Chapter Thirty-Five: Prison Drawn on the Ground

Billowing clouds soared to unimaginable heights, merging sea and sky into one hue; gazing into the distance, one could see the endless blue ocean spread like a celestial river, covering the entire world—vast, majestic, and extraordinary in its grandeur.

Within this boundless water-heaven, only a single golden palace hung in lonely suspension amidst the towering clouds, shining like a brilliant star...

From the golden palace emerged a handsome Daoist robed in purple and crowned with gold, a faint smile on his lips. He stood in the void; yet, as he moved, a subtle tremor rippled through the heavens and earth, followed instantly by the roaring of thunder and flashes of scarlet flame as if the very elements were set ablaze.

In but a moment, this tranquil realm of sea and sky was upended by the purple-robed Daoist’s presence—the heavens began to crack inch by inch, like an eggshell about to shatter in a giant’s grasp. Thunder and fire pressed in through the growing fissures, eager to reduce this watery world to dust and return it to the primordial chaos from which it sprang.

With this invasion, tsunamis thousands of feet high erupted, and vast black whirlpools formed upon the ocean’s surface, threatening to devour all things and usher in annihilation.

Amidst this overwhelming celestial might, at last, a voice from the ocean’s depths could endure no more, crying out in exasperation:

“Yushu, are you mad?! Do you intend to summon the Pure Yang Thunder Tribulation here and shatter the entire Celestial Grotto?”

“Is it so much to ask to step outside for a breath of fresh air when bored?”

Standing serenely in the void, gazing upon the destruction he had wrought, the purple-robed Daoist broke into a radiant smile. He looked down at the indigo sea below, where a colossal shadow, ten thousand feet in length, wound its way to the surface, churning the currents into chaos.

“And you, why are you not slumbering in the ocean depths today? What brings you up to chat with me?”

Yushu’s voice was clear and deep: “Yue You, this is a rare occurrence.”

As his words fell—

Boom!

The broad ocean was torn open by a massive black shape, whose force was so great that even the great whirlpools spawned by these celestial events were instantly scattered.

A serpent, ten thousand feet long, reared its head and let out a shrill cry, twisting its mighty body through the water-heaven world. With the appearance of this giant beast, and thunder and fire raging overhead, it seemed as though time itself had been hurled back to the wild, lawless cosmos before the Dao Court had established order.

“Careful, rein in your temper,” Yushu reminded warmly. “Thunder and fire rage beyond the Celestial Grotto. Should you shatter its boundary in your wrath, and the Pure Yang Thunder Tribulation breaks through, I’ll be doomed.”

“Hmph!” The serpent, Ba, snorted with disdain.

Ba: the Elephant-Eater Serpent, its written form evoking the image of undulating movement. Its length is a thousand fathoms, its color blue, yellow, red, and black...

The giant beast dancing in the water-heaven was at least ten thousand feet long—a living pillar holding up the sky, terrifying beyond measure! Its scales were a cold, steely gray-black, glinting with a chilling light; to see one was to know fear. To pluck off a single scale and temper it in the furnace would be to gain a peerless material for magical artifacts.

In truth, this ancient beast, born of the primordial calamity, was a treasure in every part—scale, bone, and blood all rare and precious beyond compare. In the era when the Dao Court ruled the stars, such innate titans were registered at birth as “Left Auxiliary Divine Generals of the Three Celestial Platforms,” and the most powerful among them could be promoted to “Celestial General” or even “Star Lord.”

This serpent, whom Yushu called Yue You, now glared with hostility and agitation in its slitted eyes. Clenched between its jaws was a great black kun-fish, blood streaming in crimson waterfalls from the dying beast. Clearly, it had been interrupted mid-meal, and was now furious.

“That kun-fish was a gift brought from the Western Sea by Lady Xu, kept in the grotto to amuse me. Why did you eat it?”

Yushu pressed his forehead, a look of helplessness on his elegant face. “And even if you did eat it, it’s only a meal disturbed—why such a temper, my friend? You are truly hard to appease.”

“Heh…” Yue You sneered, swallowing the kun-fish whole, then shifting into the form of a young man in gray, his features alluring yet sinister.

“Damn it! Get back to your golden palace and spirit furnace! If you linger outside any longer and the Pure Yang Thunder Tribulation breaches the grotto’s barrier, you’ll be dead, and I’ll be buried with you!”

He strode to Yushu’s side, impatiently pushing him. “Heavenly doom strikes pretty boys like you—why defy fate? Go on, hurry up!”

He shoved a few more times, but Yushu only smiled faintly, unmoved.

“Have you not noticed?” After a while, Yushu said softly, “This time, the Pure Yang Thunder Tribulation is somewhat less intense.”

“Huh?” Yue You blinked.

He widened his golden slit-pupiled eyes, gazing at the sky for a long time before realization dawned. “Strange, very strange… It truly is slightly less than before—barely, but it’s there. Curious.”

Yue You was intrigued. He hooked an arm around Yushu’s shoulders with a grin. “Last time, you left not only your golden palace but the grotto itself—the Thunder Tribulation was ferocious! Even the ‘Fivefold Profound Darkness Dao Sovereign’ of the Innate Demon Sect was alarmed. If not for their intervention, you’d have lost at least half your life.”

“The Dao Sovereign aided me much,” Yushu replied, waving his sleeve. A surge of azure energy shot skyward, extinguishing the thunder and fire outside the grotto barrier. Yet this peace lasted only a moment before even greater celestial phenomena erupted, as if determined to turn the grotto upside down.

Yue You, watching with relish, clapped his hands and laughed. “Heaven’s might is truly overwhelming…”

Yushu was not embarrassed. He only smiled wryly and vanished in a flash of light, returning to the golden palace.

“If you linger here, this ‘Waterborne Chengdu Salvation’ Grotto will soon be destroyed. The Demon Sect True Sovereigns who already resent you will seize this chance. Once they have your weakness, do you think they’ll let it pass?”

Yue You chuckled darkly, and with a flicker, followed Yushu into the golden palace.

Jade balustrades, carved railings, clouds woven with bells.

Though called a golden palace and spirit furnace, it was vast—a complex of interconnected structures. All around were roofs and tiles of gold, elegant pavilions and towers, everywhere exquisite and grand. In the palace was a pool, but the water shimmered golden and bright, radiating an aura of indestructible, immaculate dignity.

It dispelled the troubles of all beings, removed the obstacles of confusion and karma, awakened true nature—peerless among treasures.

“Damn! So this is the ‘Eight Sects and Six Schools’ of Xudu Heaven? Such extravagance! How rich were their ancestors, to leave such grandeur behind?”

Yue You’s eyes flushed red as he glanced at the pool.

It was a pool of Buddha’s blood.

Blood left by a nameless, transcendent Enlightened One who had passed through eight solemn tribulations, crossed the sea of birth and death, and attained the “Four Bodies and Five Wisdoms.”

In the heart of the golden pool, a delicate pavilion floated. Yushu was already seated cross-legged within, a set of starry porcelain tea ware before him, the fragrant steam calming the mind. Seeing Yue You fixate on the blood pool, Yushu sighed and beckoned.

“Why stare at it, Daoist Yue You? If you won’t have tea, do you mean to drink the blood?”

“I would if I could!” Yue You sprawled opposite Yushu, sitting carelessly, legs wide, and said, “But that Buddha’s blood was procured by the ‘Fivefold Profound Darkness Dao Sovereign’ and paired with this golden palace to shield your aura. If I drank it, I’d be slapped dead in an instant.”

“Truly, the Dao Sovereign treats you well. If he weren’t male, I’d suspect he’s fallen for you like those female cultivators.”

Yue You could not hide the envy in his voice. “When you defected from the Doushu Sect, a group of True Sovereigns came to kill you, but the Dao Sovereign intercepted and slew them all. Then, when you faced the calamities of fate, he bestowed this ‘Waterborne Chengdu Salvation’ Grotto for you to shelter from disaster.”

“That would be enough, but as your misfortunes grew and even the grotto could barely conceal you, the Dao Sovereign emerged from seclusion, built this golden palace with his own hands, and sealed it with the pool of Buddha’s blood to lock out heaven’s interference… Tell me, I can’t fathom why he treats you so. Has he fallen for you?”

“…You’re speaking nonsense again, Daoist Yue You. How could a sovereign of the Three Realms be swayed by appearances, especially a man? Even Golden Core cultivators can reshape form—what is my face worth? Nothing at all.”

Hearing Yue You’s jealousy, Yushu set down his teacup in exasperation. “What do you think about all day? The Dao Sovereign helps me because he believes I can inherit the Demon Sect’s legacy! You should read fewer mortal tales of love—your wits were never sharp, and now you’re truly dull.”

“Then he can’t be your father, can he?”

“My birth father now reigns as lord in the Void Emperor Heaven, as you well know. He’d rather flay me alive than help me…”

At these words, for the first time, a trace of killing intent flickered in Yushu’s eyes.

“Last I heard from the Void Emperor Heaven, he had destroyed fifty-five divine kingdoms and unified land and sea. All gods hailed him as ‘The Crimson Essence, Potter of Myriad Blessings, Divine King.’ When I achieve the immortal merit, sooner or later, he and I must settle accounts!”

Yue You shrank his neck, realizing he had touched a sore spot, and dared not reply.

“However…” After a pause, curiosity overcame him and he asked, “What happened with this Pure Yang Thunder Tribulation—why did it suddenly weaken?”

“It is done.”

“Done?”

“Just as with Chen Zuo and Chen Ying, among my many descendants, another has finally comprehended the ‘Primordial Scripture of the Dao Sovereign of Divine Abode.’”

“So that’s it… Ha ha ha! Congratulations!”

Yushu was calm, but Yue You shot up, beaming with joy.

Bound by an oath, their fates were tied—one flourished, both prospered; one suffered, both declined. Yushu, trapped by the Thunder Tribulation, could only dwell in the palace like a prisoner; Yue You fared little better, for leaving the grotto meant immediate heavenly retribution.

In the past, before being captured by the Dao Sovereign, Yue You was truly free in Spring Song Heaven—no law could bind him. When thirsty or hungry, he devoured fresh prey; when bored, he would seek out a weak world and single-handedly challenge all its cultivators, reliving the glory of the ancient demon lords.

Of course, he only dared pick on the lesser worlds—those with no backing. He dared not venture onto the great continents, and as for the heavens, to make trouble there was to court death; his skin would be flayed for materials and not a soul would dare collect his corpse.

But since being captured and bound to Yushu, Yue You had never had a peaceful day, suffering constant beatings and pursuit. After defecting from the Doushu Sect and being hunted from East Huan to South Chan, he was finally taken in by the Innate Demon Sect, but due to Yushu’s ever-mounting misfortunes, he could only cower in the grotto, a prisoner in all but name.

Now, hearing that another of Yushu’s descendants had grasped the “Primordial Scripture,” Yue You felt that Yushu’s tribulation would soon pass, and his own deliverance was near—he could not help but dance with joy.

“Don’t be too happy, my friend. Though suppressed by heaven, I have divined that this descendant’s aptitude is not high. Compared to Chen Zuo, even the lesser Chen Jin, Chen Chan, Chen Daozheng, and Chen Yuan all outstrip him.”

Yue You’s face fell, darkening at once.

“But a descendant is a descendant, and useful to me. Please, Daoist, take a trip and bring him to the Innate Demon Sect.”

Yushu paid no mind to Yue You’s sour expression. He let a drop of blood fall from his fingertip, suspending it in the air.

“He should be in the southern region of East Mi Prefecture. Any closer, and even I cannot determine his exact location. Take this drop of my blood—it will guide you to him.”

“…Is his aptitude truly inferior to Chen Chan’s?”

Taking the drop, Yue You pressed on, unwilling to give up hope.

“Not only is he inferior to Chen Chan, he’s likely little better than Chen Xuanwu.”

“Isn’t Chen Xuanwu that half-wit whose only talent, like yours, is seducing women with his face? Useless! Like Chen Xuanwu? Why bother bringing back such trash to the Innate Demon Sect? If he managed to comprehend the breathing method, it must have been sheer luck after who knows how many years. To achieve the ‘Primordial True Essence’ would take endless effort, let alone Purple Mansion or Profound Mystery. You’re making me take this trip for nothing!”

Yushu’s smile remained unchanged. “Even trash has its uses. Just bring him back.”

“…You’re impossible. What did your avatars do wandering all over the world back then? So many descendants, and so few of worth!”

Yue You grumbled, peeling a scale from his body and tossing it into the air, where it transformed into a spirit body.

That spirit body took the drop of blood, said nothing further, and rode a beam of gray light out of the grotto, heading straight for the southern region of East Mi Prefecture.

“I’m not being negligent—your descendant’s talents are so poor he surely couldn’t have joined any major sect. Sending a spirit body will be more than enough.”

Yue You explained hurriedly. Yushu nodded slightly.

The two had not sat long when, all of a sudden, the grotto’s gate swung open, celestial music pouring forth, accompanied by exotic fragrances.

“Damn it, another woman come to see you? Doushu Sect was like this, Innate Demon Sect still the same! This is worse than death!”

Yue You could not be bothered to even look up, too jaded to care.

At the entrance of the “Waterborne Chengdu Salvation” Grotto, three hundred fire-dragon warriors opened the way, with pure maidens ringing bells and fanning on either side. In their midst was a gorgeous cloud palanquin, from whose four corners hung dragon horns and crystal tassels, its surface woven of celestial silk. Through the veils, one could faintly see a woman, graceful and stunning, within.

“Elder Brother Yushu, I heard the commotion from the Pure Yang Thunder Tribulation just now—are you alright?” the woman in the palanquin inquired gently.

“Sister Xu, I am well,” Yushu replied with a gentle smile, rising gracefully to greet her.

Yue You rolled his eyes. Unable to bear it any longer, he vanished into a beam of light and dove into the sea, disappearing into the depths.

…

…

Meanwhile, in the southern region of East Mi Prefecture.

Within a secluded chamber beneath Mount Yang, Chen Heng slowly finished his practice. The last of his talisman coins dissolved in his palm, turning to dust.

“There’s nothing left to rise with—no more talismans, no more spiritual energy. The path of cultivation is truly arduous. Oddly enough, I’m actually grateful that I still have a trace of Cold Dipper True Qi remaining in my body…”

He pressed his hand lightly, and with a click, the stone door of the chamber slid open.

Outside, Tu Shange, who had been waiting, rushed in.

Looking up, he saw a youth of extraordinary beauty, flawless of feature, sitting on the mat and smiling at him. The young Daoist’s aura was ethereal; though present, he seemed to have already transcended this world, transformed into an immortal.

“Congratulations, master, on attaining the Dao!” Tu Shange exclaimed, dropping to his knees in joy.

“It’s only breathing practice, hardly the Dao itself. Rise, my friend,” Chen Heng said, helping him up.

“Master…” Tu Shange steadied himself and said, “I’ve wrung some information out of that boy! It may be trouble!”

“Oh?” Chen Heng was silent for a moment before responding in a calm, clear voice, as mellow and pure as music from a lacquered zither—instantly soothing Tu Shange’s heart.

“Speak, then.”