Chapter 466: Nether Whisper: I Achieve the Heaven of Non-Existence?
Chapter 466: Nether Whisper: Shall I Achieve the Heaven of Non-Existence?
Tianwu City, Dutian Division Headquarters.
Though called an official yamen, it was essentially an immortal mountain range stretching thousands of miles. After entering the headquarters, Lü Yang quickly located the cave dwelling assigned to him.
"The top priority now is to digest the cultivation insights of [Noon Fire]."
In this regard, the headquarters offered significant advantages. Such an important location was under the direct observation of the [Immortal Nation's Dao Statutes], even providing specialized assistance for enlightenment.
This was also one way the Dao Court distributed salaries.
The Dao Court's salaries generally fell into three categories, disbursed every hundred years. Officials could choose one category: spiritual materials, cultivation methods, or enlightenment.
The first two were self-explanatory, while the last—enlightenment—was rather subtle. It involved the [Immortal Nation's Dao Statutes] directly empowering cultivators, placing them in an unprecedented state of "astonishing enlightenment." In this state, efficiency in comprehending techniques, refining spiritual treasures, and concocting pills would increase tenfold.
As a newly appointed official, Lü Yang was entitled to one salary disbursement.
After selecting "enlightenment" and decisively activating it, Lü Yang immediately realized just how heaven-defying this ability was.
He had attempted to comprehend [Noon Fire] before.
During previous attempts, he found it obscure and difficult to grasp. With enough time, he might eventually understand it, but it would require decades of arduous effort.
Now, however, things were different.
Under the empowerment of the [Immortal Nation's Dao Statutes], knowledge that had once seemed impenetrable suddenly became fluid, as if lubricated, allowing him to advance unimpeded.
Understanding came effortlessly—questions were resolved upon contemplation, obstacles cleared with a single thought—without encountering any bottlenecks.
'Is this how Ancestors usually feel?'
No wonder they're so formidable!
Cultivation makes one oblivious to the passage of time. As Lü Yang freely roamed the ocean of knowledge, his smooth train of thought suddenly crashed into an impenetrable wall.
"Hmm? What's going on?"
Lü Yang groaned and opened his eyes. The sensation was akin to being abruptly interrupted at the brink of climax, denied any chance to continue.
It was unbearably frustrating.
Blinking, Lü Yang revisited the insights on [Noon Fire] that had previously flowed like a spring, only to find them once again obscure and incomprehensible.
Have I become stupid?
His eyes filled with bewilderment. Having personally experienced what "astonishing wisdom" felt like, he now struggled to accept the fact that he was, in reality, a fool.
'[Immortal Nation's Dao Statutes].'
Lü Yang glanced at the golden web overhead and couldn't help but swallow hard.
This treasure has affinity with me!
Based on his earlier progress, with just three more empowerments from the [Immortal Nation's Dao Statutes], he could fully digest the insights of [Noon Fire] and prepare for a breakthrough!
'But the Dao Court's salaries are distributed only once every hundred years. To receive another empowerment, I'd either have to wait a century or earn merits... Damn it, they've got me trapped! In the end, they're just dangling salaries to make Dao Court cultivators compete!'
So, where could he earn merits?
Lü Yang fell into brief contemplation, and gradually, his eyes brightened.
'...Uncle Chongguang!'
According to historical developments, Chongguang would secretly reincarnate into the [Kingdom of Qing] in pursuit of [Overturned Lamp Flame], transforming this Dao Court wonder into nourishment.
What if I stop him?
By ambushing him early in the [Kingdom of Qing], capturing him the moment he reincarnates, and refining him instantly, I could avert the crisis there.
Wouldn't that count as merit?
After all, this would not only eliminate the acting sect master of the Saint Sect—no, no, the Demon Sect north of the river—but also protect the wonder the Dao Court Son of Heaven established in the north.
An absolutely monumental achievement!
As for Uncle Chongguang... he'll have to endure hardship. I'll compensate him in his next life. I didn't even hold a grudge over him scheming against my fortune in the ninth lifetime for the sake of [Gold Pit]!
With this thought, Lü Yang rubbed his hands in anticipation. If he could pull this off, one empowerment from the [Immortal Nation's Dao Statutes] would be trivial—even ten or eight wouldn't be excessive! The only problem is that if something happens to Uncle Chongguang, there'd be no one left to achieve [Heaven of Non-Existence]...
'...Not necessarily.'
At this thought, Lü Yang suddenly focused his mind and descended into the Myriad Spirits Banner. He gently tapped it, awakening Ancestor Nether Whisper, who was still in seclusion.
"Do you need help comprehending another technique?"
The moment Ancestor Nether Whisper opened his eyes, he instinctively extended his hand.
Lü Yang: "..."
The next second, Lü Yang's expression turned indignant: "How could Ancestor think so little of me? Am I the kind of petty person who only comes to trouble Ancestor?"
"I'm here to bring good news this time!"
"Oh? Let's hear it."
Ancestor Nether Whisper remained indifferent. In his previous life, he had even slaughtered the [True Lord of Bearing Heaven's True Virtue]. With vengeance fulfilled, joy and sorrow had long faded from his heart...
"In this lifetime, I plan to help Ancestor pursue gold!"
The moment these words were spoken, the previously disinterested Ancestor Nether Whisper abruptly straightened:
"...Elaborate!"
Seeing this, Lü Yang smiled and said: "Earlier, I had Ancestor study the [Heaven of Non-Existence]. Now is the time... I want Ancestor to achieve it!"
Achieving [Heaven of Non-Existence] was no simple feat. The first step alone—[Essence of All Flowers], battling one hundred and eight Heavenly Maidens—was an insurmountable hurdle for most. Aside from Chongguang, who had succeeded before, Lü Yang could only think of Ancestor Nether Whisper, who had previously studied [Heaven of Non-Existence].
This would actually benefit Ancestor Nether Whisper as well.
"In this lifetime, the [True Lord of Bearing Heaven's True Virtue] is still alive and won't die anytime soon. Though Ancestor has perfected Foundation Establishment, attempting to pursue gold would be difficult."
Lü Yang solemnly stated: "Therefore, why not achieve [Heaven of Non-Existence] instead!"
"Hmm... That does make sense."
Ancestor Nether Whisper fell into contemplation, naturally accepting Lü Yang's mention of "this lifetime" without sensing anything amiss.
However, he soon showed signs of worry.
"But... if I achieve [Heaven of Non-Existence], I'll inevitably have to seclude myself with the other True Lords of the world. Without me by your side, would you be in danger?"
Lü Yang froze.
He had been calculating how Ancestor Nether Whisper could achieve [Heaven of Non-Existence], when to do so, and how much benefit he could derive from it.
Now, all those thoughts came to a halt.
A moment later, he smiled sincerely again: "It's fine. Ancestor achieving [Heaven of Non-Existence] is more important. This is also preparation for the future."
In this damned place, one couldn't accomplish much alone.
To achieve anything significant, one needed to make as many friends as possible and as few enemies as possible. The value of having an absolutely reliable True Lord ally was self-evident.
Moreover, Lü Yang hadn't forgotten—there was another [Heaven of Non-Existence] within the Myriad Spirits Banner!
Though only a nascent fruit position, there was still [Ang Xiao]. He had vowed to torment him for a hundred lifetimes—this lifetime was no exception.
'Let Suo Huan suffer. Extract another [Flowing Water] power from [Ang Xiao] to nurture the nascent [Heaven of Non-Existence] in my Myriad Spirits Banner to perfection. Combined with Ancestor achieving [Heaven of Non-Existence] and refining his dongtian this lifetime, next lifetime I'll start with a True Lord protector!'
Just then, a voice sounded outside the cave dwelling.
"Lord Du Huan?"
Lü Yang stepped out and saw it was Eunuch An, who had escorted him into the palace earlier. He quickly bowed: "What instructions does Fellow Daoist An have for me?"
"Instructions are unnecessary."
Eunuch An waved his hand, beaming: "This servant is here to deliver an edict. Lord Du Huan, His Majesty has entrusted you with a significant matter this time."
A significant matter?
Seeing Lü Yang's confusion, Eunuch An hurriedly explained: "It's like this... The [Dutian Division] recently captured someone cultivating [City Wall Earth]!"
Hmm?
"Though the target is only at Qi Refining—technically not even Foundation Establishment—the technique undoubtedly points to [City Wall Earth]. His Majesty has personally decreed..."
"That Lord Du Huan should interrogate the target to extract the technique's contents. The technique is unique, bound by karma—direct soul searching won't reveal it. His Majesty also doesn't wish to alert the Pure Land, so interrogation is the only method. If Lord succeeds, it will surely be another great merit!"
Lü Yang: "..."
The person you're talking about... wouldn't happen to be Senior Brother Zhao Xuhe, would he?