Chapter 404: Peerless Demonic Nest

Inside the formation within a formation, everyone’s expressions varied.

Lin Shanshan felt quite regretful, realizing that she had misjudged Linghu Jiu!

“Senior Brother has already mastered the sword art Lonely Snow at the Edge of the World, able to wield it with ease.”

She also discovered that she had greatly underestimated Ning Zhuo.

“Even if I hadn’t intervened, with the might of Ning Zhuo’s strike just now, he could have claimed victory in a single move.”

“I was being needlessly sentimental!”

“Miss Lin.” Ning Zhuo’s voice made Lin Shanshan’s heart tremble slightly.

She turned back, only to see Ning Zhuo smiling sincerely at her, his eyes filled with gratitude: “Miss Lin, thank you for your help!”

“My exchange with Brother Linghu was meant to be a spar, yet I grew impatient, failed to think it through, and struck too heavily.”

“It was only thanks to your timely intervention that I avoided making a grave mistake.”

His comforting words warmed Lin Shanshan’s heart.

Linghu Jiu slowly sheathed his sword, smiling as he said: “I am but an echo of my true self, merely a Dharma Body condensed by the Radiant Reflection Wall. You need not worry, virtuous brother.”

Ning Zhuo, however, shook his head, his gaze clear as water: “Elder Brother, I have always regarded you as if you were the true self.”

“Otherwise, would that not be showing you disrespect?”

“I know Elder Brother refrains from striking heavily because I am but flesh and blood. How could I take advantage of that by being reckless and without restraint? Wouldn’t that be unfair to you?”

“I only wished for this spar to be more fair.”

Linghu Jiu burst into laughter: “Ah, virtuous brother, virtuous brother.”

Lin Shanshan clapped her hands and smiled as well: “This spar should be declared a draw. Yes, I think that’s the best outcome.”

With their laughter, the resentment in her heart dissolved by much.

Lin Bufan: …

“Shanshan and Jiu’er still lack tempering.”

“Could it be that this Ning Zhuo deliberately sought a draw?”

The look Lin Bufan gave Ning Zhuo had already changed subtly.

Before, he had looked at him purely as an elder viewing a junior, condescendingly. But after witnessing the slash of that scythe, he began to take Ning Zhuo much more seriously.

“Ning Zhuo actually possesses immortal aptitude! And with such a temperament as well. Who knows to what height he may rise in the future?”

The Five Elements Divine Lord was still studying that purple knife mark.

The Lonely Sword Sovereign manifested.

His gaze was deep like autumn waters, carrying a trace of desolation, as if he had seen through all the world’s splendor. His skin was faintly pale, as though weathered by years of wind, frost, rain, and snow.

He wore simple azure robes, as elegant as water, his tall and straight figure now cradling a sheathed sword, exuding an aura of quiet sorrow and solitude.

“This is of the outside path.” He spoke lightly, then turned his gaze toward Ning Zhuo.

Though his tone and eyes were calm, Ning Zhuo felt as though he was being seen through, as if thrust into ice and snow.

The Lonely Sword Sovereign said: “Young Friend Ning Zhuo, may I ask about the origin of the scythe in your hand—could it be from the Night Rain Dynasty?”

Ning Zhuo hastily bowed and respectfully replied: “Senior Sword Sovereign’s eyes are keen. Indeed, it is a demonic weapon of the Night Rain Dynasty.”

The Blood Slaughter Dynasty, the Forbidden Dynasty, and the Night Rain Dynasty—these three great dynasties represented three crucial eras of history.

The Five Elements Divine Lord sighed upward: “Alas, my true body has perished. This Dharma Body is bound within the Radiant Reflection Wall. If only I could roam the world, match blades with heroes across the land—how exhilarating that would be!”

The Lonely Sword Sovereign also nodded slightly, a trace of longing in his eyes: “The waves before roll endlessly, the waves behind surge relentlessly. If I could once again test my sword against the world, even in defeat and death, it would still be joyous.”

In his era, he had been one of the few top experts in the world, testing his sword against the entire land, challenging heroes of every path.

Zhu Xuanji spoke: “The scythe in Ning Zhuo’s hand is no ordinary Night Rain demonic weapon, but rather something quite special.”

“Seniors, I too am deeply curious.”

“The Radiant Reflection Wall dates back to the Martial Emperor era following the Blood Slaughter Dynasty, and it endured through the two dynasties that followed, the three great empires, countless kingdoms.”

“Yet, from your words just now, it seems you are unaware of these later histories…”

The Five Elements Divine Lord was about to explain when yet another Dharma Body appeared.

His eyebrows were thick as ink, his eyes deep, his hands long and powerful, knuckles clearly defined.

On his robe were embroidered motifs of brush and green grass.

His every movement was like the breeze swaying willows, carrying an innate grace.

Upon seeing him, Lin Bufan immediately bowed: “Great Grass Sage, this junior is most honored to meet you once again!”

The newcomer was none other than the image of the Grass Sage, Zhang Huaixu.

Zhang Huaixu gave Lin Bufan a glance, swept his gaze around the group, then paused upon the purple knife scar.

“Her Highness the Immortal Consort already knows your intentions. She invites you inside for a talk,” Zhang Huaixu said.

Lin Bufan’s face immediately showed excitement: “That Immortal Consort Jingyu would summon us is truly a blessing beyond compare!”

Zhang Huaixu only shook his head slightly: “Any junior of talent and brilliance may be summoned by Her Highness. Today is a fortunate day—first Linghu Jiu, then Ning Zhuo, Zhu Xuanji, and Sun Lingtong. Come with me.”

Lin Bufan’s expression darkened a shade.

The meaning was simple—you are only being admitted because of Linghu Jiu and Ning Zhuo.

Zhu Xuanji’s face remained unchanged.

Ning Jiufan and Ning Zhuo both grew tense, realizing that their secrets had already been laid bare before Immortal Consort Jingyu.

Lin Shanshan looked around and asked: “Who is Sun Lingtong?”

Ning Zhuo gave a wry smile: “Miss Lin, allow me to explain to you later.”

Lin Shanshan immediately snorted softly, transmitting her voice: “You big blockhead, just how much more are you hiding from me?”

Zhang Huaixu led the way ahead.

Ning Zhuo felt grateful toward Zhang Huaixu and said to Lin Shanshan: “Miss Lin, for now the Radiant Reflection Wall is what matters most.”

Lin Shanshan’s attention was quickly drawn back.

“Little one, see you later.” The Five Elements Divine Lord waved at Ning Zhuo before vanishing on the spot.

The Lonely Sword Sovereign also gave a slight nod before fading away.

The group followed the Grass Sage Zhang Huaixu onward.

From one formation space to the next, one after another…

Passing through more than a dozen formations within formations, they went from curiosity, to shock, to numb acceptance.

Sun Lingtong rubbed his forehead and cried aloud: “Good heavens, just look at this degree of defense! It’s outrageous! Even the capital of a nation would not have such measures!”

“With these layers of formations linked and nested one within another, what place under heaven could have stronger defenses?”

“Lin Bufan actually wanted to breach the Radiant Reflection Wall? I must admire his determination!”

Ning Zhuo couldn’t help but glance at Lin Bufan.

This Nascent Soul-level Sect Master of the Myriad Medicines Sect now wore a face that could not hide its pallor.

He had never delved so deep before—this was his first time truly witnessing the defenses of the Radiant Reflection Wall: more than twenty layers of defensive formations, each one comparable to the Lingering Time Drip Formation.

Lin Bufan had spent over a hundred years to allow the Mountain God of Original Mountain to erode just the two outermost layers of defense.

At this very moment, he was horrified to realize that his century of effort amounted to not even one-tenth of the whole!

The Grass Sage Zhang Huaixu spoke gently: “These formations were all constructed by the Dharma Bodies reflected here.”

“For example, Chen Xuanyi, Wang Jiu, Zhao Yuanji, Zhou Qingcheng, Li Tianye, and so forth.”

Lin Bufan’s face turned even paler.

Each of those names were historically famed grandmasters of formations.

Lin Bufan’s attempt to erode these defenses was akin to one man standing against the combined might of the sages of history.

What hope was there in that?

For a moment, Lin Bufan felt disheartened.

This was a subterranean cavern, its depth unknown.

Once dark and desolate, damp and cold for ages, it had gradually been transformed by the long-standing presence of the Radiant Reflection Wall.

Stalactites that once hung down were now jade-like, translucent and shimmering with flowing light.

The walls of the cave gleamed like polished jade, smooth as mirrors, radiating a gentle silver-golden glow.

Stone pillars rose thick in the cavern, each glimmering with jade hues, resembling celestial palaces of jade, lofty and magnificent.

At the cavern’s bottom lay a pool of clear spring water, shimmering with rippling light. The halo of the Radiant Reflection Wall reflected upon it, causing its surface to sparkle with interwoven gold and silver, like a treasure pool in a dragon palace, resplendent and dazzling.

Within the spring swam a school of fish, their bodies entirely transparent. As they moved, light and shadow interlaced, creating a cascade of rainbow colors.

“Wait, that’s Ten-Thousand-Year Water Essence?” Zhu Xuanji’s eyes flashed with golden light as he cried out in shock.

The group’s gaze was instantly drawn to the fish, their eyes blazing with desire.

Startled by their fervent stares, the fish swiftly dove to the bottom, turning into clear water, dispersing and vanishing.

But even a fleeting glimpse made Ning Zhuo’s heart tremble: “This school of fish numbers at least two to three hundred. Two or three hundred Ten-Thousand-Year Water Essence?!”

“No, those slightly larger in size—how could they be only ten-thousand years old?”

The air within the cavern was not turbid at all, but fresh and full of vitality, refreshing to the mind and body.

The spiritual energy was rich, yet merely diffused, not condensed into mist to obscure sight.

In such an environment, the true body of the Radiant Reflection Wall revealed itself before them.

It stood nearly three zhang tall and more than two zhang wide, shaped like a colossal mirror, but with a slight curvature to its surface.

It appeared semi-transparent, its main body a vast slab of glazed golden crystal. The halo glimmering upon its surface was marvelous—at times like the first rays of dawn, warm and gentle; at other times like the glow of sunset, resplendent and brilliant. With every shift of light and shadow, the scenery within the cavern transformed accordingly.

At times it seemed as though all the flowers of spring bloomed at once; at times it was as if an autumn night sky blazed with stars…

The sight was like that of an immortal realm, all jade and gold, dazzling and radiant.

The group stood within, marveling like ordinary mortals, reluctant to look away.

“So this is the Radiant Reflection Wall?” Having longed for this spiritual treasure for over a century, Lin Bufan’s expression at this moment was incomparably complex.

“And my Senior Brother?” Lin Shanshan asked after her astonishment subsided.

“He is within the Wall, crossing blades with a demonic beast.” A female cultivator’s Dharma Body emerged from the Reflection Wall.

Her beauty seemed heaven-crafted—her brows like distant mountains, her eyes like autumn waters, her nose elegant, her lips tinged with cherry.

Her skin was pale as snow, faintly glowing with jade-like luster.

She wore a light green silk gown, its hem embroidered with delicate white magnolia blossoms, harmonizing perfectly with her temperament.

As she walked forth, her long skirt floated gracefully like flowing clouds.

At her waist was tied a jade belt, inlaid with pure pearls, each round and lustrous.

In her hair were adorned several exquisite jade hairpins, each carved lifelike. From her ears dangled dainty white-jade earrings, swaying lightly with her steps. Around her wrists she wore a pair of translucent jade bangles, which chimed with a crisp, ringing sound like jade clinking.

Her bearing was elegant and gentle, every gesture radiating serenity and warmth, like a piece of fine jade.

Her voice was soft as flowing water, her words always carrying care and tenderness, like a spring breeze upon the face.

It was none other than Immortal Consort Jingyu!

Her appearance instantly filled the cavern with brilliance, leaving everyone breathless, as though the underground cave had in an instant ascended into a splendid dragon palace.

Such a figure inspired heartfelt admiration.

The group bowed low. When they rose, the world around them had shifted—they had been drawn into the Radiant Reflection Wall.

“My friends, look down,” Immortal Consort Jingyu said, gesturing to the ground.

Beneath their feet, the clouds and mist scattered, revealing a vast demonic nest, scarlet and pitch black intertwined.

The nest was grim like the gate of hell. Surging demonic qi roared like tsunamis, ceaselessly crashing outward, terrifying to behold.

Its outer shell was composed of countless black vines, twisting and writhing like dancing serpents, never still, whispering with faint rustling sounds, as if voicing endless resentment. Thorns bristled along the vines, sharp as blades, dripping dark-red venom, filling the air with stench.

All around lay enormous bones, strewn both within and without the nest. They were of varying shapes—human, beast—broken and gnawed, the bite marks clear, horrific enough to chill the soul.

There were also massive eerie-green demon stones, flickering with sinister light. Their glow made the nest’s scene shift between dim and bright, as if countless vengeful spirits wept within the ghostly gleam. By their illumination, winding passages could faintly be seen, coiling like veins of an abyss, binding the nest into a seamless whole.

At critical nodes within the nest, ancient demon altars were arrayed. They were covered in archaic runes, mysterious and ominous, radiating evil demonic qi. Upon the altars were placed various ritual implements—some shattered, some still smeared with dried blood—clearly tools of vile sacrifice.

And in the deepest part of the nest yawned bottomless abysses, black as ink. From them resounded ceaseless guttural roars and shrill howls.

Even from afar, the group felt icy dread rising from their soles to their crowns. The demonic qi was so overwhelming, suffocating, as if they stood in an endless nightmare, bereft of hope for escape.

Immortal Consort Jingyu softly said: “This is a Peerless Demonic Nest.”

“The path of demons originates beyond the heavens.”

“This Peerless Demonic Nest fell from the skies—it is the very source of all demons in this world. It is deathless, indestructible, and can only be suppressed and sealed.”

“In former years, the Martial Emperor led his armies to besiege Kunlun Mountain. Only by subduing the Peerless Demonic Nest could the root of the demonic scourge be severed.”

“Yet the nest is eternal, ever-churning, birthing unending demonic beasts. By ordinary means, it cannot be suppressed for long.”

“The Martial Emperor, his strategist, and other great cultivators racked their minds, and at last, together created the Radiant Reflection Wall. With myself, the Five Elements Divine Lord, and others entering Kunlun Mountain in secret battle, we finally sealed the Peerless Demonic Nest, securing victory in that decisive war.”

Immortal Consort Jingyu revealed an ancient secret.

She went on: “The Radiant Reflection Wall itself is a spiritual treasure. It can reflect and preserve the images of many sages, creating Dharma Bodies. These Dharma Bodies may act only within the Wall, yet each possesses the full combat strength of the cultivator’s true self.”

“For countless years, as the Peerless Demonic Nest spawned endless demonic beasts, I have presided over the Radiant Reflection Wall, borrowing the images of talents and sages across the ages, forging Dharma Bodies to stand against them.”