Immortality and Cultivation: This old man seeks enlightenment through mere survival.

at this time.

Jiu You, who was presenting himself as "Lu Zai'an's friend," spoke up at the right moment, drawing Lu Zai'an's attention back.

Jiuyou's voice was deep, carrying a hint of coldness after probing:

"After I came out of seclusion, I happened to encounter a group of refugees. I grabbed two cultivators with slightly higher cultivation levels and a few mortals who witnessed the process, and searched their souls."

He paused, then continued, his tone grave:

"According to their recollections, the disaster occurred extremely suddenly."

Their original town or settlement was almost instantly enveloped and swallowed by an endless, pitch-black fog that appeared out of nowhere!

"That black mist is extremely strange. Once you fall into the mist's range, it's like sinking into a swamp, and you lose all your senses."

Deep within the thick fog, the howls and roars of demons could still be heard!

Those who escaped did so only by sheer willpower and even at a heavy cost, when the black fog had not yet completely surrounded them, or when they were just on the edge of it.

Jiuyou's description instantly stirred up an indescribable sense of familiarity in Lu Zaian's heart.

A sinister black mist that devours living beings, strips away the five senses, and harbors demons...

Isn't this the [Mist Tide Domain] that the Mist Demon King used when Jiuyou fought to the death with him?

How similar they are!

Lu Zaian's eyes flickered slightly, a hint of question barely perceptible in them, as he looked towards Jiu You.

Jiu You nodded almost imperceptibly, while at the same time a secret voice transmission resounded in Lu Zai'an's mind:

'It feels very similar, but I can't be entirely certain it's the Mist Demon King's doing. After all, there are many strange and mysterious spells in the world.'

The Nine Netherworlds' thoughts were cautious.

'But... I can't understand it. The Mist Demon King's soul was clearly refined and obliterated by you, and his physical body was also... wait!'

Jiuyou's mind suddenly focused, realizing the crucial point:

'His physical body may have been taken by True Immortal Qingming at the time! It's not necessarily that it was completely destroyed; more likely…'

Jiuyou recalled the military flag that Qingming Zhenren had seized during the chaotic battle at the underwater sword tomb, and the blurry yet chilling ancient mist demon totem on the flag!

A glint flashed in Lu Zaian's eyes, and he instantly understood. He replied telepathically, his tone certain:

That's right!

The remnant memories of the Mist Demon reveal that the [Mist Nightmare Banner] was a key token of the ancient Mist Demon army, possessing the power to rule their race!

Qingming Zhenren must have expended considerable effort to initially refine that demonic flag, thus enabling him to control the empty shell of the Mist Demon King's body, which had lost its soul.

And based on this, they stirred up trouble, devoured living beings, and attempted to regain their power.

Upon hearing this, Jiuyou's expression suddenly became extremely solemn, and his voice transmission carried a hint of urgency:

'At its peak, the Mist Demon King was a fourth-tier demon, equivalent to a Nascent Soul stage ancestor in the human race!'

If Qingming Zhenren were to truly control it to continuously devour flesh and souls, even if it only recovers a portion of its strength, reaching the peak of the third rank, or even touching the threshold of the fourth rank again… then, no one in the entire Northern Sky Domain would be able to control it!

He paused, then added in a heavy tone:

'Although I have now broken through to the peak of Foundation Establishment and possess a powerful physical body, it is still far inferior to the demonic foundation of the ancient fourth-tier demon race!'

Lu Zaian nodded slightly, his eyes sharp as knives.

'We must stop him! We absolutely cannot let him successfully cultivate this demonic creature. Otherwise, once it gains power, even if we break through to the Core Formation stage, we'll have no chance of advancement!'

Lu Zaian has been operating in Yunlishan for many years and is unwilling to move easily.

At this moment, Jiang Feng, seeing the two seniors looking solemn and silent, could no longer suppress his worries.

He took a sudden step forward, bowed deeply to Lu Zai'an, and his voice was filled with barely concealed anxiety:

"Mountain Lord!"

The information Senior Jiuyou obtained through soul searching mentioned that the strange black mist tide... has already spread to the vicinity of Fangyou City, where my Jiang family is located!

The family communication jade talisman has also been out of contact for a long time!

This junior...this junior must go back and see immediately! The family's nurturing grace and the bond of blood are too heavy for Jiang Feng to bear alone!

Please, Lord Mountain, be lenient!

He raised his head, his eyes filled with the resolute determination and unwavering resolve characteristic of a swordsman:

"I swear by my Daoist heart that no matter what happens on this journey, I will never reveal a single word about Yunli Mountain or about the two seniors!"

If all else fails, before being captured, one must sever one's own soul, leaving no opportunity for the other to search it!

Lu Zaian's gaze fell on Jiang Feng.

"It's understandable that you're extremely anxious about the Jiang family's misfortune."

He slowly said, "In that case, I won't stop you."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Feng's face showed a hint of gratitude, but then Lu Zaian changed the subject, his tone calm yet unquestionable:

"However, to ensure everything goes perfectly and to avoid accidentally exposing the foundation of Yunli Mountain, I need to plant a backup restriction in the origin of your soul."

He looked at Jiang Feng and explained:

“I believe you, but if the enemy is far stronger than you, they may use swift and decisive means to break through your soul defenses and forcibly search your soul before you take your own life.”

This restriction is not surveillance, but rather a safety measure.

If a powerful being were to attempt to search your soul and uncover its core secrets, the restriction would instantly detonate some of your relevant memories, rendering them unreadable…

Jiang Feng hesitated for a moment before readily agreeing:

"This junior understands! The Mountain Lord's considerations are thorough, and Jiang Feng is willing to accept this restriction!"

Jiang Feng understood that this was not a lack of trust, but rather a necessary precaution.

Lu Zaian said no more, flicked his finger, and a faint, almost imperceptible ray of light instantly entered Jiang Feng's brow.

In fact, this restriction is similar to the one that was placed on Xu Yan'er back then.

However, given Lu Zaian's current strength, this is a challenge.

Even a Core Formation cultivator wouldn't be able to forcibly search a soul!

Jiang Feng's body trembled slightly, then returned to calm. He felt a faint sense of restraint deep within his soul, but it did not affect him.

After dealing with Jiang Feng's matter, Lu Zaian immediately turned to Xu Yan'er and gave her instructions:

"Yan'er, keep the news about the fog tide and the turmoil outside strictly confidential for now. Just continue your normal routine in the mountains."

The protective array around the mountain has an isolation function, allowing entry but not exit. As long as the news is prevented from leaking out, it will not cause panic..."

"Yes! Yan'er understands!"

Xu Yan'er nodded solemnly.

Then, Lu Zaian turned his gaze to the eager Jiu You, smiled slightly, and with a flick of his wrist, the long-dormant, jet-black broadsword—[Ten Thousand Controls]—appeared in his hand.

The sword was still broad and heavy, but its restless and chaotic demonic nature seemed to have been tamed, revealing a restrained sharpness!

"I have already done a preliminary reforging of this sword."

Lu Zaian handed the sword to Jiu You.

"I have sorted out the chaotic thoughts and disordered will within it, retaining only the purest fighting instincts and unyielding obsession, so that they will no longer easily backfire and affect your mind."

After settling in, Lu added:

"Now it can change its size and weight within a certain range at your will, and can better cooperate with your physical supernatural powers to exert even greater power."

The ten thousand remnant souls within this demonic sword have mostly lost their fragmented memories, leaving only their fighting consciousness.

However, Lu Zaian still glimpsed a trace of the unique sword-forging method of an ancient sect from these fragments and the forging marks on the sword itself...

Great harvest.

If it weren't for the sudden fog and tide incident,

If Lu Zaian were given a few more years to study diligently, he would be confident that he could completely repair and perfect the demonic sword, and restore some of the unparalleled splendor of the ancient demonic weapon!

Jiuyou took the broadsword; it felt slightly heavy in his hand, and a sense of connection, like blood ties, welled up within him.

He waved his hand casually, without using much force.

Where the sword's edge flashes!

This caused the clouds on the mountaintop to ripple slightly, emitting a low, mournful sound!

"Hahaha! Great! Just what I wanted!"

Feeling the immense power and effortless control of the sword, Jiuyou couldn't help but burst into laughter, exuding a bold and unrestrained spirit.

Within his demonic body, which had been dormant for three years, the immense fighting spirit that had been suppressed for so long finally awakened once more as he gripped his sword!

"Without further ado!"

Jiuyou hoisted the [Ten Thousand Commanders] onto his shoulder, a fierce glint appearing in his eyes.

"Then let's set off! Let's go and meet that charlatan Qingming!"