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

Deep within the city lord's mansion in Blackrock City, in a forbidden room shrouded by layers of restrictions.

The bright lights dispelled the gloom of the battle, but could not dispel the heaviness and weariness that permeated the air. A faint smell of blood and burnt flesh still lingered in the air, and from outside the tightly closed windows, one could vaguely hear the commotion, weeping, and the clamor of clearing ruins and treating the wounded from within the city.

The atmosphere in the quiet room was solemn. Liu Xuanfeng, Fairy Bibo, and Tieshan, three Golden Core cultivators, sat at the head of the table, while the Black Rock City Lord sat below them, all with grave expressions. Lu Zhao stood in the center of the hall. His injuries had been initially treated by Fairy Bibo's exquisite hydrotherapy technique, and he had changed into a clean blue robe, but his face was still somewhat pale, and his breath was quite weak.

"So, the remnant soul of the 'Nine Nether Demon Dragon' wasn't completely purified, but is likely lurking deep within the earth's veins, waiting for an opportunity to rise again?" After listening to Lu Zhao's (who omitted some details about his cultivation technique and the specific process of his transaction with the Yin Skull cultivator) and Black Rock City Lord's supplementary accounts, Liu Xuanfeng stroked his long beard and pondered. He had sensed something before, and now that it was confirmed, his worries deepened.

"That's right, Master Liu," the Black Rock City Lord hurriedly replied, his face filled with lingering fear and resentment. "That demonic creature's self-destruction appeared to have destroyed both its body and soul, but its core remnant soul possessed extremely high essence and absorbed the blood and resentment of countless living beings, making it difficult to erase easily. After the self-destruction, the demonic energy did not completely dissipate; instead, it penetrated deep into the earth, polluting the spiritual energy of the earth's veins within a radius of dozens of miles. I worry that, given time, that remnant soul may recover under the nourishment of the demonic energy underground, or combine with the remaining demonic creatures, potentially causing further disaster."

The Azure Wave Fairy frowned slightly, her voice gentle yet tinged with gravity: "Not only that. Although the Netherworld Sect has temporarily retreated after this battle, the Blood Bone Demon has escaped. Although his plot to refine the body of a demonic dragon has been thwarted, it is hard to guarantee that he won't make a comeback. This place is located at the intersection of the three sects and has become a place polluted by demonic energy. If it is not dealt with in time, it may attract more evil spirits and heretics, or breed new demonic creatures, causing endless harm."

Tieshan hummed, "Hmph! Those rats of the Netherworld Sect only know how to hide their heads and tails, committing such heinous acts! Senior Brother Liu, why don't the three of us join forces and use the 'Three Talents Purifying Demon Formation' to purify the demonic energy here, and then search carefully to see if we can completely find and destroy that remnant soul of the demonic dragon!"

Liu Xuanfeng slowly shook his head: "Junior Brother Tieshan, the Demon Purification Array consumes a huge amount of resources, which cannot be accomplished in a day, and requires a large number of spiritual items. At present, the demonic shadow has self-destructed, and the remnant soul is hiding, making it difficult to find. If we rashly set up the array, I'm afraid it will be counterproductive. The most urgent task is to stabilize Black Rock City, treat the wounded, and clear out the remaining demonic creatures in the outer area to prevent them from spreading and causing trouble. As for purifying the ley lines and searching for the remnant soul, we need to plan this carefully and make a decision after informing the sect."

He paused, then turned his gaze to Lu Zhao, his eyes becoming profound: "Young friend Lu, you just mentioned that before the demon self-destructed, it showed you an unusual greed, and even stirred some kind of... special aura within you?"

It's here. Lu Zhao felt a slight chill in his heart, knowing that there was no way to avoid this matter. When he recounted his previous account, he did not hide the special "attention" that the demonic shadow paid to him, but he was vague about the specific source and nature of the dragon energy in his body.

"Reporting to the True Immortal," Lu Zhao said respectfully, cupping his hands, "the cultivation technique I practice is called the 'Nirvana Heavenly Technique,' a body-refining method I obtained by chance, imbued with spiritual power of the annihilation attribute. This technique is quite peculiar; perhaps it is because of that annihilation power that it has a restraining effect on demonic creatures, or perhaps it is because I have been tainted by some aura from the Earthly Origin Grotto-Heaven that it attracted the special 'attention' of that demonic remnant soul."

He attributed everything to the "accidental acquisition" of the "Silent Heaven Technique" and the "certain aura" of the Earthly Origin Grotto-Heaven. The Earthly Origin Grotto-Heaven was mysterious and unpredictable; it was perfectly plausible that it possessed some strange inheritance or was imbued with a special aura. As for the dragon aura, he didn't mention it at all.

"The Annihilation Heavenly Art?" A thoughtful look flashed in Liu Xuanfeng's eyes, as if he were recalling this technique. After a moment, he nodded slightly. "I seem to have heard of this technique before. It is said to be related to a certain powerful being from ancient times. It does indeed possess the power of annihilation and destruction, and it is effective in restraining evil and demonic creatures. That makes sense."

He abruptly changed the subject, his gaze seemingly penetrating Lu Zhao's body, reaching his meridians and dantian: "However, I observe that within you, young friend, there seems to be more than just the power of annihilation. When resisting the impact of that demonic will, and finally withstanding the Blood Sea Domain of the Blood Bone Demon, you exuded a dragon's roar, and a majestic and righteous aura, containing the intent of a ruler, emanated from you. It seems... it's not purely the attribute of annihilation?"

Lu Zhao's heart tightened, realizing that this sword master at the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm truly possessed keen insight. While the Annihilation Dragon Qi could be concealed, the Dark Golden Dragon Emperor Qi had inevitably leaked a trace when he unleashed his full power. His mind raced, but he feigned surprise and a hint of realization: "True Master, your insight is truly remarkable. To be honest, I once stumbled upon an ancient ruin. Besides the 'Annihilation Heavenly Art,' I also managed to obtain a drop of ancient dragon essence blood, which I refined into my body. Therefore, I possess a faint trace of dragon Qi within me. This matter involves my secrets, and since the dragon Qi is faint, it only occasionally aids in combat. Therefore, I dared not speak of it before. I hope you will forgive me, True Master."

He attributed the source of the Dark Gold Dragon Emperor's aura to "Ancient Dragon Essence Blood." Although Ancient Dragon Essence Blood is rare, it is not uncommon in the cultivation world, and some top-tier body-refining techniques or secret arts even specifically seek it out. This explanation is much more reliable than simply stating "Dark Gold Dragon Emperor's aura," and it also explains his formidable physical strength and his certain restraint against demonic creatures.

"Ancient Dragon Essence Blood?" A strange light flashed in Fairy Bibo's beautiful eyes as she carefully examined Lu Zhao. She said softly, "No wonder young friend Lu was able to withstand a blow from the Pseudo-Core Formation Demon with his peak Foundation Establishment cultivation. His physical strength and vitality far surpass those of others at the same level. So he has such an opportunity. Such a treasure for body refinement is rare and hard to come by. Young friend, you are truly blessed."

Tieshan grinned and said in a deep voice, "Haha, so that's how it is! I knew it! How could an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator withstand that old bastard Xue Gu's blood claws? So he's a body cultivator who has refined the ancient dragon's blood essence! Not bad, he's a real man!"

Liu Xuanfeng's doubts lessened slightly, but did not completely disappear. Ancient dragon blood essence could indeed explain some of the dragon energy, but the aura of "majestic and righteous, implying the will of an emperor" emanating from Lu Zhao seemed different from some of the body cultivators he knew who had refined dragon blood. It was purer, more... noble? However, the world is full of wonders. Perhaps it was due to the special nature of his cultivation method, or perhaps the ancient dragon blood essence had an extraordinary origin.

He didn't delve any deeper, after all, everyone has their own opportunities and secrets, and as long as it wasn't demonic, it wouldn't be a big deal. Moreover, Lu Zhao's sense of responsibility, courage, and strength in defending the city and raiding the demonic shadow had earned him his approval.

"I see. Young friend, you are truly blessed, and even more commendable is your resolute character and fearlessness in the face of danger. You deserve the greatest credit for severely injuring the demon and thwarting the Netherworld Sect's conspiracy." Liu Xuanfeng nodded slightly, acknowledging Lu Zhao's explanation. "The fact that the remnant dragon's soul so thirsted for the dragon energy within you might also be related to the ancient dragon essence blood you refined. Dragons share the same origin, and high-grade dragon energy does indeed have an irresistible attraction for low-level dragon remnant souls, potentially even aiding their recovery or evolution. Young friend, you must be careful in the future; the Netherworld Sect might target you because of this."

Lu Zhao's heart skipped a beat, and he clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Thank you for the reminder, Master. I will remember it."

Liu Xuanfeng pondered for a moment and said, "Although the demonic shadow has retreated, the hidden dangers have not been eliminated. The demonic energy here is severely polluted, remnant souls lurk, and the remaining demonic creatures have not been eradicated. The three of us need to stay here for the time being to guard Black Rock City. On the one hand, we need to help the city lord stabilize the situation, clear out the demonic creatures, and purify some of the shallow demonic energy; on the other hand, we also need to carefully examine the ley lines and search for traces of the demonic dragon's remnant soul to prevent it from rising from the ashes."

He looked at Lu Zhao: "Young friend Lu, your injuries are quite severe, and the dragon aura on your body may attract the attention of the remnant soul and the Netherworld Sect. It is not advisable to leave Blackrock City in the short term. It would be better to stay in the city to recuperate for the time being, and leave after we have preliminarily purified this place and confirmed its safety. In the meantime, if you need anything, or if you discover anything about that demon or the Netherworld Sect, you may inform me at any time."

This is both protection and a disguised form of "observation" and "restriction." After all, there are many suspicious points about Lu Zhao, and he has a special connection with the remnant soul of the Demon Shadow. Liu Xuanfeng cannot completely trust him to leave. Staying in Black Rock City, under the watchful eyes of the three Golden Core cultivators, is both safe and convenient for monitoring.

Lu Zhao naturally understood the key points, but his injuries were not yet healed, and he was also wary of the possibly lurking remnant soul of the demonic dragon. Staying in Black Rock City, where a Golden Core cultivator was stationed, was undoubtedly the best choice. He immediately bowed and said, "I will follow your arrangements, Master. This junior needs time to heal and stabilize my injuries, and I am willing to stay in Black Rock City for the time being, awaiting your orders."

"Very well." Liu Xuanfeng nodded and said to the Black Rock City Lord, "City Lord Li, young friend Lu will be staying with you temporarily. Please take good care of him and do not neglect him. The medicinal resources he needs can be drawn from the treasury as appropriate and counted under the jurisdiction of my Xuantian Sword Sect."

The Lord of Blackrock City quickly agreed: "Rest assured, Master. Fellow Daoist Lu is a benefactor of Blackrock City. This junior will certainly treat him with utmost sincerity."

"Alright, you may all step back now. Young friend Lu, your injuries are quite severe, please rest early. Junior sister Bibo, I will trouble you to use the Cloud Dream Dew to help the wounded in the city recover as quickly as possible. Junior brother Tieshan, come with me to patrol the surrounding area, clear out the remaining demons, and investigate the ley lines," Liu Xuanfeng instructed.

"Yes." The group acknowledged the order and withdrew.

Leaving the quiet room and walking through the corridors of the city lord's mansion, which were still filled with the smell of burnt blood, Lu Zhao's thoughts were in turmoil.

The crisis was temporarily averted, but a greater hidden danger had already been sown. The remnant soul of the demonic dragon lurked, the Netherworld Sect was eyeing it covetously, and the secret of the dragon energy within his own body had also attracted the attention of a Golden Core cultivator. Although he had temporarily dealt with the situation, Liu Xuanfeng's last glance clearly did not completely dispel his doubts.

"Strength... I'm still not strong enough!" Lu Zhao clenched his fists. If the three Golden Core cultivators hadn't arrived in time, he would probably be dead at the hands of the Blood Bone Demon. A fake Golden Core and a fake Golden Core seem like a small step apart, but in reality, they are worlds apart. And above the Golden Core are the Nascent Soul, the Divine Transformation...

"I must heal my injuries as soon as possible, and then... attempt a breakthrough!" A resolute glint flashed in Lu Zhao's eyes. The fusion of the *Nirvana Heavenly Art* and the *True Dragon Hundred Transformations* granted him combat power far exceeding that of his peers, but it also significantly increased the difficulty of his breakthrough. However, after today's life-or-death struggle with the False Core Demon and the clash of wills with the remnant soul of the Demon Shadow, he felt that his bottleneck had loosened, especially the Nirvana Dragon Qi, which, under extreme pressure, seemed to have gained new insights.

"And that remnant soul of the demonic dragon..." Lu Zhao frowned slightly, recalling the demonic shadow's greedy gaze and the strange fluctuations of dragon energy within his body. This remnant soul was a huge threat to him, but conversely, could it also contain some kind of... opportunity? After all, it was the remnant soul of the "Nine Nether Demonic Dragon," and although it was evil and chaotic, its essence was still that of a "dragon"!

The thought, once it arose, sprouted in his heart like a weed. But he immediately suppressed it. This matter was far too dangerous. Not to mention the terrifying nature of the remnant soul itself, if Liu Xuanfeng and the others discovered that he had such a thought, he would probably be immediately treated as a heretic.

"The most urgent task is to restore our strength. Then... during our time in Blackrock City, we might be able to use the power of the Xuantian Sword Sect to learn more about the 'Nine Nether Demon Dragon' and the Netherworld Sect. At the same time, we also need to find a way to further hide and control the dragon energy within our bodies."

As he was pondering this, the servant who had been leading the way brought him to a secluded courtyard.

"Senior Lu, this is a quiet room prepared for you by the city lord. It has simple restrictions and is quite peaceful, suitable for healing. Please feel free to ask if you need anything," the servant said respectfully.

Lu Zhao nodded his thanks and stepped into the courtyard. The furnishings were simple, but spotless, clearly the result of careful preparation. He activated the protective barrier, sat cross-legged in the quiet room, took out a pill, swallowed it, and began to circulate his internal energy to heal his injuries.

Outside the window, the night in Blackrock City remained deep, but the clamor and weeping within the city were gradually being replaced by a weariness of surviving a catastrophe and a determination to rebuild their homes. In the distant wilderness, demonic energy still permeated the air, and in the dark depths beneath the scorched earth, a barely perceptible will, filled with resentment and greed, lurked like a venomous snake, waiting for its chance to revive.

A storm may seem to have subsided, but undercurrents are already stirring deeper underground.