Apart from the Xuanming Seal, the Yin Yang Xuan Ming Zhen Gong included other spells, and even possessed techniques for seizing the bodies of othersβso varied and numerous that it would not be an exaggeration to say that the Yin Yang Xuan Ming Zhen Gong was like an encyclopedia of the Dao of Yin and Yang.
Fang Wang could now peer into the Yang Energy of living beings, and the amount of Yang Energy could indicate the lifespan of that creature.
Take Xiao Zi, for example.
Xiao Zi's Yang Energy signifies that she could live for another eight hundred years.
The Yang Energy of demons differs from that of humans, and is difficult to perceive as it is covered by a rich and cold Yin Qi. But for Fang Wang, who has reached Great Perfection in the Yin Yang Xuan Ming Zhen Gong, discriminating the Yang Energy of demons is still effortless.
The Yang Energy of humans is much hotter, hence demons like to devour the Yang Energy of humans to balance their own Yin and Yang, and to better pursue the Heavenly Dao. If a demon's cultivation is insufficient, and the Yang Energy of the human they face is too scorching, the demon will suffer backlash from the human's Yang Energy.
Fang Wang stood up, ready to go out for a stroll, and Xiao Zi immediately followed behind him.
After leaving his cave dwelling, Fang Wang went first to visit Zhou Xue, but unfortunately, she wasn't there. He then visited Fang Hanyu, but this fellow wasn't in either, so he had to look for other clan members.
Apart from Fang Zigeng, there were two other relatives present. Fang Wang looked at their Yang Energy, and their lifespans were both about two hundred years.
The lifespan represented by the Yang Energy is not fixed; it's just a reflection of the current state of the body. An advancement in cultivation and some Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures can extend Yang Energy.
So it was, after wandering outside for several days, that Fang Wang returned to his cave dwelling with Xiao Zi.
Upon arrival at the mountain gate, Fang Wang always felt as if something was off. His gaze involuntarily drifted towards the cave dwelling next to his.
Gu Li hadn't sought him out for a considerable length of time.
That's for the best, a prodigy like her should concentrate on her cultivation.
Fang Wang shook his head with a smile, then entered his own dwelling to cultivate.
The fifth layer of the Profound Heart Realm wasn't enough; he had to reach the Condensation Spirit Realm as soon as possible, and then move on to the Heavenly Gang Saint Body Technique. Only then would he truly become the number one person in the Grand Qi Cultivation Realm!
Meanwhile.
Gu Li was meditating in her own dwelling. With her eyes open and biting her lip, she took a deep breath and continued her cultivation.
Ever since Sword Heaven Marsh parted ways, every time she heard movement from the neighboring cave, she restrained herself from going out.
She felt she was about to succeed.
Only by temporarily curbing her longing for Fang Wang could she have a chance of catching up to him!
...
In the dimly lit cave chamber, Lu Yuanjun was seated in meditation on the ground, the surface beneath him covered with dried grass. As he cultivated, three black ghosts formed behind him, their faces indistinct.
Before him floated a black gourd from which a strand of Ghost Qi spilled out, solidifying into the form of Zhao Zhen.
Zhao Zhen watched Lu Yuanjun in silence, expression calm.
After a while.
Lu Yuanjun suddenly spewed a mouthful of blood, turning instantly pale, his hands trembling.
Zhao Zhen remarked pensively, "The Demon Monarch is indeed formidable, seemingly coming from nowhere. It seems that in the future, the Jin Xiao Sect will dominate the winds and clouds of the Cultivation World."
Lu Yuanjun wiped the blood from his mouth and said with a cold voice, "Sooner or later, I will slaughter my way through the Jin Xiao Sect and refine the Demon Monarch into a ghost soldier."
Zhao Zhen gave a cold smile but did not proceed with the conversation; his smile was just that chilling.
Lu Yuanjun looked up at Zhao Zhen and inquired, "How goes your cultivation of the Yin Yang Xuan Ming Zhen Gong?"
At these words, Zhao Zhen let out a self-deprecating smile and said, "This technique is inscrutable. I cannot learn it."
Lu Yuanjun's expression shifted between shades of gloom and clarity, contemplating something.
"You've already cultivated it, haven't you? You've started absorbing the souls of the Sect Leader and Yang Yuanzi," Zhao Zhen inquired further.
Lu Yuanjun took a deep breath and replied, "I have only begun the initial stages, and I cannot fully control it yet. The Yin Yang Xuan Ming Zhen Gong is profound and complex, and there are many aspects I have yet to fully understand. Even this Xuanming Seal was only forcibly implanted into both of them.
Who knows how many years it will take for their souls to be completely transformed into my ghost soldiers."
Zhao Zhen remarked sarcastically, "Then you'd better run fast. Be careful not to be found by the Jin Xiao Sect. Besides, your Ghost Instrument has been seen by the Sect Leader, the Vice Sect Leader and Yang Yuanzi. It might even reach Fang Wang's ears. Wait another ten years, and Fang Wang will certainly be unrivaled in Grand Qi. With his temperament, he is bound to hunt you down."
Lu Yuanjun said coldly, "Run? Where could I run? Besides, I may not necessarily lose. If I refine Fang Wang into a ghost soldier, his Heaven Yuan Spirit Treasure and his Swordsmanship will all be put to my use!"
"Tsk tsk, such grand ambitions. But if you really did succeed, it would indeed be a case of defying the heavens and changing fate, worth a gamble," remarked Zhao Zhen with a hint of admiration.
Lu Yuanjun confidently stated, "I've been cultivating the Ghost Path from a young age. No matter how difficult the Yin Yang Xuan Ming Zhen Gong is, given time, I will surely master it. Let Fang Wang live for now. As for the Jin Xiao Sect, even the Demon Monarch couldn't hold me back, so they're not worth worrying about."
Zhao Zhen grinned but said no more.
Lu Yuanjun continued his practice, cultivating the Yin Yang Xuan Ming Zhen Gong.
The cave chamber fell into silence, Zhao Zhen hovered above the black gourd, his eyes deep and thoughtful, pondering something unknown.
...
Time flowed gently by.
Ever since Zhao Qi departed, Fang Wang had been in seclusion for another two years. His cultivation had reached the sixth layer of the Profound Heart Realm, and he was very close to the seventh layer.
One day, his Disciple Token vibrated with the fluctuations of Spiritual Power. Opening his eyes, Fang Wang drew the token from the table into his hand; following that, the weary voice of Guang Qiuxian came through from the token:
"Fang Wang, come to the Shiyuan Hall immediately."
Upon hearing this, Fang Wang immediately got up. This time, he did not take Xiao Zi with him, leaving her to cultivate earnestly within the cave dwelling.
Before long, he swiftly arrived at the Shiyuan Hall in the Main Meridian.
As soon as he touched down, the doors opened, and he stepped inside the hall.
He noticed that many elders were standing within, including all nine Peak Masters, among them was Yang Yuanzi.
Fang Wang, who had cultivated the Yin Yang Xuan Ming Zhen Gong, habitually checked their Yang Energy to see how many years they had left to live.
One hundred and twenty years!
Ten years!
Three years!
Eighty-seven years!
One hundred and one years!
With one glance, life and death, destiny and fate, were all in Fang Wang's vision, when suddenly, his pupils contracted, his gaze resting on a woman.
Tu Caiyi!
She was actually wearing the robe of an elder of the Great Abyss Gate, her demeanor dignified, no longer flirtatious, with a cold face, looking at Fang Wang with very cold eyes.
Guang Qiuxian, sitting cross-legged on a cushion, noticed Fang Wang's gaze and couldn't help but introduce with a smile, "This is the newly appointed Vice Sect Leader Chai Yi, she is a Great Cultivator of the Condensation Spirit Realm."
Upon hearing this, Fang Wang immediately bowed to Tu Caiyi.
Caiyi, Chai Yi...
The former Vice Sect Leader was a spy from the Demonic Dao, and now they've been replaced by a spy from the Jin Xiao Sect?
Fang Wang did not expose her but asked curiously, "Where is Elder Chen?"
At these words, everyone in the hall had a subtle change in expression. Guang Qiuxian sighed and said, "Chen Anshi has joined the Chi Devil Sect, betraying the Great Abyss Gate. From now on, if we meet, it will be as enemies. Sister Chai is a disciple taken in by the former Sect Leader in the Northern Territories and can be trusted."
Tu Caiyi remained expressionless, her face unwelcoming to strangers.
She's really good at pretending!
Fang Wang asked again, "May I know why the Sect Leader summoned me here?"
At this question, everyone except Chai Yi smiled.
Although the Great Abyss Gate had suffered great changes, seeing Fang Wang filled everyone with hope.
Zhao Chuanqian laughed and said, "Fang Wang, from today onwards, you're the chief disciple of the Great Abyss Gate, in charge of the main meridian's affairs and all other chief disciples."
Upon hearing this, Fang Wang raised an eyebrow, glancing at Guang Qiuxian.
Guang Qiuxian stroked his beard and nodded with a smile, while other elders and Peak Masters began to praise Fang Wang.
"In terms of cultivation and contributions, you are fully qualified to take the position of chief disciple."
"Fang Wang, the future of the Great Abyss Gate now depends on you."
"Hahaha, Fang Wang, once you break through to the Condensation Spirit Realm, the position of Sect Leader should be yours, right, Brother?"
"With Fang Wang as the chief disciple, he will definitely attract more geniuses to join the Great Abyss Gate. I support this."
Fang Wang feigned being flattered and awkwardly glanced at the elders while Tu Caiyi remained expressionless, though there was a trace of imperceptible amusement in her eyes.
"This is your new disciple token, which can be used to address all members of the Great Abyss Gate. Your contribution points have been transferred into this token, including your achievements in repelling the Green Cicada Valley and slaying Pang Tuntian."
Guang Qiuxian raised his hand, and a piece of jade with golden edges flew towards Fang Wang.
Fang Wang caught it, holding the chief disciple token, and felt quite emotional.
He had finally won it!
After twenty-one years since joining, he ascended to the position of chief disciple. He wondered what rank this speed would hold in the annals of Great Abyss Gate history.
"Disciple, now that you're the chief disciple of Great Abyss Gate, you must lead by example and not stray from the path," Yang Yuanzi said earnestly, looking at Fang Wang with eyes full of relief and pride.
Fang Wang suddenly raised an eyebrow, noticing something in Yang Yuanzi's demeanor, but he did not speak of it now. He nodded to Yang Yuanzi, then glanced over the elders and Peak Masters before looking towards Guang Qiuxian.
"Sect Leader, respected uncles and seniors, I have a request, let it be the first matter I handle as the chief disciple," Fang Wang said thoughtfully, his tone serious.
Greedy Sleeper couldn't help but laugh, "You're not thinking of promoting your clan members, are you?"
The Peak Masters and elders all showed smiles, but there was no mockery; after all, it was human nature.
Guang Qiuxian was quite fond of Fang Wang, not least because Fang Wang was decisive and unhesitant. As the chief disciple, he should have his own judgments, capable of changing the Great Abyss Gate, doing things, rather than just sitting in the position and enjoying the perks.
Fang Wang shook his head and said, "Zhao Zhen has been missing for many years and is likely dead. Grand Qi cannot be without an emperor for a day. I know a descendant of the royal family and would like to recommend him to be the Emperor of Grand Qi. After all, my Fang Family is from the Duke's Mansion and bears responsibility for this world.
Although the land seems stable now, the people are living in deep distress and need an emperor to govern. This person has joined the Great Abyss Gate and has a way to prove his royal bloodline."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone looked at him in surprise, not expecting such a request.
Yang Yuanzi frowned slightly, thinking about Fang Wang's question that day, but he did not say anything.
"Indeed, Grand Qi cannot be without an emperor for a day. As a righteous sect, the Great Abyss Gate has the duty to protect the common people. I agree. Sister Chai, can you arrange this?" Guang Qiuxian pondered, he did not even assess whether the person was truly from the Grand Qi royal family, as it did not seem important to him.
He wanted to send a signal, that he unconditionally supported Fang Wang!
Tu Caiyi nodded slightly and said, "Alright, I will personally take him to the Imperial City and establish him as Emperor, then arrange a group of disciples to assist him."