Unlimited priesthood

Chapter 180 Swallowing the Sky
Hidden Sword Mountain, Heavenly Demon Formation.

This formation is extraordinary; it is the supreme formation of the Heavenly Demon Palace, which draws in countless demons to form its own boundary. The formation is chaotic, time and space are reversed, and there are all kinds of evil heavenly demon powers, the highest of which can reach the level of twelfth-order immortal demons. Even true immortals who enter it are in danger of being destroyed.

Although this Heavenly Demon Formation has not yet reached the realm of immortals and demons, it has reached the sixth level thanks to the immense investment of Heavenly Slaughter Demon Lord and a group of Nascent Soul demon cultivators. It is the key to besieging that Mysterious Void Realm.

Hidden Sword Mountain originally belonged to a small Foundation Establishment sect with low-level spiritual veins. After the Xuanxu Secret Realm emerged, it was forcibly swallowed up, and the spiritual energy was sealed in the secret realm by the Xuanmen using the Three Talents Formation as a defense against demons.

The demons besieged the Xuanxu Secret Realm, but had no spiritual energy to use. In the end, they had no choice but to use their resources to build a sixth-order earth vein with a huge amount of spirit stones, and then set up the Heavenly Demon Array on this basis to fight against the Xuanmen.

In this way, decades passed, and both sides suffered considerable damage. The spiritual energy of the earth's veins was depleted, and the level of the formations was reduced. However, one side was surrounded and was running out of resources, while the other side was outside and could replenish its strength.

So in the end, the demonic path still prevailed. The Heavenly Demon Formation maintained its sixth rank, while the Xuanmen's Three Talents Formation fell to the fifth rank and was about to become unsustainable.

Even a fifth-order formation, capable of destroying everything in its path, is no small matter. The spiritual energy of the entire Xuanxu Secret Realm was detonated and released in the most extreme way, rushing into the Heavenly Demon Formation, annihilating thousands of demons, and even breaking through some gaps.

A golden light, like a sharp sword, swept across the sky, heading towards that tiny gap.

"Want to leave!"

At this moment, demonic light flashed, the great formation shifted and the gaps turned, and several Nascent Soul demons made their move, summoning thousands of demons, who came like a flood, and also mixed in many demonic supernatural powers and evil methods to intercept that golden light.

"open!!!"

Inside the Golden Ship of Salvation, three Nascent Soul cultivators sat in a triangular formation, using the Three Powers Method to jointly activate this seventh-tier escape magic treasure, braving the power of the demons as they headed outwards, attempting to carve out a path to survival.

However, the magic array was extraordinary, and with the combined power of the demons, even a seventh-tier magic weapon would find it difficult to break through in a short time.

The two sides were locked in a fierce and evenly matched battle, with neither side able to gain the upper hand.

At that very moment, at the bottom of Hidden Sword Mountain, in the dungeon.

Yes, a dungeon!
Beneath Hidden Sword Mountain, a dungeon has been hollowed out and built, imprisoning over ten thousand cultivators.

Although there are only a little over ten thousand cultivators, their quality is extraordinary. The lowest level is Qi Refining, and there are many Foundation Establishment and Core Formation cultivators. There are even several Nascent Soul cultivators locked underground.

At this moment, deep underground, demonic forces are raging!

Ripples spread through the void, as if a celestial demon were transmitting its voice.

The group of cultivators, who were bound and restrained by shackles and sitting cross-legged on the ground, immediately showed signs of pain.

"what!!!"

"Jie Jie Jie!"

Then a scream rang out. A Golden Core cultivator's face contorted, and his hair ornament exploded. A demonic head formed from a divine soul tore open his scalp, crawled out of his skull with a cold laugh, and carried his true essence, magic power, flesh and soul into the depths of the great formation.

With this beginning, it quickly became a trend. All demonic cultivators who practiced the "Myriad Paths of the Heavenly Demon" and its branches had their demonic seeds taken by the demonic head within them, and the fruits of their demonic cultivation returned to the Demon Lord.

"what!!!"

"Heavenly Slaughter!!"

"I'll fuck you..."

Several Nascent Soul cultivators who had switched from unorthodox methods were also grimacing, desperately trying to resist the demonic techniques, but to no avail. The demonic seeds within their bodies were growing and gradually taking over their bodies and Nascent Souls, leaving them only able to utter weak curses and spits.

"puff!!!"

Finally, the Nascent Soul Demon Seed matured, and flesh and blood emerged. One by one, the demons carried their essence and rushed towards the Demon Lord, leaving only a few fleshy, thin skins on the ground.

This sight horrified those demonic cultivators who had escaped the calamity because they hadn't cultivated the Heavenly Demon Technique.

No, they didn't escape unscathed!
Even without cultivating the Heavenly Demon Technique, many demonic cultivators were reduced to withered bones under the sweep of demonic energy, their true essence, magical power, flesh, soul, and all their vital essence devoured by the demon.

"boom!!!"

With a final, deafening roar, the cavern shattered, and a terrifying demonic shadow emerged from within.

At this moment, Hidden Sword Mountain was shrouded in endless tribulation clouds, and the sun and moon could not be seen for thousands of miles around, only the thunder and lightning caused by the collision of clouds.

However, the demonic shadow that emerged was even more terrifying. Thousands of demons surged forth like a tide, all of them were devoured by it and turned into demonic resources. It turned around and became ten thousand feet tall.

The colossal demon, towering to the heavens and standing upright, was surrounded by surging demonic energy, resembling an abyss of darkness.

Exactly...

"Ten Thousand Paths Heavenly Demon!"

"The Dharma of the Soul!"

Within the Heavenly Demon Formation, several authentic Nascent Soul cultivators of the Demonic Path narrowed their eyes and exclaimed in surprise about the origin of this demon, which was none other than the primordial spirit dharma form of the Heavenly Slaughter Demon Lord—the Myriad Paths Heavenly Demon!
The twelve realms of cultivation are divided into three stages and one level. Every three stages present a significant dividing line, from Qi Refining to Foundation Establishment, from Nascent Soul to Deity Transformation, and from Body Integration to Mahayana.

The primordial spirit dharma form is the biggest distinguishing feature between a Nascent Soul cultivator and a Spirit Transformation cultivator.

After a cultivator transforms into a deity through the Nascent Soul stage, their primordial spirit can connect with heaven and earth, drawing upon the primordial spirit of heaven and earth to strengthen their primordial spirit and transform it into a Dharma form. Not only will their magical power and supernatural abilities increase dramatically, but they can also unite with heaven and earth, activating the power of the Great Dao to create a forbidden zone and suppress all heretics.

The Heavenly Demon Lord, born from the Heavenly Demon Palace, cultivated his primordial spirit dharma form using the "Myriad Paths of the Heavenly Demon Great Law," which is the Myriad Paths Heavenly Demon, capable of transforming one law into myriad laws, and one path into myriad paths.

Now it is on display.

"Roar!!!"

Then, the Myriad Heavenly Demons let out a deafening roar. Blood light suddenly flashed within their abyssal demonic bodies, turning their dark forms black and red. Their demonic energy surged, causing the void to collapse and twist into a vortex, unleashing a terrifying suction force.

"This is……"

"Swallowing Heaven Demon Technique?"

"not good!!!"

Several Nascent Soul cultivators from the Demonic Path narrowed their eyes, then their expressions changed drastically. They even abandoned the Golden Ship of Salvation and fled towards the outside of the formation, cursing the Heavenly Slaughter Demon Lord in their hearts.

"Tianlu, you bastard!"

"He actually cultivated the Devouring Heaven Demon Art!"

"You actually expect us to be your wedding dress!"

"Damn!!!"

The group turned and left, cursing under their breath and filled with remorse.

Swallowing the Devil!

This is an ancient demonic art, an ancient demonic art that has long been lost.

The reason it was lost is that this method was too extreme. It required using all living beings as resources, devouring the world to achieve its own power, and was able to devour the flesh, blood, soul, true essence, and magical power of all living beings.

Although this method of cultivation leads to extremely rapid progress, the results are too complex and there are many hidden dangers. It is easy to go astray and become possessed by demons. Even demonic cultivators keep their distance from it, and the righteous path tries its best to suppress it. Few people practiced it in ancient times, and the lineage was cut off after ancient times.

Unexpectedly, the Heavenly Slaughter Demon Lord found it and used the Myriad Paths of the Heavenly Demon Palace's Great Demonic Technique to simulate and cultivate it, creating the unique Myriad Paths Devouring Heaven Demonic Art.

Without even looking, the group knew that all the cultivators in the dungeon had been wiped out. Regardless of whether they cultivated the Heavenly Demon Art or other demonic arts, they were all doomed in the face of the Devouring Heaven Demon Art.

Not to mention those cultivators, even they, who are authentic demonic nascent souls like Tianlu, are now within the range of the Devouring Heaven Demon Art. If they cannot extricate themselves in time, they will eventually become food and be devoured by that bastard Tianlu's Dharma body.

Betrayal, absolute betrayal.

The more than ten thousand demonic cultivators in that dungeon were assigned to different groups based on their demonic arts, serving as provisions for their advancement to the Nascent Soul stage.

But now Tianlu has betrayed his promise and devoured them all with the Devouring Heaven Demon Art. This action has undoubtedly touched a nerve with these people.

The group was filled with resentment, but there was nothing they could do but reluctantly withdraw.

There's no way around it; that's just how the demonic path works—the winner always takes all.

As for the loser... you've already lost, what's the point of calling yourself a loser?
Losers have no voice!

Several Nascent Soul cultivators fled in panic. With no obstacles in sight, the Golden Ship of Salvation also wanted to escape this dangerous place. However, the Myriad Paths Heavenly Demon unleashed its great magic, the Devouring Heaven Demon Art affecting all directions. The entire Heavenly Demon Formation was affected, and the Golden Ship of Salvation was a step too slow. It was pulled by the terrifying suction force and not only could it not escape, but it was also pulled backward, falling towards the Myriad Paths Heavenly Demon that devoured the heavens and the earth.

What, a heavenly tribulation?

"Boom!"

The heavenly tribulation has begun, and the heavenly lightning has descended; it is the Great Sun Heavenly Lightning, most effective against extraterrestrial demons.

Even such tribulation lightning, faced with the overwhelming force of the myriad paths devouring the heavens, could only be transformed into resources. All nine great sun lightning bolts were swallowed up and fell into the ten-thousand-foot-tall demonic body, like a mud ox entering the sea, showing little reaction.

"That fiend..."

"Is it so terrifying?"

"Swallowing Heaven Demon Technique!"

Inside the golden ship of salvation, everyone was filled with panic, and the South Sea Nun and the old man fishing for turtles looked at Taoist Mei.

"To eliminate evil and uphold justice, to sacrifice one's life for righteousness!"

Master Mei didn't say much, but instead activated his nascent soul, preparing for a final gamble.

Now that things have come to this, there is no other way but to risk our lives for a glimmer of hope.

"Brother Tao!"

Seeing that Master Mei was already willing to sacrifice himself, the South Sea Nun and the Turtle-Fishing Old Man's eyes narrowed, and they also activated their Nascent Souls.

At this critical juncture...

"boom!!!"

A sword light tore through the sky and slashed into the arena.

The sword light was unparalleled, capable of severing the void; even the heaven-devouring suction force was no match for it, and it was severed in mid-air by a single sword strike.

"boom!"

With the Devouring Heaven suction force severed, the Du'e Golden Ship was freed and transformed into a golden light once more, shooting through the sky and instantly reaching the outside of Hidden Sword Mountain.

"This is……"

"Li Qingming?"

After rushing out of Hidden Sword Mountain and traveling thousands of miles, the Golden Ship of Salvation, which had survived the calamity, finally revealed itself.

At the same time, several streaks of light descended, revealing several figures atop a high peak.

Mei Daoren's eyes sharpened, and he then steered his golden ship to meet him: "Thank you for your rescue, fellow Daoist. This demon is extremely ferocious, and I'm afraid the heavenly tribulation cannot stop him. We should retreat first..."

"Brother Mei Dao!"

Before he could finish speaking, several streaks of light appeared, revealing the Xuanmen cultivators who had followed closely behind.

Several Nascent Soul cultivators rushed forward: "Senior Li has already become a Primordial Spirit. He has come not only to relieve everyone's siege, but also to wipe out the demons in one fell swoop. We should lend you a hand."

"Senior Li?"

Master Mei was taken aback, but then he realized what was happening and quickly led everyone out of the Golden Ship of Salvation and to the top of the peak to bow to Shen He and the others: "Mei Yun greets senior."

"Fellow Daoist, there's no need for such formalities!"

Shen He gently helped him up, then turned his gaze to the Hidden Sword Mountain shrouded in tribulation clouds, and the terrifying, earth-devouring demonic shadow: "This demonic aura is indeed extraordinary."

"Not bad!"

Mei Daoren's eyes narrowed: "This demon is a genius, and he has also cultivated the long-lost Devouring Demon Art. He not only devours all kinds of demons as food, but now he also wants to devour the tribulation lightning of heaven and earth."

"Everyone, just look!"

After saying that, he turned around and pointed: "The extraterrestrial demons are yin beings, with gods but no form, with minds but no bodies. The Heavenly Demon Palace cultivates in this way, and the resulting body is extremely yin and soft, thus attracting the extremely yang and hard Great Sun Heavenly Thunder Tribulation."

"The Great Dao is fifty, and the Heavenly Evolution is forty-nine. Even in the face of Heavenly Tribulation, there is a glimmer of hope, or even a chance for creation. If he were to devour the Great Sun Heavenly Thunder, with Yin and Yang merging and man and demon becoming one, he would surely create a great terror, no less than the Three Fiends of the Western Sea or the Two Stubborn Ones of the North and South."

He spoke in a deep voice, then turned his gaze back to Shen He, seemingly giving a hint.

What does it imply?
Before Shen He could speak, a Nascent Soul cultivator from the Xuanmen sect who had arrived later stepped forward, pressed his hand, and said, "Brother, don't worry. Senior's swordsmanship is unpredictable and will surely subdue that demon."

"..."

Mei Daoren looked at this person and was at a loss for words.

Was it because I didn't explain myself clearly enough, or didn't hint at things explicitly enough?
Or is this person truly confident that he can suppress the Heavenly Slaughter Demon Lord who has attained the Dao of Devouring Heaven? No, Heavenly Slaughter Demon Venerable.

And you guys, it's one thing for him to be confident, but why are you all blindly following him and flattering him so loudly, calling him a senior? Do you even know what kind of person he is? You're just cheering him on like this. What if you can't keep him in check later?
"Brother Tao!"

Mei Daoren remained silent, but his expression spoke volumes. The Nascent Soul cultivator had no choice but to quietly relay the events of Dongting Lake to him.

"The Nine-Nine Undying Heavenly Tribulation?"

"This……"

These words made Master Mei's eyes narrow and he couldn't help but speak.

But being a Nascent Soul cultivator, he quickly recovered, took a deep breath, and bowed again: "Mei Yun was blind and ignorant, please forgive me, senior!"

"You are too kind, fellow Daoist."

Shen He smiled faintly: "However, swords and blades have no eyes, and there will indeed be some impact. Fellow Daoist, you can lead your disciples to retreat first."

"Thank you, senior!"

Upon hearing this, Master Mei had no choice but to agree and led everyone onto the Golden Ship for Crossing Calamities.

Gu Shenxiu followed behind him, glancing at Shen He on the summit and Zhong Yuxiu and the others behind him, before asking Nan Haidi, "Is this person Li Qingming..."

"Be careful!"

Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted as Master Mei turned around and solemnly declared, "You must be addressed as a True Person!"

"Real person?"

Gu Shenxiu was taken aback, his expression strange.

He came from Xuanxiao Mountain, an inland sect, but also had close ties with overseas regions, and was well aware of the value of the title "True Person".

The "true" in "True Person" comes from "True Immortal." Transforming into a deity is merely the minimum requirement; one must also possess exceptional strength, high moral character, and the bearing of a true immortal to receive this honorific title.

In this Taiyuan Realm, only seven people have been granted the title of True Person, and those are the Seven Cultivators of Taiyuan who lead the Xuanmen.

Li Qingming was only a Nascent Soul cultivator decades ago. Although he achieved the glorious feat of slaying three demons with his sword in the Xuanxu Secret Realm, he has only reached the initial stage of the Divine Transformation realm after decades. How can he compare with the Seven Cultivators of Taiyuan, who led the Xuanmen and suppressed the demonic path?

Gu Shenxiu was puzzled.

But Master Mei offered no further explanation and sailed the Golden Ship of Salvation for another three thousand miles.

Real person?

Of course, we should call him a real person.

This is a ruthless person who can cleave through the Nine-Nine Undying Heavenly Tribulation with a single sword strike!

If he is not called a true man, then who is?
How could such a figure appear in the cultivation world of the mainland, and even become the master of one of the two outstanding cultivators?

Could it be that things are about to change again?
(End of this chapter)