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

Blackrock City, the detached courtyard of the city lord's mansion.

Inside the quiet room, Lu Zhao sat cross-legged, his eyes slightly closed, his aura fluctuating. The battle with the Blood Bone Demon, especially the head-on clash with the "Boundless Blood Sea" domain and the impact of the demonic shadow's will, had injured his internal organs and caused some tremors in his meridians. In addition, his spiritual energy had been greatly depleted, and he was at his weakest moment.

He took out several top-grade healing pills from the Earthly Origin Grotto and swallowed them without hesitation. The pills entered his stomach, transforming into warm, pure medicinal power that flowed throughout his limbs and bones, nourishing his damaged meridians and internal organs. Simultaneously, he circulated the *Nirvana Heavenly Art*, the Nirvana Dragon Qi flowing slowly through his meridians. Wherever it passed, the subtle, hidden injuries caused by demonic energy erosion and the impact of power were quietly smoothed and repaired by the wisps of Nirvana power. The dark golden dragon qi, like a warm current, protected his heart and dantian, accelerating the absorption of the medicinal power and transforming it into vibrant life force.

Nirvana is the essence of "destruction" and "annihilation," but in Lu Zhao's understanding, the end of destruction is also the beginning of rebirth. At this moment, he is using the power of Nirvana to repair himself, which is in line with the concept of "destruction before construction." The effect of the repair is much better than simply relying on pills and gentle spiritual energy.

Time passed slowly in silent healing. The city lord's mansion delivered spiritual food and water, but Lu Zhao did not touch them; what he needed now was absolute tranquility. Liu Xuanfeng and the others seemed busy clearing away demons, purifying the ley lines, and stabilizing the city, and did not come to disturb him again.

Three days later, Lu Zhao slowly opened his eyes in the quiet room. A flash of brilliance appeared in his eyes, which then returned to calm. He stood up, his bones crackling softly. His injuries had mostly healed, and his depleted spiritual energy had been largely restored. In fact, he had even benefited from the misfortune; in the life-or-death battle with the fake Core Formation Demon, his application of power and understanding of the essence of the art had improved. He seemed to be only one step away from the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment.

"The power of annihilation, new life is contained within destruction... and the imperial nourishment of the Dark Gold Dragon Emperor's Qi, one destroys and the other establishes, complementing each other. This injury has actually deepened my understanding of this path." Lu Zhao looked inward at himself, feeling the dual dragon Qi within his body becoming more refined and flowing smoothly, and thought to himself.

Once his injuries had healed, he began to consider his next stage of cultivation. The bottleneck to the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment had loosened, but Lu Zhao was not in a hurry to break through immediately. He deeply understood the importance of a solid foundation, especially on the path of cultivating both dragon energy simultaneously; every breakthrough required utmost caution and a pursuit of perfection.

"The most urgent task is to further enhance the strength of one's divine sense in preparation for forming the core. At the same time, we must also find a way to conceal the dragon energy within our bodies, especially the dark gold dragon emperor's energy, so as not to attract unnecessary trouble or be sensed by the lurking remnant soul of the demonic dragon."

The most direct and effective way to enhance one's spiritual sense, besides the natural growth brought about by breakthroughs in cultivation realm, is to consume pills that nourish and strengthen the soul, or to cultivate secret techniques for enhancing the soul. As for pills, he does have a few spiritual herbs obtained from the Earthly Origin Grotto-heaven, but he lacks suitable pill formulas, and this place is not a place for alchemy.

As for the secret techniques of the soul, both the "Silent Annihilation Heavenly Art" and the "True Dragon Hundred Transformations" focus on body refinement and the use of spiritual power. Although they involve the soul, there is no specific cultivation method for them. The Earth Origin Sect may have one, but he is currently far away in Black Rock City.

"Perhaps... I could pay a visit to Fairy Bibo?" Lu Zhao's heart stirred. Fairy Bibo came from the Yunmeng Sect, which was famous for its water magic, alchemy, and healing. Perhaps she had unique skills in nourishing the soul, or knew relevant information. Moreover, Fairy Bibo had a gentle temperament and seemed easier to get along with than the aloof Liu Xuanfeng and the rough and tough Tieshan.

Without hesitation, Lu Zhao straightened his robes, stepped out of the meditation room, and inquired of the servants about the whereabouts of Fairy Bibo. He learned that Fairy Bibo was in the backyard of the City Lord's Mansion, using Cloud Dream Dew in conjunction with elixirs to treat severely injured cultivators and mortals.

Lu Zhao arrived at the backyard and saw numerous makeshift tents erected there, where many injured cultivators and mortals lay, their groans and cries filling the air. The Azure Wave Fairy, dressed in a light blue palace gown, stood in the courtyard, her hands outstretched, a blue pearl in her palm emitting a soft light. A light blue, life-giving rain fell gently from the sky, landing on the wounded, their wounds healing at a visible speed, their breathing stabilizing. Many low-level cultivators and healers were busy working under her direction.

Upon seeing Lu Zhao approach, Fairy Bibo nodded slightly, her hands still forming hand seals, and her gentle voice rang out: "Young friend Lu, how are your injuries?"

Lu Zhao stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "Thank you for your concern, Fairy. My injuries are no longer serious. Fairy is merciful and has done a great deed in healing the wounded."

The Fairy of Azure Waves smiled faintly: "It's just my duty. Young friend, has something come of this?"

Lu Zhaodao said, "To be honest, after experiencing this great battle, I deeply feel that my spiritual cultivation is still insufficient. I have heard that Yunmeng Sect has made great achievements in alchemy and nourishing the soul, so I have taken the liberty of coming here to ask you if you have any pills suitable for Foundation Establishment cultivators to take that can strengthen the soul, or any related pill formulas or clues? I am willing to exchange them for something of equal value."

The Azure Wave Fairy's hands continued to perform incantations, her gaze sweeping over Lu Zhao. Seeing his steady aura and confirmed recovery from his injuries, a hint of approval flashed in her eyes. After a moment's thought, she said, "Pills that nourish and strengthen the soul are indeed precious in the cultivation world, and their formulas are closely guarded secrets. Although my Cloud Dream Sect has several such formulas, the main ingredients required are all extraordinary, and they are not easy to refine."

She paused, noticing Lu Zhao's disappointed expression, and continued, "However, judging from your aura, young friend, you seem to possess the blood and energy of a dragon, and your physical foundation is extremely solid. If so, ordinary pills for nourishing the soul might have limited effect on you. But there is a lesser-known pill called the 'Soul-Nourishing and Spirit-Refining Pill,' which doesn't directly strengthen the soul, but rather uses its medicinal power to cleanse and temper it, making it more refined and condensed, able to withstand stronger impacts. It has remarkable effects on cultivators who follow the path of body refinement or those with abundant blood and energy, and is especially suitable for preparing for the soul transformation before Core Formation. Although the main ingredients required for this pill are also precious, one of its core auxiliary ingredients, the 'Soul-Stabilizing Flower,' might be found here."

"Soul-Nourishing and Spirit-Refining Pill? Soul-Stabilizing Flower?" Lu Zhao's spirits lifted, and he quickly asked, "Please enlighten me, Fairy."

Fairy Bibo said, "This pill was created by a senior of my Yunmeng Sect. The formula isn't top secret, but the refining process is quite difficult, requiring at least a third-grade alchemist to attempt it. As for the 'Soul-Stabilizing Flower,' this plant thrives in cold, yin-heavy environments, often growing where yin energy converges in the earth's veins, or deep within ancient battlefields and great tombs. It has the effect of calming the mind and nourishing the soul. Near Black Rock City, after this battle, demonic energy has polluted the earth's veins, causing disorder and a convergence of yin energy. Especially deep within the giant crater formed by the demon's self-destruction, the earth's veins have been eroded by demonic energy, which may give birth to such a wondrous thing. However, the demonic energy there hasn't dissipated, making it extremely dangerous. There are remnants of demons lurking there, and the remnant soul of the demonic dragon may also be hiding. Even a Foundation Establishment cultivator would face a near-death experience if they ventured in rashly."

Fairy Bibo looked at Lu Zhao and said meaningfully, "I know that you are quite capable and courageous. But you should proceed with caution in such a dangerous place. Even if you find the Soul-Stabilizing Flower and refine the Soul-Nourishing and Spirit-Refining Pill, you will need to find a trustworthy third-grade alchemist to do it, and the success rate cannot be guaranteed."

Lu Zhao's mind raced. The depths of the demonic energy crater were indeed extremely dangerous, but the effects of the "Soul Nourishing and Spirit Refining Pill" seemed perfectly suited to his current needs. Tempering and refining his soul, making it purer and more condensed, was key to laying a solid foundation for core formation. As for danger… where on the path of cultivation is there no danger? Opportunities often coexist with risks.

"Thank you for your guidance, Fairy." Lu Zhao sincerely thanked her. "I will consider it carefully. May I ask if you could tell me the recipe for the 'Soul Nourishing and Spirit Refining Pill'? I am willing to exchange it for spirit stones or other items."

Fairy Bibo shook her head: "The pill formula involves sect secrets and cannot be disclosed. However, if you can find enough Soul-Stabilizing Flowers, I can arrange for a sect alchemist to refine a batch for you. You will receive 30% of the finished pills. How about that?"

The terms weren't particularly generous, but considering the preciousness of the formula and the difficulty of its preparation, and the fact that Fairy Bibo had offered to help with the process, it was already quite kind. After all, third-grade alchemists weren't exactly commonplace; even within the Yunmeng Sect, they held a highly respected position.

Lu Zhao pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement: "In that case, thank you, Fairy. But I wonder how long you and the other immortals will remain here? And if I wish to investigate the vicinity of that giant pit, what should I be aware of?"

Fairy Bibo said, "Senior Brother Liu, Senior Brother Tieshan, and I need to stay here for at least a month. Firstly, to stabilize morale; secondly, to gradually purify the shallow demonic energy; and thirdly, to search for clues about the remnant soul of the demonic dragon. As for that giant pit…" She hesitated for a moment, "Senior Brother Liu once used his divine sense to investigate and found that the demonic energy at the bottom of the pit was extremely dense, and there were signs of spatial instability. It seems that a small demonic cave is forming, and powerful demonic creatures may be breeding within it. If you want to go, it's best to wait until Senior Brother Liu or Senior Brother Tieshan's next patrol and go with them to investigate the outer perimeter. Never venture into the core alone. Also…"

She glanced at Lu Zhao and reminded him, "You possess dragon energy, which is like a beacon in the darkness for that remnant demonic dragon soul. If it hasn't completely subsided, your approach to the giant pit could very well trigger it again. At that time, you might be in mortal danger, and it could even interfere with Senior Brother Liu and the others' purification search. You need to consider this matter carefully."

Lu Zhao's heart tightened, and he solemnly said, "This junior understands, thank you for the reminder, Fairy." Fairy Bibo's words were both a reminder and a warning. If he were to venture into dangerous territory under the watchful eyes of Liu Xuanfeng and the others because of his greed for the "Soul-Stabilizing Flower," and arouse the remnant soul of the demonic dragon, causing unpredictable consequences, he would probably not have a good outcome.

Leaving the backyard, Lu Zhao returned to the villa, already having made his plans. He was determined to obtain the "Soul Nourishing and Spirit Refining Pill," but he absolutely could not act rashly. He needed to wait for the right opportunity, ideally when he could openly investigate the vicinity of the giant pit while accompanying Liu Xuanfeng or Tieshan on their patrol, and act accordingly. Before that, he needed to continue to solidify his cultivation, while simultaneously finding a way to further control and conceal the dragon energy within his body.

In the days that followed, Lu Zhao kept to himself and spent most of his time cultivating in his quiet room. When he occasionally went out into the city lord's mansion, he would usually ask the cultivators in charge of cleaning and repairing the area for information, or talk with the Black Rock City Lord and several family heads to learn more about the current demonic tide, the Netherworld Cult, and the geography and legends surrounding Black Rock City.

From the Black Rock City Lord, Lu Zhao learned that the giant crater formed by the demon's self-destruction had been temporarily sealed off by True Person Liu Xuanfeng using a demon-sealing talisman to prevent the spread of demonic energy and the escape of powerful demons. However, the outer dozens of miles remained heavily polluted by demonic energy, breeding many new and bizarre demonic creatures that required regular eradication. Liu Xuanfeng and his two companions took turns going out daily to patrol and purify the area.

As for the legend of the "Nine Netherworld Dragon," the Black Rock City Lord knew only a limited amount, only that it was a notorious dragon from ancient times, later slain by a powerful being, its remnant soul suppressed. How the Netherworld Cult found and exploited it remained unknown.

On this day, Lu Zhao was meditating in his quiet room, trying to integrate a trace of the power of annihilation into his swordsmanship, when a servant's respectful voice suddenly came from outside the door: "Senior Lu, Master Liu requests your presence, saying he has something to ask you."

Lu Zhao's heart skipped a beat, and he stopped his cultivation and stood up. Liu Xuanfeng was looking for him? Was it about the remnant soul of the demonic dragon, or...?

He straightened his robes and, accompanied by a servant, returned to the quiet room where Liu Xuanfeng was temporarily residing. Besides Liu Xuanfeng, Tieshan was also present.

"Junior Lu Zhao greets Master Liu and Senior Tieshan." Lu Zhao bowed.

Liu Xuanfeng nodded slightly, looking at him calmly: "Young friend Lu, have your injuries fully healed?"

"Thanks to the blessings of the three seniors, I am now out of danger."

"Hmm," Liu Xuanfeng said, "I summoned you here today because there is something I may need your help with."

Lu Zhao was slightly surprised: "Please give your instructions, Master. I will do my best to assist you."

Liu Xuanfeng said, "My junior brother Tieshan and I have been using our divine sense to explore the depths of that giant pit for days. We discovered that demonic energy is entrenched there, forming several small demonic lairs, which have bred several rather troublesome third-tier demonic creatures. These demonic creatures rely on these lairs, making them difficult to eliminate. What's even more troublesome is that at the deepest part of that giant pit, the demonic energy is so dense that it's almost tangible, forming a demonic swamp that's difficult to penetrate with divine sense. We suspect that the remnant soul of that demonic dragon may very well be lurking in that demonic swamp, using the demonic energy to recover."

He paused, then continued, "I intend to join forces with Junior Brother Tieshan in three days to enter the depths of the giant pit, wipe out the demonic creatures, and attempt to purify the demonic swamp with the 'Dual-Pole Magnetic Divine Light,' forcing out or severely injuring the remnant soul of the demonic dragon. However, that remnant soul is exceptionally sensitive to the dragon energy within your body. If you approach, you might be able to use yourself as bait to lure it out, or at least cause its aura to fluctuate, making it easier for us to pinpoint its location and purify it."

Lu Zhao's heart skipped a beat. As expected! Liu Xuanfeng wanted to use his attraction to the remnant soul of the demonic dragon to set a trap! This was undoubtedly extremely dangerous. The depths of the demonic swamp were bound to be fraught with peril, and the slightest mistake would mean annihilation.

"Of course, this matter is extremely dangerous." Liu Xuanfeng looked at Lu Zhao and said slowly, "You are not a disciple of my Xuantian Sword Sect, and I have no right to order you around. You are free to refuse, and I will not force you. You can still stay in Black Rock City, and we can leave after we have finished dealing with matters here. But if you are willing to help..."

His gaze deepened: "I promise that, regardless of success or failure, you will be allowed to view all the jade slips containing body-refining techniques, swordsmanship, and movement techniques in the outer sect's scripture pavilion of my Xuantian Sword Sect for three days, excluding the core inheritance. If you successfully force out or severely injure the remnant soul, I can grant you a drop of 'Ten-Thousand-Year-Old Stalactite,' which has the miraculous effects of cleansing the marrow, stabilizing the foundation, and assisting in the formation of the Golden Core, and should greatly benefit you. In addition, regarding the 'Soul-Nourishing and Spirit-Refining Pill' mentioned by Junior Sister Bibo, if you gather all the materials, I can ask the sect's alchemy master to personally refine it for you, and guarantee at least five pills will be successfully made, three of which I will give you."

"Hiss..." Tie Shan, standing nearby, couldn't help but gasp, his eyes filled with envy as he looked at Lu Zhao. The Xuan Tian Sword Sect's outer sect library, though not as grand as the inner sect's, still possessed a collection far exceeding that of ordinary sects, especially its sword techniques and body-refining methods, which were truly exceptional. The "Ten-Thousand-Year-Old Stalactite" was an even more rare and precious treasure, extremely useful even to Golden Core cultivators, let alone Foundation Establishment cultivators. Senior Brother Liu had really gone all out this time.

Lu Zhao's heart pounded. The conditions offered by Liu Xuanfeng were incredibly generous. The Xuan Tian Sword Sect's Scripture Pavilion would be of immense value to him in perfecting his path, especially in swordsmanship and movement techniques. The "Ten-Thousand-Year-Old Stalactite" was an extremely rare and precious treasure for Core Formation! The promise of the "Soul-Nourishing and Spirit-Refining Pill" also resolved his worries.

However… the risks are also extremely high. Deep within the Demonic Swamp, the two Golden Core cultivators working together would naturally be much safer, but the remnant soul of the Demonic Dragon is unpredictable and elusive; no one can guarantee absolute safety. Moreover, using oneself as bait could very well make one the primary target of the Demonic Dragon's remnant soul.

Is it a rejection of stability, or a gamble for a chance?

Lu Zhao remained silent for a moment, then raised his head, his gaze clear and firm: "May I ask, Master, if I were to go, what would I need to do? And how can I ensure my safety?"

A hint of appreciation flashed in Liu Xuanfeng's eyes as he said, "You only need to follow the two of us into the giant pit, to the outer edge of the Demonic Qi Swamp. There's no need to go deep. I will leave a 'Taiyi Dividing Light Sword Talisman' on you. This talisman contains a wisp of my sword intent and can be automatically activated at crucial moments to protect you and also serve as a warning. You only need to release your dragon energy appropriately at the outer edge of the swamp to attract the attention of that remnant soul. Once the remnant soul makes any move or is forced out, immediately activate the escape talisman I gave you to get away from the core. Leave the rest to me and Junior Brother Tieshan."

"Taiyi Dividing Light Sword Talisman..." Lu Zhao knew that this was a famous life-saving talisman of the Xuantian Sword Sect, which could not be refined by anyone other than a Golden Core sword cultivator, making it extremely precious. Liu Xuanfeng's willingness to give this item showed his sincerity and also indicated that this trip was indeed dangerous.

"This junior is willing to go!" Lu Zhao said in a deep voice without further hesitation. The path of cultivation is inherently about defying fate and seizing opportunities amidst danger. With two Golden Core cultivators protecting him and a sword talisman to save his life, it's worth the gamble! Moreover, that remnant soul of the demonic dragon is eyeing him covetously. If he doesn't deal with it while it's weak and has the help of Golden Core cultivators, it will surely become a major threat in the future.

"Alright!" Liu Xuanfeng nodded. "In that case, you should prepare well for the next three days and get yourself into peak condition. Come here at Chenshi (7-9 AM) three days from now."

"Yes!" Lu Zhao bowed in agreement, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes. Three days later, they would venture deep into the demon's lair to confront the remnant soul of the demon dragon! Whether it would bring fortune or misfortune, they would have to wait and see.