Chapter 136: Leaping or Lurking in the Abyss, Yin-Eroding Red Water

Chen Ying knew in his heart.

Under all heavens, there was only one person capable of making Chen Chen Runzi feel inferior and address them with such reverence.

Chen Chen Xiangxian—

That Chen Chen Xiangxian who, eight hundred years ago, exchanged a single move with Chen Chen Yushu and snapped the Dragon Horn Great Killing Sword!

Eight hundred years ago.

At that time, Chen Chen Yushu had just rebelled from the Dou Shu Sect and was received into the Xiantianmo Sect by the Li Xuanying Xuanming Wuxian Daojun; constrained by the calamity of heaven and earth, he could only mark out a prison for himself within the Fan Fan Dongtian, unable to take even a single step out lightly.

It was precisely at that moment that Chen Chen Xiangxian killed his way straight into the Xiantianmo Sect and breached the "Water-Borne Rongcheng Rongcheng Duming Fan Fan Dongtian" that Chen Chen Yushu used as his dwelling.

Inside the cave heaven.

He fought Chen Chen Yushu in a life-or-death struggle, engaging in a fierce battle!

The forces of the Xiantianmo Sect were held back by several great leaders of the Immortal Dao whom Chen Chen Xiangxian had specifically invited.

Likewise invited by Chen Chen Xiangxian were several capable generals under the command of Chi Jing Tao Rong, the Wan Fu Shen Wang.

The Torch Dragon Great Sage was conspicuously among them!

That was nearly the most perilous crisis Chen Chen Yushu had faced since entering the gates of cultivation.

One careless misstep, and he would have died miserably on the spot!

As for the Xiantianmo Sect.

Indeed, the entire Modaoliu Sect.

For some unknown reason, perhaps to test Chen Chen Yushu's true mettle, they merely went through the motions and did not unleash their trump cards to confront the enemy.

They actually allowed Chen Chen Xiangxian to kill his way into the "Water-Borne Rongcheng Rongcheng Duming Fan Fan Dongtian," permitting him to face Chen Chen Yushu one-on-one to decide victory or defeat.

Had he not risked the damage of having the Dragon Horn Great Killing Sword snapped to barely win by a single move and first extinguish Chen Chen Xiangxian's physical body.

Chen Chen Yushu would have died eight hundred years ago; how could he have earned his formidable reputation across the Nine Provinces and Four Seas today?

It was precisely because of this victory—

That Chen Chen Yushu truly aligned with the rising fortune of the Modaoliu Sect, becoming a hero protected and watched over by the Daojun of the Six Sects, from then on blazing with demonic flames more fiercely than ever, unmatched in prominence!

Long before Chen Chen Yushu opened a altar to preach the Dharma, Chen Ying had more than once heard the name Chen Chen Xiangxian.

Although Chen Chen Yushu had once joked that as long as Master Junyao remained alive, he could never sleep peacefully.

But Chen Ying knew that in reality.

Compared to Master Junyao.

Chen Chen Xiangxian—

Was truly Chen Chen Yushu's lifelong arch-enemy!

After killing his way into the "Water-Borne Rongcheng Rongcheng Duming Fan Fan Dongtian," this man had once forced Chen Chen Yushu into a desperate situation, nearly causing him to abandon caution and flee without his sword.

Recalling how, when recounting this past event, Chen Chen Yushu's face bore a slight smile, appearing as calm as drifting clouds and a gentle breeze, treating it merely as an old anecdote for amusement.

Yet Chen Ying still detected that thread of Heavy and solemn intent and killing intent within Chen Chen Yushu's words, clearly indicating a deep impression that could not be forgotten.

However, after Chen Chen Xiangxian lost by a narrow margin and had his physical body extinguished, although his primordial spirit was hastily rescued by the Torch Dragon Great Sage and others, he Shou Le Zhong injuries and never revealed his whereabouts again afterward.

But now, news of Chen Chen Xiangxian had surprisingly resurfaced.

Had he actually used the Innate Divine Calculation to divine Chen Heng's name?

Shocked, Chen Ying also felt a surge of bitterness in his heart.

"Has Chen Chen Xiangxian recovered so well from his injuries that he can reappear in the world? And would Elder Brother actually be willing to tell such things to a mere traitor of the family like me... Could it be that he harbors thoughts of killing me?"

Chen Ying let out a bitter laugh.

At this moment.

He finally understood the same feelings Ai Xiao Jian had experienced just earlier.

A chill crept up his spine, and his palms grew sweaty.

If Chen Chen Runzi truly harbored killing intent, even though he was merely a divine consciousness that had entered the Yuluo Immortal Prefecture, he would still have methods to slowly torment him.

After all, this person and Master Master Yuanji were versed in hundreds of arts; witchcraft and curses were naturally within their scope of knowledge.

Even Master Master Kongkong lamented their cultivation talent, praising them as "Divine Water and True Gold, a wonderfully absolute immortal seed!"

Chen Chen Runzi shook his head and said:

"The news of Elder Brother's awakening cannot be hidden from others, especially Chen Chen Yushu. Even if I do not tell you these things, you will hear of them from Chen Chen Yushu before long."

"What exactly is so extraordinary about that Chen Heng? That even Chen Chen Xiangxian employed the Innate Divine Calculation to divine his name?"

Chen Ying could not help but ask: "Could it be that Chen Chen Xiangxian has determined this youth is a cultivation seed with a boundless Bai Bai Qiancheng, and thus instructed Elder Brother to recruit him first, preventing him from falling into Father's hands?"

Chen Chen Runzi neither affirmed nor denied, saying:

"After Elder Brother awakened, he cast a divination; compared to Chen Chen Yushu, who is currently at the height of his power, our side of the Yuluo Immortal Prefecture now presents the image of 'Leaping or Lurking in the Abyss.' Perhaps that Chen Heng will become a major variable in the future; it is hard to say. And even if his Dao nature does not manifest, even if he achieves nothing in the future, upon seeing a brother lost outside, we must ultimately bring him back to the Yuluo Immortal Prefecture.

Even if Chen Heng is destined to die under the calamity of heaven and earth brought by Chen Chen Yushu, in his final days, he should still be allowed to live some peaceful days and not become fuel on Chen Chen Yushu's path to merging with the Dao..."

Hearing this, Chen Ying fell silent for a time, speechless for a long while.

He opened his mouth.

But in the end, he spoke no words, merely letting out a sigh.

"Are you in Dongmi Province?"

Chen Chen Runzi suddenly asked.

Chen Ying was startled; though he did not know how he knew, he still nodded.

"The items on the Red Dragon Daoist are not so easily obtained; whether it is that Formless Sword or the Wusheng Treasure Mirror he left behind... as far as I know, unless one bears the bloodline of the Red Dragon Xu family, neither the Formless Sword nor that Wusheng Treasure Mirror is likely to accept you.

Though I do not know where you managed to find that fundamental technique of the Wusheng Sword Sect, there is at most a thirty percent chance; do not draw water with a bamboo basket and end up with nothing."

After speaking lightly, Chen Chen Runzi added another piece of advice:

"And even if you luckily succeed, you will become entangled with the ancient Wusheng Sword Sect and the Red Dragon Xu family, incurring the karmic debt of the Wusheng Sword Sect. The destruction of this Qianguxuan Sect hides many hands behind the scenes; it is a great secret."

"Chen Ying, attempting this matter with your current cultivation is still somewhat rash."

After these words were spoken.

Chen Ying became even more startled and uncertain.

He felt that all his schemes and calculations.

Were seen with perfect clarity in Chen Chen Runzi's eyes, leaving nowhere to hide!

"Elder Brother, you—"

He spoke with a hoarse voice.

"I have not reached any realm of divine illumination, nor does the Innate Divine Calculation I studied extend this far; I simply have another source, having heard of this matter by chance," Chen Chen Runzi said, shaking his head.

Upon hearing this, Chen Ying's heart relaxed slightly, and he was just about to speak.

When suddenly he remembered something.

Thus he could not help but hesitate slightly...

In the past, the Red Dragon Daoist Xu Xu Yuanhua, because his injuries had accumulated beyond remedy and were beyond salvation.

Therefore, after entrusting the two supreme treasures of the Wusheng Sword Sect, the Formless Sword and the Wusheng Precious Mirror, to his close friend Yuan Dai, he sat in meditation and passed away.

And Yuan Dai—

Was precisely the original name of that Corpse-Immortal within the Earth Abyss!

At this moment.

These two immortal treasures and the Corpse-Immortal all slumber together within the Earth Abyss, relying on natural turbid yin to settle their physical forms and seal their Dao fruits.

Furthermore, since Chen Ying had obtained a fundamental technique of the Wusheng Sword Sect, he had already reached an agreement with several powerful elders of the Huzhao Sect.

They intended to borrow the Yuan Magnetic Jin Jin Guang Sphere to invert the Two Instruments, draw up the turbid tide, shake the earth membrane, and thereby awaken the Formless Sword and the Formless Precious Mirror that had fallen into slumber alongside the Corpse-Immortal.

Afterwards.

Chen Ying would step forward to recite that technique, to see if he could gain the recognition of either the Formless Sword or the Wusheng Precious Mirror.

This method was actually a last resort.

After all, the Earth Abyss is vast beyond measure, and with the boundless great Shen Tong Fa of a Corpse-Immortal, if he wished to hide, who could possibly find him?

Only by borrowing the Huzhao Sect's Yuan Magnetic Jin Jin Guang Sphere to shake the earth membrane could they forcibly summon these two immortal treasures...

However, using the Yuan Magnetic Jin Jin Guang Sphere to shake the earth membrane also requires calculating the timing and direction with absolute precision, allowing not the slightest rashness.

One must know that the Earth Abyss not only imprisons numerous great evils surviving from the ancient Dao Court era, serving as an imperishable heavenly prison; it is likewise the place of reincarnation and rebirth for all cultivators of Xudu Xudu Tianyu.

If the Yuan Magnetic Jin Jin Guang Sphere is handled even slightly carelessly.

Whether it collapses the prison, releasing several great evils, or disrupts the fixed principles of reincarnation and rebirth.

Then it would truly be a calamity overwhelming the heavens!

Both the Huzhao Sect and he, Chen Ying, would bear a grave crime!

Yet now Chen Heng is actually within the Earth Abyss...

If it were merely Chen Chen Yichao demanding a person, that would be easy to handle.

Chen Ying would not only ignore him but also mock him, severely stripping away his dignity.

But this is actually Chen Chen Xiangxian's intention, with Chen Chen Runzi acting as the messenger.

This indeed made Chen Ying hesitate for a moment, feeling quite indecisive...

"The timing and direction for activating the Yuan Magnetic Jin Jin Guang Sphere have been meticulously calculated and cannot be altered, while my true body must still familiarize itself with this Dao artifact, leaving me unable to split my attention; it seems I can only incur a debt of gratitude and ask an elder of the Huzhao Sect to intervene and retrieve Chen Heng from the Earth Abyss..."

Chen Ying thought silently.

And who possesses such Shen Tong Fa and magic power to enter the Earth Abyss and retrieve the person before the Yuan Magnetic Jin Jin Guang Sphere is activated?

And is also familiar with himself.

Capable of undertaking this arduous task?

Chen Ying's thoughts raced like lightning.

Soon, a name floated up in his mind.

Yin Yin Gonghao!

After this elder achieved the Return to Void realm, he had already become a great Daoist adept!

Moreover, during these past half-year of association, our temperaments have proven compatible, and our interactions have been harmonious.

Asking him to make a trip to the Earth Abyss to bring Chen Heng out should not be difficult.

Just as a slight look of joy appeared on his face, and he was about to speak these words to Chen Chen Runzi.

Chen Chen Runzi waved his hand lightly, as if guessing Chen Ying's thoughts, and spoke first:

"I already know that Chen Heng is currently within the Earth Abyss, and I also know that your Yuan Magnetic Jin Jin Guang Sphere requires precise timing, where adding or subtracting even a fraction renders it useless; therefore, I have already made arrangements."

"What does Elder Brother mean?" Chen Ying asked.

"Did you see Master Yuanji when you came here?"

Chen Master Yuanji?

Chen Ying was stunned, hesitated for a moment, then slowly shook his head.

Chen Chen Runzi and Chen Master Yuanji had inherited the ancient immortal legacy of the Dao Court, and since the two jointly managed this Yuyi Immortal Mansion.

Usually when visiting the Immortal Mansion, one could often see Chen Master Yuanji's figure.

Today he had assumed Master Yuanji was occupied with important matters, or perhaps had gone to Master Master Kongkong's residence to listen to lectures on the Pure Yang Dao Fruit, hence his absence.

Hearing Chen Chen Runzi mention this specifically, he realized there was something suspicious underlying the situation.

"After learning Chen Heng's name from Eldest Brother, Master Yuanji requested the 'Kuoxu Precious Ship' from Teacher Master Kongkong, and he is now on his way to Xudu Xudu Tianyu; within one month, he will be able to enter that sky realm," Chen Chen Runzi said with a smile.

The Kuoxu Precious Ship...

The Expansive Void Treasure Ship...

Within a month?

Chen Ying calculated it once in his heart and nodded slightly.

"So Elder Brother had already made his plans long ago; it seems I was merely worrying unnecessarily," he said.

"When the time comes, after Master Master Yuanji arrives at Xudu Heaven, I must trouble you to exert your strength and guide him into the layer of Gaseous Qi; the matters concerning Chen Chen Xuanwu, Yuan Yuan Yangsheng, and Chen Heng are entrusted to you."

Chen Chen Runzi slowly rose from his seat, bowed deeply to Chen Ying until his hands touched the ground, and composed his expression for a formal salute.

Seeing him act with such solemnity, Chen Ying dared not be negligent; in panic, he retreated several paces, waving his hands repeatedly, not daring to accept the salute openly.

"Today I summoned you; besides this matter, there is yet one sentence I must impart."

Chen Chen Runzi said, "Judging by your words during our last gathering, it seems you have already resolved to throw in your lot with Chen Chen Yushu and no longer hesitate?"

Seeing Chen Ying's speechless and awkward demeanor.

Chen Chen Runzi did not grow angry; instead, he smiled slightly and spoke:

"Chen Chen Yushu is a tiger and wolf of this world—harsh, greedy, base, jealous of talent, and unworthy of trust!

However, since you have already formed this thought in your heart, even if I speak many more words, I would only appear a petty man harboring treacherous schemes, not a person of pure integrity."

His lips moved, and he recited a methodical incantation.

After Chen Ying heard it and pondered it carefully once more, his heart felt somewhat uneasy and apprehensive.

"Elder Brother—"

"Since you are willing to risk earning Chen Chen Yushu's displeasure to handle affairs for us, you ought to receive a reward; this is a separate residence that Eldest Brother once left behind in Moyu Moyu Luzhou, north of Xudu Heaven; now that you have obtained this incantation, go and activate the residence, then take the treasures within!"

Before Chen Ying could speak to decline.

Chen Chen Runzi gently waved his sleeve, closed his eyes, and displayed his intention to bid the guest farewell.

It was not until Chen Ying, his face a complex mix of emotions, was about to step out of the hall's door.

That he let out a sigh.

Speaking softly:

"Since you have already made your decision, upon returning, destroy the talisman decree of the Yuluo Immortal Residence; keeping it will not only displease Chen Chen Yushu but also cause the brothers within the Immortal Residence to deeply detest you."

"Elder Brother!"

Chen Ying's palm trembled slightly as he cried out.

"The greatest taboo in doing things is to be double-minded; on the path of cultivation, one needs a firm heart to travel far; now that you understand this principle, very good."

Chen Chen Runzi said:

"Go!"

"... Younger Brother understands."

Chen Ying had no more words to offer; he only bowed his head and kowtowed.

Once he rose, his body instantly dissolved, withdrawing his divine consciousness from the Yuluo Immortal Residence back to the present world.

For a moment.

Only Chen Chen Runzi remained alone in the hall.

He stood with his hands clasped behind his back.

For a long time, he remained silent without speaking.

"Is the current situation one of 'leaping in the abyss'? Does this mean that when we eventually confront Chen Chen Yushu, there is still a turning point?"

However—

Who will be that greatest variable?

Eldest Brother Chen Chen Xiangxian?

Chen Master Yuanji?

He, Chen Chen Runzi himself?

Or Chen Juan, who has cultivated the 'Huang Ting Scripture' and was personally invested as the Dao Son by several Dao Lords of the Huang Ting Sect?

Or perhaps...

Is it Chen Heng, whom Eldest Brother Chen Chen Xiangxian specifically mentioned?

"I do not know what Chen Heng's heavenly endowment truly is; I can only hope Master Yuanji will quickly bring him into the Immortal Residence; 'leaping in the abyss'—this variable, barring any accidents, is likely our final luck for a comeback!"

Gazing at the empty expanse within the hall.

Chen Chen Runzi's eyes flashed; suddenly, he mounted a beam of starlight, and his figure vanished.

Elsewhere.

Xudu Heaven, Earth Abyss.

After passing through a gloomy, pitch-black cave that seemed bottomless, sudden brilliance erupted before his eyes, as if he had arrived in the surface world and seen the light of day.

"Yin Erosion Red Water; we have finally arrived."

Looking at the scene before him, Chen Heng sighed lightly and said.

Surfing the internet late at night, I came across something quite speechless; I advise everyone: just read books, don't use my book to deliberately step on one while praising another or maliciously belittle other authors; this behavior is really low-class; those 'KY weirdos' should really stop it; I reckon this book's stats aren't that great anyway, so where did these 'voluntary promoters' come from? In our flourishing card game, this move is generally called 'pretending to be loyal while actually defecting' (`)

Talk? I'll run first; Fight? I'll run first (´Д`)!