Chapter 999: Chapter 998: Super Big Event_1
What realm was the Witch Queen in?
From the foundation of the Witch Queen’s temple and even the present series of arrangements, she was at least a Forbidden Martial Emperor. Since the development of martial civilization, how many Forbidden Martial Emperors have there been in the world?
At least according to the current records, on average, there has been one every few thousand years! This meant that even fiendishly talented geniuses might not necessarily become Forbidden Martial Emperors.
To put it bluntly, if the Witch God Pill before us were to spread out, it would definitely provoke bloodshed and carnage in the Martial World, so much so that even Heaven Realm Martial Emperors would fight tooth and nail for it.
Shi Xiaole’s breathing grew heavy, not because his state of mind was affected, but because the crystal Demon Bone inside him was trembling incessantly, eager beyond measure.
He finally understood that the thing behind the stone gate that attracted the crystal Demon Bone was indeed this Witch God Pill.
It made sense, too. Since the crystal Demon Bone could absorb the aura the Witch Queen left in the temple, it naturally could also absorb the essence of the Witch Queen’s bloodline, or even crave it more intensely.
First, he stowed the Witch God Order and the Wizard Scroll into the system space, then Shi Xiaole reached out and grabbed the Witch God Pill.
Boom!!!
It was like an explosive detonating before his eyes, yet what burst forth wasn’t a spark, but a pitch-black radiance like crystal, which engulfed Shi Xiaole’s six senses.
Inside him, the crystal Demon Bone drew in the black radiance like a whale gulping seawater, greedily absorbing it with increasing speed as time went on. Gradually, the surface of the crystal Demon Bone began to show faint, mysterious black lines.
During this process, Shi Xiaole could do nothing but watch it all unfold before his eyes.
One day.
Two days.
...
A full three days.
With a "pu" sound, the Witch God Pill disappeared into nothingness, and Shi Xiaole broke free from his static state, immediately checking over his entire body.
There were no changes in his vital energy, Vigorous Air, or martial cultivation, but the crystal Demon Bone had acquired layers of black patterns.
These black patterns seemed to rotate every moment, radiating a terrifying and profound aura. When Vigorous Air approached, it would split into hundreds of fine streams before recombining in the distance.
"What kind of bone is this?"
Shi Xiaole was profoundly shocked.
They say the three Sacred Bones are supreme, and only the Heaven-devouring Devil Bone and the Heart Enlightenment Devil Bone of the ten great Demon Bones can compare, but as early as in Mist Rain Town, Shi Xiaole had determined through comparison that his crystal Demon Bone was certainly not weaker than the Selfless Sacred Bone!
And now, with the addition of the black patterns, even he was alarmed by the faint aura of the crystal Demon Bone.
"Back then at Daze Wall, the crystal Demon Bone could absorb my strength to deliver a lethal strike, but it would also lower my realm, which is why I didn’t use it. Now, the destructive power it can unleash is probably many times stronger."
Power always carries an alluring charm. Clearly, Shi Xiaole had become more powerful, not in terms of strength, but in essence and foundation.
He tried it out and, indeed, was pleasantly surprised to find that his comprehension had improved again!
Of course, this could not be reflected in techniques and martial realms for the time being because, with his prior comprehension, he had already refined the techniques at his disposal to the utmost.
To put it more directly, Shi Xiaole’s current martial arts skills were no longer a match for his comprehension!
This was not too difficult to address. He immediately began to comprehend the three ultimate martial techniques—"Body-Breaking Invisible Sword Qi," "Saintly Spirit Sword Technique," and "Sacred Heart Technique."
In this deserted place, free from distractions and danger, Shi Xiaole concentrated on his insights, and in just half a month, he had fully grasped the initial stage of the "Body-Breaking Invisible Sword Qi."
If he could start cultivating it immediately, he believed he would soon achieve this realm.
Next, he focused on the "Saintly Spirit Sword Technique" and the "Sacred Heart Technique." These two martial arts were more difficult, and despite spending half a month on each and building upon his previous progress, he had not yet reached the initial stage.
However, Shi Xiaole was already very pleased.
Many martial emperors in the Void Origin Realm would never encounter an ultimate martial art in their lifetimes, and the few who were fortunate enough to find one rarely managed to make significant progress.
How long had he been practicing in total?
"Without reaching the Void Origin Realm, even if I fully comprehend all three martial arts, it won’t matter. When I get out, the people from the Witch Queen Temple will definitely make their move. Rather than that, I should take this opportunity to break through to the Void Origin Realm! In doing so, even in this era, I won’t have to be overly cautious."
Achieving the Void Origin was the dream of any warrior, including Shi Xiaole, even though for most it remained just a dream. But Shi Xiaole, only thirty-eight this year, had already decided to launch an assault on his goal.
By the water pool.
Shi Xiaole discarded his black clothes, donning his favorite blue shirt, and sat cross-legged. Laid out before him was the true "Wizard Scroll," not for cultivation, but as a point of reference.
As he had imagined, this "Wizard Scroll" indeed contained all sorts of experiences of the Witch Queen breaking through to the Void Origin, as well as her method of condensing vortexes.
Again and again, he browsed, understood, internalized, and incorporated suitable essences into his own vortex system. This step took Shi Xiaole a full two months.
Hence, his already unique vortex system became even more perfect—so seamless that even with his current insight and talent, he could not find the slightest fault.
Shi Xiaole confidently concluded that his vortex system surpassed that of the Witch Queen!
With the foundation laid, all that remained was to form the Vigorous Air Vortex according to the technique. Although this was simpler, it was also more mechanical and time-consuming.
Two hundred and thirty.
Two hundred and sixty.
Two hundred ninety.
...
Time flowed like water, and a full year had passed since the Blood Sacrifice Ceremony. Throughout this year, many significant events had occurred across the land.
The most sensational was the advent of the Demon-testing Stone.
Initially, people were clueless until a brutal history from the distant past was unveiled. The entire East Victory Continent was astounded.
Outer Heaven Demons invading East Victory, the great war between heaven and earth...
Within just one month, this news spread to every corner of the continent with stunning speed and reach, and its impact was unprecedented in hundreds of years.
Everyone was discussing it, from the imperial courts to the common folk, to the extent that practically no one was unaware, no one uninformed. Even children began to hum songs about it in the streets.
"Our ancestors, to have experienced such darkness and disgrace!"
Some heroes of the Martial World overturned tables and pounded benches in anger.
"These Outer Heaven Demons, truly vile and despicable, covet our homes and seek to enslave the men and women of this blissful land, harvesting at will. Hahaha, if I knew who they were, even if I had to give up all my bones and blood, I would ensure they perish with me!"
"Eradicate all demons, annihilate the invaders!"
This was the sentiment of many impassioned youths and geniuses from various factions, wishing they had been born in such an era of blood and fire, to alleviate the enduring pain in their hearts.
Numerous respected figures in the Martial World, heads of sects, and Elders, also expressed similar indignation.
The entire East Victory Continent was enveloped in an atmosphere of extreme fervor and volatility. It was under these circumstances that the Demon-testing Stone was introduced.
With the promotion and propaganda by the top forces of the three great dynasties, the Demon-testing Stone’s effectiveness was rapidly disseminated—the stone could test if someone was an Outer Heaven Demon by simply touching it with one’s blood and observing for a crimson color.
Immediately, top forces and many first-rate powers, leading by example, organized tests for all their members.
The results shocked everyone. Among the martial factions tested, Outer Heaven Demons were indeed discovered; some were servant-class, others elite disciples, and even high-ranking Elders and Protectors were among them.
Even the Sect Master of a first-rate power within the Bei Liang Dynasty was revealed to possess the blood of an Outer Heaven Demon, causing an uproar in the region.
These individuals, of course, faced hatred and execution. Some were not even aware, perhaps descendants of an accidental union with an Outer Heaven Demon generations earlier.
But this did not matter.
A bloodbath ensued in the Martial World.
Even the imperial court could not remain calm. While they refrained from investigating high-ranking officials for the sake of political stability, rumors circulated nonetheless.
It was said that the court had secretly dispatched people to monitor some eighth-rank officials, and had even covertly executed a number of them. Some said that this scrutiny extended to seventh-rank officials...
In short, during this period, the entire East Victory Continent vigorously purged the blood of Outer Heaven. Upon discovery, regardless of who you were or whether you were aware, everyone was executed—violent and extreme. Exceptions, if any, were very few.
In the Flying Horse Dynasty, Xuanwu State, atop Nine Heavens Mountain.
"We are the enforcers in the great demon-cleansing campaign. Why has Nine Heavens Mountain not hurriedly opened its gates to allow us in for bloodline verification? Hiding thus, do you harbor guilt?"
A few grey-cloaked individuals wearing uniform attire were clamoring outside Nine Heavens Mountain. Judging by their auras, each and every one was a Void Origin Realm Martial Emperor.
"The great demon-cleansing campaign is the inevitable trend. As the foremost power in Xuanwu State, Nine Heavens Mountain cannot be an exception. Or, is it possible that you are ready to make enemies of the entire Martial World and the whole continent?"
A middle-aged man with white hair narrowed his eyes and said emotionlessly, "The Kirin was born with a strange appearance and dual martial arts paths, truly a unique case in the history of East Victory Continent. I originally thought it was due to his exceptional talent, but now it seems, there may be another reason."
Inside Nine Heavens Mountain, with Niu Dali, Qiu Mingyue, Xin Zhuliu, and others at the helm, everyone looked grim.
Yuan Yuying spoke bitterly, "This cur is obviously using this as a pretext to frame Brother Shi and target Nine Heavens Mountain!"
"Things look grim. While the Nine Heavens Great Formation is strong enough to block any attack, we cannot truly sever ties with the world. Once labeled as Outer Heaven Demons, all our members will be confined here! I’m more concerned about Brother Shi. Alone on the outside, he may be..."
Gui Zhihang wore a worried expression.
"I recognize them; that one is an expert from the Blood Emperor’s Den. The other two are from the Oblivion Assembly and Dragon View Ridge. After the dissolution of the Golden Abyss Alliance, these three forces were the quickest to arrive, with the intent to harm Shi Xiaole," spoke Duanmu Keren, dressed in orange clothes, tall and attractive, with disdainful eyes now filled with cold light.
"No matter what, we must not open our gates. As for such slander, when the manor lord Shi returns, sweeping through everything, I expect these trivial clowns will dare not jump around," she continued.
All eyes were on the woman standing in the front, her bearing commanding and naturally authoritative. She was the only Void Origin Realm Martial Emperor currently in Nine Heavens Mountain, the former manager of Happy Valley, now one of the two great managers of Nine Heavens Mountain, Qu Wuyan!
