[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-starting-from-the-blood-lineage-genealogy-to-bui":3,"chapter-starting-from-the-blood-lineage-genealogy-to-bui-starting-from-the-blood-lineage-genealogy-to-bui-chapter-434":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Starting From The Blood Lineage Genealogy To Build An Eternal Immortal Clan",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1611296,2074,"Chapter 430: Harboring Ulterior Motives, Talisman Puppet","starting-from-the-blood-lineage-genealogy-to-bui-chapter-434",434,"\u003Cp>The black-robed youth stared at Xu Chuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the smile on his face, he only felt it was utterly insane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fanaticism in his eyes was overwhelmingly intense, making it seem as if he were saying, 'Hurry up and possess me.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body trembled, and he could not help but take a few steps back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, Xu Chuan was faking all of this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, even though he hoped Demon Lord Qifeng would actually attempt to possess him, he guessed this was more likely a smokescreen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it was a perfectly reasonable smokescreen, one that convinced everyone else that this was simply how things were.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'No, perhaps I am merely a substitute. There is no way Demon Lord Qifeng cannot see that Xu Dewen's body is a much more suitable vessel.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Otherwise, the black-robed men would not have abducted him into the Ancient Battlefield and kept him by their side all this time.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Even if he cannot destroy the sealing grand array, he should be able to escape on his own.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I just do not know how he plans to do it.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Chuan's mind raced. He felt that if Demon Lord Qifeng could escape, he would definitely seize Xu Dewen and use him as his target for possession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And if the scheme failed, then at the very last moment, he himself would become the backup vessel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I will take it one step at a time,' Xu Chuan thought silently to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Demon Yin Wind looked at Demon Lord Qifeng and said, \"Demon Lord Qifeng, the oath has been made. It is about time you tell us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Naturally. Fellow Daoists, follow me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Demon Lord Qifeng rose and flew out of the grand hall first, with the others following closely behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group arrived at the eastern foot of Demon-Suppressing Mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They watched as Demon Lord Qifeng formed hand seals and opened his mouth to spit out a stream of black mist. As soon as the black mist touched the restriction of Demon-Suppressing Mountain, it abruptly melted away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following that, the restriction lit up with a crimson glow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive light screen materialized, shrouding the entirety of Demon-Suppressing Mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peculiar golden symbols dotted the light screen, flickering unsteadily and emitting a faint luminescence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Directly in front of them, a gap appeared, roughly three meters high and over two meters wide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enter quickly,\" Demon Lord Qifeng urged. \"This grand array is alive. It shifts its position every sixty breaths.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, everyone rushed into Demon-Suppressing Mountain one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Demon Lord Qifeng was the last to enter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire Demon-Suppressing Mountain covered a radius of fifty kilometers and stood over twenty thousand meters tall, towering and majestic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The closer they got, the more magnificent it felt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The demonic energy outside is chilling, yet there is hardly any demonic energy here. Instead, the spiritual qi is unbelievably dense.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Chuan remarked casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is a Tier 6 spirit vein inside Demon-Suppressing Mountain. If you have the ability to find it and take it away, by all means, go ahead,\" Demon Lord Qifeng chuckled lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>None of them were fools.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That Tier 6 spirit vein was undoubtedly the core of the seal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the spirit vein was compromised, likely all the sealed True Demon remnant souls would escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Demon Lord, this junior is curious. Just who is the grand powerful cultivator of this place?\" Xu Chuan asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A cultivator from the Black Tortoise Sect, one of the Four Sacred Sects. As for who exactly it is, even I do not know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Chuan naturally did not believe him, but he did not press the matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That senior is truly remarkable. Such methods can only be described as reaching the heavens.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Demon Lord Qifeng's brow twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone took to the air, intending to survey the scenery, but after ascending merely thirty meters off the ground, they abruptly lost control of their body and plummeted straight down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, they managed to stabilize their body before hitting the ground, avoiding any internal injuries from the fall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, right, I forgot to mention. Demon-Suppressing Mountain has a no-fly restriction. Exceeding thirty meters will cause your spirit power to fall into chaos, making flight impossible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The youth who had suffered the consequences of the no-fly zone naturally did not dare to curse Demon Lord Qifeng, forcing himself to swallow his grievances in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Follow me, all of you. I know the location of the inheritance grand hall. It will save you from blindly wandering around.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group followed in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cang He and Old Demon Yin Wind both sent messages to Zhang Daoran, asking if the path was correct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three formed a private telepathic link.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My honored master once said that the inheritance grand hall is located on the eastern side of Demon-Suppressing Mountain, roughly above the halfway mark. We entered from the east, so heading upward is generally correct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Furthermore, it would be impossible for him to forge the inheritance grand hall.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why is that?\" Cang He asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Demon-Suppressing Mountain naturally possesses the power to suppress demons. The grand hall does not permit True Demon remnant souls to enter. No matter what he wishes to retrieve, he must rely on us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Items are easy to pick up, but hard to take away,\" Old Demon Yin Wind's voice chimed in. \"How about the two of you cooperate with me? None of us can handle that Demon Lord Qifeng alone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Daoran sneered, \"I have heard that quite a few demonic cultivators in your Blackwater Region are affiliated with the True Demon race. Why don't you go seek refuge with them, Daoist Friend?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Daoist Friend Zhang, your words are simply unreasonable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What is wrong with cooperation?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Are you telling me that no one in your Heavenly South cooperates with demonic cultivators? That no one collaborates with our Blackwater Region, or with the True Demons?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything is merely an exchange of benefits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, we are all aware that if the True Demon race truly gains dominance, then whether it be the cultivators of Heavenly South or those of our Blackwater Region, we will all become their servants.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As long as you know,\" Zhang Daoran grunted, bearing deep-seated animosity toward demonic cultivators.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only reason he did not lash out now was because the situation was complex, and he did not wish to disrupt the Profound Moon Sect's plans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cang He interjected, \"Daoist Friend Yin Wind, do not take it to heart. Daoist Friend Zhang's temperament has always been like this. Right now, cooperation is our only path to safely leaving Demon-Suppressing Mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the way, Daoist Friend Yin Wind, what do you think about cooperating with the other group?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Demon Yin Wind swept his divine sense over them and replied, \"Forget it. I feel there is something peculiar about them. Besides, there is no point in allying with a bunch of Golden Core cultivators.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Xu Chuan, they already viewed him as a dead man walking, so there was even less of a need to include him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The black-robed middle-aged man and the purple-robed youth were also communicating with Demon Lord Qifeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Demon Lord, why are you doing this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The items left behind in Demon-Suppressing Mountain are quite good. Since our True Demon race cannot enter, we can only rely on them to bring everything out. In the end, it will all belong to us anyway.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So that is how it is.\" The purple-robed youth kissed up to him, \"Your Excellency is far-sighted. May I ask where our clansmen are sealed?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There are demon-suppressing pillars in the grand hall surrounded by formidable restrictions. We cannot shake them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why not have them help?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That Zhang Daoran is aware of the situation and would certainly stop it. If we openly tear all pretenses now, we will gain nothing. It is better to wait for them to bring out the treasures from the grand hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, we can force them to work for us. If they refuse, we simply kill them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Excellency's words make sense.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither of them had expected this place to be so troublesome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Entering the interior of Demon-Suppressing Mountain was a challenge in itself. Locating the sealed area was another hurdle, and breaking the restrictions to directly attack the demon-suppressing pillars was yet another immense obstacle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, this also made it clear that Demon-Suppressing Mountain was no ordinary demon-suppressing ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The black-robed middle-aged man and the purple-robed youth began to converse privately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lu Chang, how much of what Demon Lord Qifeng said do you think is true, and how much is false?\" the black-robed middle-aged man asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The purple-robed youth pondered for a moment before replying, \"Seventy percent true, thirty percent false. Wanting the treasures and resources is true. Helping us break the seal and rescue our clansmen is most likely false.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Xun, what should we do now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's follow Demon Lord Qifeng's lead for now. We are powerless on our own. Besides, even if we truly cannot save our clansmen, if we manage to bring Demon Lord Qifeng out...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...it will still bolster the strength of our True Demon race.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Xun paused, then added, \"However, if we are unable to enter the grand hall later, I am afraid our identities will be exposed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So what? By then, they will already be a turtle in a jar.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides transmitting his voice to Lu Chang and the others, Demon Lord Qifeng also sent telepathic messages to Xu Chuan and the black-robed youth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sought to bewitch them into doing his bidding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Little Friend Li, your death is not entirely set in stone. As long as you go in and retrieve an item for me...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Demon Lord Qifeng could finish, Xu Chuan interrupted, \"No, it is my absolute honor to sacrifice my life for Lord Demon Lord!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Is there something wrong with his head?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Demon Lord Qifeng immediately followed up, \"Since you worship me so deeply, then promise me...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I, Li, willingly sacrifice myself for Lord Demon Lord, completely voluntarily and without any regrets!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rendered speechless, Demon Lord Qifeng instantly severed the mental connection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Chuan had thoroughly toyed with Demon Lord Qifeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, on the other end, Demon Lord Qifeng succeeded in achieving his goal with the black-robed youth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He silently slipped a demonic treasure to the black-robed youth, instructing him to wait for the perfect opportunity to strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over two hours later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They arrived at a magnificent grand hall situated halfway up the mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The grand hall lay crouched upon the terrain like an ancient behemoth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Constructed from dark cyan boulders, it stood a thousand meters tall. Its architectural style was ancient and imposing, with eaves soaring outward like swords pointing toward the azure firmament.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire grand hall was enveloped by a crimson light screen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The light screen flickered in and out of view, its surface densely covered in intricate runes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In front of the grand hall lay a massive plaza paved with black stone blocks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At its center stood a towering dark-gold stone pillar over three hundred meters tall. Its diameter was so wide that it would take more than ten people linking arms to encircle it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stone pillar was also engraved with a dense array of profound runes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An identical crimson light screen was set up several meters away from the pillar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It shared the same nature as the restrictions surrounding Demon-Suppressing Mountain. Both were demon-suppressing restrictions. Unless one possessed strength profound enough to completely ignore the runic boundaries, any True Demon that touched them would inevitably suffer severe injuries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forcing one's way inside would subject their internal organs, and even their divine soul, to the agonizing pain of incineration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Any True Demon beneath the Divine Transformation realm would undoubtedly be reduced to ash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is the place. Anyone who wishes to obtain an opportunity only needs to enter the grand hall. As for what you can acquire, that depends entirely on your own luck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daoist Friend Zhang, your honored master must have told you this, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cang He and Old Demon Yin Wind looked over at the same time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Daoran spoke up, \"Inside is a portrait of the grand powerful cultivator of this place. Kneeling before it will allow you to enter a special secret realm. To obtain what you desire, you must pass the corresponding trial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These are life-and-death trials. If you fail to break through, you risk perishing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I cannot enter, so I will wait here for all of you to return fully loaded,\" Demon Lord Qifeng smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment of thought, Zhang Daoran stepped straight through the crimson light screen in front of the grand hall. Cang He and Old Demon Yin Wind promptly followed, and then came the black-robed youth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He, too, coveted the opportunities hidden within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Chuan threw a glance at the black-robed middle-aged man and his companions, an imperceptible smile playing on his lips. \"Why don't you all join us?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just mind your own business,\" Xie Xun retorted coldly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Demon Lord Qifeng said, \"Little Friend Li, please do not disappoint my expectations.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will certainly not disappoint you, Lord Demon Lord.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Chuan cupped his fists before passing through the crimson light screen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Chang asked in confusion, \"Lord Demon Lord, why are you so polite to that brat?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That boy is a treasure. The items he brings out might be far more precious than anyone else's.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How is that possible?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everything about him is just an act.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is his cultivation realm a disguise too?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"His realm is real. He is a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator. However, his combat strength is barely any weaker than yours. And in this place, the higher one's potential, the more abundant the rewards they can obtain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though it is merely a Golden Core level trial, there is still a slight chance he could secure a Spirit Treasure.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Chang and Xie Xun's eyes widened in astonishment, as did the others'.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Xu Dewen was horrified inwardly. 'Oh no, Grandfather's disguise has been blown!'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want to go in too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You stay right where you are,\" Lu Chang commanded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is fine. Let him enter. With his potential, he might just manage to obtain something as well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But...\" Lu Chang looked up, meeting Demon Lord Qifeng's gaze, and immediately cupped his fists. \"I shall strictly obey Lord Demon Lord's orders.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Xu Dewen did not hesitate for a second. He charged right into the crimson light screen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just as I thought.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you mean?\" Xie Xun asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Although this child possesses a True Demon physique, he is not judged as part of the True Demon race. Send someone else to try.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Xun did as instructed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He ordered a True Demon descendant to attempt touching the screen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment contact was made, it felt as though the person's palm had been pressed against a red-hot iron plate. The searing sensation forced them to recoil immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The restrictive light screen not only scorched their flesh but also stung their divine soul, making it unbearable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did Xie Xun and Lu Chang genuinely sense the sheer terror of the demon-suppressing restrictions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is not as if this world lacks individuals of breathtaking innate aptitude. Otherwise, when our clan's grand army bore down upon them back then, we would not have achieved such meager results.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We leave everything to Lord Demon Lord's arrangements.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They chorused while cupping their hands in respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cang He looked toward the outside of the grand hall in confusion, noticing that Lu Chang and his group had no intention of entering. Puzzled, he asked, \"Are they not planning to come in?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So that is how it is.\" Old Demon Yin Wind sneered. \"No wonder I felt they were a bit bizarre. It is not that they don't want to; it's that they can't.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are they all from the True Demon race?!\" Cang He's face was plastered with sheer surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, Xu Dewen rushed in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Demon Yin Wind glanced at him. \"Brat, aren't you with them? How were you able to enter?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior has misunderstood. This junior was merely captured by them. They mentioned something about me being a vessel.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cang He swept his gaze across everyone present, then peered outside the grand hall. \"Demon-Suppressing Mountain restricts flight. It seems breaking out of here truly won't be easy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why worry about so much right now? Let's enter the secret realm first. I am actually quite curious to see what can be obtained inside!\" Old Demon Yin Wind declared. \"As for everything else, we can discuss it once we come out. It won't be too late.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Subsequently, he turned to Zhang Daoran. \"Daoist Friend Zhang, since you are familiar with this place, why don't you demonstrate for everyone?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Daoran did not refuse. He knelt and bowed before the character portrait hanging above the offering altar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The figure in the portrait appeared to be shrouded in clouds and mist. One could only make out that they wore a yellow robe, but their facial features were completely obscured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A spatial fluctuation rippled across the surface of the portrait, enveloping Zhang Daoran and sweeping him inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha, it really is just like that! I'll go next.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Demon Yin Wind was the second to enter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next was Cang He.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The black-robed youth glanced at Xu Chuan and Xu Dewen, then immediately entered the secret realm using the identical method.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, there was no one else around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being inside the grand hall also meant that divine sense from the outside could not penetrate within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Dewen sent a telepathic message: \"Grandfather, it seems that Demon Lord Qifeng saw through your disguise long ago. He knows your combat strength is extraordinary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They plan to force all of you to hand over whatever you obtain the moment you come out.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Chuan did not feel surprised. \"This is entirely within my expectations. That Demon Lord Qifeng seems to heavily enjoy playing with people's hearts. Your grandfather will just play along with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though their strength is indeed formidable, your grandfather also possesses a few trump cards. Moreover, the combat strength of those three Nascent Soul cultivators is absolutely not weak either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the True Demons are eradicated, or before we leave Demon-Suppressing Mountain, we are natural allies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dewen, you do not need to worry too much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since there are opportunities here, we absolutely must not miss out on them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood, Grandfather.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Chuan and Xu Dewen then entered the secret realm one after the other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the secret realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Chuan discovered that he was all alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He found himself in a massive room measuring a thousand meters in both length and width. From the floor to the vaulted ceiling, it was also a thousand meters high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ceiling was intricately carved with dragons and phoenixes. The surrounding walls were cyan, while the flooring was paved with grey stone slabs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether it was the walls or the floor, Xu Chuan could faintly detect the lingering power of restrictions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'This feels somewhat familiar. It seems the trials in various secret realms are all quite similar. Could it be they all copy... pfft, I mean, draw inspiration from one another?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'If that is the case, then there should also be an entity similar to a secret realm spirit present here.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Chuan figured that if his guess was correct, the master of Demon-Suppressing Mountain likely had an incredibly substantial background.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the very worst, they were a peak Void Refinement expert, or perhaps even a grand powerful cultivator at the Body Integration stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I just hope Dewen doesn't try to push himself too hard.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Chuan silently retrieved a token and hung it at his waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was precisely the token of an Ancient Azure Dragon Sect True Disciple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mechanical voice rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To think there is still a Candidate True Disciple of the Azure Dragon Sect in existence today?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dare I ask, Senior, are you the spirit of this secret realm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly. You may address me as Lord Tianfu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Chuan cupped his fists and continued to ask, \"Greetings, Lord Tianfu. May I ask if the master of Demon-Suppressing Mountain and the master of this secret realm are one and the same?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Naturally. My master was one of the three Vice Sect Masters of the Ancient Black Tortoise Sect, Master Xuanfu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Tianfu, remnant True Demon souls have escaped from Demon-Suppressing Mountain and are wreaking havoc outside. Does Your Lordship have a way to resolve this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am only responsible for controlling the secret realm. The matters of Demon-Suppressing Mountain are not something I can resolve.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The seal of Demon-Suppressing Mountain has loopholes. How can it be repaired?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you can acquire my master's Talisman Dao inheritance, you may be able to repair it. Otherwise, even if Divine Transformation or Void Refinement experts were to arrive, they could only stare blankly in helplessness.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Talisman Dao inheritance?!'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Chuan felt a surge of joy in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How do I obtain it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tianfu paused for a moment. \"My master walked the path of the Talisman Dao, comprehending the profound changes of heaven and earth. The Talisman Dao is his proudest inheritance, as well as his core inheritance. I suggest you do not bite off more than you can chew!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though you are a Candidate True Disciple of the Azure Dragon Sect, I will not go easy on you during the trials.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then what can I obtain upon passing the trials? And how difficult are they?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had Xu Chuan not been a Candidate True Disciple of the Azure Dragon Sect, Tianfu would never have wasted so much breath on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The trial is remarkably simple. It merely tests one's combat strength. The more levels you surpass, the richer the rewards. For example, you are currently at the fourth layer of the Golden Core realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first stage will feature an opponent at the fourth layer of the Golden Core. The second stage, the fifth layer... and the ninth stage will feature an opponent at Golden Core Perfection who has achieved Divine Ability Perfection.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Xu Chuan asked again, \"With my cultivation level, what can I obtain if I pass the ninth stage?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You might acquire a Spirit Treasure, a Tribulation-Crossing Pill, a pill to elevate a Nascent Soul cultivator's divine sense, a Nascent Soul realm-breaking pill, Tier 5 heavenly materials and earthly treasures, or Senior Master Xuanfu's Talisman Dao inheritance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tianfu was momentarily stunned before responding with an unkind tone, \"A mere Golden Core cultivator should not reach too high. By clearing the ninth stage, you can earn either a Tribulation-Crossing Pill or a top-tier magic treasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for my master's 'Nine Chapters of Heavenly Talismans', you can, at best, obtain the contents of the first chapter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if it is just the first layer, it requires incredibly high Talisman Dao aptitude, and one must possess Golden Core divine sense simply to begin comprehending it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My son Mingyuan possesses peerless talent in the Talisman Dao and holds the promise to inherit Senior Master Xuanfu's mantle. Therefore, this junior wishes to push his luck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wonder if there are stages even more difficult than the ninth stage.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is. It is named 'Limit-Breaking.' Regardless of whether you are at the fourth layer or the ninth layer of Golden Core, the difficulty of Limit-Breaking surpasses the ninth stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the so-called nine stages, they are simply subdivided based on your current cultivation realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some people may only face three stages.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I see. Then what can I obtain if I clear the Limit-Breaking stage?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To clear the Limit-Breaking stage, you must face an opponent at the Early-Stage Nascent Soul realm. If you can pass, you may select three of the items you mentioned earlier, and you can obtain the first six chapters of the 'Nine Chapters of Heavenly Talismans'.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They respectively cover the contents for the Golden Core, Nascent Soul, and Divine Transformation stages.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Three items is a bit stingy.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Chuan furrowed his brows. \"Lord Tianfu, if I can clear the Limit-Breaking stage, I am willing to forfeit all the aforementioned rewards, save for the top-tier magic treasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, regarding what I mentioned earlier, I want five items: a Spirit Treasure, a high-grade Tribulation-Crossing Pill, a pill to elevate a Nascent Soul cultivator's divine sense, and a Nascent Soul realm-breaking pill.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tianfu fell silent for a moment. \"Very well, I will humor you. If you can truly clear the Limit-Breaking stage, even in the Ancient Era, you could be hailed as a peerless genius.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Breaking a few rules for you will do no harm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I must remind you, this is a life-and-death trial. Even if your life is in mortal peril, I will not terminate the test.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood,\" Xu Chuan bowed while cupping his fists. \"Then please, Lord Tianfu, initiate the ninth stage trial immediately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you certain?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am a prodigy. Naturally, I can suppress all enemies!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tianfu pondered for a short while before saying, \"Then have it your way. In ten breaths, a Talisman Puppet will appear. Its combat strength will be no weaker than that of someone at Golden Core Perfection with Divine Ability Perfection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In certain aspects, it might even be far more troublesome to deal with.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Any methods are permitted?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Naturally.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to the formidable power of the Talisman Puppet, Xu Chuan was far more intrigued by the two words: 'Talisman Puppet'.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'This Talisman Puppet should be a type of puppet, but one that relies heavily on Talisman Dao accomplishments. I wonder how it compares to the puppets from the Myriad Manifestations Pavilion.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ten breaths of time passed in the blink of an eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A puppet roughly three meters tall appeared nearly a hundred meters away from Xu Chuan. Its entire body was pitch-black, but it was engraved with layer upon layer of pale golden runes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those runes seemed to possess a spiritual sentience of their own, flickering unsteadily in sync with the Talisman Puppet's 'breathing.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The trial begins!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mechanical announcement echoed throughout the space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost simultaneously, the trials for the others commenced as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, unlike the utterly brazen Xu Chuan, everyone else began from the first stage, lest they misjudge their own strength and throw away their lives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hum—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as the voice faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the hollow eye sockets of the pitch-black Talisman Puppet, two specks of pale golden light abruptly flared to life!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without any warning, it raised its hand and pointed a finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blistering lines of fire, fireballs the size of washbasins, violently spinning wheels of flame...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wave after wave of Tier 1 and Tier 2 fire-element arcane arts were instantly cast, as if requiring zero preparation, blasting toward Xu Chuan in an overwhelming torrent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, the entire space was bathed in a brilliant red glow as billowing waves of heat surged outward!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Chuan's brow arched slightly, revealing a look of profound astonishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately after, he gave his sleeve robe a sharp flick. The Azure Dragon Treasure Umbrella materialized and hovered above his head, cascading a cyan-gold light screen that protected him flawlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom! Boom! Boom!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dense barrage of fire-element arcane arts mercilessly bombarded the light screen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Massive clusters of raging flames erupted, causing the light screen to tremble violently and ripple without pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What a spell-slinging monster!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the Talisman Puppet's method of instantly casting spells, Xu Chuan could not help but sigh softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could also instantly cast Tier 1 and Tier 2 spells for a brief period, but he would not be able to sustain it for long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over time, his mental energy would exhaust, inevitably leading to fatal errors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by the Talisman Puppet's relentless posture, if he did not mount a counterattack, it would likely continue raining down spells indefinitely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nearly half of the pale golden runes on the Talisman Puppet's body lit up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right after, a flaming flood dragon nearly thirty meters long rapidly coalesced. The scorching heat radiating from it was vastly more intense than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following the fire flood dragon came a fire phoenix, a fire sparrow, fire serpents, and more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Tier 3 spell arts!'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Chuan felt a jolt of surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five instantaneous Tier 3 spells hurtled toward Xu Chuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The roars of the flood dragon and the shrieks of the fire phoenix echoed throughout the vast chamber, causing the very space to shudder faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom! Boom! Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The explosive power of Tier 3 spell arts was fundamentally on another level compared to Tiers 1 and 2.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it had been earlier...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...even if he allowed them to bombard him for an entire day and night, the defenses of the Azure Dragon Treasure Umbrella would hardly show a single crack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, against such a relentless barrage of instantly cast Tier 3 spells, even the shield of a high-grade defensive magic treasure would likely struggle to hold out for half an incense stick's time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the destructive might of Tier 3 spells was formidable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nonetheless, after that overwhelming wave, a full thirty breaths passed before the Talisman Puppet instantly fired off another batch of Tier 3 spells.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While maintaining the treasure umbrella, Xu Chuan focused his attention and observed closely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When it unleashed a Tier 1 spell, only a single rune illuminated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a Tier 2 spell, five to ten runes would light up simultaneously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for a Tier 3 spell, nearly half the runes across its surface would flare up in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'With attacks this frequent, unless one observes carefully, it would be extremely difficult to notice this pattern.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Chuan pondered internally, 'However, a single rune equates to a Tier 1 spell. Furthermore, these runes can be chained together to form Tier 2 and even Tier 3 spells.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'What a monumental scale of engineering this must have required!'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'A Talisman Puppet of this caliber could only have been crafted by a Nascent Soul cultivator.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Sure enough, the Talisman Dao is truly one of the myriad Great Daos. By using runes to commune with heaven and earth, as long as the spiritual qi of heaven and earth is not exhausted, it can launch an endless stream of attacks.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'In this aspect, it shares the exact same philosophy as the Dao of Formations. Different paths, same destination.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having witnessed the Talisman Puppet's long-range spellcasting capabilities, Xu Chuan now wanted to test its melee combat and defensive strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Chuan calculated in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was clearly supposed to be his trial, yet in the blink of an eye, the roles had reversed, and it was now Xu Chuan testing the Talisman Puppet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Tianfu knew what Xu Chuan was thinking right now, he would probably blow a gasket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was simply turning the natural order on its head!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that the Talisman Puppet's instant spellcasting remained as fluid as ever—just as he had predicted—Xu Chuan finally decided to take the initiative.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sword formation, emerge!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a single thought...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...twenty-eight flying swords shot out from the ribs of the Azure Dragon Treasure Umbrella in a steady stream. Their clear, resonant sword cries echoed endlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The radiant sword light swirled and merged together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the blink of an eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword of the Azure Dragon, spanning over thirty meters and forged entirely of biting sword energy, completely materialized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raising its head, it unleashed a roaring dragon cry that scattered piercing sword energy in all directions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, it charged fearlessly into the sky-blotting rain of fire!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wherever the sword dragon passed, the low-tier lines of fire and fireballs were effortlessly shredded and obliterated by its sword energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the Tier 2 fire wheels and fire ravens were torn apart as if they were nothing more than fragile paper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surging forward like splitting bamboo, the sword dragon lunged straight for the Talisman Puppet's main body!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Talisman Puppet seemingly sensed the incoming threat. Its footwork shifted rapidly, demonstrating a surprisingly swift movement speed as it attempted to pull back and create distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simultaneously, its hands blurred into a flurry of motion. The frequency of its instantaneous spellcasting spiked yet again, seeking to suppress the charging sword dragon beneath an even thicker blanket of firepower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several Tier 3 spells were instantly fired off in rapid succession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom! Boom! Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword of the Azure Dragon was knocked back over thirty meters. Immediately following, the sky rained spells once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a pity that the low-tier spells could not even penetrate the dragon's protective sword energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the Tier 2 spells managed to leave any sort of impact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Talisman Puppet was not human. It might possess some rudimentary sentience, but it could not think rationally on such a level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it were merely a Tier 1 or Tier 2 Talisman Puppet, its master would likely have to manually control it to execute an attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regardless of how fiercely and violently this Talisman Puppet attacked, its flexibility was far too poor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cup of tea's time later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword of the Azure Dragon finally closed in on the Talisman Puppet itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But right as it was about to strike the puppet's main body...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...more than half of the runes on the Talisman Puppet's surface abruptly erupted with a blinding golden light. Its hands clasped together in the void.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A remarkably lifelike, majestic giant flame dragon with sharply defined scales and claws, and a divinely awe-inspiring flame phoenix materialized simultaneously in front of it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tier 3 spell arts!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And a combo spell art at that!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A combined strike of dragon and phoenix! The might of this spell was absolutely not inferior to a high-grade Tier 3 spell!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't even inferior to a Minor Success divine ability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Letting loose a thunderous dragon roar and a piercing phoenix cry, the flaming beasts lunged from both the left and the right, bringing with them a terrifying, metal-melting heat as they slammed straight into the Sword of the Azure Dragon!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom! Boom!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cataclysmic explosion detonated midair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swirling flames and vicious sword energy clashed and annihilated each other in a frenzy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The resulting shockwaves seemed potent enough to strip off an entire layer of the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword of the Azure Dragon was directly blasted away by nearly a hundred meters, with nearly half of its massive body disintegrating on the spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Talisman Puppet itself was also caught in the shockwave and was sent flying, only stopping when it crashed heavily against the wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Condense!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Chuan's mana surged wildly, instantly restoring the Sword of the Azure Dragon to its original form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'If every single rune on the Talisman Puppet lighted up, I wonder what level its spell's destructive might would reach... Could it rival a Major Success divine ability?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under Xu Chuan's command, the Sword of the Azure Dragon unleashed another bellow and charged toward the Talisman Puppet once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed that due to the massive output of its previous strike, the Talisman Puppet was actually unable to launch any attacks for over ten breaths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was like a glowing red cannon barrel that needed time to cool down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Talisman Puppet had no choice but to rely on its physical body to block.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief bout of attacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Chuan came to the conclusion that the Talisman Puppet's melee combat capability was inferior to that of the Myriad Manifestations Pavilion's puppets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two operated on entirely different energy systems. The Myriad Manifestations Pavilion's puppets could never replicate the Talisman Puppet's violent spell bombardments, as they leaned much more heavily on the raw durability of their physical materials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the Sword of the Azure Dragon landed over a dozen strikes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Faint cracks had begun to form along the Talisman Puppet's arms. As the fractures spread and widened, it would undeniably cripple its subsequent spellcasting output.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was safe to say that victory in this trial was already fully within his grasp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not long after.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Talisman Puppet unleashed another frenzied barrage of spell arts, but because they were merely Tier 1 and Tier 2 spells...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sword dragon issued a deafening roar composed entirely of chiming sword cries, violently sweeping out its massive tail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The raging torrent of spells was cleaved perfectly in two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unable to dodge in time, the Talisman Puppet took a solid, devastating lash straight to its waist!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bang!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a dull thud, the Talisman Puppet was swatted horizontally through the air. It violently rolled across the ground for over ten meters before finally steadying itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A vivid, glaring crack had suddenly appeared upon the extremely tough pitch-black material covering its exterior. Pale golden runes swirled and gathered around the fracture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They attempted to repair the damage, but the effect was miniscule.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Its innate physical defense is roughly equivalent to a mid-grade Tier 3 defensive magic treasure,' Xu Chuan quickly deduced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a defensive threshold was already far from weak for Golden Core cultivators.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, under the unrelenting assault of the Sword of the Azure Dragon, it was only a matter of time before the Talisman Puppet was utterly destroyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I have observed enough. It is time to end this trial.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baring his fangs, Xu Chuan began controlling the Sword of the Azure Dragon with his full might, pushing its agility to the absolute extreme.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It no longer bulldozed forward blindly; instead, it agilely dodged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It simply allowed the ordinary Tier 1 and Tier 2 spells to blast against it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, they could not hope to breach the Azure Dragon Treasure Umbrella's defenses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And whenever the brief window following the instant cast of the Talisman Puppet's Tier 3 spells opened up, the Sword of the Azure Dragon would immediately close in for a brutal melee strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the staggering gap in combat experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like the most patient of hunters, the Sword of the Azure Dragon continuously circled the Talisman Puppet—tearing, clawing, and sweeping with its tail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving countless vicious cracks all over its body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment massive patches of the Talisman Puppet's body lit up, the Sword of the Azure Dragon would instantly disintegrate into individual flying swords and scatter in every direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as the devastating attack passed, they would condense back into the sword dragon under Xu Chuan's flawless control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Again and again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half an incense stick's time later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cracks on the Talisman Puppet's exterior were now packed as densely as a spiderweb. The light from its pale golden runes had grown exceedingly dim and erratic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, with one final tail sweep from the Sword of the Azure Dragon, its entire body shattered into pieces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Tianfu, would you say I have passed this trial?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Chuan scooped up the scattered pieces of the Talisman Puppet's materials from the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, he cupped his fists and gazed toward the midair void with a faint smile.\u003C\u002Fp>",6478,"2026-06-06T10:09:39.417Z",1,"novelbin.me","da2f05a8ca17f6aa3398e942fd1cb11db7b10fd4255c4bf778a4a18daab859aa","starting-from-the-blood-lineage-genealogy-to-bui-chapter-435","starting-from-the-blood-lineage-genealogy-to-bui-chapter-433",454,null]