Chapter 307 The Forbidden Land of the Desolate Ancient Land
"The sacred fruit has been eaten, and the magical artifacts of the Great Thunderclap Temple have been taken away! They've even offended Ye Hei to the point of death. My past life in this body was courting death! Alas, it's clear that if I appear before Ye Hei now, it will be a fight to the death... Why didn't I seize his body sooner? You've put me in a difficult position!"
Jiang Liu glanced at the dark mountain in front of him and couldn't help but shudder.
Ignorance breeds fearlessness. With Jiang Liu's current level of cultivation, he could naturally see how terrifying the mountain and abyss behind him were. Even a single glance sent chills down his spine. He felt as if a man-eating demon stood before him, its fingers already touching his hair, ready to rip out his heart and cleanse his brain.
He shook his head vigorously, suppressing the fear deep inside.
Before him was a spring pool about a meter square, surrounded by several old vines as thick as buckets, with water gurgling out like a divine spring of nectar. This was a sacred spring in the desolate and forbidden land that he had found at great risk.
As for the sacred fruit, Ye Fan had already eaten it. Beside the spring, there were a dozen or so small trees, each about half a meter tall, with broad, vibrant green leaves shaped like human hands, resembling several tiny figures hiding there.
Unfortunately, the fruit is gone.
However, even without the sacred fruit, there was still the divine spring. He bent down, scooped up a handful, and drank his fill—it was sweet and delicious. Then, he cast a spell to collect most of the spring water.
Not daring to linger, Jiang Liu sped off towards the outer edge of the desolate forbidden land.
Night was approaching, and although Jiang Liu still had two forbidden spells, he dared not say whether he could survive in this terrifying place.
A sleepless night, a night of unease. As midnight began, a terrifying roar, chilling to the bone, echoed from the desolate forbidden land. The sound was both shrill and immense, accompanied by the clanging of iron chains and dull, powerful impacts, as if someone were smashing a giant bronze coffin.
"Clang... Clang..."
A tremendous sound echoed from the ancient abyss, deafening and clearly audible—the sound of the colossal bronze coffin crashing against the mountainside, accompanied by the trembling of the bronze coffin itself. With each impact, the earth shook, even the trees trembled, and their leaves withered.
"Thank goodness! The nine dragon corpses and the giant bronze coffin fell into the abyss, attracting the attention of that terrifying being. Otherwise, it probably would have rushed out!"
Jiang Liu dared not be careless for a moment until dawn. He didn't even dare to say those two words aloud, only daring to ponder them in his mind for a short while.
The moment the sunlight appeared, everything gradually fell silent.
Standing before a stone wall, the river stopped flowing.
"We've finally reached the edge of the Forbidden Ancient Land. First, I'll absorb the divine springs. The cultivation system in this world is quite different. I've now opened up the Sea of Bitterness to cultivate the Wheel of Life, then cultivate the Divine Meridians, summon the Heavenly Bridge, reach the other shore, and obtain a long life. But don't rush, foundation building is the priority. After absorbing these divine springs, the Wheel of Life will inevitably undergo some changes..."
After absorbing all the divine spring water and strengthening his body, Jiang Liu finally stepped out of the desolate ancient forbidden land.
At first, life was vibrant, but after walking several miles, the ancient trees still blocked out the sun, but it was quiet. The sounds of birds and beasts disappeared instantly, and not even a bee or butterfly could be seen.
"It seems I've stumbled into the territory of some ferocious beast..." Jiang Liu glanced behind him, having no intention of turning back. The desolate forbidden land lay behind him, and this was the only way out.
We have to get through this, even if it's tough!
After walking several more miles, even the vegetation gradually thinned out. This situation made Jiang Liu even more wary. As the various towering ancient trees gradually dispersed, a relatively open area appeared before Jiang Liu's eyes. It was a very flat and hard mountain, and stepping on it felt as solid as stepping on marble.
Moreover, and more importantly, nothing grows here except for some huge rocks.
And a huge black lake.
There wasn't a ripple; even the wind blowing across it didn't create the slightest disturbance. It was as black as ink, and just one glance was enough to send chills down your spine, filled with a thick aura of death.
Clearly, this lake, and even the surrounding area, showed no signs of life whatsoever; it was a barren wasteland where not even a single weed could grow.
"It seems that some treasure is being nurtured in the lake, absorbing all life!" Jiang Liu observed from a distance for a long time before finally confirming it.
Just as he was about to approach, Jiang Liu suddenly retreated. What he had just thought was a black rock had now turned out to be a terrifying ferocious beast.
This ferocious beast was no more than three meters long and one and a half meters tall. Although not enormous, it was extremely grotesque in appearance. Its thick hide was like black metal, and one could tell without testing that its defense was very strong.
It had no fur or scales covering it; it looked as if it had been cast from molten black iron. If it remained motionless, it would resemble a steel sculpture in a plaza, entirely black, gleaming with a metallic texture and luster.
This ferocious beast resembled a large, black iron block, appearing incredibly solid and possessing unparalleled strength. At first glance, it looked like a powerful bull, but upon closer inspection, it was quite different. Nine sharp horns grew from its head, incomparably razor-sharp and gleaming with a sinister black light. Moreover, Jiang Liu discovered that it had five eyes, from which blood-red light shot out when it opened and closed. Its wide mouth contained sharp teeth, each over half a foot long, protruding like daggers, gleaming coldly, ferocious and terrifying, exuding a chilling aura of malevolence.
"Hehe...just what I need is someone to test this lake, and you, big black bull, are quite good!"
He stretched his limbs, his body crackling and popping. Although he had only been cultivating for a few days, he had already opened up the Sea of Bitterness and absorbed a large amount of divine spring water, making his body extremely strong.
Jiang Liu possesses extremely high martial arts skills. As long as he has a powerful physical body, he can quickly become a combat force. More importantly, he also has two forbidden techniques: a lightning attack at the peak of Qi Refining and Spirit Transformation.
Even the divine consciousness of that sacred body dared not face it. Perhaps it was because thunder magic could subdue vengeful spirits!
This ferocious, bull-like beast, though possessing immense strength and astonishing defense, could only be defeated by Jiang Liu, whose martial arts had already condensed into fist intent.
After being thrown into the black lake by the river, the ferocious beast struggled violently and desperately swam toward the shore.
Once ashore, Jiang Liu noticed that the beast's steel-like skin was beginning to fade. After being thrown back into the lake three times, the terrifying beast's skin began to fester.
And those five eyes, glowing with blood-red light, were filled with fear.
"What exactly is in the lake?" After throwing it back into the dark lake water, the ferocious beast never rose again.
Chapter 308 Different Paths, Same Destination
Even a ferocious beast with such a powerful physique couldn't withstand the erosion of the Black Pool's waters, turning into a skeleton. Jiang Liu knew that such a strange and deep pool must contain treasures, but naturally he wouldn't easily enter the water.
Jiang Liu found a tree hollow nearby and settled down there.
Firstly, he wanted to study this dark abyss, hoping to obtain some treasure if possible. Secondly, he planned to improve his strength before entering this "Covering the Sky" world.
The creation of the Sea of Bitterness was entirely due to the rules of this world. At least, there is no such cultivation path in worlds like Journey to the West or Yang Shen. Although there are no cultivation techniques from this world, the paths of cultivation ultimately lead to the same goal.
The body and soul are the eternal sources of power in any world.
As dawn broke, Jiang Liu captured another ferocious beast, bound it with a long rope woven from old vines, and threw it into the deep pool. When he pulled it ashore again, it was just a skeleton, deathly pale.
"What an ominous place!" Jiang Liu threw the white bones into the black pool. After a ripple appeared, it returned to calm.
"Cultivate first. If you still don't have the strength to deal with this pool of black water after half a month, you can only wait until you are strong enough to come back and take a look!"
Jiang Liu's experience in cultivation was naturally abundant. This wasn't because of his high level of cultivation or realm, but because he had mastered numerous cultivation methods along the way.
Qi cultivation in Journey to the West, primordial spirit in Mount Shu, and the martial arts and divine soul tribulation of the Yang God...
"Opening up the Sea of Bitterness and cultivating the Wheel of Life is a cultivation method for opening up the secret realm of the physical body. It has similarities with the human immortal martial arts in the Yangshen world and can be used as a reference... Moreover, I also brought a wisp of Origin Qi, which is perfect for foundation building!"
The Origin Qi, the spiritual energy nurtured at the dawn of heaven and earth, is truly the best treasure for opening up the Sea of Bitterness. Under the influence of the Origin Qi, the Sea of Bitterness underwent some strange changes, exhibiting various phenomena. Divine light shone, first like stars, then like chaos, exhaling and spreading, emerging from nothingness, shrouded in misty fog, with rays of divine light shining, changing countless times without a fixed form.
The sea of suffering kept expanding until it turned into boundless chaos.
"Speaking of which, what kind of constitution do I have now? My true body is an innate Dao body. I obtained a wisp of primordial energy to open up my sea of suffering, and my sea of wheels has already shown some unusual phenomena. It's still weak now, but once my strength increases by a few more levels, it will become more apparent..."
Although Jiang Liu lacked the cultivation techniques of the "Covering the Sky" world, it didn't hinder his cultivation, and his strength increased day by day. In "Covering the Sky," cultivators first needed to cultivate their Bitter Sea, allowing it to gradually grow stronger. Only in this way could they explore the Wheel of Life. Because when the two merged, they released endless life essence, swirling around the Bitter Sea, overflowing to all parts of the body, nourishing flesh, organs, and bones, strengthening the physical body, and initially transcending mortals—this was the first realm of cultivation, the "Bitter Sea."
This is the most fundamental way of physical cultivation.
The Sea of Bitterness opened itself because of entering the "Forbidden Ancient Land." Just like the group of ordinary people from Earth who arrived in the "Covering the Sky" world with him, they also opened their Sea of Bitterness without undergoing any cultivation.
Then, through the expansion of the primordial energy, it directly transformed into chaos.
As for the "Wheel of Life," it wouldn't be difficult for Jiang Liu to figure it out. He had already seen the Wheel of Life a few days ago during the process of absorbing the divine spring in the "Forbidden Land of the Ancient Wilderness."
The ultimate goal of cultivation is to attain immortality. Some cultivate their divine consciousness and primordial spirit to strengthen their soul and achieve transcendence through countless reincarnations. Others cultivate their physical body to achieve physical immortality, which is actually the most difficult.
Only saints in the Journey to the West world, Hong Yi who reached the other shore among the Yang Gods, and immortals in Shrouding the Heavens can achieve physical immortality... Great Luo Golden Immortals can't do it, Yang Gods can't do it, Human Immortals who have shattered the void can't do it, and even Great Emperors can't do it.
While immortality is impossible, cultivating with flesh-colored flesh can grant sufficient lifespan and immense strength. Jiang Liu's current task is to open a pathway within the Sea of Bitterness, connect with the Wheel of Life, and allow life essence to surge forth from the Sea of Bitterness, extending lifespan and strengthening the physical body.
Having devoured enough divine spring water, absorbed a wisp of primordial energy, and been aided by rich cultivation experience, on the seventh day, the Wheel of Life released enough life essence. Quantitative change led to qualitative change, and the vigorous life essence surged and eventually converged, turning into liquid to form the Divine Spring of Life, which then rushed into the Chaotic Sea of Bitterness.
A galaxy seemed to hang in the chaotic sea of suffering, with life essence radiating points of light, illuminating the lifeless and withered chaos.
Finally, a glimmer of life appeared in the sea of suffering.
In the desolate sea of suffering, a spring of life is carved out, connecting to the wheel of life, allowing the divine spring to flow. This is the second realm of the sea of wheels, the "spring of life".
"This energy is primordial energy, true essence, and magical power... Indeed, the paths of cultivation ultimately lead to the same destination!"
The fountain of life gushes forth from the sea of suffering, flows through the meridians, and gathers within the acupoints, slowly and continuously enhancing the physical body's strength.
"With this spring of life, cultivators have a source of power, enabling them to unleash various profound techniques and supernatural abilities, possessing unfathomable power. This is a crucial step in a cultivator's transformation. As long as the source of divine power is inexhaustible, magical power will be endless... Hmm, after gushing out of the spring of life, one can actually ride on rainbow light to fly. Truly miraculous."
The river flowed briefly in the sky for three seconds before landing on the ground. The divine light emanating from the divine spring was still very weak.
"Thunder Technique..." Using the power of the Life Spring to use the "Nine Heavens Thunder Orthodox Method" was surprisingly without any hindrance, and a bolt of lightning was generated in his palm.
"Alright, now I have a way to protect myself! But what should I cultivate next? How can I cross this sea of suffering? It seems I need to find a cultivation manual!"
Despite this, Jiang Liu did not slacken his cultivation. In Jiang Liu's view, the path of cultivation for human immortals in the "Yang Shen" world could complement the cultivation of the Sea of Wheels.
Stimulating acupoints to strengthen the physical body is a process Jiang Liu has mastered to an extreme degree within his "Yang Shen" (spirit/spirit). The acupoints in the human body are like the countless stars in the sky, unfathomable and unpredictable. Acupoints cannot be stimulated or cultivated haphazardly. If cultivation goes wrong, it can lead to anything from qi deviation to sudden death.
Therefore, despite his extensive experience, Jiang Liu dared not rush things. Fortunately, a constant stream of vital energy flowed from the Sea of Bitterness and spread throughout his body, which was very effective in repairing the damage caused by each stimulation of the acupoints.
The first things to cultivate are naturally the Eight Gods of the Upper Realm: the Brain God, the Hair God, the Skin God, the Eye God, the Neck Marrow God, the Backbone God, the Nose God, and the Tongue God.
"Shangjing Bashen" is a method of cultivating acupoints related to the five senses, bones, flesh, and skin.
Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.
Looking at the dark, abyss-like lake, Jiang Liu decided to give it a try.
Chapter 309 Horrifying Experience in the Deep Pool
The slightest touch of the black pool's water brings an icy chill.
He had previously tested the depth of the lake, and according to the rope, it wasn't very deep, only about thirty meters.
"With such chill and corrosive power, I really don't want to go any deeper!"
Jiang Liu gritted his teeth, broke through the lake's surface, and leaped into the deep pool.
His body was covered in lightning, a life-saving lightning technique sealed by his true form. Although it was a technique of an Earth Immortal, Jiang Liu felt it was better to use it as soon as possible to avoid being seen by the powerful beings of the "Covering the Sky" world and causing further trouble.
Using the remaining power of the two lightning spells, Jiang Liu plunged deeper into the dark pool.
The pool was pitch black; after going a meter deep, one could no longer see one's own hand in front of their face. Fortunately, his cultivation of the "Eight Gods of the Upper Realm" had made some progress, and his five senses were extremely powerful. Even without light, he could still perceive some of the situation in the pool. Moreover, the lightning flashing on his body could illuminate a three-foot radius around him.
They plunged straight to the bottom of the deep pool. Although their teeth chattered from the cold, the lightning protected them, so they only suffered a little.
"scare……"
Jiang Liu's heart skipped a beat. Just now, a dark shadow flashed before his eyes and disappeared into the inky black water.
"Just now, that figure... was it human?"
Jiang Liu swallowed hard. This dark, deep pool was already eerie, and this latest development was truly frightening. Moreover, this place was very close to the "Ancient Forbidden Land"!