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Chapter 499: Chapter 499: Passing the Torch

After morning court, he was accompanied by his three consorts: Bao'er of the Zhong Cauldron, Ling'er of the Li Cauldron, and Qianyou of the Xun Cauldron. Their assistance during his cultivation sessions made the energy within Zhong Shan even more solidified.

Despite the challenges, Zhong Shan was steadily advancing in the second tier of the Imperial Extreme Realm. Although progress was slow, it was essential to continuously strengthen his foundation. Hence, he did not personally venture to expand into Shenzhou; instead, his shadow body handled the task.

On this day, after inspecting the construction of the Lingxiao Treasure Hall, accompanied by the Earth God, who was setting up feng shui formations, Zhong Shan was preparing to return when two figures flew over from a distance.

Before Zhong Shan could speak, numerous guards surrounded him.

"Protect His Majesty!"

With a loud shout, three wolf generals and numerous guards blocked the path to Zhong Shan.

"Stand down!" Zhong Shan commanded.

"Yes!" The guards immediately retreated.

The newcomers were dressed in white robes, one master and one servant, each carrying a sword.

It was Jian Ao and Chujiu Mo Luo.

"Jian Ao, how did you find this place?" Zhong Shan raised an eyebrow.

Jian Ao glanced at the black-robed Earth God behind Zhong Shan, hesitating to speak.

"This is my trusted confidant; there's no need to avoid him," Zhong Shan said. With a wave of his hand, the surrounding guards and wolf generals quickly retreated to a distance.

Seeing the guards leave, leaving only Zhong Shan and the Earth God, Jian Ao nodded.

"I was taking a chance. The first time we met was here on Tianlang Island. I heard you left the ancient abyss recently, so I came here hoping to find you. I got lucky," Jian Ao smiled.

"Yes, lucky indeed. Come, let's go to my residence," Zhong Shan invited.

"No, I came this time to ask for your help," Jian Ao replied.

"Oh?" Zhong Shan was puzzled.

"This task requires two people. Initially, Chujiu was to accompany me, but I think over the years, Chujiu is no longer your match," Jian Ao said.

"Two people? The torch passing of Youming Heaven?" The Earth God frowned.

Hearing the Earth God's words, Jian Ao's pupils contracted, and he looked at the Earth God with a fierce expression.

"How do you know?" Jian Ao asked, his voice filled with suspicion.

"My master once participated in it with a young demon seed," the Earth God explained.

Upon hearing the Earth God's words, Jian Ao seemed to understand, looking at the Earth God with surprise. The torch passing of Youming Heaven was known to very few, and the external aids sought by each young demon seed were all exceptionally talented. Could the master of this black-robed man also be an extraordinary powerhouse?

"Where are we going?" Zhong Shan asked.

"The Yin-Yang Two Realms Mountain of Youming Heaven!" Jian Ao replied.

Hearing about the Yin-Yang Two Realms Mountain, the Earth God suddenly moved, wanting to speak but hesitating, while looking at Zhong Shan with a hint of eagerness.

Although the Earth God was wrapped in a black robe, Zhong Shan could sense his emotions.

"What is the torch passing?" Zhong Shan asked.

"From among the powerful figures of Youming Heaven, the next Tianzhu, or Lesser Tianzhu, will be chosen," Jian Ao explained without further hesitation.

The title Tianzhu is the highest honor in Youming Heaven, equivalent to a Daojun or Buddha, a position of great power and respect, equivalent to that of a sage or supreme leader.

"Tianzhu = Daojun = Buddha = Sage."

"Who are the participants?" Zhong Shan inquired.

"Young demon seeds and demon lords of Youming Heaven are eligible to participate. Each can bring a companion, who must be someone whose cultivation level does not exceed their own," Jian Ao explained.

"What is your current cultivation level?" Zhong Shan asked immediately. Given his own rapid progress, he needed to be sure.

"First level of the Imperial Extreme Realm," Jian Ao replied.

After Jian Ao spoke, Chujiu Mo Luo, who stood behind him, felt a surge of pride. This was the master he followed, someone who had reached the Imperial Extreme Realm from the innate stage in just a few decades. Who could compare to that? Who in the world could match such extraordinary cultivation speed?

Upon hearing Jian Ao's response, Zhong Shan was slightly taken aback and furrowed his brows.

"What's the matter?" Jian Ao asked, noticing Zhong Shan's reaction.

Chujiu also looked at Zhong Shan, wondering if he was shocked by Jian Ao's cultivation level. After all, anyone witnessing such an abnormal speed of cultivation would be astounded.

"I am now at the second level of the Imperial Extreme Realm," Zhong Shan stated.

As soon as Zhong Shan finished speaking, Chujiu Mo Luo almost felt like coughing up blood. The second level of the Imperial Extreme Realm? That was higher than his master. He quickly turned to Jian Ao with wide eyes, filled with disbelief.

"The second level of the Imperial Extreme Realm? How is that possible?" Chujiu exclaimed, unwilling to believe it.

"There's nothing impossible about it. If I can reach the Imperial Extreme Realm, it's not unimaginable for Zhong Shan to do the same," Jian Ao shook his head. Jian Ao had immense trust in Zhong Shan, knowing that he was no ordinary person.

"There are over two years left. During this time, I will strive to break through to the second level of the Imperial Extreme Realm," Jian Ao said.

"In that case, there shouldn't be any problem," Zhong Shan nodded.

"When will you be ready to leave with me?" Jian Ao asked.

"I have some matters to attend to first. Let's arrange a meeting place in Shenzhou. I will arrive on time," Zhong Shan replied.

"Alright then," Jian Ao said, nodding deeply.

Over the East Sea, Jian Ao, with Chujiu in tow, flew swiftly towards Shenzhou.

"Master, why not wait for him a bit? Will Zhong Shan really come?" Chujiu asked with concern.

"If he says he has matters to attend to, it's best not to disturb him. However, if he said he would come, then he definitely will," Jian Ao replied with absolute confidence.

"Understood," Chujiu nodded.

Back on Tianlang Island, Zhong Shan saw Jian Ao off, having arranged a time and place.

The true Zhong Shan did not plan to go, as there were still important matters on Tianlang Island requiring his attention. Hence, his shadow body would head to Youming Heaven.

"Your Majesty, are you really going to the Yin-Yang Two Realms Mountain?" the Earth God asked.

"Yes, since I agreed, I must keep my word," Zhong Shan affirmed, his resolve matching Jian Ao's expectations.

"Indeed, Your Majesty is a person of great fortune. Speaking of which, there is a treasure at the Yin-Yang Two Realms Mountain that I hope Your Majesty can obtain," the Earth God said.

"Oh? Is it something you desire?" Zhong Shan asked, smiling at the Earth God.

"You could say that," the Earth God nodded.

"What is it?" Zhong Shan inquired.

"Taiji Diagram!" the Earth God declared.

"Taiji Diagram?" Zhong Shan echoed.

"Indeed, the Taiji Diagram. It's one of the top ten divine treasures in Shenzhou's history, the supreme treasure of Youming Heaven," the Earth God explained.

"Similar to the Immortal Slaying Flying Blade and the Heaven-Opening Axe, it can be crafted by human hands?" Zhong Shan asked.

"Yes, it can be crafted by human hands, using a method unique to Youming Heaven. However, there is an existing Taiji Diagram at the Yin-Yang Two Realms Mountain, crafted by a former Tianzhu of Youming Heaven. Over generations, each Tianzhu unable to create a new Taiji Diagram has continued to reinforce and refine this existing one. The Taiji Diagram remains there," the Earth God elaborated.

"Very well, I will do my best," Zhong Shan nodded. He didn't make any grand promises. Obtaining the supreme treasure of Youming Heaven wouldn't be easy, especially for an outsider. It all depended on luck.

"Understood," the Earth God nodded, aware of the difficulty and not pressing further.

Youming Heaven was located in the northwest of Shenzhou, one of the three great holy lands and a sacred place for demonic cultivators. The hierarchy of positions from low to high included Mo Luo, Mo Jun, and Tianzhu.

Two years later, outside Youming Heaven, on a high mountain named Desolate Mountain, stood a manor. Jian Ao and Chujiu waited inside.

Suddenly, a black figure shot from the southeast—a black-robed Zhong Shan, his shadow body.

The shadow Zhong Shan stood at the foot of Desolate Mountain, marveling at its grandeur. The entire mountain was filled with an endless sword intent, like a colossal sword pointing to the heavens.

"Zhong Shan!" Jian Ao greeted with a smile as he stepped out of the manor.

At this moment, Jian Ao also seemed like a sharp sword, his aura blending seamlessly with the majestic Desolate Mountain behind him.

What a profound technique, Zhong Shan thought in awe.

Chujiu followed Jian Ao, showing no signs of competition.

Chujiu deeply respected Zhong Shan. Despite his initially poor aptitude, Zhong Shan's cultivation speed was unmatched. Even though Chujiu had reached the later stages of the Imperial Extreme Realm, he knew he couldn't compare to either Jian Ao or Zhong Shan.

Without a doubt, Chujiu realized that he might not withstand even one move from Jian Ao, and if Zhong Shan had been chosen by Jian Ao, then Zhong Shan must be more powerful.

"Have you made any breakthroughs recently, Zhong Shan?" Jian Ao asked with a hint of concern. Breaking through two levels in two years was an astonishing feat, requiring extraordinary talent and effort. Zhong Shan had spent these years consolidating his cultivation, not advancing further.

"Breakthroughs are not so easy, especially for someone like me. I have made no progress," Zhong Shan replied with a smile.

"Not easy?" Chujiu thought to himself, feeling a mix of frustration and admiration. For them, breakthroughs were 'not easy,' but for him, it seemed nearly impossible.

"In that case, let's enter Youming Heaven. Most participants have already arrived," Jian Ao said.

"Alright," Zhong Shan nodded.

Led by Jian Ao, the three flew towards the sky.

In the distance, the sky was filled with endless black clouds, blocking out the sun. These clouds had covered the sky since the birth of Youming Heaven, filled with boundless killing intent.

The entrance to Youming Heaven, one of the three great holy lands, lay within these dark clouds.

The killing intent didn't faze Zhong Shan, especially in his shadow form, which thrived in such an environment. He felt a sense of comfort, as if soaking in a hot spring.

As they approached the dark clouds, Jian Ao led them through the thick, oppressive atmosphere. The entrance to Youming Heaven loomed ahead, shrouded in the endless black clouds and killing intent, marking the gateway to one of the most dangerous and mysterious places in Shenzhou.

Zhong Shan, Jian Ao, and Chujiu continued their ascent, ready to face the challenges of Youming Heaven and the legendary Yin-Yang Two Realms Mountain.