367: Collect

The Yaochi Holy Master's footsteps were pinned to the edge of the platform as if by invisible shackles, daring not to move forward even half an inch.

It was not fear of the fierce might and Death Qi emanating from the Corpse of the Nine Nether Fierce Beast; with the western empress pagoda protecting her, she could still resist.

What she feared was the incomprehensible tranquility, the completely unknown level represented by that figure.

Even under the protection of the Moonlight scattered by the Supreme Emperor Weapon, an unprecedented chill still crept up her spine.

It was the most primal warning sign of a living being's instinct when facing an existence that was incomprehensible and irresistible.

Who exactly is he?!

Ji Qingyi had governed the Yaochi Holy Land for many years, overlooking the changing landscape of the Eastern Domain, and prided herself on having seen countless Prodigies and ancient existences; her Dao Heart had long been tempered to be as solid as a rock.

Yet at this moment, in the face of this bizarre sight, it seemed so fragile, shattering piece by piece like a layer of ice.

There is always someone better, and a heaven beyond heaven.

She had heard this ancient adage countless times, but never before had she experienced it so truly, so terrifyingly, as she did now!

In the center of the platform, that figure seemed to have finally finished appreciating the ancient story told by the Corpse of the Nine Nether Fierce Beast, and slowly raised his head.

His gaze calmly swept over, but the instant that gaze fell upon her, Ji Qingyi's body stiffened abruptly!

An indescribable sensation swept over her entire body!

Facing this gaze, she felt completely seen through.

It was as if all her secrets, her cultivation, and even the turbulent shock and suspicion in her heart were laid bare before those clear eyes.

"This person's perception is truly acute, to be able to follow a trace of Yin Qi and find this place."

Instantly, in Gu Changge's line of sight, Ji Qingyi's information was reflected deep within his pupils:

Name: Ji Qingyi

Cultivation: Peak Saint King Realm

Aptitude: Saint-Grade Supreme Aptitude

Physique: Taiyin Divine Body

Identity: Current Holy Master of Yaochi Holy Land

Cultivation Technique: The Ancient Taiyin Scripture, The Scripture of the Western Empress... "Yaochi Holy Master?"

A gentle voice, carrying a hint of appropriate surprise, rang out, as if he had only just noticed her arrival.

He knows me!

Ji Qingyi's heartstrings trembled again.

She forcefully suppressed her boiling emotions, nodding slightly in response. Her clear voice sounded strained now:

"And Your Excellency is?"

She neither admitted nor denied it, but directly countered with a question.

This was the only response she could make at the moment, filled with caution and probing.

She needed to know what attitude this utterly mysterious existence held toward her.

Gu Changge did not seem surprised by her direct question, merely smiling faintly.

"A hermit from the mountains and fields, my name is not worth mentioning."

He casually glossed over his identity, his gaze naturally turning toward the tai yin source crystal that was currently resisting the Death Qi.

"Did the Holy Master come for this?"

Ji Qingyi's gaze followed his indication, landing once again on the source crystal that held a fatal attraction for her Divine Physique. Her emotions were extremely complicated.

Ahead, the Corpse of the Peerless Vicious Beast emitted ill omens, and beside her was a mysterious, unfathomable powerful figure. This Opportunity felt incredibly hot to the touch.

"This object indeed aligns with the Dao I Cultivate. I was drawn here by its resonance."

She answered cautiously, her gaze returning to Gu Changge, "But I wonder, Your Excellency, why are you here..."

Ji Qingyi's breathing imperceptibly paused for half a beat.

"Bored, so I came over for a stroll."

Gu Changge answered casually. After speaking, he paid no attention to Ji Qingyi's reaction, looking toward the deeper darkness.

A str... stroll?

Ji Qingyi's cold eyes fluctuated violently.

Strolling in the core of a forbidden land where the power of a Great Emperor remains and a Holy Master requires a Supreme Emperor Weapon for protection?

The statement was so absurd that she momentarily didn't know how to respond.

Her gaze involuntarily fell once more upon the faint blue tai yin source crystal.

That was the goal of her trip, the hope for her Dao path to advance further.

But at this moment, this supreme treasure was quietly embedded in the wound of the Vicious Beast's skull, being "watched" by an unfathomable mysterious person, leaving her in a dilemma.

Gu Changge seemed to notice her gaze and casually glanced at the tai yin source crystal.

The tai yin source crystal, the quality is decent.

For someone Cultivating the power of Taiyin, it is indeed a good item for laying a deep Foundation.

However, in Gu Changge's view, it was merely an ordinary item.

In his System Space, this tai yin source crystal, which was enough to trigger a bloody battle between Holy Lands, could indeed only be considered a common item.

Seeing Ji Qingyi still frozen there, neither daring to step forward nor willing to leave.

Gu Changge's gaze lingered on the source crystal for another moment, and a slight curve appeared on his lips, as if he had seen something interesting, but he didn't point it out.

He casually said in a flat tone, "Suit yourself. I'm going to look further back, except... never mind!"

After Gu Changge finished speaking, he didn't spare Ji Qingyi or the tai yin source crystal another glance. He turned around and casually walked toward the dark region that emitted even older and more terrifying fluctuations.

His figure quickly disappeared into the dense Chaos mist. The surrounding chaotic Dao principles and terrifying Death Qi silently parted a path for him, as if they possessed intelligence.

"Suit yourself?"

Only Ji Qingyi remained on the platform.

Above her head, the western empress pagoda shone brightly. For the first time, a look of near confusion appeared on her cold, beautiful face.

He just left just like that?

Facing this supreme Divine Object that held a fatal attraction for all Cultivators, did he just let it go so easily?

As if it really was just a piece of nice-looking rock?

What exactly was the meaning behind his last, unfinished remark?"

Ji Qingyi's mind raced, countless thoughts flashing through her head in an instant.

"Was it a reminder? A warning? Or did he mean that this item was completely insignificant to him, and even saying half a sentence more was too much trouble?"

"Forget it! In the contention for the Great Dao, how can I shrink back because of an inscrutable remark? Even if there is risk, it is my Dao path, and I must bear it alone!"

Ji Qingyi's mind raced, countless thoughts flashing through her head in an instant

Finally, she made a decision.

This item aligned with her Dao path; it was a heaven-sent Opportunity, and she had to obtain it!

She gathered her mind, and her Divine Sense spread out like a tide, carefully sensing the area ahead.

Although the Corpse of the Nine Nether Fierce Beast was dead, its fierce might remained. The overwhelming Death Qi was almost tangible, resisting the approach of all life force.

And the tai yin source crystal was embedded in the wound on its skull, emanating a faint glow, the only source of vitality in this Domain of death.

"I must use the power of the western empress pagoda to forcefully suppress the remaining Ominous Qi of the corpse before I can safely retrieve the treasure."

With her decision made, Ji Qingyi no longer hesitated.

She formed a Hand Seal, simultaneously circulating The Ancient Taiyin Scripture and The Scripture of the Western Empress to their limits!

The western empress pagoda above her head let out a soft chime, as if waking from slumber. The Moonlight it shed suddenly became incredibly blazing and condensed!

"Suppress!"

She let out a clear shout, activating the Supreme Emperor Weapon!

The pagoda body trembled, erupting with vast supreme Divine Might, transforming into a dazzling moon-white beam of light. Like the seal of a Heavenly Emperor, it slammed down upon the massive Corpse of the Nine Nether Fierce Beast!

"ROAR—!!!"

The corpse seemed enraged. Its residual ominous will drew in the sky-high Death Qi, transforming into a ferocious black Demonic Dragon that roared as it charged toward the moon-white beam of light!

RUMBLE!

The two terrifying forces collided fiercely!

The entire platform shook violently, and the Void Realm collapsed in patches!

If not for the residual power of the Great Emperor blessing this place, it would likely have caused massive tremors throughout the entire Emperors Tomb.

Even with the western empress pagoda protecting her, Ji Qingyi was forced half a step back by the recoil, her Qi and Blood churning.

But how could the might of a Supreme Emperor Weapon be resisted by a corpse that had been dead for endless years?

The stalemate lasted for several breaths. The moon-white beam of light crushed the Death Qi Demonic Dragon inch by inch, finally slamming heavily onto the Corpse of the Nine Nether Fierce Beast!

"Buzz..."

The corpse's Ominous Qi was completely suppressed, rendering it immobile. Now is the time!

Ji Qingyi's beautiful eyes lit up, and her figure transformed into a streak of flowing light, shooting straight toward the tai yin source crystal!

She extended her jade hand, Taiyin Divine Power enveloping her palm, and grasped the source crystal.

Updating one chapter first. I sat in front of the computer for four hours just to write this chapter, and I'm still not very satisfied.

I'll write the second chapter in the morning. I really can't stay awake any longer. I apologize, brothers, for making you wait so long!