I transmigrated to a chaotic world and became the sole player.

"Good." The Supreme Elder's blurry gray figure seemed to move slightly, his tone still indifferent, revealing neither joy nor anger. He seemed to have anticipated Lu Zhao's choice.

"In that case, I will teach you these two methods."

He pointed his finger, and two points of light flew from his fingertip, entering Lu Zhao's brow. In an instant, two massive streams of information exploded in Lu Zhao's sea of ​​consciousness, transforming into two profound and complex teachings.

The first is called the 【Sealing and Refining Essence Technique (Fragment)】. This method is extremely unique; it is not a direct cultivation or attack technique, but rather an auxiliary secret method specifically used to seal, refine, and initially control the "Qi of Annihilation". The method is divided into two parts: the "Sealing and Refining Chapter", which explains how to use one's own essence and soul power, combined with special hand seals, to construct "Sealing and Refining Spiritual Patterns" within the body, gathering and sealing the dissipated Qi of Annihilation in specific acupoints to prevent it from continuing to erode; the "Refining Essence Chapter" is more profound, explaining how to use a vigorous cultivation method like "Hibernating Dragon" as a foundation to attempt to "nourish" and "tame" the sealed Qi of Annihilation with vitality, causing it to resonate slightly with one's own spiritual power, achieving the goal of initially controlling, or even utilizing a trace of its power. However, the method clearly states that this is like drinking poison to quench thirst, or walking a tightrope; the slightest carelessness could result in being devoured by the Qi of Annihilation, leading to the depletion of one's vitality. Moreover, this method is only an incomplete version and can only deal with a small amount of annihilation energy. If one encounters a purer and larger amount of annihilation energy, one must seek out the complete lineage.

Secondly, there's the technique called [Return to the Void Concealing Breath Technique]. This is a profound secret art of concealing one's breath, capable not only of suppressing one's own spiritual power and blood energy fluctuations, but also of simulating, disguising, and even "returning to the void" one's own soul imprint, causal lines, and special markings (such as the Demon Lord's mark), making them extremely weak and obscure, difficult for beings of the same or even higher level to sense and lock onto from a distance. At its highest level, it can even allow one to briefly "disappear" from the perception of heaven and earth. This technique demands extremely high spiritual power, making it perfectly suited for Lu Zhao, who has cultivated the [Refining Spirit Technique].

Both methods directly address Lu Zhao's most pressing hidden dangers, and are of immeasurable value.

"Thank you, Supreme Elder, for imparting these teachings!" Lu Zhao suppressed the slight dizziness caused by the information overload and bowed respectfully. He knew that these two methods were probably specially selected or even modified by the Supreme Elder based on his situation, far superior to ordinary sect inheritances. This karmic connection was significant.

"The Dharma has been passed down; how you cultivate it is up to you. Remember, the path of cultivation is like walking on thin ice; one wrong step and you're doomed. Take care of yourself." After the Supreme Elder finished speaking, his gray figure began to slowly fade, as if he were about to blend into the surrounding clouds and rocks.

"This disciple will remember the elder's teachings!" Lu Zhao bowed again.

"Go. The 'Cloud Sea Secret Realm' will open in three months. This time, clues to the 'Nine Netherworld Path' inheritance may appear in the secret realm, or it may... be related to that Soul Devouring Demon Lord. If you are interested, you can prepare in advance."

The Supreme Elder's last words drifted away like wisps of smoke in the wind, scattering across the stone platform. His figure had vanished completely, as if he had never existed.

On the stone platform, only Lu Zhao remained, facing the vast sea of ​​clouds, with the howling mountain wind in his ears.

"The Cloud Sea Secret Realm... clues to the Nine Netherworld Path inheritance... the Soul-Devouring Demon Lord..." Lu Zhao pondered these words, his eyes gleaming. It seemed that the Supreme Elder had not only given him a method to resolve the hidden dangers but also pointed him in the right direction for the next step. He absolutely had to go to the Cloud Sea Secret Realm.

"The most urgent task is to first cultivate the [Return to Nothingness and Conceal Breath Technique] to hide the Demon Lord's mark and avoid unnecessary trouble. Then, try to cultivate the [Sealing and Refining Essence Technique] to resolve the annihilation energy within the body."

He didn't leave the Dao Asking Cliff immediately. Instead, he sat cross-legged on the empty, undisturbed stone platform and began to comprehend the [Return to Nothingness Concealment Technique]. The spiritual energy here was abundant, and there were remnants of the Supreme Elder's Daoist aura, making it an excellent place for cultivation.

The [Return to Nothingness Concealment Technique] is profound and complex, involving deep realms such as the soul, causality, and the essence of existence. Although Lu Zhao had the [Refining God Technique] as a foundation, he still found it obscure and difficult to comprehend. It took him a full three days to barely grasp the first level, which allowed him to suppress his soul fluctuations to a certain extent, making the "Demon Lord's Mark" between his brows extremely faint, almost imperceptible unless examined closely at close range.

"Finally, it's having some effect." Lu Zhao breathed a sigh of relief. This mark, like a sword hanging over his head, was now hidden, making him much safer.

Next, he began to try the "Sealing Silence Chapter" of the [Sealing Silence Refining Yuan Technique (Fragment)]. This required a thorough understanding of one's own meridians and acupoints, and the inscription of spiritual patterns with one's essence, blood, and soul. The process was painful and meticulous. Lu Zhao dared not be careless. He first simulated it countless times in his mind, and only after confirming that everything was correct did he begin to actually do it.

He first selected the most stubbornly persistent point of annihilation energy on the outer edge of his dantian. Guiding a wisp of essence blood, mixed with condensed spiritual power, he carefully inscribed the "Sealing Annihilation Spirit Pattern" around the point. Each stroke felt like countless needles piercing his soul and meridians, causing excruciating pain. But he gritted his teeth and persevered, fully activating the [Refining Spirit Technique] to maintain absolute mental concentration.

It took a full half-day to finally imprint a tiny, complex spirit rune, shimmering with a dim gray light, around the node. The moment the spirit rune took shape, Lu Zhao immediately felt that the annihilating aura lingering at the node was as if covered by an invisible "net," its tendency to erode and devour life force significantly slowed down! Although it didn't completely stop, the effect was remarkable!

"Success!" Lu Zhao was overjoyed. He continued his efforts, spending several more days inscribing "Sealing Spirit Runes" on the other nodes within his body where the annihilating energy lingered. When all the spirit runes were completed and subtly resonated with each other, forming a rudimentary "Sealing Network" within his body, Lu Zhao clearly felt that the persistent, sluggish feeling of blocked meridians and slowly eroding his vitality had been greatly reduced! Although the annihilating energy still existed, it had been initially restrained and isolated, minimizing its impact on his daily cultivation and combat.

"Next comes the even more difficult 'Refining Yuan Chapter'..." Lu Zhao attempted to use the life force of the "Hibernating Dragon" to contact and nourish the sealed annihilation energy. The process was extremely slow and required utmost care; too much might stimulate the annihilation energy to erupt violently, while too little would have no effect. This required a long period of painstaking, gradual effort and refinement.

He knew he couldn't rush things; the initial sealing was successful, which had solved the immediate problem. The subsequent refining would have to be done gradually.

After staying at the Asking Cliff for several more days and gaining a basic grasp of the two secret techniques, and adjusting his condition to its best, Lu Zhao stood up, bowed once more to the empty stone platform, and then used a "flying talisman" left by Elder Yun to fly towards Yunmeng Marsh.

Upon returning to Yunmengze, Elder Yun saw that his aura was restrained, the Demon Lord's mark between his brows was almost imperceptible, and the unsettling fluctuations of the annihilating energy within his body had greatly diminished. A hint of surprise and relief flashed in his eyes.

"It seems the Supreme Elder values ​​you highly," Elder Yun said.

"I was fortunate to receive guidance from the Supreme Elder, who passed down a secret technique that has temporarily suppressed the hidden danger," Lu Zhao said.

"That's good then." Elder Yun didn't ask any more questions and handed over a storage bag. "This is your compensation and reward from the sect for your merits and the attack you suffered in this competition, totaling 15,000 contribution points, as well as one opportunity to enter the third floor of the 'Scripture Pavilion' to choose a cultivation technique, and a bottle of 'Stabilizing Yuan Pill' to solidify your foundation, which will benefit you. In addition, some of Zhao Wuji's confiscated property has been verified by the sect and converted into contribution points, which will also be given to you, totaling 2,000 points. The total is 17,000 contribution points."

Seventeen thousand contribution points! And a chance to enter the third floor of the Scripture Pavilion! Lu Zhao was shocked. This reward was incredibly generous! The third floor of the Scripture Pavilion was where top-grade Yellow Rank and even Profound Rank cultivation techniques and spells were stored! Even ordinary inner disciples rarely had the chance to enter!

"Thank you, Elder, thank you, Sect!" Lu Zhao solemnly accepted the gift.

"No need for formalities, this is what you deserve." Elder Yun waved his hand. "What are your plans next?"

"This disciple wishes to exchange for some resources first to consolidate my cultivation, and then... prepare for the 'Cloud Sea Secret Realm' three months from now," Lu Zhao said.

"The Cloud Sea Secret Realm?" Elder Yun's beautiful eyes flashed. "The Supreme Elder told you about it? Hmm, the opening of this secret realm is indeed extraordinary. It is said that the ruins of what appears to be an ancient battlefield have been discovered inside. There may be some unexpected opportunities and dangers. With your current strength, if you are well prepared, you can give it a shot. However, in the secret realm, there are not only disciples of the sect, but also cultivators from other forces, and even... some lurking evil spirits. Be sure to be careful."

"Disciple understands."

"Go ahead. If you need anything, come find me."

"Yes, disciple takes his leave."

Leaving Yunmengze, Lu Zhao felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted, yet he also felt burdened with even greater expectations. With Zhao Wuji eliminated and the hidden dangers within him temporarily suppressed, the road ahead was still fraught with thorns, but at least he had a clearer goal and more confidence.

He first went to the Hall of Contributions and exchanged 17,000 contribution points for urgently needed resources:

A large quantity of first-tier superior and top-grade pills (for cultivation, healing, and restoring the soul); higher-quality talisman materials (to attempt to draw more powerful "talisman swords," or even first-tier top-grade talismans); several rare refining materials (to prepare for the possible future refining of natal magic weapons, or to repair and strengthen the [Mysterious Yin Soul-Slaying Needle] and [Azure Edge Sword]); and some one-time-use talismans and array plates for survival and escape.

After a period of extravagance, his contribution points dwindled to only 3,000, but Lu Zhao's storage bag (human skin bag) was once again full.

Next, he went to the third floor of the Scripture Pavilion. The guards here were even more stringent, and the one guarding the pavilion was an old man with white hair whose aura was as deep as the ocean and who seemed as if he might fall asleep at any moment. After checking Lu Zhao's permission, the old man merely raised his eyelids and let him in.

The third floor was even smaller, with only a few bookshelves, but each bookshelf exuded an ancient and powerful aura. The jade slips displayed on them numbered no more than a hundred, but each one radiated a spiritual light, clearly not ordinary items.

Lu Zhao's goal was clear. He needed a stronger offensive spell or sword technique to compensate for the gradually weakening power of [Thunder Flash]; or a more refined movement technique/escape technique; or a secret method that could enhance the power of the rune array or the precision of its control.

He browsed through them carefully. The lowest level of cultivation techniques here was top-grade Yellow Rank, and some even emitted fluctuations of low-grade Profound Rank.

The Great Evolution Sword Technique (Fragment) (Low-grade Profound): A fragment of an ancient sword sect's ultimate technique, containing only the first three moves, each possessing unparalleled power and embodying the profound principles of swordsmanship. Cultivation requires extremely high swordsmanship talent.

"Five Elements Escape Technique (Basic Edition)" (Yellow Rank Supreme): Allows one to move among objects of the five elements, appearing and disappearing unpredictably, suitable for both self-preservation and surprise attacks. However, cultivation requires a deep understanding of the five elements' attributes.

"Divine Thought Differentiation Technique" (Yellow Rank Supreme): Allows for the temporary differentiation of divine thoughts, while simultaneously and precisely controlling multiple magical artifacts and talismans. It is of great benefit to the cultivation of the Divine Thought Differentiation Technique and the control of talisman arrays. However, it is difficult to cultivate and can easily damage the soul.

"Heavenly Thunder Technique" (Low-grade Profound Rank): This technique summons Heavenly Thunder, possessing immense power and a strong ability to suppress evil spirits. However, it has demanding cultivation conditions, requiring the practitioner to have a thunder spirit root or a special physique.

Void Flash (Yellow-Rank Supreme): A short-range spatial teleportation technique, unpredictable and elusive, but it consumes a huge amount of energy and requires extremely high spatial perception.

……

Each one of them captivated Lu Zhao. But he could only choose one.

"The Great Evolution Sword Art is good, but I'm not a pure sword cultivator, and it's only an incomplete version. The Five Elements Escape Technique is very practical, but my 'Flowing Cloud Step' and talisman arrays only offer decent mobility. The Heavenly Gang Thunder Technique is powerful, but I lack a thunder spirit root; [Thunder Flash] is sufficient. The 'Void Flash' is excellent for survival, but it requires too much spatial perception..."

In the end, Lu Zhao's gaze fell on the "Divine Thought Differentiation Technique".

"Manipulating rune arrays is currently my greatest advantage and means of combat. This technique can greatly improve the precision and stability of my simultaneous control of multiple 'rune swords,' and may even allow me to master the simultaneous control of four or five 'rune swords' ahead of time! This will have an immediate effect on my strength! Moreover, it complements my 'Refining Spirit Technique' and 'Dividing Spirit Technique,' and may be easier to learn than other cultivation methods!"

Without much hesitation, Lu Zhao took down the jade slip containing the "Divine Thought Differentiation Technique".

The old man guarding the pavilion took the jade slip and said calmly, "When cultivating this technique, remember to proceed step by step and do not be greedy, otherwise your soul will be damaged, and it will be too late to regret it."

"Your disciple will remember this."

With the inheritance of the "Divine Sense Differentiation Technique," Lu Zhao returned to his cave and began his seclusion once again. This time, he wanted to transform all his gains into real strength, making thorough preparations for the Cloud Sea Secret Realm three months later.

Cultivation knows no time. For the next two months, Lu Zhao focused single-mindedly on rapidly increasing his strength.

The cultivation of the "Divine Thought Differentiation Technique" indeed complemented the "Divine Refinement Technique." His already powerful spiritual energy underwent a qualitative leap in the precision of its differentiation and control. Now, he could relatively stably control four "talisman swords" simultaneously, setting up a more powerful and varied "Minor Five Elements Talisman Array (missing one line)"! Although controlling five was still a stretch, there was hope. At the same time, his speed and accuracy in drawing talismans, as well as his ability to deduce complex talisman arrays, also increased accordingly.

With the aid of numerous elixirs and arduous training, his cultivation steadily improved to the late stage of the fifth level of Qi Refining, not far from the sixth level. His mastery of "Dragon's Sleep" and "Divine Refining Technique" also progressed steadily towards level 6. Progress in the "Refining Essence" chapter of the "Sealed Essence Refining Technique" was slow, but the sealed aura of annihilation, nourished by his vitality, seemed to have truly become somewhat "docile," its erosion speed further slowing down. Occasionally, he could even draw upon an extremely faint trace, attaching it to his attacks, producing unexpected "erosion" and "defense-breaking" effects. Although its power was weak, it had already given Lu Zhao a glimpse of the possibility of controlling this force.

He has also mastered the first level of the [Return to the Void Concealing Breath Technique], and now it is difficult to detect the Demon Lord's mark on his body unless a Golden Core cultivator deliberately investigates.

His talisman reserves reached a terrifying number, with a dazzling array of various modified and combined versions. His control over the [Mysterious Yin Soul-Slaying Needle] had also become increasingly refined, making it his strongest trump card for sneak attacks.

On this day, Lu Zhao was in his cave, attempting to infuse a wisp of annihilation energy into a newly drawn [Sharp Golden Light Talisman], creating a special talisman that combined the characteristics of "sharpness" and "corrosion." Suddenly, the cave's restrictions were triggered; it was a message from Hou San.

"Senior Brother Lu! The spots for the Secret Realm have been confirmed! The Cloud Sea Secret Realm will officially open in ten days! There are a total of one hundred spots available this time, fifty for inner disciples and fifty for outer disciples. The selection method for the outer disciples has been announced: it's the 'Path of Illusory Hearts'! The top fifty will qualify based on their performance and completion speed! Registration closes tomorrow!"

The Path of Illusions? Lu Zhao's eyes flashed. That was the famous trial path of the Qingyun Dao Sect, used to test the disciples' temperament, will, and combat adaptability. It was said to be filled with illusions, frequent inner demons, and various powerful illusory beasts blocking the way, making it extremely difficult to pass. Using it for selection was fair enough.

"It's finally about to begin." Lu Zhao put down the talisman brush, a hint of anticipation flashing in his eyes.

He got up and walked out of the cave. The sun was shining brightly outside, but in his mind, he was already calculating the various possibilities within the secret realm, as well as... the open and hidden attacks he needed to be wary of.

Although Zhao Wuji has been eliminated, does he truly have no enemies within the sect? Those who have conflicting interests with him, those who are jealous of his opportunities, and even... those who may be involved with the Blood Fiend Sect or the Demon Lord... probably wouldn't want to see him emerge alive from the secret realm and bring back even greater opportunities.

"The Path of Illusion... the Secret Realm of the Cloud Sea... let me show you just how far I, Lu Zhao, have come."

He straightened his clothes and strode towards the registration area.