Chapter 204: The Private Kitchen (4K)

Giant fox tails surged skyward one after another, spiritual energy churning the void as they tried to break through the incoming Mountains and Rivers State Diagram.

The Mountains and Rivers State Diagram flickered in the void, vast valleys stretching back to ancient times, and a familiar scene of the Nine-Tailed Fox emerged.

"The Desolate Fox Hill!"

Around her, countless little foxes of various colors frolicked freely in the grass, beneath flower trees, and behind rocks.

On a high platform, old foxes sat like Confucian scholars, teaching many young foxes to read, awaken their spirits, and instruct them in the ways of fox-kind survival.

Yet this sight made the Nine-Tailed Fox raise her brows, a fierce flame igniting deep between her eyebrows.

"False Daoist, you should not have conjured such a vision—you have angered this Palace!"

Her fury surged in her heart; in an instant, her seven fox tails behind her transformed into the most fearsome weapons between heaven and earth, plunging straight into the depths of the void, the surrounding earth cracking, boundless demonic qi scattering, mercilessly lashing toward the void.

"Yun'er, how bold you are—daring to strike against your own kin!"

At that moment, an angry voice echoed from the depths of the void, and a fox hill elder flew forth—only to be seized by the Nine-Tailed Fox and instantly strangled.

Blood and qi surged into the air; the demon core was drawn into the Nine-Tailed Fox's hand, and as she gazed upon the lifeless, eyes-wide-open figure, she froze.

"It's actually this real..."

The Nine-Tailed Fox felt a sudden chill.

She had previously watched Zhang Jian use this method to toy with other demons in the Demon-Suppressing Tower, merely for amusement, but now, having entered it herself, she realized the boundary between real and illusion was nearly indistinguishable.

Yet the Nine-Tailed Fox refused to yield; the fox clan were masters of illusionary arts, and she herself prided on being among the elite of the Yin God Venerates, having long since broken through the Illusion-Binding Heart barrier.

As she slaughtered, she formed a profound and wondrous demon god seal in her hand.

"Fox God Shatters Illusion!"

The demon god seal condensed, releasing an invisible divine force that swept outward, crashing into the Mountains and Rivers State Diagram—but to her astonishment, there was not the slightest ripple before her eyes.

"How is this possible?"

The Nine-Tailed Fox could scarcely believe her own Yin God spiritual sense.

Meanwhile, in the shadows, Zhang Jian's eyes twitched—he sensed that after the Nine-Tailed Fox formed her seal, the illusory world of the Mountains and Rivers State Diagram flickered, nearly breaking apart, for the diagram possessed a multi-layered structure and an immensely powerful self-repairing ability, constantly drawing in heavenly and earthly spiritual energy to restore itself.

"There are still some logical flaws here..."

Zhang Jian furrowed his brows; though he had trapped the Nine-Tailed Fox, he still discerned some weaknesses.

But these flaws could not currently be eliminated.

This Mountains and Rivers State Diagram of his was ultimately not a magical treasure!

Its essence was that of a spell technique!

Everything was entirely founded upon Zhang Jian's Yin God spiritual power.

Its function was more to create combat opportunities.

Rather than to eternally imprison other living beings.

What Zhang Jian needed was to use this spell technique to briefly restrain other Yin God entities, instantly gain an advantage, and then eliminate the opponent.

However, in this actual combat, he also perceived from it the direction this spell technique could evolve: to truly condense the essence of mountains, rivers, and landforms, to take form—this was the path toward becoming a magical treasure.

The second direction was to continue refining its structure, making it resonate with the mountains and rivers of the Dongxuan Divine Prefecture, merging with divine authority or corresponding legal principles, so that one day Zhang Jian could, with a single thought, manifest the power of mountains and rivers.

Two directions, two mighty forces!

Without doubt, he chose the latter!

Between thoughts, Zhang Jian's gaze shifted again.

"State, suppress!"

He unleashed the most dominant aspect of the Mountains and Rivers State Diagram; in an instant, the power of mountains and rivers transformed into a colossal cauldron appearing above the Nine-Tailed Fox's head.

Under the intangible state power, the immense force of heaven and earth pressed down, and the Nine-Tailed Fox felt her hairs stand on end, as if she would be struck dead by that state force in the next instant.

In that moment, the Nine-Tailed Fox even lacked the will to resist.

After a brief interval, she lifted her head and only then noticed that the surrounding scenes of life and death flickering, mountains and rivers inverted, were fading away.

Yet in place, sweat beaded on the Nine-Tailed Fox's forehead.

"There actually exists such a terrifying Yin God-level spell technique?"

The Nine-Tailed Fox was utterly shocked in her expression.

She could affirm that the spell technique just now was not a Primordial Spirit-level technique.

Primordial Spirit-level techniques bear the unique Dao marks of Primordial Spirit True Persons.

Primordial Spirit-level techniques can already be called true immortal arts, possessing the power of divine laws.

Their manifestations would also be entirely different.

Among the fox clan, there are also demon gods comparable to Primordial Spirit True Persons, and the power of such techniques is clear to her.

Meanwhile, Zhang Jian withdrew his palm.

His eyes slightly furrowed—the 1.0 version of the Mountains and Rivers State Diagram was far from what he had envisioned.

In his view, the current Mountains and Rivers State Diagram was too crude.

The Mountains and Rivers State Diagram should possess the special authorities of state, returning to the origin, cosmic elements, and so on; he had only integrated a portion of the state's mysteries into it, and for now, only the aspect of state suppression was presentable.

"My accumulated knowledge is still insufficient!"

At that moment, deep within the Demon-Suppressing Tower, the numerous powerful demons on the eighth level and above also sensed the changes in the seventh level, their expressions shifting.

Zhang Jian was dissatisfied with himself, but in their eyes, this method was already profound and unfathomable, irresistible.

Even the demon king of the tenth level, the Magic Buddha Jia Ye.

"Although my Magic Buddha Seal is famed as the Buddhist Fist Seal, matching it against such state power may not guarantee victory—unless I deploy the Magic Buddha Golden Body, or I could gain the upper hand!"

But the Magic Buddha Jia Ye sensed that this technique might not be the opponent's trump card.

At this moment, he felt a stir of eagerness to test it—he wanted to try what mysteries lay within that formidable technique.

And he desired to measure himself against Zhang Jian.

The path that Zhang Jian had blocked from leaving earlier, Mó Fó Jiā Yè had all kept in mind.

But after Zhang Jian suppressed the Seven-Tailed Celestial Fox, he did not continue to seek out other demonic ill-omens in the Demon-Subduing Pagoda.

……

After Zhang Jian had cultivated in seclusion for a period of time, he then activated the wondrous method in the Treasure Record, opening the Heaven and Earth Mystic Gate; this time, it was the Yin Spirit's divine wandering, directly returning to the depths of the Tongshan Dao lineage.

Tongshan

The Qingtian Divine Mountain stood as if erected amidst the sea of mountains, surrounded by an endless expanse of vast marsh, this great marsh with clouds rising and rosy vapors spreading, appearing extraordinarily majestic and immense.

But compared to the Divine Mountain, it was rather 'delicate and exquisite', 'small and dainty' like a stream.

Zhang Jian's figure pierced through a thousand li of river surface, carrying the talisman of the Heaven and Earth Mystic Gate, his escape speed was indeed extremely swift.

Before the Slaying Demon Peak, Tie Xin Dao Ren received the news, yet he personally came forth to greet.

From afar, seeing a Yin Spirit light flying in and landing, he immediately laughed and said.

"Zhang Shifu, I have been waiting for you here for a long time already; Shijie is waiting for you on the mountain!"

Zhang Jian descended his escape light, hearing the words, he clasped his hands together and said.

"Just a minor matter, yet it troubles Shushu to make a trip!"

Tie Xin Dao Ren waved his hand, and immediately led Zhang Jian into the depths of the Slaying Demon Peak.

Zhang Jian was already familiar with the way.

Within the Slaying Demon Grand Hall, Zhang Jian saw the Slaying Demon True Lord already waiting there.

"Master!"

Zhang Jian took the lead in performing the ritual.

The Slaying Demon True Lord wore a single purple robe, her figure tall and slender like, the loose long robe on her body was yet extremely tight, her gaze fell upon Zhang Jian's substantiated Yin Spirit, she glanced and her eyes held some astonishment.

After a moment of contemplation, she sighed and said.

"A Yu, you had best still cultivate a method capable of differentiating the Yin Spirit; this way, it would be convenient for you to move about within the sect!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian nodded, he followed from the admonishing flow.

Walking about within the sect with a substantiated Yin Spirit, it was indeed somewhat ostentatious.

The Slaying Demon True Lord glanced at Zhang Jian, then asked again.

"A Yu, this time you have entered the sect, but for what reason have you come?"

Zhang Jian hesitated not at all: "Master, disciple wishes to request the Master to transmit the method of Yin Spirit cultivation!"

Upon hearing this, the Slaying Demon True Lord smiled and nodded; this was not beyond her expectation.

At once, she did not dismiss the attendants, but within the Slaying Demon Grand Hall, she began to give Zhang Jian special instruction.

Initially, the Slaying Demon True Lord explained the cultivation method of the Yin Spirit Venerable, and how to forge the foundation of the Primordial Spirit, to determine one's Dao path, to eliminate falsehoods, to awaken the true spirit, and how to unite the true spirit with the Yin Spirit.

After the transmission began, then master and disciple started a question-and-answer session; first, the Slaying Demon True Lord tested Zhang Jian, then Zhang Jian raised his doubts.

Such one-on-one special instruction is what Yin Spirit Venerables dream of.

After all, ordinary Yin Spirit Venerables have no hope of becoming disciples of a True Lord, to receive face-to-face clarification from a True Lord.

Tie Xin Dao Ren stood to the side listening; not long after, Bai Xianyin also arrived.

Later, two more cultivators with the bearing of immortals and Daoists arrived, their bodies flowing with intense divine light.

One was of sturdy build, with a giant sword strapped to his back, his countenance masculine and yang, his body filled with fierce killing intent, appearing like a worldly knight-errant.

The other was a standard young Daoist in appearance, his body emanating clear and lively Daoist rhythm.

Unexpectedly, these two cultivators chose as their innate cultivation method the 《Treasure Record》, that is, the 《Tongshan Pure and Clear Treasure Record》, not the 《Nine Qi Nurturing Yuan True Classic》.

Both followed the path of refining the One.

After several hours, Zhang Jian awoke from his concentration; at this time he glanced at the sky, letting his expression carry a hint of sigh.

"To hear the Dao in the morning, one may die in the evening content!"

Upon hearing this, the Slaying Demon True Lord glanced at Zhang Jian with calm eyes; yet this True Lord's heart also held some astonishment.

During this transmission of Dao and resolution of doubts, Zhang Jian's accumulation in cultivation became evident.

Although the time spent in cultivation was extremely short, Zhang Jian's understanding of the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth would not fall short of those Yin Spirit Venerables who had painstakingly cultivated for a thousand years; on the contrary, he even surpassed them.

In the eyes of the Slaying Demon True Lord, this had already approached the level of a Primordial Spirit True Person.

However, some aspects were still lacking; after all, cultivation time is brief, and part of the ability that can only be gained through practice cannot be replaced by knowledge.

Yet, setting aside other cultivation arts, in regard to Heaven and Earth techniques and the comprehension of various Heaven and Earth laws, Zhang Jian's accumulation is inconceivable.

Many ingenious ideas, for her, were greatly enlightening.

Zhang Jian benefited greatly from receiving the Dao, but she too was not without gain.

Possessing the Seven Apertures Exquisite Heart, such a sage-like constitution, is indeed extraordinarily abnormal.

However, for those who are close to Zhang Jian like her, how could it not be a blessing?

Perhaps initially she taught Zhang Jian, but when Zhang Jian grows up, she will also inevitably receive great recompense.

Many of her current unsolvable problems may, in the future, perhaps find answers from Zhang Jian's mouth.

At this time, Zhang Jian also saw the other two cultivators; his eyes lit up, and he immediately rose to perform a slight ritual salute several times.

"Senior Brother, Second Senior Brother!"

The two Daoists also had some lingering feelings; upon hearing this, they returned the salute.

"Fifth Junior Brother!"

Upon seeing this scene, the Slaying Demon True Lord's jade countenance showed a hint of smile; before her disciple Zhang Jian, she already had four disciples under her, these four disciples were all gathered by fortunate coincidence, quite to her taste, and their achievements were also not insignificant.

Of course, these past achievements, considered 'glorious', compared to this junior disciple, suddenly seemed somewhat unimpressive.

At this time, the burly Chi Jiang laughed and said.

"Congratulations, Junior Brother, on successfully attaining the Yin Spirit; the Primordial Spirit is within reach!"

"Senior Brother, you flatter me!"

Zhang Jian was slightly modest.

He had already heard from Bai Xianyun about the deeds of several senior brothers and sisters.

The burly man before him, full of jianghu spirit, was the senior brother of the Slay Demon lineage, Chi Jiang, a senior brother full of chivalrous air.

It is said that he came from a mundane jianghu martial artist hundreds of years ago, upright and righteous, and after being saved by the Slay Demon True Lord, he received a method and successfully established his foundation, eventually being drawn into Slay Demon Peak.

The second senior brother, on the other hand, came from a secular Daoist temple, named Chuyunzi.

This second senior brother shares a common interest with him; it is said he excels in classical studies, has exceptional insight, and though his cultivation spans less than five hundred years, he has already perfected his Golden Core and is about to break through into the Yin Spirit realm.

At this moment, Chuyunzi fixed his clear gaze upon Zhang Jian and sighed.

"I used to call myself a genius, perfecting my Golden Core energy in about five hundred years—such talent is rare in the cultivation world, but compared to Fifth Junior Brother, I am truly a mediocrity!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian could only give an awkward laugh; he truly did not know how to comfort this second senior brother.

Chi Jiang laughed: "Second Junior Brother, this is due to fate—we cannot force it!"

Zhang Jian's gaze fell upon Chi Jiang.

Chi Jiang is the first Yin Spirit Venerable of the fourth generation of Slay Demon Peak.

He has cultivated for over seven hundred years, pushing his Dao attainment to the Yin Spirit Venerable realm, which also counts as unique talent.

Otherwise, if replaced by other Yin Spirit Venerables, the average age of achievement would be beyond a thousand years.

At this moment, the Slay Demon True Lord spoke up to ease the tension.

"Alright, you three rarely return to the sect together—why not gather and exchange a few words? This will greatly benefit your cultivation!"

Upon hearing this, Chuyunzi's eyes lit up: "Great! To exchange with two Yin Spirit Venerables—I'm getting a huge bargain!"

"Senior Brother, Fifth Junior Brother, you must let me bask in your glory!"

Chi Jiang, Zhang Jian—upon hearing this, both smiled faintly.

Zhang Jian immediately decided to stay at Slay Demon Peak for a day; his physical body remained in the ancestral hall of the Zhuangyuan Manor, so there was no need to worry.

Zhang Jian also wanted to seize the opportunity to find a suitable teacher for Zhang Yi.

He had previously set his sights on Chi Jiang and Chuyunzi, with Chi Jiang as the original target.

After all, Chi Jiang is the first disciple of the fourth generation of the Slay Demon lineage and the only Yin Spirit Venerable among the five senior brothers.

But after interacting with Chi Jiang and Chuyunzi, Zhang Jian gradually leaned toward Chuyunzi.

Chuyunzi and he are similar in some aspects—both are good at learning and summarizing; such people are more meticulous and understand more comprehensively.

That is, they are good at teaching according to individual aptitude.

Yet Zhang Jian found that although Chi Jiang is righteous and chivalrous in character and possesses outstanding talent, he is also a man of emotion.

Teaching to produce a chivalrous knight may not be a problem.

But if one wishes to cultivate a qualified leader of a cultivation family, Zhang Jian believes it would be extremely difficult.

Although he inwardly favored having Zhang Yi become a disciple of Chuyunzi, to smoothly achieve this goal without offending fellow disciples or hurting Chi Jiang's dignity, for Zhang Jian, it remains somewhat troublesome.