Grasping the Evil

Chapter 1014: Ancient Holy Stone Thrones

"No rush, Senior. Allow this junior to slowly recount the tale."

Duolan took several deep breaths, trying to calm his fears in front of Ning Fan, and then he appeared reminiscent.

"Within our Dabei Clan, there is a sacred place called the Holy Mountain Mausoleum, formed by the remnants of the Saint Ancestor after his death. Inside the Holy Mountain is a secret realm named Stone Path Secret Realm, which contains twelve tomb veins that are superb places for cultivation. They have also been the subject of fierce contention among different factions of Holy Mountain cultivators in the tomb raids held through the ages; surely, Senior knows this already. Besides the twelve tomb veins, the most intriguing thing inside the mausoleum is the Stone Throne... when you previously searched this junior’s memories, you must have found the memories regarding the Holy Mountain rather vague, yes? That is the manifestation of the Holy Mountain’s divine skills, especially regarding the Stone Throne Coordinates. Without special ancient methods to read them, nothing can be revealed in the memories of this junior."

Ning Fan nodded; no wonder the Soul Search did not reveal the Stone Throne Coordinates—indeed, the cause lies in the Holy Mountain.

"The Stone Throne, fully known as Ancient Holy Stone Thrones, is located within the Stone Path Secret Realm of the Holy Mountain, where the Saint Ancestor sealed his relics before his death. Each Ancient Holy Stone Throne holds relics left by saints, sometimes single, sometimes multiple, without fixed numbers. Among these relics are expensive pills, divine skills, spells, insights, and myriad bizarre items, all supreme treasures."

So the Ancient Holy Stone Thrones are where the saint sealed his relics... Ning Fan was slightly surprised.

"Inside the Holy Mountain’s Stone Path Secret Realm, there are formations everywhere with intricate confusion; even the Immortal Emperor of the Holy Mountain, who has researched the mausoleum for years, wouldn’t dare wander about it. Legend has it that the consequences of getting lost are grim—I heard from my father that only a few strong ones who wander off manage to return by luck, while most get their spirit awareness snatched by remnants of saints and become walking corpses, forever wandering the depths of the mausoleum till death, among which there are Immortal Emperors..."

If even Immortal Emperors turn into walking corpses upon getting lost? Ning Fan was a bit startled, the Holy Mountain Mausoleum is indeed perilous!

"Father once said that those Immortal Emperors turned into walking corpses fell under the Saint Ancestor’s most powerful illusory art in life—Ten Thousand Chants Decay..." At the mention of this illusory art, Duolan’s face gleamed with spirit, gravitas, awe, and a hint of deep-seated national pride.

Ten Thousand Chants Decay! The Saint Ancestor’s strongest illusory art! The strongest divine skill idealized by all Great Humble Ones!

"The Stone Path Secret Realm represents the pinnacle of formation arrays and illusory arts, full of confusion and constantly shifting terrain. Without coordinates, one cannot walk through it at all. Up to now, the mighty ones of the Holy Mountain have only confirmed one hundred and seventy-four coordinates inside the mausoleum, including the entrance coordinates, the twelve tomb vein coordinates, coordinates of some ancient relic sites, and coordinates of the Ancient Holy Stone Thrones, etc..."

"The exact number of Ancient Holy Stone Thrones inside the Stone Path Secret Realm is unknown, but until now, one hundred and twenty-six have been discovered. The first discovered Ancient Holy Stone Throne contained an unnamed ancient pill, and the discoverer, a Sixth Calamity Immortal Emperor, went into seclusion after consuming it, merely a hundred years later, emerged as a Seventh Calamity Immortal Emperor!"

What kind of pill is that, enhancing an Immortal Emperor’s cultivation level within a century!

"The second Ancient Holy Stone Throne contained an insight that allowed a Seven Calamity Immortal Emperor of ancient times to directly enter the first realm of Unity of Heaven and Man..."

Such benefits!

"The third Ancient Holy Stone Throne sealed an Innate Mid-grade Treasure..."

"The fourth Ancient Holy Stone Throne contained a Ten Revolutions Elixir, but unfortunately, it’s merely for healing..." Truly legendary are the Ten Revolutions Elixirs!

"The fifth Ancient Holy Stone Throne was unfortunately stolen beforehand..."

"The sixth Ancient Holy Stone Throne contained a trace of Origin Qi..."

"The seventh Ancient Holy Stone Throne was also stolen beforehand..."

"The eighth Ancient Holy Stone Throne surprisingly sealed part of the formation structure of the Two Boundaries..."

"The ninth..."

"The tenth..."

Masters often remember things vividly, so Duolan recounts the details of the one hundred and twenty-six Stone Thrones with ease, not making a single mistake.

The more Ning Fan listened, the more he felt enthusiastic about the Ancient Holy Stone Thrones. Duolan had seven Stone Throne Coordinates, and if Ning Fan could read them, he would be able to enter the mausoleum to seek treasures, and find seven saint relics...

But then considering the many rogues coveting Duolan’s coordinates, Ning Fan’s fervor cooled. So far, those eying these seven coordinates include Sanyan, the Fire Soul Clan, and the Holy Mountain Great Emperor colluding with Sanyan... This matter is too troublesome, for if Ning Fan were to privately seize Duolan’s coordinates, he would be secretly watched by countless eyes...

This mission should prioritize healing the Ancient Chaos Grand Emperor. Before achieving that, Ning Fan was not planning to stir up troubles.

Moreover, Ning Fan lacks qualifications to enter the mausoleum’s depths, nor does he possess the ancient methods to read coordinates... Rather than coveting saint relics, it would be better to accomplish the main objective of this trip.

"I heard that reading the Stone Throne Coordinates requires some ancient methods—is that true?" Ning Fan asked.

"Indeed. The Stone Throne Coordinates are divided into temporal and spatial coordinates. While only tribes of Sanyan comprehend reading methods for spatial coordinates, the ancient method to read the temporal coordinates is held by the Fire Soul Clan and a few Holy Mountain Immortal Emperors..."

It appears that merely wanting to read the coordinates is quite troublesome. Ning Fan shook his head. His time in the Holy Domain is exceptionally limited; he couldn’t waste much effort on Stone Throne Coordinates.

"However, if a mighty one ever attacked you again, I’m not sure I could protect you..." Ning Fan said to Duolan with some helplessness.

This Duolan is definitely trouble; keeping him by his side is bound to attract the third, fourth, countless more pursuits, relentlessly closing in.

Sanyan had already failed twice, but if a third pursuit began, it would certainly target him specifically, no longer careless. It’s extremely likely they might send more Eternal Immortal Venerables, or even send Immortal Kings and Immortal Emperors; how would Ning Fan handle it then?

Could he abandon this troublesome Duolan?

Duolan’s face turned a bit pale, clearly sensing Ning Fan’s hesitance in his voice, and bitterly said,

"If Senior finds Duolan troublesome, Duolan is willing to leave on his own, never causing Senior any inconvenience."

That’s quite amusing; originally Duolan was eager to escape Ning Fan’s clutches, yet now he somewhat relies on Ning Fan’s protection.

Ning Fan shook his head. The fact that he killed Pi Xiong was witnessed by Duolan firsthand, so he couldn’t trust Duolan completely. While bringing Duolan might add trouble, letting him go didn’t assure Ning Fan either, "Letting you leave would not ease my mind. Fine, stay with me then."

Duolan felt a bit bitter; the Senior indeed didn’t trust her to leave. Haha, if she were in his place, she wouldn’t trust either. Forget it; being sheltered under the Senior’s protection is good enough. It’s certainly safer than being alone, especially since she can’t return to the Holy Mountain, unless she can represent Chu Lie’s lineage in the third round of the tomb fight and perform outstandingly...

"I want to rest a bit longer; you may withdraw," Ning Fan commanded.

"Yes."

Duolan respectfully walked out of the medicinal pool; just as she was about to completely exit, a purple-black stream of light suddenly flew towards her.

Duolan stopped in her tracks and reached out to catch it; it was a purple-black feather formed by the power of Illusory Art...

"While I’m resting, I can’t protect you. Carry my Illusory Art feather and hide inside the belly of the Hundred-li Stone Dragon. With the sturdiness of the dragon’s belly, even if there’s a third assassination attempt, you’ll be safe for a while."

Duolan’s heart trembled slightly.

Was she being cared for? By the cold and selfish Ning Fan? Is it because of the Stone Throne Coordinates or something else...

"Don’t doubt. I’m giving you a place to hide only because you’re my Soul-Locked Slave. Although I don’t like you, I won’t allow my people to be casually killed!" Ning Fan’s words carried an air of dominance.

His people, Ning Fan’s people, must not be killed without reason! No one has that right!

Duolan tightened her grip on the Illusory Feather and calmly thanked Ning Fan as she left the medicinal pool, but in her heart, there was an uncontrollable warmth.

Maybe, just maybe... Ning Senior’s character isn’t so bad?

Suddenly, thinking of her elder brother’s death, Duolan felt a bit desolate again. How could she have feelings for a demon? A demon is just a demon...

After understanding the Stone Throne Coordinates matter, Ning Fan’s heart was relieved of a perplexity, and he rested in the medicinal pool for several more days before coming out.

The Hundred-li Stone Dragon, conquered that day, now lay hidden beneath the grassland. Duolan too, using the Earth Escape Skill, had hidden underground, inside the belly of the dragon.

Outside, some were still waiting for Ning Fan, among them was Xianyu Chun.

Whether Xianyu Chun was truly naive or pretending, her daily deeds were often not meticulously done, except when serving Ning Fan; in such matters, she was flawless, leaving no room for criticism.

Ning Fan found Xianyu Chun’s enthusiasm overwhelming and noticed that Immortal Venerable Hui Jing was waiting for him in the Tamu Clan, so he sent Xianyu Chun back to the Evil Sheep Sect to recover.

She got pretty badly injured during the Fire Soul chaos; what was the point of hovering around him instead of recovering?

Now that Ning Fan’s seclusion was over, the Tamu people showed extraordinary enthusiasm, hosting a banquet to welcome him, and during the banquet, the long-awaiting Hui Jing Immortal Venerable appeared.

This person was very polite with words but inherently held some disdain for foreign cultivators, only not showing it due to Ning Fan being a guest sought by the Heaven Capital Emperor.

Ning Fan didn’t mind Hui Jing’s attitude, but after three rounds of drinks, the Immortal Venerable Hui Jing suddenly dismissed everyone, took out a golden invitation, handed it to Ning Fan with a smile, and said,

"This monk came mainly to reward the Tamu, and secondly to deliver this on behalf of the Heaven Capital Emperor. This is an invitation for the Ancient Buddha Assembly, three days before the Middle State comparative event. The Great Emperor expressed that if Daoist Ning has time, he might attend this Ancient Buddha Assembly."

"Ancient Buddha Assembly?" Ning Fan was both familiar with the Heaven Capital Emperor and the Ancient Buddha Assembly, hence was surprised.

The Ancient Buddha Assembly is a grand Buddhist event in Middle State, with extremely strict criteria for participants, famously known as the Three Forbidden Rules!

Immortal Venerable’s cultivation and below are not invited!

Non-Dabei clan members are not invited!

Non-Buddhist masters are not invited!

Not fulfilling these three criteria, even Holy Mountain cultivators cannot be invited.

Logically, Ning Fan, being a foreign cultivator, has no qualifications to attend the Ancient Buddha Assembly, yet he received an invitation.

And the invitation came from the ’Stubborn Stone of Middle State,’ the Heaven Capital Emperor!

Renowned as the Stubborn Stone because of his obstinacy, this man discriminates against foreign cultivators due to his rigid nature, is most averse to breaking rules, yet surprisingly invites a foreign cultivator to this solemn assembly...

"What is the true intention behind the Heaven Capital Emperor’s act?" Ning Fan mused while rubbing the invitation in his hand.

Seeing Ning Fan still hesitating about attending the Ancient Buddha Assembly, Hui Jing seemed a bit dissatisfied.

In the Dabei clan, countless old masters long to attend yet cannot; this foreign cultivator is so lucky to have the emperor break protocol for him, yet he hesitates. Some nerve!

Hui Jing was displeased in his heart, but since he was not one to argue excessively, he didn’t contend much with Ning Fan, nor did he wish to linger there.

He originally intended to exchange cultivation insights with Ning Fan, the Eternal Immortal Venerable, but now he was anxious to leave. Were it not for the unfinished message from the Heaven Capital Emperor, he would have taken his leave directly.

"The Great Emperor asked me to warn Daoist Ning that breaking through the Stone Flame Volcano has completely offended someone in Middle State. Be wary of Lou Tuo’s hidden arrows when heading to Middle State..."

Hidden arrows from Lou Tuo probably refer to Emperor Lou Tuo...

Ning Fan’s gaze darkened slightly but he said nothing more, only nodding.

"Furthermore, the Great Emperor asked me to warn Daoist Ning that Meng Zhen’s death will not end well. Sanyan will surely pursue this matter, and according to reliable information, Daoist Ning has already become the eleventh most wanted enemy on Sanyan’s bounty list!"

Oh! To be wanted by Sanyan! Thankfully, Sanyan cannot easily leave the bounds of the Fierce Realm; it would be quite troublesome if I were wanted by the Central Continent’s Five Emperors.

It seems that, even without Duolan, Sanyan will not let me off. But as for trouble that cannot be avoided, would Ning Fan fear it!

"Thank you, Daoist, for informing me of this matter," Ning Fan said to Hui Jing in gratitude.

"No need to thank me, if you want to thank someone, thank the Great Emperor Tiandu."

Hui Jing’s attitude turned indifferent; after casually exchanging a few words, he left.

"Is he blaming me for underestimating the Ancient Buddha Assembly..."

After Hui Jing left, Ning Fan shook his head helplessly but didn’t mind Hui Jing’s temperament.

Hui Jing is considered a straightforward person, showing emotions visibly on his face. Unfortunately, you can’t expect Ning Fan, a demoness, to be interested in a hostile Buddha Assembly, can you?

Moreover, among this, there might just be some schemes from the Great Emperor Tiandu. Ning Fan has to think another layer; if one says there are no schemes, no person would want to believe it.

Of course, setting all aside, Ning Fan does have a slight interest in the Ancient Buddha Assembly.

As introduced by the Tamu people, at such a Central State feast, every invited mighty figure can taste the Ancient Buddha Dao Fruits, which can enhance one’s cultivation quite a bit.

It’s said that in addition to tasting Dao Fruits, there will be a small exchange meeting above the Immortal Venerable level... Hmm, one could exchange unwanted items for others’ treasures.

This Ancient Buddha Assembly, Ning Fan will certainly attend, for if he doesn’t, the Heaven Capital Emperor will achieve his goals through other means. It’s better to directly explore during the Assembly; thinking that since the Heaven Capital Emperor invited openly, even if there are plans, they would not be malicious; otherwise, it would be a hidden scheme.

Of course, to attend the Ancient Buddha Assembly, one must first go to the Central State!

There is still some time before the second round of the Tomb Battle Central Competition, but since staying in Tamu is no longer beneficial, it’s better to head to the Central State early.

The Central Competition, Ning Fan still needs to represent the Tamu Clan; however, no other competitors need to accompany him anymore. Unlike the first round which emphasized overall scores, from the second round onwards, personal scores are more emphasized.

It’s unfortunate that the others in the Tamu Clan are too weak; going would be pointless as they will be screened out before the second round. It’s better to stay in Tamu and wait for Ning Fan’s good news.

Several more days passed.

"For this Central Competition, we will not accompany Master Ning. Once the master reaches Central State, there will naturally be designated personnel to receive him. These Fire Crystals are a token of our Tamu people’s affection, please accept them, Master."

Chief Tamu Tageli produced a heavy storage pouch and handed it to Ning Fan.

Ning Fan’s spirit sense scanned it, and he couldn’t help but sigh.

Contained inside were all the Fire Crystal rewards the Tamu Clan acquired! Not only that, there were millions of Medicine Soul Stones, various expensive pills, herbs, and three bottles of Medicine Marrow!

The Medicine Marrow, nearly ten thousand years old, when combined, amounted to no less than a hundred drops!

"These items..." Ning Fan hesitated a bit and didn’t immediately accept them, for in the eyes of such an Immortal Venerable like him, the Tamu Clan was too small, too poor, and he was embarrassed to exploit their resources.

"These are a token of our Tamu people’s affection, Master Ning must not refuse. We Tamu people have shed off our fate of being at the bottom for ten thousand years and have attained the honor of being the number one clan of the Southern Frontier. We are extremely satisfied; these are all thanks to Master Ning’s efforts! If not for Master Ning, even I, Tageli, would have died in the Fire Soul uprising. Master Ning’s kindness towards us, Tamu people, and the Southern Frontier, if left unreported, would leave us restless!"

Tageli was profoundly sincere.

Ning Fan silently paused for a moment, then accepted the storage pouch, waving farewell to each of the Tamu people.

This departure from Tamu, he probably will not return again.

"Master, can I accompany you to the Central State!" Xianyu Chun suddenly emerged from the crowd of Tamu people.

Ning Fan was at a loss for words; aren’t you an Evil Sheep person, mixing in the Tamu Clan all day, what’s the meaning of this.

Unlike his previous precarious status in the Evil Sheep Sect, Xianyu Chun now received unanimous praise from the stubborn elders in his clan, highly approving of his good ties with Ning Fan.

After all, Ning Fan is the benefactor of the whole Southern Frontier, including the Evil Sheep!

"I have many things; I don’t have time to watch you." Ning Fan shook his head, refusing.

"No, no, no, I don’t need Master to watch over me, and I am going to the Central State not just to cling to Master but because I have arranged to meet someone. Of course, when the Central Competition begins, your disciple will definitely come to cheer for Master."

"Something else?" Ning Fan was surprised; he thought Xianyu Chun wanted to cling to him.

"The journey to Central State is too far, with my cultivation, it would take at least a year and a half to travel, so I want Master to give me a lift."

"If that’s the case, taking you along isn’t impossible, but once you’re in Central State, you’ll act independently and must be careful in everything. Don’t forget what happened in the Fierce Realm when you were calculated against," Ning Fan reminded him.

Xianyu Chun was indeed being watched, and traveling abroad is naturally not as safe as staying in the Southern Frontier.

"Rest assured, Master. Once we reach Middle State, there will naturally be an old man selling water tanks to protect me. He’s quite familiar with me..."

An old man selling water tanks? It doesn’t sound very reliable. Perhaps he’s some old eccentric trying to gain insight by mingling with common folk and selling water tanks... But since Xianyu Chun has plans, Ning Fan wouldn’t worry unnecessarily.

Although he didn’t intend to take an apprentice, he did have some gratitude towards Xianyu Chun for his breakthrough in realms due to Xianyu Chun’s shout.

"By the way, how did Master know I was schemed against in the Fierce Realm? Was it the tribe telling you? Or did you divine it, knowing the skies and the earth! Yes, it must be so! Master is truly a godly person!" Xianyu Chun’s admiration grew.

Ning Fan felt a bit speechless and decided not to engage in nonsense with Xianyu Chun.

"Oh no, oh no, I forgot! The old man selling water tanks told me not to reveal his matters to others..." Xianyu Chun repeatedly pounded his chest, lamenting his inability to keep secrets. Oh well, he thought, since it was said to Master, so be it.

Ning Fan ignored Xianyu Chun’s ramblings, bringing Xianyu Chun underground with Earth Escape Skill, journeying downward. After some time in darkness, they suddenly collided with something vast and as hard as iron.

It was indeed the Hundred-li Stone Dragon lurking underground!

Ning Fan swiftly led Xianyu Chun into the dragon’s belly, while the Hundred-li Stone Dragon twisted its body in agony, seemingly trying to expel Ning Fan.

It doesn’t permit the killer of its master to hide within its belly and control it!

"Calm down!"

A command from Ning Fan rang out, and a complex Illusory Art planted within the Stone Dragon’s divine sense began to operate, causing the Stone Dragon’s mind to lose clarity once again.

What a hard-to-tame creature.

From the Southern Frontier to Middle State, more than twenty grasslands had to be crossed, with the forbidden space force intensifying nearer to Middle State. If Ning Fan’s cultivation wasn’t sealed, he could have flown directly to Middle State, but his current cultivations wouldn’t allow him to ignore the forbidden force in the nearby grasslands.

Typically, lower cultivators traveling where flight is impossible would hire a Spirit Beast Carriage to journey to Middle State.

With Hundred-li Stone Dragon’s earth escape movement, Ning Fan naturally avoided such hassle. Yet, even with its cultivation speed, it would take several days to reach Middle State.

During these days, Xianyu Chun continually slept within the dragon’s belly, while Duolan nearby wore a worried frown, growing more troubled as they approached Middle State. Ning Fan took advantage of the travel time to absorb the power of numerous Fire Crystal Minerals.

These crystals within the Fire Soul Clan are treasures for fire cultivators.

Ning Fan possessed a substantial amount of Fire Crystal Minerals from his examination hunting, along with those sent by the Tamu Tribe, totaling nearly four thousand Enlightenment Fire Crystals, over five hundred Shekong Fire Crystals, and ninety-some Shattered Thought Fire Crystals.

Fire cultivators can absorb the origin fire from these crystals to elevate their flame grade. For Ning Fan, whose Black Dragon evil fire possessed Twelvefold Darkness, absorbing Enlightenment Fire Crystals had limited results, often needing hundreds absorbed to even refine the magic fire slightly.

Absorbing over four thousand Enlightenment Fire Crystals merely stabilized his magic fire, scarcely advancing it.

With Ning Fan’s magic fire grade, absorbing Shekong Fire Crystals was also swift. After absorbing five hundred Shekong Fire Crystals, Ning Fan discovered with surprise a strand of eerie green flame amidst his Twelvefold Darkness magic fire!

The number of this eerie green flame was sparse, submerged in the magic fire, nearly imperceptible, but Ning Fan dared not underestimate it.

The Dao laws within this flame were unfathomably complex, surpassing Ning Fan’s understanding. He faintly recognized this green, suddenly realizing it resembled the flame from the two realms seal!

The eerie green flame from the two realms seal was left by a Saint.

The Fire Soul Clan was born from the shattered Saint’s Flame.

Both were inherently linked, thus the strand of eerie green flame Ning Fan absorbed from the Fire Soul Clan’s crystals naturally paralleled the seal’s flame.

This flame was scanty, to the point where unenhanced vision couldn’t capture it, yet Ning Fan couldn’t ignore its formidable power.

If one were to pit an equivalent amount of his magic fire against this green flame, the outcome would be his magic fire inexorably consumed!

Evidently, the green flame’s power exceeded Ning Fan’s magic fire!

After refining the Shekong Fire Crystals, Ning Fan commenced refining the Shattered Thought Fire Crystals. Unlike the Shekong Crystals, nearly each Shattered Thought Crystal absorbed added a strand of green flame to his magic fire!

Upon refining all the Fire Crystals, Ning Fan’s magic fire power augmented by almost half, and the green flames amidst it amassed to a size comparable to an infant’s fist, no longer merely a strand or two.

"It’s unfortunate that this barely significant amount of green flame still isn’t usable in combat. If only there were more..." Ning Fan pondered for a moment.

Then resumed stabilizing the flame grade.

Two days later, Hundred-li Stone Dragon unexpectedly struck a barrier, its progress halted. The impact triggered intense tremors, sending countless birds and sheep on the ground scrambling into flight.

Ning Fan remained slightly alert, releasing spirit sense, then relaxed upon realizing it wasn’t pursuit from the Sanyan faction but rather their arrival at Middle State.

"Audacious rogue, how dare you collide with the Great Formation of Zhongzhou!"

At the Middle State border, a bearded cultivator coldly snorted and with a slight gesture, formidable Yellow Turban Warriors instantly appeared behind him, all possessing at least Fate Immortal realms.

"Dive underground on my command and apprehend the one colliding with the formation, dead or alive!"