Chapter 616 The ephemeral mushroom knows neither dawn nor dusk, the cicada knows neither spring nor autumn.

This move was not intended to inflate his or her value.

Rather, it was a proactive measure to prevent trouble. To be honest, he had a good impression of Qingqing, but that didn't mean he would trust her word alone.

Regardless of the dangers posed by the Kuru Cave, or whether she intended to scheme against him, the news of the battle at the Xiaoji Palace would shock him.

If there's a conspiracy, it will die in the womb. If there's no conspiracy and they're determined to continue inviting him, then the problems in the Withered Glory Cave will most likely have to be solved by force.

This also indirectly proves that she had no intention of harming anyone.

Otherwise, if Wang Yu were to retaliate and force her into a fight, she herself wouldn't be able to withstand it.

In conclusion.

He would have a better idea of ​​what to do after a few more days. Whether to go or not would be decided at that time. He had many things to do. The cultivation of the Nine Condensations and Nine Dispersions had to be the top priority, followed by improving the grade of the Yama Emperor Sword and the Six Desires Heavenly Demon Diagram.

The process of refining the Devouring Beast and upgrading the magic diagram are considered the same thing.

Moreover, the matter of repairing the Boundary-Breaking Divine Ship can be postponed, as there is still time available.

He needs to complete at least the final step in his body refinement and breakthrough process—the [Devouring Heaven] technique!

Only after absorbing the Five Elements Rules of Yin and Yang and obtaining the rudimentary form of the power of the Blessed Land of Refining Emptiness, and integrating it into the five internal organs, will one consider the matter of ascension.

If you can't break through to a higher realm immediately after ascension, what's the point of ascending?

That's completely meaningless.

in this way.

Wang Yu began to utilize his alchemy skills, using the Thirty-Sixth Grade Blood Lotus Furnace as his alchemy cauldron, and started to refine all the high-quality Nascent Soul demon corpses obtained from the Treasure Exchange Meeting into powerful tonics suitable for body cultivators.

Calling this stuff a pill is an exaggeration; it's more like a collection of condensed essences. Therefore, it doesn't follow the rules for making pills. Often, depending on the size of the demon corpse, one can refine 100 to 150 large tonic pills.

Wang Yu was simply snacking on Dan.

Each of these powerful pills contains the immense essence of a demon beast, greatly aiding the cultivation of the Nine Condensations and Nine Dispersions.

Furthermore, its small size allows for rapid refining even in small batches. By incorporating a few medicinal herbs that aid in body strengthening, it becomes a sacred product for body refining.

After spending several days refining all the high-quality demon corpses into powerful tonic pills, he had obtained about a thousand pills, in addition to the benefits from other treasures.

The accumulation required to complete this process should not be a problem.

Perfect.

After learning about the "Deadly Black Mountain" battle that had spread throughout the Mountain and Sea Realm, Qingqing gained a much deeper understanding of Wang Yu. She was shocked and apprehensive, and even felt a mix of excitement and joy.

Like a protagonist in a novel with an aura of dominance.

With a tremor, a peerless beauty threw herself into his arms. His situation was actually similar; women naturally admired strength, and cultivators were the cream of the crop.

He was able to defeat a powerful figure who shocked the entire Mountain and Sea Realm.

That's certainly something to talk about.

At this moment, Qingqing even felt that Wang Yu's invitation to cultivate together was indeed a manifestation of his true nature. If he really had the combat power comparable to the early stage of the Void Refinement Realm as rumored.

Even if you tried to force her, she couldn't resist.

What a promising immortal talent, dedicated solely to cultivation!

She preferred him to those Zhao Mo and Lan Feng, and since their families lived closer, they had a more tangible connection. To put it bluntly, what difference was there between her, with her drought demon body, and a beautiful corpse?

Many people still feel uncomfortable about it.

Unexpectedly, Wang Yu did not mind.

Getting back to the main point, after hearing the whole story, Lady Qingqing had many feelings, but her overall impression of Wang Yu had indeed improved significantly.

They rushed to the Five Elements Corpse Workshop under the stars and moon, intending to pay an even greater price to invite the other party to explore the Withered and Flourishing Cave together.

Meanwhile, Wang Yu was also pondering the Undying Nether Dragon Technique.

This thing is closely related to the Corpse Demon Secret Technique. Although it is a technique he derived and created himself, there are still mysteries regarding its application after the sixth level.

Take the path of zombies for example. There are no more reference objects at the "Ba" level. The placement bar can help him deduce to the sixth level, but he still needs to continue to deduce further.

Only in this way can we exploit bugs and continuously innovate.

He suddenly remembered the secret method of withering and flourishing that Qingqing had mentioned.

"The transformation from death to life, from life to death, the two true meanings of withering and flourishing, and even life and death, can even be extended to the level of the Dao. Perhaps this is the breakthrough point to transcend the path of zombie body refinement. If only Qingqing could cultivate with me..."

"Intelligent drought demons are extremely rare, this is a rare opportunity."

"It will definitely help me solve many problems. I wonder how much I've thought about it these past few days. I might really have to go to the Kuru Cave."

Wang Yu was filled with thoughts, and he was also worried about Qingqing's health.

Since he began cultivating, he had practiced the incomplete "Corpse Demon Secret Technique," a demonic secret technique that modified the body. In a sense, he was half a zombie, except that he was still alive.

It wasn't until the Nascent Soul stage that he completely shed his "corpse-like appearance".

Therefore, he had no discrimination or discomfort regarding the identity of the drought demon. He didn't mind that his elder brother was different from his second brother. As long as it was beneficial to cultivation, what did it matter if he was a little abnormal? As long as he was mentally normal, that was fine.

After pondering aimlessly for a while in his cave, Wang Yu looked up at the horizon again.

"Why haven't they arrived yet? If they don't come soon, I really will have to go into seclusion."

As time goes by.

As dusk fell.

A fiery red beam of light, carrying the aura of intense calamity, descended into the Five Elements Corpse Workshop. Wang Yu was meditating and circulating his energy in the quiet room when he suddenly sensed the appearance of this aura and immediately went to meet it.

Before they could even exchange pleasantries.

Then the alluring beauty opposite sighed softly.

"Brother Wei, your abilities are truly extraordinary. You have kept this from me for so long."

The tone changed.

Previously, he always referred to himself as Qingqing, and although his attitude was gentle and respectful, he essentially regarded the two of them as being at the same "level".

That was just him being modest.

Now, she has truly placed herself in a subordinate position, considering herself a concubine.

This is the benefit of demonstrating one's strength; the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

"What are you saying, Fellow Daoist Qingqing?" Wang Yu replied with a smile, "Now that you know the truth, do you still want to invite me to explore the Withered Glory Cave together?"

"That's natural."

"It would be more accurate to say that Brother Wei's demonstrated strength is enough to make me bow down to him."

These blatant words of love are truly shameless.

As a descendant of the Demon Star lineage, she doesn't value things like chastity as much as normal women do. If the benefits are sufficient, she will naturally not refuse a mutually beneficial deal.

As expected.

Before Wang Yu could respond, she continued speaking to herself.

"I agree to the dual cultivation arrangement. I hope Brother Wei will be lenient with me. After our trip to Kuru Mountain, you can do whatever you want with me~"

'What a vixen.'

Wang Yu remained outwardly calm, but inwardly he felt the allure of this peerless beauty. Not to mention a carefree demonic cultivator like himself who indulged in sensual pleasures, even a celibate and disciplined Taoist might not be able to resist her charm.

"In that case, let's set off now, there's no time like the present."

"Alright."

After Wang Yu explained the direction of governance for Yunzhou and left some methods for Wei Shuyue, he went with Qingqing to explore You.

It was quite a unique experience.

…………

…………

The so-called Kuru Mountain Cave is not far away.

In a vast ancient forest on the border of Yunzhou and Leizhou, there is an exceptionally rich ancient atmosphere, as if it is a treasure land that has been preserved since ancient times.

The spiritual energy of heaven and earth was exceptionally abundant. Not long after arriving nearby, Wang Yu activated his Golden Eyes of Qi Observation and discovered a clue.

"interesting."

Upon hearing this, Qingqing turned her head instantly.

"Brother Wei, you've already discerned the secret before we've even reached our destination?"

"I guess so."

Looking at the distinct earth veins beneath his feet, Wang Yu explained, "The earth veins here are special. Although they are the purest earth veins, they contain the life of all things at the beginning of spring, the growth of all things at the beginning of summer, the withering of all things at the beginning of autumn, and the return to stillness of all things at the beginning of winter."

"After a cycle, life becomes more vibrant and refined, and decay becomes more absolute and thorough. Through the continuous cycle of the four seasons, the concept of flourishing and decay becomes stronger and stronger, if I am not mistaken."

"The Mount Ku Rong mentioned by Fellow Daoist Qing Qing, is that the one you're referring to?"

"--sharp!"

Seeing Wang Yu accurately point out the target mountain, Qingqing's eyes lit up with amazement. She only knew that Wang Yu was exceptionally strong and unparalleled in combat, but she did not know that he also had the skill of "Looking for Qi to Find the Dragon".

The lineage of Feng Shui masters in the Shan Hai (mountain and sea) world is not systematic.

When integrated with the array, it is far inferior to the "Observing the Wonders of Heaven and Earth Feng Shui" that Wang Yu possesses, not to mention that he also has the blessing of the ancestral decree treasure of the Feng Shui path.

Even if he were to falsely claim the title of the number one feng shui master in the world of mountains and seas, there would be no problem with it.

"Let's go. I've explored this place many times and have already solved the usual problems. Only one obstacle is still holding me back. We'll have to pass through a hidden array later. Brother Wei, you'd better keep up."

"No problem, no problem."

The Kuru Rong Mountain cave is of great significance to Qing Qing. Any problems that could be solved have already been solved. Wang Yu had anticipated that this time it wouldn't take too much time, which is why he readily accepted the offer.

As the two passed through a hidden array, an even more expansive world came into view, leaving Wang Yu somewhat awestruck.

Because he hadn't expected that the Kuruo Mountain that Qingqing mentioned would be like this.

It turned out to be an extremely large giant tree!

Perhaps due to its ancient age, the bark of the giant tree has developed a stone-like texture, no different from ordinary mountain rocks. Standing on the Kuru Mountain, one feels as if gazing up at the clouds.

The trunk diameter is unknown, but its height is exceptionally high.

"Legend has it that in ancient times there was a great tree called Chun, which took eight thousand years for spring and eight thousand years for autumn. Its lifespan was extremely long, and touching it could help one understand the way of time."

Qingqing nodded.

"I don't know if this giant tree is the Great Toon Tree, but the concept of withering and flourishing begins with the cycle of the four seasons, and the cycle of withering and flourishing is even more mysterious. The Venerable of Withering and Flourishing was able to make such a great name, which may also be related to this giant tree."

"It's a pity that this tree has completely perished, even its trunk has turned into a stone mountain, and it is of no use to us now."

Wang Yu nodded and said nothing more.

They seemed still immersed in the shock, unable to extricate themselves for a long time.

Qingqing waited politely for a while before speaking.

“Brother Wei, let’s go. The entrance to the cave is on a stone carving that looks like an insect at the foot of the mountain.”

"good."

As the two moved again, the stone carving of insects that the other person had mentioned turned out to be a cicada.

As the saying goes: "The ephemeral mushroom knows not the dawn and dusk, and the cicada knows not the spring and autumn!"

To understand from a human perspective.

Those with less knowledge cannot keep up with those with more knowledge, and those with shorter lifespans cannot have as much experience as those with longer lifespans.

However, if we interpret it from the perspective of spiritual practice...

The term "morning fungus" refers to fungi that sprout in the morning and die in the evening. It can also be replaced by mayflies, both of which represent the mysterious concept of being born in the morning and dying in the evening.

The characters 晦 and 朔 need to be interpreted separately. 晦 refers to the last day of the month, and 朔 refers to the first day of the month. Birth in the morning and death in the evening, the alternation of day and night, represent birth and death, much like a cycle.

The cicada, also known as the winter cicada, hatches in late spring and dies in autumn, with a life cycle of only a few months. The spring and autumn seasons are more clearly defined, representing the complete cycle of the four seasons.

He already had a good idea of ​​the problems Qingqing was facing.

It's true that you learn until you die. The more you know, the more you feel that you don't have enough knowledge. The last time he read a book was back in the Reverse Spirit Blood Sect era.

At this moment, I had an epiphany and felt a sense of shame for wasting my time.

"By setting up this test, it seems that Venerable Ku Rong intends for a talented successor to inherit his legacy. However... one must bear the consequences of both inheritance and karma."

"Fellow Daoist Qingqing, are you prepared to face this former enemy of Venerable Kurong?"

"What is there to fear? I am backed by the Demon Star Lineage, a powerful force even in the Demon Cultivation Realm. Venerable Ku Rong is only at the peak of the Nascent Soul stage; it's uncertain whether his enemies are still alive."

The Demon Cultivation Realm, as the name suggests, is a paradise for human demon cultivators.

It follows the law of the jungle, where the strong prey on the weak, making it even more cruel than the Heavenly Demon Realm. It is also the realm where the human race is most likely to produce strong individuals.

He's still the kind of all-around villain who's adept at navigating social situations, skilled in intrigue and scheming, and unparalleled in combat, but with a rather eccentric personality and a preference for solitude.

Legend has it that the Demon Cultivation Realm frequently captures beings of all races to use as materials for tempering demonic offspring. Of course, their internal strife is also extremely fierce, and they are very adept at manipulating the rules.

Among the nine upper realms controlled by the Nine Immortals of the Human Race, their average strength is enough to rank them among the top three, but their numbers are rather small.

Wang Yu shook his head in response to Qingqing's answer.

He said very seriously.

"I think he is still alive. This senior was definitely no less powerful than Wei when he was alive. He should think more about the enemies he made, otherwise he would not have died here."

Faced with Wang Yu's serious warning.

Qingqing hesitated for only a moment before replying with a smile: "Brother Wei, don't underestimate me. Zombies are born from the resentment of heaven and earth. When I get fierce, even a million corpses might not be enough to stop me. Otherwise, why would the Demon Star lineage have taken a liking to me?"

With this response, Wang Yu said no more.

He raised an eyebrow.

"In that case, it seems that I, Wei, have been meddling."

"I am determined to obtain the [Secret Technique of the Cycle of Life and Death], Brother Wei. Please come with me to try it out. This cicada stone carving is extremely sinister. After entering, you will experience the cycle of birth, aging, sickness and death, just like the cycle of the four seasons."

"I suspect that a top-grade spiritual treasure is causing this trouble. I have tried many methods, but none of them have been able to break it. Whether you can pass this test depends on you."

"--good!"

If you are entrusted with a task, you should be loyal to it.

Besides, these knowledge-based gains are meant to be shared. Instead of arbitrarily accepting the consequences, he advised Qingqing to consider that, according to the agreement, all the gains from the Kuru Cave should belong to him.

If Qingqing only wants the Secret Technique of the Cycle of Withering and Flourishing, who knows who will bear the consequences? If he can pass this cicada test, he might really become the successor of the Cycle of Withering and Flourishing.

Things that seem to offer all the advantages also come with corresponding costs. Who can truly explain the cause and effect of such circumstances?

'Forget it, the more debt I have, the less I worry.'

You have to understand that he already has the karma of being the Crown Prince of the Immortal Dynasty, the Nine Tribulations Hermit, and the Ice Prison Realm. Adding another Venerable Kuru is just a tickle.

Thinking too much is useless.

"Go in."

(End of this chapter)