Chapter 429: Ancestral Blood Formula

Chapter 429: Ancestral Blood Art

Zi Yuan Ancestor, clad in a black robe, with the principles of ultimate truth flowing around him.

His entire form did not resemble a living being, but rather an embodiment of some principle.

He stood beyond the celestial canopy, his gaze profound and deep.

After an unknown span of time, a black-robed figure appeared beside Zi Yuan Ancestor.

This black-robed figure exuded a powerful aura.

He was unmistakably a master of ultimate truth.

Aside from the ancestor, this man was the foremost in Zi Yuan Heaven, its sole minor ultimate truth.

Yang Gods were hard to produce; ultimate truths were absolute overlords even in the Six Heavens.

A clan like Zi Yuan’s, born of blood, was also bound by blood.

This lineage had produced one great ultimate truth, making it exceedingly difficult to birth another Yang God.

In contrast, a clan like the Mo Luo, lacking a great ultimate truth, surpassed Zi Yuan Heaven in both ordinary Yang Gods and those who were ultimate truths.

Thus, to expand, clans like Zi Yuan’s often sought out other bloodline branches, incorporating those with talent.

Every additional Yang God was hard-won.

“Greetings, Ancestor. The Blood Robe has arrived in Zi Yuan Heaven. Does the Ancestor wish to summon him?”

Zi Yuan Tan bowed respectfully, not daring to meet the ancestor’s gaze.

In his perception, the ancestor had no fixed form, but was a manifestation of ultimate truth.

Zi Yuan Ancestor shook his head: “No.”

Zi Yuan Tan heard this without surprise.

“What treatment… shall he receive?” Zi Yuan Tan inquired.

At the same time, he was judging the level of the Blood Robe’s bloodline talent.

“Zi Yuan Heaven… the foremost beneath the Yang Gods,” Zi Yuan Ancestor said calmly.

“As you command,” Zi Yuan Tan replied without surprise.

Anyone who could draw the ancestor’s attention must at least possess a bloodline with ultimate truth potential.

It was only natural that his treatment surpassed that of Zi Yuan Great Snow.

“Here is a meeting gift; deliver it to him.”

With a flash of light, a black storage pouch fell into Zi Yuan Tan’s hand.

Zi Yuan Tan took the pouch and bowed respectfully.

Many thoughts raced through his mind. Zi Yuan Heaven was now somewhat lacking in successors; no wonder the ancestor was so concerned.

After all, Zi Yuan Heaven had only him as an ultimate truth, and the number of Yang Gods was meager.

Compared to other branches, it was far inferior.

This had also caused the ancestor to lose much face.

“Give him the ‘Ancestral Blood Art.’ Tell him that when he cultivates it to the seventh layer, he may come see me, and I will grant him a small wish.”

“Yes,” Zi Yuan Tan nodded, not daring to speak loudly.

“Oh, by the way, what layer of the ‘Ancestral Blood Art’ has Black Sword reached?”

“Reporting to the Ancestor, the specifics are unknown, but according to rumors in recent years, at least… the ninth layer.”

Hearing this, Zi Yuan Ancestor’s voice shifted slightly: “The seventh layer is too easy. Let him come see me when he reaches the ninth!”

Zi Yuan Tan was caught between laughter and tears.

This ancestor still loved to compare.

The ninth layer of the ‘Ancestral Blood Art’ was far too difficult.

Even the Blood Robe, as a Yang God, might not achieve it.

As for his daughter, Zi Yuan Great Snow, though she was nearing Yang God, she was only at the sixth layer.

The ‘Ancestral Blood Art’ was a most peculiar technique; its cultivation speed depended solely on bloodline and insight.

Bloodline accounted for ninety-nine percent, insight for one.

When Black Sword first obtained the ‘Ancestral Blood Art,’ he broke into the third layer within half a month, astonishing all.

This was also the fastest record for cultivating the ‘Ancestral Blood Art.’

Even Zi Yuan Ancestor’s own master could not match it.

His master, who was also Black Sword’s master, was the Great Elder of the Black Demon Abyss’s Nine Elders…

“Your Black Demon Abyss is all pitch-black and dreary, doesn’t look like a proper place for righteous cultivation?”

Qi Yuan scanned his surroundings.

The water in the river was black.

The trees were also gray and dull, as if fake.

“Why are you judging by appearances? Isn’t everyone equal?” Zi Yuan Great Snow countered with words Qi Yuan had once spoken.

Qi Yuan was taken aback, rendered speechless by her retort.

Then, he sighed: “I never thought the light of humanity would be in the Black Demon Abyss, in you.

You truly embody equality for all!”

Just then, the space rippled, and a man in a black robe appeared.

He also had a horn atop his head, but it did not make him look rough; rather, it lent him an air of refinement.

Qi Yuan’s mind immediately tensed.

Zi Yuan Heaven had many powerful beings.

Earlier, he had vaguely sensed the scrutiny of two super-strong experts.

Now, another ultimate truth had appeared.

Seeing the newcomer, Zi Yuan Great Snow’s face lit up with excitement: “Father, I’ve brought back the Blood Robe!”

She waved her hand, as if seeking credit.

The rough and unrestrained demeanor of Sister Horn vanished, replaced by that of a little girl asking for a reward.

Zi Yuan Tan showed a gentle smile: “What gift do you want this time?”

He was a Yang God at the ultimate truth realm; how could he not see through his daughter’s little tricks? He simply indulged her willingly.

“I want the Black Cloud Blood Steed!” Zi Yuan Great Snow said with fervent excitement. “Ever since I was little, I’ve dreamed of having my own Black Cloud Blood Steed, roaming the realms—how cool!”

On the way here, Qi Yuan had heard Zi Yuan Great Snow mention the Black Cloud Blood Steed more than once.

This is a... mode of transport.

For cultivators.

Translated to Blue Star, hmm, a motorcycle.

It perfectly matched the stereotype Horn Sister held in Qi Yuan's mind.

Of course, the Black Cloud Blood Steed was far more than a mere motorcycle; it also possessed a partial space-jump function.

Random.

It might activate, and you never knew where you'd end up.

Thus, it was thrilling as hell.

After all, the Sixth Heaven was vast and boundless, beyond even a Yang God's ability to fully explore.

“Your cousin rode the Black Cloud Blood Steed a few years back, fell into a Strange Land, and died.”

“And you still want the Black Cloud Blood Steed?”

Horn Sister's heart tightened at these words.

A warmth stirred within her.

“Father, I shouldn't have been so willful.”

“Willful? I think your cousin's Black Cloud Blood Steed was quite good. Do you want it?”

Horn Sister blinked her eyes: “...”

Finally, she took a deep breath: “Yes!”

“But you must remember your cousin's lesson!” Ziyuan Tan added.

“I know, I won't run around recklessly!”

“No, I mean, don't recklessly bring people along.

That cousin of yours, he took someone else's newlywed Dao partner, a lone man and woman, gallivanting everywhere.

As it turned out, the other Dao partner contacted her via a Communication Jade Slip, and that woman was ruthless—she directly swore to Heaven that if she was out playing with a strange man, she'd be struck dead by lightning.

Just then, your cousin was taking her through a Thunder Domain; lightning struck the Black Cloud Blood Steed, it malfunctioned, and they fell into a Strange Land... and died.”

Ziyuan Daxue blinked her eyes, never expecting her cousin's death to be so dramatically entertaining.

“Father, I've taken the lesson to heart. Rest assured, I won't fool around on the Black Cloud Blood Steed with a married strange man.”

“What I mean is, if you do bring one, you must seal his mouth so he doesn't speak carelessly,” Ziyuan Tan said calmly.

Qi Yuan, standing nearby, was speechless at this.

These people of the Ziyuan clan—how did they all seem so... divine?

Could it be that there was something wrong with their bloodline?

He speculated wildly.

At that moment, Ziyuan Tan turned his gaze to Qi Yuan: “Blood Robe, are you interested in marrying into Ziyuan Heaven?”

“No interest!” Qi Yuan refused outright.

He was now certain that the Ziyuan clan's bloodline had serious issues—otherwise, why would someone ask about marrying in at first meeting?

Shouldn't they first ask if he had a car, a house, or what his salary was?

Oh, right, a son-in-law who marries in... no need to ask those things.

“This is the Ancestral Blood Art that the Ancestor instructed me to give you. When you cultivate it to the ninth layer, you may go pay homage to the Ancestor and make a small request.”

Ziyuan Tan, straightforward and direct, handed the Ancestral Blood Art to Qi Yuan.

Qi Yuan took the Ancestral Blood Art, somewhat curious.

“Is this a cultivation technique?” Qi Yuan asked curiously.

“It is and it isn't. This is a unique technique for us bloodline bearers,” Ziyuan Tan said, knowing that Qi Yuan came from the Second Heaven and was not well-versed in the Black Demon Abyss.

He continued: “In our Black Demon Abyss, the most powerful thing is bloodline.

The stronger the bloodline, the stronger the talent, the stronger the potential, and the stronger the future achievements.

The Ancestral Blood Art allows our bloodlines to evolve, leap forward, gain various special abilities, and reach perfection.

The Ancestral Blood Art has fifteen layers in total. If anyone can cultivate to the highest layer, no matter how poor their bloodline, by lying down and sleeping without cultivating, simply through time... they can also reach the Principle Realm.”

As he said this, Ziyuan Tan's face was full of pride and arrogance.

However, such a case had never occurred in the Black Demon Abyss.

Generally, the stronger one's bloodline, the faster they could cultivate the Ancestral Blood Art.

“How many years does this lying-down time take?” Qi Yuan asked with anticipation.

Didn't that mean he could cultivate it to completion, then lie down in some game world, and when he came out, he'd be a Principle Realm Yang God?

“Only a hundred thousand years!” Ziyuan Tan said, his face animated.

“...Isn't the word 'only' a bit inappropriate here?” Qi Yuan was speechless.

A hundred thousand years, and he says 'only'.

With that time, he might as well stay in the Principle Gate and properly comprehend the Principle.

After a million years, when he came out, he'd be invincible outright.

Of course, compared to playing games, these were hardly worth it.

Ziyuan Tan was momentarily stunned, then said earnestly: “Blood Robe, your bloodline is very strong, but don't aim too high.

The Principle Realm—how could it be so easily achieved?

However... if you truly cultivate the Ancestral Blood Art to completion, with your talent, you could probably step into Yang God within a hundred years.”

At this, Ziyuan Tan showed a hint of envy.

The beings of the Black Demon Abyss were a race that emerged from a Creation Treasure.

Their cultivation system was... somewhat different from that of the Sixth Heaven.

In the eyes of the cultivators of the Sixth Heaven, for a Black Demon Abyss cultivator to break through to Yang God was considered... a quick success.

Other cultivators needed to polish their magical power, strengthen their soul, and comprehend the Great Dao.

Any one of these, with just a bit of comprehension, would see ten thousand years pass.

These bloodline bearers of the Black Demon Abyss were different; they just needed to strengthen their bloodline.

Bloodline was everything.

Bloodline could bring everything.

Blood Robe's bloodline was clearly far stronger than his own; otherwise, the Ancestor would not have been moved.

Ziyuan Tan's bloodline was actually quite ordinary, even inferior to his daughter Ziyuan Daxue's.

But his comprehension was high, and he was diligent and hardworking enough to become the foremost Principle beneath the Ancestor of Ziyuan Heaven.

For someone like Qi Yuan, a bloodline bearer, he felt quite envious.

"Sounds like poor value for the effort, but I have time to practice," Qi Yuan said lazily.

At the ninth layer, one could make a request to the ancestor of Ziyuan Heaven.

That was also a decent reward.

Ziyuan Tan's mouth twitched; he didn't take Qi Yuan's bait: "This is what the ancestor asked me to give you. This matter... try not to speak of it, or it will stir envy in others."

He handed the storage pouch to Qi Yuan, still adding a word of caution.

After all, the ancestor giving special treatment—if that got out, it would draw the attention of those with ulterior motives.

"Only mediocrity escapes jealousy," Qi Yuan said casually.

Anyway... it was all just play.

As long as it didn't harm his own interests, he would do as he pleased.

Ziyuan Tan smiled: "As you wish."

He had only mentioned it in passing.

Generally, in such cases, the ancestor's gift was a token; the gift itself wasn't precious, but the ancestor's favor was.

He didn't covet what the ancestor had given the Blood-Robed One.

"Great Snow, take the Blood-Robed One to his cave dwelling and make sure he cultivates well."

With that, Ziyuan Tan vanished.

Ziyuan Daxue looked at Qi Yuan, her face full of envy: "In my whole life, I've only received one gift from the ancestor. You get one the moment you arrive. Ah, comparing people..."

"For the record, you're not human," Qi Yuan pointed out Ziyuan Daxue's mistake.

With horns on her head, how could she pretend to be human?

"I wonder what the ancestor gave you as a welcome gift?" Ziyuan Daxue was very curious. "Is it as valuable as the Black Cloud Blood Rider?"

The ancestor's gift must be worth a lot, or else it would be looked down upon.

Of course, it wouldn't be too precious either.

Back then, Ziyuan Tan had been given a mythical-level pet beast.

That had made her the center of attention in her youth.

"Let's go to my cave dwelling first. I did say it had to be good, or else... I wouldn't be happy," Qi Yuan said.

"You... ah, you get a favor and still act spoiled. Do you know... the ancestor has set you as... the foremost of the young generation's demon sons?" Ziyuan Daxue said enviously.

"Demon son?" Qi Yuan didn't like that title.

He was clearly lawful good.

"Our Ziyuan Heaven originally had four demon sons. With you, that makes five.

You come in as the foremost demon son—the others will probably be unhappy," Ziyuan Daxue laughed.

The two chatted and laughed as they arrived at a high mountain in the sky.

The mountain was desolate, with no buildings, only rubble everywhere.

Ziyuan Daxue looked ahead, hands on her hips: "See that? That's your cave dwelling... Isn't it cool!"

Qi Yuan looked over, his expression frozen: "This cave dwelling... why is it so strange?"

Ahead was a giant steel sphere.

Why use the word "giant"? Because it was truly enormous—bigger than the Great Shang Kingdom.

This was clearly a cultivation world.

Yet the sphere was made of steel, giving it a sci-fi, cyberpunk feel.

"What's strange about it? This cave dwelling is called Yuan Star, built to imitate the stars that reflect across all heavens!"

Just then, a crisp voice rang out, and two young women appeared—one tall, one small.

One had pink horns on her head, tied with a bow, bangs, a cute face, wearing a sky-blue dress, petite.

The other had no horns, a tall figure, cold expression, a dark green dress clinging to her, with a large cutout at the chest, soft flesh dazzlingly white, a black ribbon tied around her smooth thigh. It was she who spoke.

"These are two demon sons. The cute one is Ziyuan Xiaolu, the sexy one is An Xunlu."

Ziyuan Xiaolu blinked, glanced at Qi Yuan, then looked down, seeming quite shy.

An Xunlu, on the other hand, scanned Qi Yuan with a scrutinizing gaze.

Qi Yuan's attention also fell on An Xunlu.

Not because of her revealing clothes, but because her name was wrong.

It should have been Anxin Pants.