Immortal of the Nine Realms

"Of course, support must be given. The question is how to go about it..." A contemplative look appeared in Xie Aman's eyes. "If this news reaches the ears of the various sects, they will definitely deliberate together and force you to hand over Gu Yueling."

Fang Chen nodded. "Indeed."

"However, you can hide in the Lesser Underworld. No one can touch you there, and they are well aware of that fact," said Xie Aman. "Furthermore, as the current Monarch Yan, your status is unique. Even the ninth-transformation immortals wouldn't dare put on too many airs in front of you. They all have a day when they must pass on, and who knows? They might end up in your hands for reincarnation one day."

Xie Aman continued her analysis. "In summary, the most they would dare is bluster. As long as you can withstand the first wave of pressure, you'll be fine."

She paused, paced back and forth a few times, and then stood still, facing Fang Chen. "On your end, you must ascertain the attitude of those Yang Gods as soon as possible. We will simultaneously prepare for an outsider invasion. If that day truly comes, whether the Nine Realms remain habitable will be a question. Therefore, I plan to find out where the ancestors of the Ancient Demonic Beast are currently residing."

Continuing to pluck the wool, I see.

Fang Chen smiled. "Gu Yueling's stance is clear. She won't reveal the location of the Ancient Demonic Beast ancestors. However, it shouldn't be hard to pry a suitable migration site out of her, though that is a last resort. If someone can ascend to the Heavenly Dao in the meantime, the Nine Realms might gain more time to prepare."

Xie Aman's eyes became dazed. "True. In any case, this place is considered half-dead since it has lost its immortal essence. If this were still before the Three Realm Upheaval, when Immortal Essence was abundant, the foundation of the Nine Realms would be dozens of times stronger than it is today."

Fang Chen asked, "Eldest Senior Sister, I don't know much about the ninth-transformation immortals of this world. You should know better than I. Who among them is likely to achieve the Half-Step Heavenly Dao, or has already achieved it?"

Xie Aman initially thought Fang Chen was asking purely because of the Heavenly Dao's influence. But on second thought, her expression shifted and turned solemn. "You ask this because you're worried these Half-Step Heavenly Dao experts might target you? Because your identity as Monarch Yan has been exposed?"

"Precisely," Fang Chen replied. "The one who exposed me did so partly to spite me. But the main reason is to make use of my existence to incite internal strife within Fangcun and Shenwang Realms. As for why they would fight internally, I suspect some ninth-transformation immortal has already ascended to the Half-Step Heavenly Dao. They want to unify the Mortal Realm, but the chance of reaching the full Heavenly Dao through that is slim to none. However, if they were to unify the Underworld, the possibility of seizing a Heavenly Dao seat becomes much higher."

Xie Aman nodded. "Your analysis sounds logical. We will stay on guard. However, most ninth-transformation immortals are preoccupied right now. The power gap between the two sides is minimal. Either every ninth transformation is currently in battle or guarding a strategic location, and this creates a stalemate situation. No one should have free time to deal with you unless one of them has quietly ascended to the Half-Step Heavenly Dao. If so, they might be able to deal with you."

Her gaze turned heavy. "My understanding of the ninth-transformation immortals is actually similar to yours. I rarely see or speak with them. Tell you what, your mission is over anyway. You should have a way to move from the spotlight into the shadows, yes? For the time being, do not show your face. Go to Enlightenment Star or Lesser Underworld. Wait until the outcome of the Taicang Realm war is decided. That way, even if they want the Monarch Yan's throne or Gu Yueling's secrets, they will be helpless if they cannot find you."

Fang Chen asked, "Am I really not needed for the remaining work?"

Xie Aman laughed. "What? Do you have a million Yin Gods to help us, or have you reached the ninth-transformation realm yourself? Your cultivation is still too low. You can't help with what comes next. Focus on your cultivation first. In another few thousand years, the world will be yours. And don't take Gu Yueling's words too much to heart. She likely exaggerated the threat.

"For instance, what are the odds of her receiving a message from the Conservative Faction? What are the odds for anyone else? Perhaps from today onward, for the next hundred thousand or million years, she is the only one who happened to receive such a message. The Conservative Faction isn't qualified to spread a message across the entire Qingming."

Fang Chen nodded. "That's a fair point."

Xie Aman's words served as a needed reminder.

Xie Aman smirked and added, "By the way, Rulai Monastery has defected. We can now confirm that the entire monastery is either related to the demons or the demonic beasts. If you encounter anyone from Rulai Monastery in the future, do not hold your hand."

Fang Chen was surprised. "Defected?"

He had thought dealing with Shao Guangyin would take some time, but Rulai Monastery had simply bolted. Was the ninth transformation expert of Rulai Monastery an awakened demon, or was he born a Demonic Beast?

"Yes. When we arrived in the Taicang Realm, two ninth transformations from the Fangcun Realm had already gone to Rulai Monastery. By the time they arrived, the place was empty. The Ancient Forbidden Zone guarded by the monastery has now been divided among the other sects," Xie Aman explained. "I believe Shao Guangyin is the vengeful type. Now that your identity as the Monarch Yan is out, be careful. Don't let him corner you."

If he actually comes, that would be for the best, Fang Chen thought to himself.

He figured he could ask Old Wang about this. After all, Old Wang had a bone destiny stationed near Rulai Monastery to protect Shao Guangyin's brother, Shao Suiyue. Old Wang likely knew exactly where Rulai Monastery fled and what they were secretly planning.

Xie Aman asked, "If there's nothing else, you should leave first. Do you need me to see you off?"

"Eldest Senior Sister, I'll see myself out."

Fang Chen smiled as his form sank into the shadows and vanished instantly before her eyes.

Xie Aman sighed softly. "Heavenly Abhorrence Technique..."

This wasn't a technique anyone could cultivate. Its requirements were extremely harsh and strict.

Several days later, Yu Jingming and the rest suddenly realised that Monarch Fang had disappeared. They were afraid to confront Xie A'man about his whereabouts.

***

Six months later.

Fang Chen finally located the seal in Feiyu Constellation. However, the Void Illusion Mountain here appeared several times larger than those he had seen elsewhere, and the seals covering it were densely packed.

One by one, Fang Chen produced Fragmented Formation Hearts and cast them upon the mountain. They transformed into green Heavenly Dao Blood and continuously corroded the seals.

Before he knew it, all the Fragmented Formation Hearts he had accumulated had been used, yet the seal showed no sign of fully breaking. With no other choice, he began to use his remaining Completed Formation Hearts.

Just as the very last Formation Heart left his hand, the seal collapsed with a thunderous roar!