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

Leaving the battlefield, Lu Zhao headed east. He didn't use his full speed, but maintained a vigilant and efficient pace of movement. The perception of the [Refining Spirit Technique] was like an invisible tentacle, extending to its limit, probing every inch of the surrounding sea of ​​clouds.

The scenery in the secret realm is magnificent and ever-changing. Sometimes the clouds and mist disperse, revealing "floating islands" covered with exotic flowers and plants that float above the sea of ​​clouds; sometimes the clouds gather to form rushing "cloud rivers" and roaring "cloud waterfalls"; occasionally, one can see "spiritual cloud crystals" formed from pure spiritual energy and radiating seven-colored light, embedded in the cloud walls. These are excellent materials for refining magical artifacts and setting up formations.

Lu Zhao did not rashly collect the exposed spiritual objects. Experience told him that the more harmless a place of opportunity seemed, the greater the danger it often concealed. His [Refining Spirit Technique] had sensed more than once that powerful auras lurked near those spirit cloud crystals or in the shadows of the floating islands, some of which even made him feel uneasy.

His primary objective for this trip was to find the "clues to the Nine Netherworld Path inheritance" and the information "possibly related to the Soul Devouring Demon Lord" hinted at by the Supreme Elder. Secondly, he aimed to collect as many rare resources as possible to enhance his strength. Only lastly, he intended to explore the secret realm itself.

After traveling through the sea of ​​clouds for about half a day, Lu Zhao arrived at an area where the clouds were exceptionally thin and the visibility was high. Here, the sea of ​​clouds seemed to have turned into a translucent, flowing liquid, and the outline of the undulating, dark-colored "ground" could be vaguely seen below, as if this boundless sea of ​​clouds was floating above another world.

"Is...this the true ground of the secret realm?" Lu Zhao's heart stirred, and he tried to descend, approaching the "ground." As he drew closer, he could see that it wasn't real land, but some kind of solidified, black rock, like ink jade, with a smooth surface covered with crisscrossing grooves, as if torn apart by a tremendous force. What surprised him even more was that within those grooves, a dark red light, like dried blood, was slowly flowing, emanating an ancient, desolate, and ominous aura.

"These rocks...this aura...they seem somewhat similar to the rocks near the Sealed Demon Well in Qingfeng Town?" Lu Zhao thought warily. He recalled the Supreme Elder mentioning that there might be remnants of an ancient battlefield within this Cloud Sea Secret Realm. Could it be that beneath this sea of ​​clouds lies the remnant of that ancient battlefield?

He didn't land rashly, but hovered in the clouds about a hundred feet above the black rocks, observing carefully. At the same time, he tried to communicate with the fragment of the Nine Nether Token in his arms. Sure enough, the fragment once again emitted a clear, downward-pointing chill, and it was several times stronger than it had been in the illusionary path of the Heart-Mind!

"It seems the clue really is down there." Lu Zhao's eyes gleamed. The situation below was unclear, and the dangers were unknown. But opportunities often go hand in hand with risks.

Just as he was hesitating whether to risk descending to investigate, a sudden change occurred!

"Ugh—!"

From the depths of a massive ravine in the black rock below, a deep, long, and ancient horn-like sound suddenly resounded! The sound possessed a strange penetrating power, instantly echoing throughout the area and causing the surrounding clouds to churn violently.

Immediately afterward, Lu Zhao sensed through his [Refining Spirit Technique] that several spots on the black rock below suddenly lit up with beams of light of varying colors and strengths! There was blazing red light, icy blue light, heavy yellow light, sharp golden light, and vibrant green light... all five elements were present, and each beam of light emitted energy fluctuations reminiscent of the late-stage Qi Refining or even Foundation Establishment stages! Even more strangely, these beams of light did not seem to be inanimate objects; they were slowly moving, colliding, and intertwining, as if... they were fighting?

No, it's not just a vague impression! Lu Zhao focused his attention and saw that the source of those pillars of light was actually a series of "creatures" of different shapes, formed from pure five elements spiritual energy and some kind of will, existing between reality and illusion!

There was a crimson figure, clad in flames and shaped like a firebird, its wings spread, showering down a rain of fire; there was a spirit of ice, its body a deep blue, coiled like a giant python, spewing forth chilling torrents of cold that pierced the soul; there was an earth giant, several meters tall, its body made of rock, each step causing the earth to tremble; there was a metallic leopard, swift as lightning, its body wreathed in golden light, its claws tearing through the air; there were wood-elemental flower fairies, entwined with vines and exuding a fragrant, hallucinogenic aroma...

These "creatures" possessed powerful auras, with the lowest being at the seventh level of Qi Refining and the highest approaching Foundation Establishment! They seemed to belong to different factions and were frantically fighting, devouring, and chasing each other on this black rocky land! The aftershocks of the battle plowed new furrows into the hard black rocks, and the dark red light was amplified during the battle, becoming even more conspicuous.

"Are these... Five Elements Cloud Beasts naturally born in this secret realm? Or... transformed from the spiritual energy of battle spirits left over from an ancient war?" Lu Zhao was shocked. He could sense that these "cloud beasts" or "battle spirits" contained extremely pure Five Elements primordial power. If he could kill and refine them, they would be a great tonic for cultivators practicing corresponding attribute techniques! They might even be able to comprehend the corresponding "intent"!

However, their strength is also terrifying. With Lu Zhao's current cultivation level, he would have to fight a tough battle against any of the late-stage Qi Refining cultivators alone. If he were surrounded or encountered a Foundation Establishment cultivator, his chances of survival would be slim.

"This place is not safe to stay any longer; we must leave as soon as possible..." Lu Zhaoxin thought, wanting to retreat. Even the most precious treasures are only worth enjoying if one is alive.

However, just as he was about to quietly retreat, the fragment of the Nine Nether Token in his arms suddenly vibrated violently and became hot! The coolness pointing downwards suddenly turned into an extremely hot and urgent sensation, as if urging him to go to a certain place below immediately!

At the same time, the "Demon Lord's Mark" hidden between his brows by the [Return to Nothingness Concealment Technique] also faintly emitted a very weak yet incredibly clear tremor! It was as if something below was summoning, or rather, attracting, this mark!

Is it the inheritance of the Nine Netherworld Path? Or... something related to the Soul Devouring Demon Lord?

Lu Zhao's heart skipped a beat. He looked down at the chaotic and dangerous battlefield, and felt the unusual movement of the token in his arms and the mark between his eyebrows. For a moment, he was caught in a difficult choice.

Going down is fraught with danger, a near-certain death. Staying might mean missing crucial clues and opportunities, or even... if the being below truly connects to the Demon Lord, could it have a negative impact on him?

"Fortune favors the bold! Besides, I have the [Flowing Cloud Step] and talismans, so I might be able to handle things. If I can find clues to the Nine Netherworld Path's inheritance, resolve the hidden dangers of the Annihilation Qi, or obtain the power to fight against the Demon Lord..." A resolute glint flashed in Lu Zhao's eyes.

He didn't immediately rush into the battlefield, but first observed the situation. He discovered that although the Five Elements Cloud Beasts were fighting in a chaotic melee, it didn't seem entirely without order. They were roughly divided into several small groups dominated by a specific attribute, attacking each other. The core of the battlefield, the area with the most chaotic and violent energy fluctuations, seemed to be near a dark red "pool" (perhaps some kind of energy pool) with a diameter of several tens of feet, located at the confluence of several huge ravines. There, the Cloud Beasts were the most numerous and the strongest, with several terrifying auras comparable to Foundation Establishment stage cultivators appearing and clashing!

The direction indicated by the fragments of the Nine Nether Order and the Demon Lord's mark did not seem to be the core area, but rather towards the edge of the battlefield, a relatively "peaceful" ravine leading to a deep canyon shrouded in thick gray-black mist.

"That canyon...it seems no cloud beasts are approaching?" Lu Zhao noticed that the gray-black mist at the canyon entrance seemed to be alive, slowly writhing and emitting an aura that was incompatible with the surrounding five elements of spiritual energy—cold, lifeless, and decaying. This aura even caused a faint resonance within the annihilation energy in his body.

"That's it!" Lu Zhao no longer hesitated. He chose a relatively safe path—avoiding the cloud beast hordes engaged in fierce battle as much as possible, staying close to the edge of the battlefield, and using the cover of clouds and terrain to approach the gray-black canyon.

He concealed his aura and pushed the [Return to the Void Concealing Breath Technique] to its limit, transforming his figure into a faint phantom that almost merged with the clouds, carefully traversing the jagged black rocks and churning energy aftershocks.

Along the way, he witnessed several brutal battles between cloud beasts. A rock giant was pierced through the chest by a firebird's flaming spear, turning into rubble, its core containing a yellowish-brown crystal which the firebird then devoured. A metal leopard was frozen by the breath of an ice serpent, then torn apart and absorbed by the roots of a vine fairy... The law of the jungle, the law of survival of the fittest, was laid bare.

Lu Zhao held his breath and focused intently, not daring to be careless in the slightest. He didn't even dare to use his spiritual power to fly, for fear of attracting attention, and only relied on the movement technique of [Flowing Cloud Step] and his powerful physical strength to leap between the rocks.

Even so, he was still discovered when he approached the entrance to the gray-black canyon, within a hundred feet.

"roar!"

A savage and greedy roar erupted from the side! A crimson-red, winged, horn-like "Firewing Lizard" cloud beast, radiating the aura of a peak eighth-level Qi Refining cultivator, had somehow escaped the battlefield. It was now staring intently at Lu Zhao, its scarlet tongue flicking, saliva dripping and burning small holes in the black rock. It seemed to have developed a strong interest and appetite for the "vibrant" life force emanating from Lu Zhao.

"We've been discovered!" Lu Zhao's heart sank. A cloud beast at the peak of the eighth level of Qi Refining, and one that specializes in fire attacks, is not easy to deal with. If they get entangled and attract more cloud beasts, things will get troublesome.

"Quickly finish this!" Lu Zhao's eyes flashed, and instead of retreating, he charged towards the Firewing Lizard! At the same time, he raised both hands, and four "talisman swords" were instantly activated—metal, water, wood, and earth! He did not use the fire element because the opponent might have extremely high resistance to fire.

[Sharp Golden Light Talisman] transforms into golden light to assist! [Gentle Water and Frosty Ice Talisman] transforms into cold mist to slow down and suppress flames! [Life-Giving Vine Talisman] transforms into vines to entwine and control immortals! [Thick Earth and Spike Talisman] forms spikes underfoot to interfere with movement and provide a defensive foothold for oneself!

The four rune swords formed a three-dimensional network of attack, control, and defense, instantly enveloping the Firewing Lizard! This was the maximum number that Lu Zhao could currently control stably, and its power was also at its strongest!

The firewing lizard clearly hadn't expected this "little guy" to dare to attack first, and with such a bizarre method. It roared angrily, flapped its wings violently, stirring up towering waves of fire, and spewed out a blazing white pillar of high-temperature fire from its mouth, attempting to incinerate everything.

"Boom! Hiss!"

The talisman array clashed violently with the flames! Water and wood element talismans had some restraint over the flames, but the firewing lizard's flames were extremely powerful, resulting in a stalemate for a time. Golden light pierced through the flames, striking its hard scales and sending sparks flying, but it failed to break through its defenses. Vines that got close were charred and snapped by the intense heat.

"The defense is strong, and the flames are powerful... We can't drag this out any longer!" Lu Zhao's mind raced. In the gap between the talisman array and the flames, he moved like lightning, pushing his [Flowing Cloud Step] to its limit, and circled around to the side and rear of the Firewing Lizard. He gathered all his spiritual power in his [Azure Edge Sword], and a trace of annihilation energy quietly attached itself to it, transforming it into a gray-gold sword aura, which fiercely stabbed towards the relatively vulnerable wing root connection!

"puff!"

This time, under the erosion of the aura of annihilation, the firewing lizard's hard scales softened briefly! The sword energy successfully pierced several inches into the flesh! Although not deep, the aura of annihilation had already invaded!

"Awooo—!" The firewing lizard let out a painful howl, and the flesh at the wound turned gray and withered at a speed visible to the naked eye! It was shocked and furious, and suddenly swung its body, its thick tail burning with flames, and lashed out at Lu Zhao!

Lu Zhao had anticipated this. After his successful attack, he immediately withdrew and retreated. At the same time, he activated two more [Exploding Sun Talismans], which exploded in front of him to form a wall of fire, slightly hindering the opponent's pursuit.

He didn't linger in the fight. Using the shockwave of the explosion and the cover of the fire wall, he accelerated again, rushing towards the gray-black canyon entrance without looking back! His goal wasn't to kill the cloud beast, but to get rid of it and enter the canyon!

The Firewing Lizard, suffering excruciating pain from the annihilation aura, was enraged to see Lu Zhao escape. It flapped its injured wings, chasing after him relentlessly amidst billowing flames! However, its speed was noticeably slower due to the injury to its wing roots and the annihilation aura.

Lu Zhao pushed the [Flowing Cloud Step] and [Swift Movement Talisman] to their limits, and like an arrow released from a bow, he rushed to the entrance of the gray-black canyon in a few leaps. The thick, cold, and deathly fog instantly engulfed him.

The firewing lizard chased the mist to the canyon entrance, seemingly extremely wary of the grayish-black fog. It circled and roared irritably at the entrance, spitting out several pillars of fire, but dared not actually rush in. Finally, it glanced at the fog reluctantly, then turned and flew back to the chaotic battlefield.

As Lu Zhao rushed into the gray-black mist, he immediately felt the surrounding temperature plummet and the light dim. The mist seemed to be alive, relentlessly trying to erode his protective aura, even penetrating his skin, bringing a chilling, decaying, and drowsy feeling. The annihilating energy within him, however, seemed to become "excited," slightly active, spontaneously absorbing and assimilating similar energy contained in the surrounding mist, albeit very slowly, but it was definitely happening.

"This mist...is it from the same source as the Qi of Annihilation? Or is it a fainter, more complex force of 'decay' and 'death'?" Lu Zhao wondered, but dared not linger, continuing to advance deeper into the canyon. The guidance from the fragment of the Nine Nether Order became increasingly clear.

The canyon was deep, with steep, smooth, mirror-like black rock walls on both sides, covered with strange, seemingly naturally formed, twisted gray patterns. After walking for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the fog ahead thinned slightly, and the end of the canyon could be vaguely seen, a huge, flat, tombstone-like black stone wall.

Below the stone wall, there is a deep cave entrance, barely wide enough for one person to pass through. Scattered along the edge of the entrance are broken, rusted metal fragments and bones long since weathered to ash. Above the entrance are several ancient seal characters, now blurred but still exuding a desolate and ancient aura.

Lu Zhao approached and, after a long time, could barely make out two fragmented characters:

"...The...Tomb..."

A secluded tomb? A tomb in the Nine Netherworlds? Or does it have some other meaning?

The fragment of the Nine Nether Order in his arms was vibrating and burning hot to the extreme, almost as if it would burst out of his body! The throbbing of the Demon Lord's mark between his brows had also reached its peak!

"This is it." Lu Zhao took a deep breath, suppressing his excitement and unease, gripped the Azure Edge Sword in his hand, checked the talismans and pills again, and then stepped into the deep, dark cave that seemed to devour all light.