The Last Immortal

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Xian Shan naturally voiced the doubts in his heart when he decided to let A Jiu stay at Great Marsh Mountain. Although Gu Jin and Ayin were young and inexperienced, after hearing about Gu Jin’s encounters along the way, Xian Shan was genuinely curious about how A Jiu had entered the Nine Nether Purgatory.

Divine Lord Tian Qi was traveling abroad, and the Three-Headed Fire Dragon, as the gatekeeper, had never opened the seal of the Purgatory. So how had A Jiu, with only the strength of a Demon Monarch, managed to enter the Purgatory? And how had he survived in such a vicious and perilous place?

Everyone waited for A Jiu’s reply, but to their surprise, he shook his head in confusion. “Sect Leader, I don’t know either,” he said. Everyone was taken aback as he continued, “Three years ago, while I was traveling, I accidentally entered Purple Moon Mountain. I unintentionally triggered the Mountain Protection Array outside the mountain and was knocked unconscious by it. When I woke up, I was already inside the Nine Nether Purgatory. I truly have no idea how I got in. The Demonic Beasts in the Purgatory were vicious and cruel, all wanting to devour my Demon Core to strengthen themselves. If it weren’t for the protection of that phoenix tree, which allowed me to catch my breath, I would have died in the Purgatory long ago. I wouldn’t have survived until Gu Jin and Ayin entered the Purgatory to rescue me.”

After waiting for a while, everyone was surprised to hear such an answer. Seeing A Jiu’s sincere expression, it didn’t seem like he was lying.

“Senior Brother, A Jin and I found A Jiu under the phoenix tree in the Nine Nether Purgatory. At the time, he was covered in wounds and on the verge of death. If we hadn’t appeared just in time to save him, he would have been devoured by the Demonic Beasts.” Seeing the doubt on Xian Shan and Xian Zhu’s faces, Ayin quickly spoke up for A Jiu, afraid they wouldn’t believe him.

“Yes, Senior Brother, Ayin is right. At the time, we were trapped by the God-Slaying Flower, and it was A Jiu who shape-shifted and saved us in time.” Gu Jin looked at A Jiu. “But I’ve always been curious—why were you in the form of a young fox when we first saw you?”

“Every inch of space in the Nine Nether Purgatory is fraught with danger. My Demonic Power was completely depleted during the chase with the Demonic Beasts, so I couldn’t maintain my adult Demon Beast form. Later, I forcibly used my Demon Core to shape-shift so I could rescue you from the God-Slaying Flower.”

Gu Jin nodded, his doubts now resolved.

“Very well, perhaps I was overthinking it. The Nine Nether Purgatory is located in Purple Moon Mountain, guarded by the Three-Headed Fire Dragon and protected by Divine Lord Tian Qi’s Mountain Protection Array. It shouldn’t be a problem.” Xian Shan said, “A Jiu, since only Ayin’s Spiritual Power can heal your Demon Core, you shall stay with Ayin and A Jin in Qi Moon Hall. Qing Yi, A Jiu’s identity is special, so you will be responsible for taking care of his daily needs at Great Marsh Mountain.”

Qing Yi, who had been waiting nearby, shuddered at Xian Shan’s instructions and glanced at A Jiu before reluctantly nodding.

“Alright, you’ve all been through a lot these past few days. A Jin, Ayin, go back and rest for a few days. Once your Immortal Power is restored, you can head to the Ghost Realm.”

Xian Shan waved his hand, signaling for them to return to their halls and rest. However, Xian Zhu, who was standing nearby, shook his fan and called out to the group as they turned to leave, “Wait, there’s still something else to discuss, Senior Brother.”

“What else is there?” Xian Shan asked, puzzled.

Xian Zhu nudged Xian Shan’s waist and raised his voice slightly. “Senior Brother, a few days ago, Hundred Birds Island sent an invitation. The Peacock King is celebrating his birthday and has invited you to attend the banquet. Don’t forget.”

Gu Jin, who had been bored until then, suddenly perked up upon hearing this. He quickly gave Xian Zhu a meaningful look, to which Xian Zhu responded with a reassuring glance.

This exchange was noticed by A Jiu, who glanced at Ayin, who had suddenly fallen silent, his eyes flickering with interest.That night at Purple Moon Mountain, he had hidden behind a rock and heard clearly—Gu Jin had secretly lent Dong Hua Shang Shen's Sky-Shielding Umbrella to Hua Shu of Hundred Birds Island for protection. It seemed the two shared no ordinary relationship.

"Master has just undergone Ascension, and the mountain sect has been burdened with numerous trivial matters lately. You may go in my stead to the longevity banquet at Hundred Birds Island," Xian Shan said to Xian Zhu.

"There are so many affairs in the mountain sect requiring attention—I should stay and assist you. How can I leave the mountain now? Hua Mo is the king of his clan, and sending disciples to offer birthday congratulations would also be improper. Since A Jin has returned, why not let him make the trip to Hundred Birds Island?"

Xian Shan was taken aback. "But... A Jin needs to search the Ghost Realm for Little Phoenix Lord's soul, and he has only just returned from a great battle..."

"Ah, senior brother, Feng Yin's soul is not a matter of a day or two. A Jin has grown up within our mountain sect since childhood and has had little interaction with the various factions of the Immortal Tribe. This gathering at Hundred Birds Island will bring together the outstanding talents of the younger generation from all mansions. It is time for him to go out, broaden his horizons, and make some friends, so that in the future he may better shoulder the responsibilities of our mountain sect."

Finding this reasoning sound and seeing the eager anticipation on Gu Jin's face, Xian Shan smiled. "Very well. A Jin, in a few days, you shall take my formal visiting card and go to Hundred Birds Island. However, our Great Marsh Mountain has never involved itself in the disputes of other clans. The Peacock Clan and the Eagle Clan have been locked in war for years. Offer your congratulations and remember—do not get entangled in the conflicts between these two clans."

"Yes, senior brother," Gu Jin replied brightly, his voice full of laughter as he withdrew from Youze Hall with Ayin.

As the sound of their retreating footsteps faded into the distance, Xian Zhu closed his bone fan, the casual levity vanishing from his face, replaced by thoughtful contemplation.

"Senior brother, do you think Hong Yi's answer was true or false?"

Unlike these juniors, Xian Shan and Xian Zhu knew that the Nine Nether Purgatory imprisoned the most vicious and malevolent Demonic Beasts the Three Realms had seen in over a hundred thousand years. If someone could freely enter and exit without breaking Tian Qi True God's seal, and by the same method release the beasts within, it would spell disaster for the Three Realms.

Xian Shan drew a stone from his sleeve. "While he was answering, I used the Heart-Questioning Curse. If there were any falsehoods, the Heart-Questioning Stone would have given a warning. But the stone showed no change. Hong Yi did not lie; he truly does not know how he entered the Nine Nether Purgatory."

"This matter could be minor or grave. What is your view, senior brother?"

Xian Shan shook his head. "Purple Moon Mountain is Divine Lord Tian Qi's territory. Not to mention our Great Marsh Mountain, even the Demon Emperor would not dare to interfere arbitrarily. Yet this incident is indeed exceedingly strange. Hong Yi is the only nine-tailed fox left in the Fox race besides Chang Qin. His safety is undoubtedly of utmost importance to the Fox race, and Chang Qin will not stand idly by. Tomorrow, go personally to the Fox race. Inform the Fox King of this matter and see if she can uncover the reason behind it."

"Yes, senior brother."

Xian Shan sighed. "It was only through Bai Jue True God's sacrifice for the world that peace between the two clans was maintained for a century. Let us hope conflict does not arise again, bringing devastation to all living beings."

A faint trace of lament dissipated within Youze Hall. A wisp of nearly imperceptible black smoke drifted through the hall, traversed half the mountain peak, and returned to the side of the sleeping A Jiu in Qi Moon Hall, transforming into a faint mark upon his neck.

"As expected of Great Marsh Mountain—handling matters flawlessly without a drop out of place. They are more troublesome than I imagined."

Ten thousand miles away, in the Nine Nether Purgatory, upon the volcanic peak above the magma, a figure reclined lazily on a throne. Through the black smoke, he watched this scene indifferently, an eerie voice rising amidst the purgatorial flames. Dark, sinister God-Slaying Flowers surrounded the base of the throne, clustering around the figure seated upon it."Demon Lord, if Xian Zhu brings the news to the Fox race and lets Chang Qin know about this matter..."

Beneath the throne, countless Demonic Beasts knelt across the mountains, with a few transformed into human forms standing on either side.

"What of it? Would she dare enter Purple Moon Mountain?" The figure on the throne flicked a sleeve. "Even if she learns of the chaos in the Nine Nether Purgatory, with Tian Qi absent, who can do anything to me?"

"Demon Lord. Although the True God Tian Qi is not at Purple Moon Mountain, there are still two other True Gods in the Ancient Divine Realm. What if they descend to the Mortal Realm...?"

At the mention of the three True Gods, even these arrogant fiends of the Nine Nether Purgatory fell silent in unison.

The figure on the throne paused briefly, then stood up, bare feet treading on scorching magma and karmic flames. Gazing toward the edge of the sky within the purgatory, a heavy seal flickered faintly on the dark curtain of light, isolating the outside world from the Nine Nether Purgatory.

"Since you cannot leave the purgatory, it seems I must go myself. God-Slaying Flower, guard the purgatory well. Do not let that demonic dragon detect anything amiss."

Beneath the throne, the roots of the God-Slaying Flower swayed, its stamens nodding lightly, as it surged majestically toward the entrance of the purgatory.

Hidden within the God-Slaying Flower, the figure quietly vanished at the barrier's entrance, passing effortlessly through the seal of the Nine Nether Purgatory.

It was known throughout the Three Realms that aside from the bodies of True Gods, no one could freely enter or leave the Nine Nether Purgatory. Even a High God could not do so without damaging the seal. Yet this person, not a True God of the Ancient Realm, could come and go within the Nine Nether Purgatory at will—an unheard-of feat, and their identity remained unknown.

In the rear hall of Purple Moon Mountain, San Huo, who had been intently cultivating his Demonic Power, suddenly looked up. He swiftly picked up Bi Bo, who was sleeping beside him with drool flowing, and headed toward the main hall.

The main hall was utterly silent inside and out. Standing atop the hall's eaves, San Huo gazed at the tranquil Purple Moon with confusion. Just moments ago, he had clearly sensed a strange fluctuation of Divine Power...

Carefully hoisting Bi Bo onto his shoulder, he took out the Purple Pendant and tossed it into the air, chanting an incantation to undo the seal of the Nine Nether Purgatory. As the purgatory gate opened, the fierce and sinister aura of the God-Slaying Flower washed over him. Flying into the air, he looked inside—aside from the roaring God-Slaying Flower, the purgatory remained calm. Relieved, he reestablished the seal.

"San Huo, what's wrong?" Bi Bo woke from the commotion, yawning and half-opening its eyes to ask.

"Nothing. Go back to sleep." San Huo patted its back and skillfully rubbed its neck. The Water Condensation Beast, comforted by the massage, hummed contentedly, shifted position to cling tighter to San Huo, and resumed drooling.

San Huo glanced once more at the peaceful Purple Moon, his furrowed brow relaxing slightly, before returning to the rear hall to continue his cultivation.

On the second day after Gu Jin returned to Great Marsh Mountain, he rose early in the morning to cultivate at the rear cliff. As soon as he stepped out of the hall, he spotted Xian Zhu leisurely holding a Bone Fan.

"Senior Brother." Gu Jin hurried forward to greet him, addressing the smiling Xian Zhu, "Thank you for yesterday, Senior Brother."

"Thank me for what?" Xian Zhu waved his fan, his expression perfectly feigning surprise. "Little Junior Brother, what did I do to deserve your thanks?"

Gu Jin rubbed his nose, unusually embarrassed. He had missed Hua Shu for over a decade. If searching for Feng Yin's soul hadn't been more urgent, he would likely have gone to Hundred Birds Island to find this Peacock Princess as soon as he left the Forbidden Valley."Ah, the heart of youth, the heart of youth!" Gu Jin's affection was practically written all over his face. Xian Zhu, observing his demeanor, couldn't help but sigh with emotion, "I remember when I was young too!"

With a wave of his bone fan, a black lacquer box appeared atop it. "Here, junior brother, take it."

"Senior brother, what is this?" Gu Jin was taken aback.

"When our master ascended, he left treasures for both me and the eldest senior brother. This is the one I chose myself, and I'm giving it to you."

Gu Jin opened the box to find a phoenix crown resting quietly inside.

The crown blazed like fire, adorned with six translucent, spiritually potent immortal stones. Between the stones, shimmering streams of spiritual sand flickered in and out of view, as magnificent and vast as the night sky.

Without a doubt, this was a Semi-Divine Artifact—and an exceptionally beautiful and rare one at that.

Even Gu Jin, the Little Divine Lord who had grown up surrounded by treasures, was momentarily spellbound upon first laying eyes on this phoenix crown.