Wei Tianchen once said that the day the Red Jade Ring was unsealed would also be the day of his death and the end of his Dao.
Zhao Xing took out the preserved bone body containing Wei Tianchen's fire seed and found that, indeed, the true spirit fire seed had extinguished.
The flame in the eye sockets of the Bamboo Sword Venerable contracted like pupils, instantly realizing something: "I didn't expect him to have fallen here..."
Zhao Xing fell silent as well. Wei Tianchen was dead, but he didn't feel any joy in his heart.
To be honest, he didn't hate Wei Tianchen.
In this life, he had come to know Wei Tianchen because he was the one who had shaken him first. During the Dharma Assembly in the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom, it was he who had planted the seeds of this event. That was why Wei Tianchen had later come to meet him.
On the contrary, Zhao Xing admired Wei Tianchen's courage in practicing his philosophy, his unwavering determination to prove his Dao. He had learned a great deal from Wei Tianchen, and even his current Eight Tribulation Emperor realm could not have been reached without Wei Tianchen's help.
"Boom—"
Zhao Xing activated the Earth Splitting Technique, tearing apart the green meadow, then took out a fine coffin from the Red Jade Ring, inlaid with many Seven-Star Coins. He carefully placed the remaining bone body of Wei Tianchen inside.
"Old Doctor, I don't know where your hometown is, or perhaps you no longer have one," Zhao Xing said. "But for someone like you, I'm sure you wouldn't care about the concept of returning to your roots."
"Just rest here."
Zhao Xing thought about erecting a monument for Wei Tianchen, but he didn't know much about his past.
Before capturing him, Wei Tianchen had been a famous ancient physician in the Xuanhuang Star Domain, known for his benevolent heart. Even the Demigods of the Primordial Hill revered him.
After capturing him, he became a hunted rat, with everyone in the Xuanling Star Domain wanting him dead.
Zhao Xing truly didn't know what kind of inscription he should write for him.
"He doesn't care," said the Bamboo Sword Venerable, standing beside him. "Let's go."
"Mm."
Zhao Xing nodded, flew up, and then sealed the earth back together.
Wei Tianchen left behind a rich inheritance!
Apart from the Mastery of Divine Artifacts, such as the Eight Directions Divine Mirror, there were also boundary-type divine items, such as the Azure Water Golden God Gourd, the Concealing Divine Artifact Yuan Wheel, and the Historical Divine Artifact White Jade Wuling Ship, among others.
Zhao Xing, sensing with his aura, roughly estimated that there were twenty-one divine items inside the Red Jade Ring.
Among these, some were divine items Wei Tianchen couldn't even use and were stored separately.
For example, the Seven-Star Li Fire Divine Sword, which he once owned, was used as a bounty. Among them, five divine items didn't require corresponding professional cores or strength thresholds, and could be activated without any conditions.
The most valuable item was undoubtedly the White Jade Wuling Ship. Not only was it a divine artifact in itself, but it also contained a vast collection of precious ancient texts.
Knowledge was the most valuable treasure.
Zhao Xing, upon acquiring these divine items, felt little excitement, but rather a sense of danger.
Once Wei Tianchen was dead, it would prove that the Dan Ye the Free God had indeed had issues. He might attempt to use methods to obtain Wei Tianchen's memories.
He might even learn about the existence of the Seven-Star Dou Cabinet and the divine items Wei Tianchen had prepared for physician Dao.
Even though, in these years, he had let Bai Lanjun and the others set up several deceptive paths, and had used the Bamboo Sword Venerable and another king to stage a fake death escape.
Zhao Xing wouldn't underestimate the abilities of a deity-level being. Since Dan Ye, the Free God, had fixed his eyes on Wei Tianchen's Dao, once he understood it all, he certainly wouldn't let Zhao Xing go.
The Bamboo Sword Venerable also realized this and helplessly said, "Zhao Xing, I really regret taking on this job."
In exchange for the journey to the Ten Directions Mountain, he had agreed to escort Zhao Xing safely back to the Red Star Empire.
But he hadn't expected things to develop to this point.
He had yet to achieve godhood, but he had already offended a Free God.
He couldn't betray his sword's will, so he could only endure.
"Bamboo Sword Brother, I can cancel our contract," Zhao Xing said. "I'll handle it myself. That should count as not violating your sword's will, right?"
The Bamboo Sword Venerable, a swordsman of this caliber, was rare to find even with a lantern.
Over the years, Zhao Xing had climbed from the One Tribulation True Spirit to the Eight Tribulation True Spirit, and the Bamboo Sword Venerable had contributed greatly, though he also had his own hardships. Zhao Xing didn't want to continue owing him a favor.
When facing a being like Dan Ye, the Free God, whether the Bamboo Sword Venerable was present or not made no difference.
Zhao Xing wasn't the kind of person who couldn't stand to see others do well and had to tie the Bamboo Sword Venerable to his side.
"Are you serious?" Bamboo Sword Venerable said seriously. "I was just joking earlier. I didn't actually have that thought."
"I'm serious," Zhao Xing replied. "You've made good progress over the years, and now we're in a relatively safe area. With your talents and abilities, you'll definitely carve out a new path. There's no need for you to stay involved."
"To put it bluntly, I don't think you'll be much help in the current situation. In front of that Free God, you're no different from a skeleton soldier."
Bamboo Sword Venerable chuckled with a sigh. "That's indeed harsh."
"That's why I've decided. You've protected me all this time, and that counts as fulfilling your promise. You can leave now."
Bamboo Sword Venerable fell silent for a moment, then nodded. "I'll survive. I'm waiting for you to take me to the Ten Directions Mountain."
"It's a deal."
After speaking, Bamboo Sword Venerable transformed into a beam of sword light and disappeared into the horizon.
Once Bamboo Sword Venerable left, Zhao Xing, feeling somewhat sentimental, withdrew his light.
A pure swordsman like Bamboo Sword was rare in the entire Xuanling Star Domain.
Would there be another chance to meet in the future?
"I hope he can survive."
"Master, why did Senior Bamboo Sword leave?" Bai Lanjun asked, a bit confused.
"Mm, he left," Zhao Xing replied, without further explanation.
Bai Lanjun immediately caught on and didn't ask more questions.
After Bamboo Sword left, Zhao Xing, accompanied by Fu Mengzhen, Bai Lanjun, Hu Qing, and Yan Jun, continued their journey.
Wei Tianchen's treasures required him to begin cultivating the Dao of Medicine before they could be used, so he put them aside for now.
It wasn't the right time. Who knew if touching these items would make it easier for Dan Ye, the Free God, to locate him? Moreover, he hadn't even fully grasped the Dao of the Shennong. How could he practice medicine?
"Fu Mengzhen, have you ever been to Yumo Zhou?"
"Your Majesty, I have been there once," Fu Mengzhen replied somewhat mechanically. "My Fire Seed Ring wasn't obtained in Yue Shen Zhou, but in Yumo Zhou."
"The Fire Source Temple has set up various Dao tests in both states. Those who pass the tests will receive benefits, even the 'Dao' itself."
Fu Mengzhen continued: "I passed the Le Dao Test 51 years ago and obtained a First-Stage Fire Seed Ring."
"This brought me two conveniences. First, it allows me to see through many of the fogs in the Southern Continent."
"The fogs that troubled others are nothing more than illusions to me."
Bai Lanjun was a bit surprised. "Is this really possible? Could the fog not be physical, but some sort of 'Dao Obstacle'?"
Fu Mengzhen said, "I'm not sure what it is. But once you have the First-Stage Fire Seed Ring, you can see it clearly."
Zhao Xing pondered.
"Those who pass the test are granted the qualification to explore the Bone Yin Realm."
"The Fire Source Temple's tests are open to all professions, but the difficulty is not low."
"Even someone like Fu Mengzhen, who has mastered both dancing and music, only passed the first test."
"Let's assume the actual controller of the Fire Source Temple is Yuan."
"Could the Dao displayed by participants in the test help complete the world created by Yuan?"
"Fu Mengzhen, when did you enter?" Zhao Xing asked.
"Replying to Your Majesty, it was 175 years ago."
"How do you think the environment in the Southern Continent now compares to before?"
"The environment?" Fu Mengzhen tilted her head, as if she hadn't thought about this question, or perhaps still affected by Wei Tianchen's medicinal effects, her thoughts were a bit slow.
"Perhaps before there was no Yuhuang Zhou, and there weren't as many mountains and rivers."
"My spells are also not as powerful as they once were."
"Have you noticed more vitality? For example, the places you've seen—more flowers, trees, and plants, and they seem to be of better quality?" Zhao Xing asked again.
"It seems so, or maybe not," Fu Mengzhen replied. "I haven't paid much attention."
From Fu Mengzhen's description, it seemed that as more cultivators appeared, the Dao they displayed grew more abundant and advanced, strengthening the Bone Spirit Domain, making it more powerful and complete.
However, Fu Mengzhen didn't seem to notice much change in the environment, which might indicate that the Shennong Dao of the Bone Spirit Domain hadn't seen much growth in these years.
Considering the situation with Yu Shen and his establishment of the Dao, Zhao Xing speculated: If Yuan also allows other strong beings to establish their Dao in this world, does that mean there is a Shennong god here? Can he establish his own Dao here?
"You continue," Zhao Xing said, glancing at Bai Lanjun, who was eager to learn. "Share this with them as well."
"Yes," Fu Mengzhen replied. "In the 175 years since I've been here, I've heard of two tests."
"The first was 45 years before my arrival, in Yue Shen Zhou."
"I don't know much about it, but I heard that even Fourth-Stage Bone Lifeforms could participate."
"The second test was in Yumo Zhou, but the requirements were much higher. Most of the tests required at least Seventh-Stage Bone Lifeforms to participate."
"After obtaining the First-Stage Fire Seed Ring, the first convenience was being able to see through the fog. The second convenience is that I can accept tasks from the Fire Source Temple, exchange treasures, and meet other Fire Seed members."
"What's the higher reward?" Bai Lanjun asked.
"I don't know; it's not publicly known," Fu Mengzhen shook her head. "But after this Dao Examination, the Yu God suddenly emerged, took control of Yumo Zhou, and established a Cave-Heaven."
"You mean someone passed the examination and became a god?" Zhao Xing asked.
"I don't know. It's just a guess, but perhaps Yu God Mo Yuan himself is already a god-level being," Bai Lanjun replied.
"Xiao Bai, Hu Qing, Yan Jun, have you heard of the title of Yu God in the mortal realm?" Zhao Xing asked.
"No," the three of them shook their heads in unison. "Maybe it exists, but our memories aren't complete, so it can't be used as a reference for the master."
Looks like I need to see it for myself, Zhao Xing thought.
From the timeline, Yuan has already seized the Heaven's Secret for 382 years.
Because when I entered, the panel showed "Bone God Yuan seized Heaven's Secret 342 years," and I had been in Fu Bone City for over 40 years.
The Dao examination at the Fire Source Temple didn't follow any clear time pattern. After all, Fu Mengzhen said there were only two instances.
The first was 220 years ago, and the second happened 55 years ago.
After the second Dao Examination, Yumo Zhou appeared.
As for whether the appearance of Yue Shen Zhou was related to the first Dao Examination, Fu Mengzhen was unclear, with too little information available.
Even with two examinations, there was no clear rule to estimate its pattern.
"Regardless, this kind of authority is very valuable," Zhao Xing thought. "With a First-Stage Fire Seed Ring, one can see through the Bone Yin Realm's fog Dao Obstacle, exchange treasures, and gain cultivation methods. A higher-level reward might even lead to godhood."
One thing might be considered a pattern.
That is, the Dao Examination will become progressively more difficult.
The first time, the minimum participation requirement was only Fourth-Stage Bone Strength, Fourth Tribulation True Spirit.
The second time, it had climbed to Seventh-Stage!
Zhao Xing, combining the information from the panel and his discussions with Wei Tianchen, speculated that Bone God Yuan was working on completing the Divine Realm.
As time passed, Yuan's requirements would grow increasingly higher, because the Dao was constantly improving.
Those who entered earlier might benefit more, while those who came later would face greater difficulty.
"The Fire God Sect only sent Bai Lanjun, an expired elder, to descend. This shows that during the early stages of the Bone Yin Realm's formation, powerful god-level beings were still very cautious, with very few personally involved."
"The later it goes, if the temptation is great enough and the threshold keeps rising, god-level beings might even participate," Zhao Xing thought, feeling increasingly that this was a high-stakes situation.
If this is a time-space instance, then Yuan definitely failed.
If Yuan failed, what will be the outcome of the Bone God Realm? What will happen to the lives inside?
"Even if I participate, I must reject the temptation. I can't get too deeply involved; escaping quickly is the right course," Zhao Xing took a deep breath. "I've already gained enough, I shouldn't be greedy."
If Zhao Xing was given the chance to leave now, he would certainly leave without hesitation.
But unfortunately, no such opportunity existed right now, so he could only settle in Yumo Zhou for now, avoid being hunted by Dan Ye the Free God, and then find a way to escape the Bone God Realm.
"Fu Mengzhen, is there a way to gain the protection of Yu God?"
"There is, but... ah la la la~~"
As Fu Mengzhen spoke, she suddenly began dancing. Her bones twitched, and her flesh trembled.
However, her Fire Seed began to burn brightly again, changing from murky to clear.
"My lord, what's happening to her?" Bai Lanjun and Hu Qing both looked confused. The newly recruited subordinate of their lord seemed a bit off.
"It's nothing. She's just having a relapse. It's time for her to take her medicine." Zhao Xing took out a medicine box from the Red Jade Ring and sprinkled a bit of green powder on Fu Mengzhen's head.
Fu Mengzhen's true spirit fire seed instantly turned a strange light green.
"Woof~ Master, what just happened?" Fu Mengzhen asked, confused. Her true spirit fire seed had transformed into the shape of a small dog.
In Fu Mengzhen's self-awareness, she was now a dog, and Zhao Xing was her master.
The last time she transformed, she had seen herself as a concubine, and Zhao Xing as her emperor.
"It's nothing."
"Oh." Fu Mengzhen nuzzled Zhao Xing's bones and then hopped around, happily spinning.
"This medicine from Old Wei is amazing." Zhao Xing looked at Fu Mengzhen, speechless. No wonder Dan Ye, the Free God, had been attracted. "Sometimes, being outstanding can also be a curse."
After walking for about half a month, the endless green meadow finally gave way to some mountains.
The environment was no longer uniform; more substances and life forms had appeared—high mountains, forests, flowing water, and even some regular flesh-and-blood creatures!
"Woof," Fu Mengzhen suddenly growled at the front, giving a warning.
Immediately, Zhao Xing saw a massive force of white bones coming closer, emerging from the mountain peaks and mist.
"Hmm? Dragon horns?"