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

"boom--!!!"

The moment that condensed black light entered his brow and stood alongside the "Demon Lord's Mark," transforming into a gray dragon-shaped mark imbued with the might of an annihilating dragon, Lu Zhao felt as if his sea of ​​consciousness had been swarmed with billions of annihilating stars, instantly submerged and devoured by endless gray-black light, information, power, obsession, and cause and effect!

That was not a simple memory inheritance, but the madness, anger, resentment, and complete understanding and perception of the "Dao" of an ancient ferocious beast and the wielder of the Dao of Annihilation in the last moment of its life, and even the forced infusion of its fragmented original power that had been suppressed for countless millennia!

Although this power was only a tiny fraction of its original form, and had been suppressed over the years, leaving it with only a fraction of its original strength, it was still a terrifying existence as vast as the sea and as violent as thunder to Lu Zhao, who was only at the sixth level of Qi Refining. It was enough to instantly burst and annihilate his soul and body!

"Aaaaaah—!!!"

Lu Zhao let out a long, inhuman howl, a mixture of extreme pain and madness, as if lifted by an invisible force, suspending him in mid-air above the cave. His body trembled violently, and from his seven orifices, streaks of gray-black blood mixed with an eerie gray light seeped continuously. Beneath his skin, blood vessels throbbed and bulged like countless tiny gray snakes, as if they might burst at any moment. His bones emitted a teeth-grinding, grinding sound of shattering, cracking, and then reforming.

Within his sea of ​​consciousness, it was as if it were the end of the world. The newly formed gray dragon-shaped mark repelled and clashed with the original "Demon Lord's Mark," yet also subtly resonated with a strange resonance, stirring up towering waves within his sea of ​​consciousness. The remnant will, obsession, and hatred of the Nine Netherworld Evil Dragon, like the most ferocious poisonous flames, frantically burned and eroded Lu Zhao's self-awareness, attempting to assimilate him, turning him into a monster who knew only revenge, destruction, and annihilation, becoming an extension of its will.

Although the wisp of the Soul Devouring Demon Lord's soul mark was dormant, it seemed to be activated slightly under the stimulation of the Nine Netherworld Evil Dragon mark, emitting a cold, greedy, and seductive fluctuation, as if mocking the defeat of the Nine Netherworld Evil Dragon, or as if luring Lu Zhao to another, more evil and more treacherous path.

"No! I am Lu Zhao! My fate is in my own hands! Not in the hands of Heaven! Not in the hands of demons! And certainly not in the hands of you, you dead worm!!"

In the final moment before his consciousness was about to be completely submerged and torn apart, deep within Lu Zhao's soul, the indomitable will to survive—forged through countless life-and-death trials in Huai Shan Village, Broken Soul Cliff, Qingfeng Town, and the Soul River Ferry—along with the core Daoist concept of "controlling one's own destiny" that he had comprehended in the Illusionary Heart Path and in the "Silent Refinement of the Heart," erupted like an inextinguishable torch in the darkness!

This will is unrelated to good or evil, right or wrong; it is only concerned with the most fundamental desire for the existence of "I"! It is not against the vast power of inheritance, but like a stabilizing force, it firmly anchors Lu Zhao's collapsing self-awareness, so that even under the endless torrent of information, power, and obsession, he remains clear, independent, and still himself!

At the same time, the newborn "vitality" within his body, stimulated by the breakthrough of "Hibernating Dragon," which brought him to the brink of life and death, and the pure life-and-death balancing power remaining in the "Fountain of Life and Death," also played a crucial role. This vitality and balancing power, like the most resilient buffer and harmonizer, flowed through his collapsing body and meridians, striving to repair the damage, balance, guide, and dilute the violently surging power of the annihilating source, preventing it from bursting him apart instantly.

Meanwhile, the inheritances of "Nine Netherworld Annihilation Scripture: Foundation Building Chapter (Fragment)" and "Nine Netherworld Soul Control Technique (Qi Refining Chapter)" seemed to be activated at this moment, operating autonomously. Originally from the Nine Netherworld Path and sharing the same origin as the power of the Nine Netherworld Evil Dragon, they began to frantically absorb, refine, and transform the relatively gentle and easily controlled portion of the power that surged into Lu Zhao's body into Lu Zhao's own purer and more annihilating spiritual power, as well as a deeper understanding of the Dao of "Annihilation" and "Soul Control".

This was an incredibly painful and perilous process, yet it contained a glimmer of hope amidst the desperate situation. Lu Zhao was like walking on a tightrope over a precipice, risking being shattered to pieces and having his soul scattered, while simultaneously frantically seizing and digesting this ancient gift that could drive any cultivator mad.

"Ding! Detection of a massive influx of high-level energy and information... Attempting to guide, absorb, and transform..."

"【Dragon's Hibernation】Experience +100...Experience +200...Breakthrough to Lv7! Gained new trait: 【Dragon's Shedding】-Greatly increased injury recovery speed, and the blood contains a faint dragon's might, which has a slight deterrent effect on beings with a lower life level than oneself."

"【Refining Spirit Technique】Experience +150...Experience +300...Breakthrough to Lv7! Total mental power, concentration, perception range, and control precision have been greatly improved. New ability gained: 【Divine Sense Impact (Weak)】."

"Comprehension of the [Nine Netherworld Annihilation Scripture - Foundation Building Chapter (Fragment)] has been greatly improved... [Annihilation Spiritual Power] has been initially condensed... [Annihilation Finger (Pseudo)] has increased in power... [Touch of Deathly Silence] has been mastered more deeply... [Decaying Spiritual Domain (Prototype)] has been initially stabilized..."

"Comprehension of the [Nine Nether Soul Control Technique (Qi Refining Chapter)] has greatly increased... Proficiency in [Soul Gathering Technique], [Soul Refining Technique], and [Soul Control Technique (Basic)] has greatly increased... Initial mastery of the [Soul Taming] ability."

"Special mark fusion detected... The [Nine Netherworld Evil Dragon Mark (Incomplete)] and the [Demon Lord Mark (Weak)] coexist in the Sea of ​​Consciousness, forming a special balance. Gained weak resistance to [Nirvana Dragon's Might] and [Demon Lord's Perception]. Warning: This state is extremely unstable and may cause unknown consequences."

"Cultivation breakthrough! Early stage of Qi Refining Level 6... Mid stage... Late stage... Peak stage..."

A series of notification sounds, like a storm, rang out in Lu Zhao's nearly chaotic consciousness. But he had no time to look at them closely. All his energy was devoted to fighting the pain, maintaining consciousness, guiding power, and digesting the inheritance.

I don't know how much time passed; it might have been a moment, or it might have been eternity.

As the last wisp of gray-green light in the cave dissipated, and as the half-section of the black dragon claw bone completely turned to dust and scattered in the wind, Lu Zhao's body, which had been suspended in mid-air, finally fell slowly, kneeling on one knee, supporting himself on the ground with one hand, panting heavily.

Sweat, blood, and the gray impurities expelled from his body stained him into a "bloody man." But his eyes shone with an astonishing light, like two cold gray flames rekindled in the ashes.

He slowly stood up. Although he was still covered in blood and his clothes were tattered, his entire aura had undergone a complete transformation!

Previously, his aura was restrained, carrying the agility of a talisman master and a hint of desolate coldness. Now, however, his aura had become deep and heavy, like a lurking abyss, with a faint gray mist swirling around him, within which seemed to move an almost imperceptible dragon-shaped phantom. A dragon's might, originating from the level of life itself and carrying ancient, majestic, desolate, and with a hint of savagery, naturally emanated from him, causing the surrounding air to seem to stagnate. Although this dragon's might was weak, its essence was extremely high, enough to make even Qi Refining stage demonic beasts and cultivators feel an instinctive fear.

His cultivation level had already broken through to the peak of the sixth level of Qi Refining! He was only one step away from the seventh level! Moreover, his foundation was so solid, and his spiritual power was so rich and pure (with obvious annihilation attributes mixed in), that it was several times better than others of the same level! He could even feel that he was only one opportunity away from breaking through to the late stage of Qi Refining.

Within his body, "Dragon's Sleep" reached Lv7, his blood and qi power was as vast as the sea, his vitality was vigorous, his recovery ability was astonishing, and he truly possessed a trace of "dragon" characteristics. "Divine Refinement Technique" Lv7, his mental power surged, and his perception, control, and deduction abilities all reached a new level.

His greatest gains were the initial mastery of that faint wisp of annihilation's primordial power and a new level of understanding of the "Nine Nether Annihilation Scripture" and the "Nine Nether Soul Control Technique." He could even sense that the newly formed gray dragon-shaped mark between his brows, alongside the "Demon Lord's Mark," contained a deeper level of mystery about the Great Dao of "annihilation," and... that heavy, ancient "cause and effect."

He attempted to mobilize a sliver of power. With a thought, a wisp of annihilating energy, as condensed as a tangible substance and seemingly containing a swirling gray dragon shadow, appeared at his fingertips. Its purity, refinement, and the "annihilation" Daoist essence it contained far exceeded that of before by more than ten times! He was confident that if he were to use the "Annihilation Finger (Pseudo)" again now, its power would be enough to threaten or even severely injure cultivators at the eighth or ninth level of Qi Refining! It might even cause some interference to those in the Foundation Establishment stage.

"Is this... the power of inheritance?" Lu Zhao clenched his fist, feeling the unprecedentedly powerful force surging within him. Yet, he felt little joy, only a chilling heaviness. Power comes with responsibility, or rather, cause and effect. He clearly sensed an inextricable and profound connection between himself and the suppressed remnant soul of the "Nine Netherworld Evil Dragon," the divided soul of the "Soul-Devouring Demon Lord," the traitorous forces of the Nine Netherworld Path undergoing a blood sacrifice, and even the entire Path of Annihilation.

"Exterminate the traitors...reclaim power...bring annihilation back..." The Nine Nether Dragon's final obsession was like a brand, deeply etched into his soul. This was not the path he had chosen, but it seemed he had no other choice.

"At least, I now have greater power to deal with the crisis before me, to seek the truth, and... to take control of my own destiny." Lu Zhao's eyes regained their resolve. He checked his condition and found that apart from external injuries and exhaustion, he was fine. He changed into clean clothes and carefully collected and stored the few strange gray-green plants in the cave (which seemed to be spiritual herbs nourished by the "Fountain of Life and Death" and the aura of the dragon claw's finger bones).

Finally, he glanced at the dried-up "Spring of Life and Death" pool, now only a trace of its source, and the indentation left on the rock wall where the dragon's claw bones had disappeared, and bowed deeply.

"Senior, the inheritance has been received, and the cause and effect have been borne. This junior will do my utmost."

After the ceremony, he turned and left the mysterious cave that had given him new life and strength, but also brought him endless cause and effect and responsibility.

Returning along the path he had come from, as he passed the smaller "Spring of Life and Death" depression again, he noticed that the spring water there also seemed much dimmer and thinner, clearly related to the changes in the core cave. He did not stop and continued outwards.

When he finally emerged from that deep, winding ravine and saw once again the gloomy sky and pervasive atmosphere of decay in the "Dead Wasteland," he felt as if he had been transported to another world. At the bottom of the ravine, time seemed to flow exceptionally slowly, or perhaps the process of inheritance distorted the perception of time.

He looked up towards the direction of the "Nine Nether Altar." Gazing into the distance, he could only see the dark red blood clouds still churning at the horizon, but the blood-red light and violent energy fluctuations that had previously soared into the sky seemed to have subsided and subsided considerably. Only from the depths of the earth could one occasionally hear a faint, unwilling tremor and a dragon's roar.

"Is the blood sacrifice... temporarily suppressed? Or... partially completed?" Lu Zhao pondered. Judging from the previous situation, because he destroyed the soul pillar, causing the ritual to become disordered, coupled with the frenzied counterattack of the "Nine Nether Dragon's" remnant soul, the blood sacrifice was likely interrupted or severely hindered. However, the chief priest was a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator and came prepared, so he probably wouldn't give up easily. Perhaps, they were regrouping, preparing for the next assault.

"We must leave the secret realm as soon as possible and report the situation here, especially the truth about the blood sacrifice, the Nine Nether Dragon, the Soul Devouring Demon Lord, and the traitor of the Nine Nether Path, to the sect!" Lu Zhao knew the seriousness of the matter. This was no longer a simple secret realm exploration and resource competition, but a huge conspiracy concerning the survival of the secret realm and possibly even affecting the outside world.

However, just as he was figuring out the direction and preparing to head to the area where the secret realm's exit was located (which would be automatically teleported to after one month according to the information he received upon entry), a sudden change occurred!

It didn't come from the direction of the altar, but from... the relatively intact Nine Nether Token in his arms, and the newly formed gray dragon-shaped mark between his brows!

Simultaneously, both emanated a strong, clearly guiding tremor and resonance! The direction wasn't the exit of the secret realm, but rather... a deeper, more central location within the "Nine Nether Altar"! It was as if something there was powerfully calling out to, drawing in these two items so closely connected to "Nine Nether" and "Annihilation"!

At the same time, a vague but urgent message emanated from the dragon-shaped mark, as if the remaining will of the Nine Netherworld Dragon was making its final "last gasp":

"Core...beneath the altar...'The Reverse Scale of the Nether Dragon'...sealed...key...obtaining it...can control...the altar...delay...the blood sacrifice..."

The Dragon's Reverse Scale? Beneath the Altar? The Key to the Seal? Obtaining it can balance the Altar and delay the blood sacrifice?

Lu Zhao's heart skipped a beat. This was undoubtedly the key item to turn the tide! It was very likely the reverse scale left behind by the Nine Nether Dragon's true form, containing its core power or authority, suppressed beneath the altar as part of the seal, or perhaps, the key to controlling the altar! If he could obtain it, it might truly cause a huge disruption to the blood sacrifice, or even... find a way to completely destroy it?

However... that's the core area of ​​the blood sacrifice! There are high priests in the late Foundation Establishment stage, priests and guards in the early Foundation Establishment stage, and thousands of black-robed believers! With his current strength, even if he breaks through to the peak of the sixth level of Qi Refining and masters a stronger power of annihilation, rushing in would be a nine-out-of-ten chance of death, or even a ten-out-of-ten chance of death!

Should we immediately head to a relatively safe area, wait for the secret realm to automatically teleport us away, and bring the information back to the sect for further consideration?

Or should they risk infiltrating the core of the altar to try and seize the "Dragon's Reverse Scale," hoping to gain a chance to stop the blood sacrifice and also to add a crucial trump card to their future battles against these forces?

The former is safer, but it may miss a golden opportunity. By the time the sect reacts, the blood sacrifice may have already been completed, the evil demon may have been born, the secret realm may have collapsed, and all living beings may have perished.

The latter is extremely dangerous, almost tantamount to suicide, but if successful, the benefits are enormous. It can not only delay or even destroy the blood sacrifice, but also obtain key treasures, which will have immeasurable benefits on one's own strength and future path.

Lu Zhao stood in the wind of the wasteland, the gray-black mist of decay brushing against his face. He looked towards the altar, then towards the general direction of the secret realm's exit, his eyes flashing intensely.

The power of inheritance surged within his body, the obsession of the Nine Netherworld Dragon roared in his soul, and his own Daoist belief in "controlling destiny" resonated in his heart.

A few breaths later, a resolute glint flashed in his eyes.

"We've come all this way... how can we leave empty-handed and watch disaster strike?"

"The inheritance has been received, the karmic consequences have been borne. This 'Dragon's Reverse Scale' may be the key to breaking the deadlock!"

"Besides... with my current concealment techniques and annihilation power, there might still be a sliver of a chance..."

Without further hesitation, he changed direction, pushing the [Return to Nothingness Concealment Technique] to its unprecedented limit. Simultaneously, he channeled a wisp of energy from the dragon-shaped mark between his brows, covering his entire body to simulate a near-perfect, utterly still and silent aura that blended seamlessly with the surrounding environment. His figure transformed into a faint, almost indistinguishable shadow against the gray backdrop, stealthily making its way towards the core area of ​​the "Nine Nether Altar," shrouded in dark red blood clouds and fraught with peril.