God Emperor

Chapter 2030: Going to the Endless Abyss Again

After arranging everything, Zhang Ruochen rushed to the Sword Vault on his own.

He was only going there to collect the Supreme Saint-level Blood Suppressant Talisman, and would soon return to the Sect of the Blood God, so there was no need for others to follow him this time.

Before leaving, Zhang Ruochen had already confirmed with Shi Mingyuan that the Supreme Saint-level Blood Suppressant Talisman had been successfully created.

It had to be said that Shi Mingyuan's attainments in talismancy[1] were indeed terrifying. He had yet to become a spiritual power Supreme Saint, yet he was already capable of creating Supreme Saint-level Blood Suppressant Talismans.

After the previous battle, the Immortal Vampires had suffered heavy losses, even though they were still eyeing the Sword Vault, they dared not act rashly.

Through a special path, Zhang Ruochen entered the Ancient Zhenyu Clan grounds in secret, without attracting anyone's attention.

After passing through the ancient divine marks, Awesome the Little Taoist darted out from nowhere.

"Awesome, Zhang Ruochen, you've been in the limelight lately. If I knew that, I would have left with you, instead of poor me here staying behind as a coolie and missed out on plenty of exciting stuff." Awesome the Little Taoist said regretfully.

Zhang Ruochen shook his head. "Grabbing the headlines? I'm fighting tooth and nail with others there, I can do without such limelight. Also, don't you pretend to be pitiful in front of me, you're not working here for nothing. The Zhenyu Clan has put the Big Dipper Portrait out as a reward."

"Right, you have studied the Big Dapper Portrait for a while now, have your attainments in formation array reached the realm of Array Master?

Awesome the Little Taoist smiled and said with arrogant swagger. "It goes without saying. I am much more reliable than that owl. Its formation skills are not even close to being comparable to mine."

Zhang Ruochen stretched his hand out and touched his nose, saying. "That owl seems now to be an Array Master as well."

"Not bad, but even if it has become an Array Master, I am definitely still stronger than it." Awesome the Little Taoist pouted.

From the very beginning, Awesome the Little Taoist and Blackie were never on the same page, and as long as they were together, they'll get on each other's nerves, and made things very lively.

Zhang Ruochen smiled lightly and said. "You continue to repair the divine marks, or else the Shen clan might take the Big Dipper Portrait back."

"Go on your way then. Don't disturb me with my work." Awesome the Little Taoist glared.

With the Big Dipper Portrait to study, Awesome the Little Taoist was literally enthusiastic with the repairs of the ancient divine marks.

As far as it was concerned, there was no better place for it to study the mysteries of formations than in the Sword Vault.

After all, there were not many places that had so many arcane ancient divine marks as here.

Zhang Ruochen shook his head lightly, and then darted straight into the depths of the Zhenyu clan grounds.

As soon as he reached the Sword Tomb Palace, Zhang Ruochen saw Shi Ren who greeted him outside the palace.

"Brother Zhang, it had been a while and you look even better than before." Shi Ren smiled and greeted him.

Zhang Ruochen also smiled in return, saying. "It seems like you, the young patriarch had been having a good life. How's Uncle Shi and Grandfather Shi doing?"

"Yeah, they're doing fine. Brother Zhang, I'm sorry, when Shengming City and the Peacock Manor were attacked by the Heavenly Realm, we the Ancient Zhenyu Clan were not able to aid you."

"Sigh, it's just that our clan is too weak, and needed to guard against the Immortal Vampire's sneak attacks. At that time, Grandpa was at the most critical juncture of refining the talisman, so we dared not disturb him."

Shi Ren's eyes were deeply apologetic, and he felt very sorry.

Back then, Zhang Ruochen had greatly helped the Ancient Zhenyu Clan. Without Zhang Ruochen, there would be no Ancient Zhenyu Clan today.

However, when Zhang Ruochen needed help, they could not do anything, and inevitably felt ashamed in their hearts.

Zhang Ruochen patted Shi Ren's shoulder as he shook his head gently, saying. "I know the situation of your clan more than anyone. Your people bears a very important calling, and if the Sword Vault were to fall because of me, then I will be an eternal sinner."

"Alright, alright, we are brothers, so let's leave it at that. I have good wine here, so we can have a few drinks later."

Hearing this, a smile appeared on Shi Ren's face. He knew what kind of person Zhang Ruochen was, so he naturally did not say otherwise.

"Come, let's go and meet Grandpa first." Shi Ren said.

Zhang Ruochen nodded slightly and entered the Sword Tomb Palace with Shi Ren.

Not long after, Zhang Ruochen met Shi Mingyuan.

Compared to when he left, Shi Mingyuan was in a greatly better state. His complexion was ruddy as he had obviously completely recovered from his ordeal.

"Greetings, elder patriarch."

Zhang Ruochen stepped forward and bowed.

Shi Mingyuan smiled kindly and said gently. "No need for the formalities, what you want is in the box."

Zhang Ruochen's eyes shifted and locked onto the wooden brocade box before Shi Mingyuan.

Zhang Ruochen stepped forward and opened the wooden brocade box.

Inside the box was a piece of glittering talisman made out of divine bone. The talisman was carved with incomparably intricate runes, and just looking at it would make sent someone into a dizzy fit.

The Supreme Saint-level Blood Suppressant Talisman, according to the Immortal Vampire Secret Scroll, could suppress the Blood Emperor of the Immortal Vampires, and possessed incredible and terrifying power in equal measure.

If it was used to deal with Immortal Vampires beneath a Supreme Saint, even a top elite like Xuetu Shenzi would not be able to defend against it.

If they had such a Blood Suppressant Talisman during the Immortal Vampire's assault on the Sword Vault, those Immortal Vampires would not have dared to act rashly.

"A shame, I have given my all, and have only managed to barely succeed in refining this Supreme Saint-level Blood Suppressant Talisman." Shi Mingyuan sighed.

Zhang Ruochen closed the brocade box and then looked at Shi Mingyuan, saying. "Elder patriarch, thank you for your hard work. For you to refine a Supreme Saint-level Blood Suppressant Talisman, I am already deeply grateful."

"Oh right, I have also collected plenty of saint bones and divine blood, with your attainment in talismancy, I'm sure you can refine a large number of Saint and Saint King-level Blood Suppressant Talismans."

As he said that, Zhang Ruochen handed a Dimension Ring over to Shi Mingyuan.

Shi Mingyuan had helped him a great deal, so how could Zhang Ruochen come to collect the Supreme Saint-level Blood Suppressant Talisman empty-handed? He had already prepared many items as a sign of his gratitude.

There was a saying, a good blade requires good steel, and the many saint bones and saint blood he had collected, could undoubtedly be of best use in the hands of Shi Mingyuan.

"Thank you, Swordbearer." Shi Mingyuan did not refuse and simply accepted the gift.

The Sword Vault had always been eyed by the Immortal Vampires, and the items Zhang Ruochen had given them were indeed very important.

After chatting with Shi Mingyuan for a bit, ZHang Ruochen walked out of Shi Mingyuan's residence and went to Shi Ren's residence instead.

Zhang Ruochen took out the Heart-burning Spirit that the Drunkard had brewed. Such a fine liquor should be shared with a good brother.

"It is a fine drink, for it to actually improve my spiritual power." Shi Ren could not help but marvel after taking a glass.

Zhang Ruochen also downed a glass. For him, the Heart-burning Spirit had little effect but he liked the taste of it very much.

It was a pity that the Heart-burner Spirit cost a fortune to brew, otherwise, he would have asked the Drunkard for some more.

Zhang Ruochen smiled and said. "How're things lately? Learned something from the elder patriarch?"

"Very fulfilling. Grandpa had thought me a lot of things on talismancy, but I still have a long way to go before fully comprehending them." Shi Ren said.

Zhang Ruochen. "Back then, when I was at Xianji Mountain, I've retrieved the cut-off trunk of the Divine Sky-connecting Tree, and now the Divine Sky-connecting Tree sapling is drawing upon the divine power and precepts from the trunk. If you can cultivate together with the Divine Sky-connecting Tree sapling, you will stand to benefit a lot.

"Can I?" Shi Ren revealed an expectant look.

Zhang Ruochen nodded. "Of course. The reason I came here, aside from collecting the Supreme Saint-level Blood Suppressant Talisman, is to get you into the Qiankun Realm. Even the Divine Sky-connecting Tree sapling thinks you have very promising talent, and would be successful. Get stronger quickly, and you can take some of the pressure off Uncle Shi and the Elder Patriarch."

The new sapling and the original trunk of the Divine Sky-connecting Tree were of the same origin, and the two could naturally merge with each other.

Once the two are merged, even if the Divine Sky-connecting Tree sapling cannot grow to the extent it was used to, it will still not be too different.

When that time comes, the Divine Sky-connecting Tree sapling will be able to truly support the Qiankun Realm, and allow Qiankun Realm to have the conditions to attain godhood.

Without a doubt, with the fusion of the Divine Sky-connecting Tree sapling and trunk, the cultivation conditions of Qiankun Realm will get better and better, and it will be no lesser than the reviving Kunlun Realm. With a bit more time, Qiankun Realm would definitely be able to produce a large number of elites.

"Brother Zhang, thank you so much." Shi Ren said very seriously.

Since they met, Zhang Ruochen had helped him way too many times, and he had always remembered this friendship. If one day, when Zhang Ruochen has a need for him, whether it meant climbing a mountain of blades, or diving into a sea of fire, he will not even frown.

Zhang Ruochen let out a smile. "I've said it before, we are brothers, so cut that. Come, let's drink. It's a rare chance to be able to relax."

"Alright, I'll drink with you." Shi Ren nodded and smiled.

To have such a good friend in life, Shi Ren had no regrets.

As the two drank, they talked about various interesting things, and looked extraordinarily relaxed.

It wasn't until Shi Ren was slightly drunk that they stopped.

After bidding farewell to Shi Mingyuan and Shi Qiankun, Shi Ren entered the Qiankun Realm. He would cherish this opportunity very much.

And Zhang Ruochen did not longer at the Ancient Zhenyu Clan grounds. After confirming that there were no problems there, Zhang Ruochen bade farewells.

With Awesome the Little Taoist constantly repairing the ancient divine marks, and with Shi Mingyuan holding fort, even if the Immortal Vampires still harbored nefarious ideas, it would be difficult for them to break into the Sword Vault.

In a very short time, Zhang Ruochen hurried back to the Sect of the Blood God.

Just as soon as he came back, Zhang Ruochen noticed something was off.

"Zhang Ruochen, big trouble!"

Blackie appeared, his eyes grim.

Zhang Ruochen quickly asked. "What happened?"

"As soon as you left, Yan Liren that old coot appeared and forcibly took that lass Lingxi away!" Blackie said solemnly.

Hearing this, Zhang Ruochen's eyes immediately turned serious, as his brows furrowed deeply. "The Supreme Elder appeared and took Lingxi away?"

This situation was really something he had not expected.

"It seems like the one at the Endless Abyss can't wait to get me to meet her." As Zhang Ruochen thought about it, he suddenly understood what was going on.

As he said that, he cast his gaze in the direction of the Endless Abyss.

At this moment, Kong Lanyou and the others came over from the mountain road and gathered beside Zhang Ruochen.

"Junior brother, sorry, we failed to protect our junior sister." Bao Lie showed a self-admonishing look.

Jin Yu said. "That old man is just too powerful. He caught us by surprise and took her away. By the time we chased after he had already taken her into the Endless Abyss."

Zhang Ruochen shook his head. "I can't blame you. How could the former Tenth Emperor back in the day be easy to deal with? I understand the intention of the person in the Endless Abyss. Capturing Lingxi is meant to force me to go there, and by that, I will be fulfilling her wish."

"Zhang Ruochen, what are you planning to do?" Blackie immediately asked.

Zhang Ruochen said coldly. "Go to the Endless Abyss."

"Don't be impulsive, the Endless Abyss isn't some friendly place. Even if you are strong now, it is still perilous going to the second level of the Endless Abyss." Blackie quickly persuaded.

Zhang Ruochen exhaled deeply, saying. "No matter how dangerous it is, I must go there. It was Chi Kunlun back then, and now Lingxi. If I don't go to the Endless Abyss, heavens know who else would she target. Plus, I have many questions that can only be answered in the Endless Abyss."

The Endless Abyss was a place he had to go, and in this situation, he had no choice at all.

He wanted to see what that person in the Endless Abyss was up to.

"Cousin, I'll go with you."

Kong Lanyou said immediately.

"And us."

Bao Lie and the others spoke as well.

Han Xue immediately chimed in. "Master, I want to go too."

Zhang Ruochen's expression was solemn. "I don't know what will happen in this journey into the Endless Abyss, so I don't want anyone to come with me."

"Plus, the Black Demon Realm had suffered a major setback, and will definitely not take this lying down. The Sect of the Blood God requires powerhouses to hold the fort. I hope that all of you can help me protect the sect while I go to the Endless Abyss."

"No, the Endless Abyss is just too dangerous. We cannot let to take that risk alone." Bao Lie's head shook like a rattle.

Zhang Ruochen said seriously. "Fifth senior brother, I am not that little junior brother that requires your protection like in the past. There are some things that I must face by myself, otherwise, I will never grow."

Seeing Zhang Ruochen's resolute eyes, Bao Lie and the rest knew that, no matter what they say, they could never Zhang Ruochen's decision.

"Alright, take care then, junior brother. Promise us, promise that you will come back safely. With us around, you don't have to worry about anything happening to the Sect of the Blood God." Bao Lie patted Zhang Ruochen's shoulder as he said that.

Zhang Ruochen didn't say anything else and only nodded slightly before soaring into the sky and entered the ancient snow mountains as he rushed towards the Endless Abyss, brooking not even a moment's delay.

He only hoped that nothing will happen to Mu Lingxi and Chi Kunlun, otherwise, no matter who the person in the Endless Abyss was, Zhang Ruochen will not rest until one side falls.

A moment later, Zhang Ruochen appeared near the Endless Abyss.

Standing at the edge of the Endless Abyss and staring at it, it was extremely dark below, and its depths abyssal, as if able to swallow everything into it.

When Zhang Ruochen first came to the Endless Abyss, it was to save the Divine Scripture Maiden. Back then, he was too weak, and did not know the specific situation at the bottom of the Endless Abyss, so he had to risk jumping in from above.

Later on, Zhang Ruochen returned from Death's Door, but by coincidence came to the first level of the Endless Abyss, and ran into the soul duplicate of the previous Blood God Sect Grand Master, nearly losing his life in the process. It was the Supreme Elder Yan Liren's appearance that allowed him to escape.

It was from that moment that Zhang Ruochen assumed the mission of protecting the Sect of the Blood God.

During the first two times, Zhang Ruochen had only gone to the first level of the Endless Abyss, and he did not know what the second level was like, or what danger lurked there.

Suddenly Zhang Ruochen shook his head and said. "Lanyou, sure you, you've followed me!"

As soon as his voice trailed off, Kong Lanyou's figure appeared out of thin air and said. "Cousin, you should know that you cannot stop me."

"You… I really can't do anything about you can't I?" Zhang Ruochen was helpless.

"Your Royal Highness, you are finally here!"

At this moment, a soft voice suddenly came from the darkness.

Zhang Ruochen turned his head and cast his head into the dark abyss.

A behemoth slowly emerged from the darkness. It was a blood beast with two wings, radiating an extremely powerful aura, comparable to a Nine-step Saint King.

On the back of this Blood Beast stood a graceful figure that Zhang Ruochen was no stranger to. She was the wife of the previous Grand Master of the Sect of the Blood God, Qiu Yichi, the famous Beguiler Demon.

Zhang Ruochen snorted coldly and said. "Qiu Yichi, you lot forcibly took someone away, and you now dare appear before me? Do you really think I dare not kill you?"

"Your Royal Highness, why the raging fury? I was only acting under orders, and I had only invited them to be a guest down below, and have not hurt them. When Your Royal Highness follows me down, you'll meet them very soon." Qiu Yichi said calmly.

"Under orders? Whose orders? Who is your master?" Zhang Ruochen asked coldly.

Qiu Yichi said. "Your Royal Highness, you should already know the answer in your heart, why ask? There are some realities that you need to face in the end. Come."

"You plan to ride the same Blood Beast as me, aren't you afraid that I will kill you?" Zhang Ruochen's eyes were cold.

Qiu Yichi smiled charmingly and said. "Of course I am afraid, so I specially prepared another Blood Beast for Your Highness. Your Royal Highness, please."

Just as Qiu Yichi's voice fell, another behemoth slowly emerged from the darkness, and the aura it radiated was no weaker than Qiu Yichi's own behemoth, slightly stronger even.

Zhang Ruochen glanced at the Blood Beast and then darted onto its back. Kong Lanyou did not say anything and followed behind Zhang Ruochen.

They had come to the Endless Abyss, and there was no reason to step back now.

Qiu Yichi glanced at Kong Lanyou, and there was a faint flash of apprehension in her eyes, but she did not say anything. In any case, her job was to invite Zhang Ruochen into the Endless Abyss, and whether he had company or not, it was not part of the question.

[1] fictional term for the art of using talismans