder Green Mountains'.
"Legend has it that once a soul reaches the 'Emperor Realm,' it becomes indestructible. Even if forcibly scattered, the residual soul fragments can gradually re-condense and eventually be reborn. This Yellow Spring Demon Saint must have an Emperor Realm soul without a doubt."
"Grand Elder, do you think he still has a chance to reappear in the human world?"
-----------
Machine Translation by: https://beta.randomtranslator.com/
Read 1400+ original & fanfic translations and Translate for free at: https://www.randomtranslator.com/