"He won't die that easily. Keep attacking his Soul Body, don't let him reassemble his physical form!" Bing Laozu shouted, remaining vigilant.
Sure enough, Ye Yunfei also sensed that the shattered limbs, flesh, and all the blood mist from the Demon Race Demigod were rapidly converging towards one location. Moreover, numerous Soul Body fragments were quickly reassembling. Clearly, the Demon Race Demigod was attempting to reconstruct its body.
Ye Yunfei unleashed a myriad of attack methods, storming the Demigod's shattered limbs, flesh, and Soul Body fragments with everything he had. Huang Shang and Bing Laozu joined in, attacking desperately as well.
"A Demigod has attained preliminary enlightenment into the laws of the Great Dao. Their vitality is exceptionally tenacious. You can only hope to kill him by completely extinguishing his life force!" Bing Laozu shouted towards Ye Yunfei.
Boom!
He unleashed astonishing ice-snow energy and laws of ice and snow, coordinating with the various advanced legacies of the Snow Human Race, relentlessly smashing the Demigod's limbs, flesh, and Soul Body every time they attempted to reassemble.
Under the full-force assault of Ye Yunfei, Bing Laozu, and Huang Shang, the Demon Race Demigod had no chance to reconstruct its body at all, and its life force grew weaker and weaker.
"Just you wait! I will definitely avenge today's humiliation!" Suddenly, the Demigod's fragmented limbs, flesh, and Soul Body fragments exploded together, transforming into a sky-full of blood mist that dissipated with the wind. Simultaneously, a roar filled with bitter resentment resounded, shaking the sky.
"Quick! Extinguish all of its remaining life force! It seems to be activating some kind of forbidden art of the Devil Race, trying to escape!" Bing Laozu shouted loudly. Nine white ice dragons charged through the void, trying to grind away all of the Demigod's shattered flesh and Soul Body fragments.
Ye Yunfei and Huang Shang also brought all their means to bear, attempting to eradicate all the blood mist left behind by the Demon Race Demigod, because its lingering life force was hidden within this mist. If they could completely eradicate all the blood mist, they could fully exterminate the Demon Race Demigod.
Moments later, it seemed all the blood mist in this stretch of void had been eradicated. Looking around, everywhere was clean, not a single trace of blood mist remained.
"So? Is that guy dead or not?" Huang Shang asked while using his Soul Power to perceive their surroundings.
Ye Yunfei and Bing Laozu were also probing.
"No. He's not dead. He successfully escaped from here because his life force remains," Bing Laozu said a moment later, his expression turning somewhat grim.
"Killing a Demigod is relatively difficult. However, we shattered his physical body and Soul Body. He has been severely injured and his strength greatly diminished. He poses no further threat," Bing Laozu added.
"You can't be serious! He still managed to get away?!" Huang Shang sounded rather disappointed.
"Elder Huang, although he escaped, he left behind a lot of Soul Body energy. You should absorb it quickly. This is Soul Body energy at the Demigod level; it should be of great use to you," Ye Yunfei said to Huang Shang.
"That's right. I sense it. That guy indeed left behind a lot of Soul Body energy," Huang Shang nodded. He then began using ghost arts to absorb the Soul Body energy the Demon Race Demigod had left scattered throughout the void.
Bing Laozu, looking at Huang Shang's dark, lustrous form, had long recognized him as a ghost cultivator and couldn't help but marvel inwardly, as ghost cultivators were extremely rare and hard to encounter ordinarily.
A short while later, Huang Shang had absorbed all of the Demigod's leftover Soul Body energy from this area of the void.
"We should leave this place quickly. That fellow certainly won't accept this defeat. I'm afraid other Demon Race Demigods will soon head here, as the Devil Race won't rest until they've killed me," Bing Laozu said.
"Alright," Ye Yunfei nodded. He knew that if the Devil Race learned of his presence here, they would definitely send experts to deal with him as well.
"Young man, I'll take you to a secret base of our Snow Human Race to avoid trouble for now," Bing Laozu said to Ye Yunfei.
"A secret base of the Snow Human Race?" Hearing Bing Laozu's words, Ye Yunfei couldn't help but be stunned for a moment, as he had thought the Snow Human Race was already wiped out with only a few survivors.
"Actually, before the Devil Race's army came to invade the Ice-Snow World Cluster, I already had a premonition. So, I transferred a portion of our people in advance, hiding them in a secret base," Bing Laozu explained, seeing Ye Yunfei's confusion.
"I see," Ye Yunfei nodded.
Subsequently, Bing Laozu led Ye Yunfei away from that stretch of void. The two traveled stealthily through the Chaotic Void. Several days later, they arrived at a very desolate, cold expanse of void. Under Bing Laozu's guidance, they entered an extremely well-hidden Small World.
This Small World was rich with ice and snow energy. Snowflakes fluttered, and ice extended for miles. It was perfectly suited for the Snow Human Race.
"Alright, young man, bring out those Snow Maidens now," Bing Laozu said to Ye Yunfei.
Ye Yunfei immediately teleported out the several thousand Snow Maidens he had rescued earlier in the Ice-Snow World Cluster.
Ye Yunfei understood clearly in his heart that the reason Bing Laozu was so enthusiastic and trusting towards him, even bringing him to this secret base, was entirely because he had saved these thousands of Snow Maidens.
"Ancestor!" The thousands of Snow Maidens were both shocked and overjoyed upon seeing Bing Laozu. They immediately crowded around him.
"You've suffered hardship during this time, but now everyone is safe," Bing Laozu said, looking at the intact Snow Maidens before him with great relief.
"Also, you must properly thank this young man. If he hadn't intervened to save you, I might not have been able to rescue you from the Devil Race's clutches," Bing Laozu added.
The several thousand Snow Maidens thanked Ye Yunfei in unison.
"Ancestor, I must leave. I need to return to my homeland," at this moment, Bai Shuang suddenly stepped forward and said to Bing Laozu.
"Why do you suddenly plan to return?" After hearing Bai Shuang's words, Bing Laozu fell silent for a moment before asking. Evidently, he already knew Bai Shuang's background and origins.
"My elder brother has already returned to our homeland. I must also return to help him. I've already contacted the Guardians; they will come to fetch me soon," Bai Shuang said.
"Since you've already decided, I won't stop you, as this is your own choice. Before the Guardians arrive, you should rest well," Bing Laozu nodded.
"Everyone, rest well for now," Bing Laozu called out loudly to the other Snow Maidens.
Following that, the several thousand Snow Maidens each went to find places to rest.
There were already many members of the Snow Human Race living in this Small World, and figures of Snow Humans could be seen moving about everywhere.
"Young man, please come with me," Bing Laozu said to Ye Yunfei, then led him to a palace where they sat according to guest and host etiquette.
"Young man, you've provoked the Devil Race. Especially by helping me cripple that Demon Race Demigod, he will definitely seek revenge against you. During this period, the Devil Race will surely be hunting the two of us everywhere. So, you should lie low here for a while. I'm sorry for involving you in the affairs of our Snow Human Race," Bing Laozu ordered tea to be served, personally poured a cup for Ye Yunfei, and then said gratefully.
"Senior, there's no need to be so courteous. In truth, I've already had conflicts with the Devil Race in the past," Ye Yunfei said.
"Young man, are you called Ye Yunfei, from the Three Thousand Realms?" Bing Laozu remained silent for a moment before asking.
"Oh? So Senior knows my name?" Ye Yunfei was somewhat surprised.
"I've heard about your affairs. Back when the Devil Race cultivated a Yin Seed within the Three Thousand Realms, and later that seed fell into your hands. This matter has long been known among many major powers in the Chaotic Void Sea. Later, after you left the Three Thousand Realms and entered the Chaotic Void Sea, you repeatedly clashed with those major powers and displayed astonishing strength and talent. So, within the Chaotic Void Sea, you've actually gained a bit of a reputation. When you appeared in the Ice-Snow World Cluster, acting chivalrously to save our Snow Maidens, I didn't know your identity initially. But later, I hid in the shadows and overheard your name from some Devil Race individuals, and thus learned your identity," Bing Laozu explained.
"I see. It appears I've managed to make a name for myself within the Chaotic Void Sea. However, this doesn't seem to be entirely a good thing," Ye Yunfei couldn't help but give a bitter smile.
"Young Master Ye, from what I know, currently within the Chaotic Void Sea, experts from quite a few major powers are searching for you, wanting to act against you. Therefore, it's best for you to keep a low profile while traveling the Chaotic Void Sea in the future. If it's not necessary, avoid revealing your identity whenever possible," Bing Laozu advised.
"Is it because of that Yin Seed?" Ye Yunfei asked.
"Exactly. It's precisely because of that Yin Seed. Many want to obtain it. Especially Demigod-level experts. For Demigods, that Yin Seed is a valuable treasure," Bing Laozu nodded.
"No matter. When soldiers come, we will block them; when water rises, we will dam it. If they want to come, let them come. If they want to take what's mine, they'll have to show some capability. My possessions are not that easy to steal," Ye Yunfei stated calmly.
"Young Master Ye, your attitude is truly admirable. Among the younger generation, possessing talent, strength, and temperament like yours is genuinely quite rare," Bing Laozu couldn't help but praise.
"You flatter me, Senior," Ye Yunfei replied.
Bing Laozu had initially intended to advise Ye Yunfei to be more low-key, but seeing his expression, he roughly guessed Ye Yunfei's character and didn't say more on the matter.
"Young Master Ye, have you cultivated the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture?" Bing Laozu suddenly asked.
"Senior, how do you know I've cultivated the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture?" Hearing Bing Laozu's question, Ye Yunfei was somewhat shocked, as he had never displayed the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture in front of Bing Laozu since their encounter.
"Young Master Ye, there's no need to be surprised. The reason I know you've cultivated the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture is because I have some understanding of it and also sense its aura from your person. Let me put it this way. Our Snow Human Race's ancient ancestor was on very good terms with a powerful figure from the ancient era who cultivated the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture. They were virtually life-and-death companions. Moreover, that ancestor recorded the friendship between himself and that Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture cultivator within our race's genealogy, and this record has been passed down to the present day. Additionally, I cultivate ice-snow energy, which belongs to an icy-cold type of technique. The Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture cultivates the ultimate Yang and rigid energies of the world—two diametrically opposite energy types. They repel each other. Therefore, I can keenly sense the ultimate Yang aura of the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture within your body, so I guessed you had cultivated it," Bing Laozu explained with a smile.
"So that's how it is. Senior, based on what you said, was there really a powerful figure who cultivated the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture in ancient times?" Hearing this, Ye Yunfei became very interested and immediately asked.
"Correct. There was indeed such a figure in ancient times who cultivated the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture. And according to the records left by our Snow Human ancestor within the genealogy, the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture was renowned and awe-inspiring in ancient times, called one of the world's strongest techniques! That figure who cultivated it was also among the world's foremost, top-tier experts!" Bing Laozu nodded in affirmation.
"So the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture is so famous and powerful?" Ye Yunfei was pleasantly surprised.
"However, although I've cultivated the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture, my achievements are not particularly great. So, for now, I can't unleash very powerful effects with it," Ye Yunfei added.
As his strength grew increasingly formidable, Ye Yunfei found himself using the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture less frequently in combat. This was because he realized that as his other strengths progressed, the power he could exert with the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture seemed to be gradually falling behind.
"Young Master Ye, would you mind demonstrating the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture for me?" Bing Laozu requested.
"Alright," Ye Yunfei nodded, then stood up and manifested the technique.
Boom!
A gigantic radiant sphere shot out from within his dantian, rising up and erupting with rolling golden radiance.
Previously, Ye Yunfei cultivated the 'Nine-Yang Scripture', which gave rise to nine light spheres. Later, upon obtaining the 'Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture', he discovered the former was merely a simplified version. He then recommenced cultivation of the genuine scripture. Up to now, he had only cultivated a single light sphere.
"It really is the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture! It's exactly the same as the description our ancestor left in the genealogy!" Bing Laozu said in wonder, looking at that huge golden sphere of light.
"However, Young Master Ye, I feel your Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture seems to be lacking something. There might be an error in your cultivation method," After observing the enormous golden sphere for a while, Bing Laozu spoke again.
"An error? Senior, what do you mean? I cultivated exactly according to the scripture's manual. How could I have possibly made a mistake?" Hearing this, Ye Yunfei was taken aback before replying.
"Young Master Ye, please listen. According to my ancestor's record regarding the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture in our genealogy, the scripture has nine layers in total. Each layer cultivates a single golden fire sphere. Moreover, each layer requires searching for an ultimate Yang treasure of the world to serve as its foundation. Therefore, cultivating the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture requires finding nine types of ultimate Yang treasures of the world as foundations. If this step is omitted, then the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture cannot display its true might," Bing Laozu explained.
"There's actually such a requirement? But the manual of the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture I obtained contains no mention of this whatsoever!" Hearing this, Ye Yunfei felt utterly shocked.
"In any case, the content recorded by our Snow Human ancestor in the genealogy includes precisely this detail. That ancestor and the ancient-era powerful figure who cultivated the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture were life-and-death companions who experienced many trials and tribulations together. Their friendship was extremely deep, so our ancestor was also very familiar with the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture cultivated by that figure. To commemorate this friendship, our ancestor specially wrote that powerful figure's deeds into our race's genealogy," Bing Laozu stated.
"So that's the case. Could it be that the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture I obtained is incomplete?" Ye Yunfei questioned doubtfully.
"That's possible. The Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture is a legacy from the ancient era, passed down to the present. Over such a long stretch of time, some omissions are not strange," Bing Laozu reasoned.
"That's true. So, according to this, to continue cultivating the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture, I must seek an ultimate Yang treasure of the world as a foundation for each layer. Otherwise, I cannot progress further?" Ye Yunfei felt a headache coming on and said with a frown.
"Finding nine ultimate Yang treasures of the world is no simple task... No wonder, as my power continually increased, the might of the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture seemed to grow relatively weaker. So it was because my cultivation method was incorrect," Ye Yunfei gave a bitter laugh.
"Young Master Ye, searching for nine ultimate Yang treasures is indeed extremely difficult. However, it's not impossible to start. I happen to know of several such treasures," Seeing Ye Yunfei's expression, Bing Laozu guessed his worries and spoke up.
"Oh? Senior, which ultimate Yang treasures do you know of?" Ye Yunfei's spirits lifted immediately.
"As a Demigod, my cultivation period is extremely long, and I've traveled and ventured extensively within the Chaotic Void Sea many times. So I've accumulated some knowledge. To my knowledge, within the Fire Realm, there exists a Fire Dragon formed over tens of thousands of years from concentrated fire energy and fire laws. It should count as an ultimate Yang treasure of the world. If you can obtain that Fire Dragon, it could serve as the foundation for one layer of the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture," Bing Laozu said to Ye Yunfei.
"Fire Realm?" This was the first time Ye Yunfei had heard of it.
"Correct. The Fire Realm is a secret realm within the Chaotic Void Sea. It's filled with astonishing fire energy and fire laws and is considered a rather dangerous place. Many beings who cultivate fire-aligned energy often enter the Fire Realm for training," Bing Laozu nodded.
"Let me transmit the specific space-time coordinates of the Fire Realm to you," Bing Laozu extended a finger and sent a piece of Soul Power information into Ye Yunfei's Sea of Consciousness. He knew that with Ye Yunfei's character, after learning the true cultivation method of the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture, he would certainly go seeking ultimate Yang treasures.
"Many thanks, Senior!" Ye Yunfei said gratefully.
As his strength continually improved, Ye Yunfei had begun feeling perplexed about the effectiveness of the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture. Now he finally had an answer: each layer of the scripture's cultivation required an ultimate Yang treasure as its foundation.
"Senior, I wonder if hetero flames can serve as foundations for cultivating the Nine-Yang Ancient Scripture?" Ye Yunfei suddenly recalled the hetero flames he possessed.
In truth, Ye Yunfei had already collected a considerable number of hetero flames. During his previous Alchemy of Demigod pills, he used four of them. But actually, the total number of hetero flames Ye Yunfei possessed had reached seven! They were: Earth Yan Flame, Three-Crow Nether Flame, Samadhi True Fire, Xuanhuang Demonic Fire, Heaven Yang Flame, Three Calamities Heaven Flame, and Seaheart Blue Flame.
With a thought from Ye Yunfei, all seven hetero flames materialized simultaneously, hovering around his body. Each hetero flame emanated astonishing flame energy of distinct properties, immediately causing the surrounding space to twist continuously.
As an alchemist, Ye Yunfei naturally had methods to nurture these hetero flames. Their potential was virtually limitless, capable of continual growth. As Ye Yunfei's power increased, these flames would correspondingly evolve, growing progressively stronger.
"Young Master Ye, you actually possess seven hetero flames!" Bing Laozu looked at the seven hetero flames suspended around Ye Yunfei, unable to help but be utterly shocked.
One must know that each hetero flame is extraordinarily difficult to obtain. Alchemists and beings who cultivate fire energy and laws across the world often go to great lengths seeking hetero flames everywhere. But such flames are a matter of chance, not effort. For ordinary alchemists, finding one or two hetero flames was considered quite an achievement. Yet now, someone had actually obtained seven simultaneously—this was exceptionally rare.