Chapter 316: The Influence of the Heaven of Non-Existence
Jiangnan, the Mass Grave.
As a [Wonder] established by the Saint Sect in Jiangnan, the so-called Mass Grave was no small place—it spanned thousands of miles in radius.
In scale, it was no less than the [Kingdom of Qing].
The name "Mass Grave" came from the fact that this area was essentially a massive abyss-like pit, with layers upon layers of dense Yin Fiend Qi accumulating within.
The entire Mass Grave consisted of ten layers, each with stronger Yin Fiend Qi than the last, nurturing countless venomous insects and ferocious beasts. Within the pit, these creatures received enhancements from the Yin Fiend Qi, capable of corrupting spiritual energy and boasting power thirty percent greater than outside. Moreover, the Yin Fiend Qi obscured them, making them difficult to detect with divine sense.
Such a perilous place was very much in line with the Saint Sect's style.
Unlike the [Kingdom of Qing] established by the Dao Court, the Saint Sect had no intention of occupying Jiangnan—they simply wanted to create a nuisance, turning this place into a forbidden land.
Yet, despite this, it didn't mean the area was devoid of people.
On the contrary, the deepest part of the Mass Grave was actually teeming with cultivators—not just from the Saint Sect, but also from various factions north of the river, and even rogue cultivators.
These cultivators had even jointly established a marketplace.
The reason was simple: resources.
"Jiangnan is, after all, prosperous. Under the Sword Pavilion's governance, the hundred arts of cultivation flourish, making it perfect for speculation and resale—a highly lucrative trade."
Accompanied by the glow of a formation, Lü Yang stepped out.
Of course, this wasn't his true body—his true form remained within Yun Miaoqing's body. What had traveled here was merely his immortal fetus avatar.
After passing the news that "the Sword Pavilion's True Person Dangmo is preparing to attack the Mass Grave" to Chongguang, Lü Yang was granted an opportunity to enter the Mass Grave. However, to his surprise, the Mass Grave showed no signs of preparing for war, as if completely unaware of the impending threat.
"...Interesting."
Lü Yang strolled through the marketplace, in no hurry to seek out his primary target—the [Shen Metal Qi]. Instead, he spread his divine sense to observe his surroundings.
Soon, voices flooded in.
As expected, the most frequently discussed topic was the ever-expanding [Heaven of Non-Existence], which was gradually spreading across the world.
After all, its allure was simply too irresistible.
Undergo tribulation trials—succeed, and you'd gain a divine ability; fail, and you wouldn't die, merely losing some merit and fortune before recovering in a few months.
More importantly—
"That first trial is too tempting!"
"The [Heaven and Earth Dragon-Tiger Yin-Yang Grand Formation] from the Saint Sect's Mending Heaven Peak—and the top-tier version at that! The taste of those hundred [Heavenly Maidens] is truly..."
"My grandmaster has become completely obsessed with it lately."
"Same here. Our True Person is no different—he's not even thinking about overcoming tribulations anymore, just going in to experience the Saint Sect's methods. Pity I haven't reached Foundation Establishment yet..."
Lü Yang's expression turned peculiar. Clearly, for those with no hope in their cultivation path and weak wills, the [Heaven and Earth Dragon-Tiger Yin-Yang Grand Formation] struck right at their vulnerabilities—they simply couldn't resist. Over time, some even preferred to stay inside rather than come out.
Of course, Foundation Establishment True Persons who did this were in the minority.
Most were rogue cultivators.
True Persons with firm Dao hearts, even if they couldn't overcome the [Heaven and Earth Dragon-Tiger Yin-Yang Grand Formation], wouldn't sink into depravity—they would instead ponder ways to break through.
Thanks to this, Lü Yang noticed a significant increase in the number of dual cultivation techniques circulating.
"Truly, where there's demand, there's supply..."
Lü Yang sighed inwardly, though a doubt arose: 'Are the True Lords really allowing the [Heaven of Non-Existence] to expand unchecked, without any concern?'
But soon, he overheard another conversation.
"Still, don't place too much trust in that [Heaven of Non-Existence]. My elder says it might very well be a resurrection ploy by the Innate True Person."
"The Innate True Person?"
"The one from five thousand years ago... Anyway, several Foundation Establishment True Persons seem to have received warnings not to undergo too many tribulations in the [Heaven of Non-Existence]."
"Think about it—if you undergo tribulations as the 'Innate True Person,' who will emerge in the end? You, or him?"
"By the end, you might just become the Innate True Person's vessel for rebirth! The methods of these Grand True Persons are unfathomable—far beyond our comprehension."
"But brother, how do you define 'too many' tribulations? How many counts as too many?"
"I'd say one or two tribulations are fine."
"But once you reach three, or even four... the risk becomes enormous. Even though that Innate True Person claims you can ascend to True Lord after five tribulations..."
"Who knows?"
"If it were me, I'd say five tribulations on the surface, but in reality, three would suffice—just to trick the honest ones..."
"Tsk... May I ask which sect you're from?"
"Nothing impressive—just a disciple of the Saint Sect."
"Ah, that explains it..."
Conversations like these spread widely throughout the marketplace, causing Lü Yang to narrow his eyes. He knew this was undoubtedly deliberate propaganda.
'The world is vast—one must never underestimate others. What I can deduce, others can too. As a result, nearly all Foundation Establishment cultivators will grow wary of the [Heaven of Non-Existence]. If that Innate True Person intends to resurrect this way, it'll likely be a futile endeavor.'
'Is this why the True Lords are unconcerned about him?'
'Probably. Even if the Innate True Person were a True Lord, so what? With the world divided into factions, a single True Lord couldn't possibly stir up much trouble.'
In this world, rogue cultivators truly had it rough.
Foundation Establishment was manageable, but becoming a True Lord? Absolutely no hope. Figures like Suo Huan and the Innate True Person were prime examples—without backing, how could one advance?
'But... surely the Innate True Person anticipated this?'
Lü Yang had his doubts. The Innate True Person had been schemed to death by True Lords back then—he should have a rough estimate of their methods.
'Foundation Establishment True Persons are a vast group. Who knows if some, blinded by greed, might risk undergoing five tribulations despite the warnings? True Lords can't possibly control every single Foundation Establishment cultivator in the world. If the Innate True Person is determined, he should still find loopholes.'
'Moreover, True Lords aren't a united front either.'
'For instance, if Mu Changsheng made some compromises and accepted certain restrictive measures, the Saint Sect would likely be more than willing to welcome a True Lord into their ranks.'
'This is... a game of chess!'
Lü Yang gradually realized: 'The Innate True Person Mu Changsheng is gambling against the True Lords of the world—staking everything to forge a path to the Golden Core!'
Lost in thought, Lü Yang soon came to a stop before a building.
This place was called [Secret Pavilion Street].
As the name suggested, it was a somewhat shady area within the marketplace, specializing in "fencing stolen goods." Only Foundation Establishment True Persons were permitted to operate here.
Yet, the fact that such a street existed within the marketplace naturally implied backing from the Saint Sect. According to Lü Yang's intelligence, the person behind it was a Saint Sect True Person named [Qi He], an early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator over five hundred years old, already in the twilight of his second life.
Bang!
Without hesitation, Lü Yang strode to the deepest shop on [Secret Pavilion Street] and pushed the door open. Instantly, a mass of dark light descended upon him.
Yet Lü Yang remained unfazed.
With a thought, [Stubborn Gold Duke] activated, cloaking him in golden radiance like armor. The dark light fell upon him but left not a single mark.
Then, deep inside the shop, Lü Yang spotted an elderly Daoist.
White-haired and weathered, his brows heavy with age, the man still possessed divine abilities, but the erosion of the [Bi Wind] was unmistakable.
As soon as Lü Yang entered, he tossed a token onto the table:
"I need intelligence related to the Heavenly Gang and Earth Fiends near the Mass Grave."
This True Person Qi He was Chongguang's planted agent in the Mass Grave, usually responsible for gathering intelligence on Jiangnan and the Mass Grave to report back to the Saint Sect.
This was also part of Lü Yang's deal with Chongguang.
He provided Chongguang with news of the Sword Pavilion's movements, and in return, Chongguang shared intelligence on the Mass Grave, allowing Lü Yang to search for the [Shen Metal Qi].
'Once I obtain the [Shen Metal Qi], I'm leaving immediately!'
In his view, none of it—the Mystic Spirit Realm, the Mass Grave, the Righteous-Demonic War—mattered. What truly counted was the progress of his immortal spirit's true form in this lifetime!