Chapter 136: The Ruins

"Young Master, there must be many fierce beasts outside this place."

"It must be that the power of the barrier is too difficult to break, which is why these beasts are lurking here, watching like tigers eyeing their prey."

Zhao Wan'er’s eyes grew profound as she analyzed the situation with a serious expression. If the two of them had to break through it themselves, it would surely take a considerable amount of effort...

Lost in these thoughts, Zhao Wan'er was about to continue when a crisp cracking sound echoed, and Li Changsheng walked inside.

"Come in."

Li Changsheng’s expression remained calm. After a brief command, he stepped forward and walked into the interior. Seeing this, Zhao Wan'er’s cheeks flushed, and she said nothing more, quietly following behind him.

*This barrier looks like it would take even an Ancient Realm cultivator some effort to break... Could Young Master have already grown this powerful?* Zhao Wan'er pondered to herself, while Li Changsheng remained as tranquil as ever.

His divine sense spread out, sweeping across the entire area shrouded by the barrier, and Li Changsheng could not help but raise an eyebrow. The place was not large, covering only about a thousand miles. However, this entire expanse was nothing but ruins. Only in the center stood a pitch-black altar, completely unscathed. The whole scene felt somewhat eerie.

After a slight pause, Li Changsheng took a step, and his figure vanished. When he reappeared, he had already reached the location of the altar.

*Hum...*

As if sensing Li Changsheng's proximity, the altar shuddered. A faint humming sound arose, and the strange patterns covering the black altar suddenly emitted a brilliant light.

*Dong...*

As melodic, heavenly tones drifted through the air, the strange patterns on the altar transformed into points of light, quickly gathering and aligning above it. Within a few breaths, a string of obscure, incomprehensible characters appeared before Li Changsheng’s eyes.

*"Where does the path of the gods hide? Seek the cause and effect at the Gate of the Underworld."*

After struggling to translate the obscure text, Li Changsheng’s gaze deepened as he pondered. *Not only is there not a single trace of a divine relic, but what is the meaning of this cryptic phrase that sounds like a deception?*

*Forget it.*

After a brief pause, Li Changsheng committed the matter to memory.

"Let’s head back first and make plans from there."

He murmured softly, his gaze falling upon Zhao Wan'er beside him. As he reached out to gently clasp her slender waist, intending to leave, he suddenly noticed that outside the entire divine relic, thousands upon thousands of ugly sea beasts had appeared, packing the area densely!

They had three eyes, jagged fangs, and looked like a cross between fish and snakes; they were scaleless and incredibly hideous. Despite their appearance, the aura radiating from these sea beasts was comparable to that of the Immortal Realm!

"Young Master, wait."

Zhao Wan'er’s expression turned grave as she moved to shield Li Changsheng behind her. However, a flash of warmth crossed Li Changsheng’s eyes, and he rubbed her hair with a touch of indulgence.

"Sever."

He uttered a single word, a sharp light flashing deep within his eyes. As a phantom River of Oblivion faintly emerged behind him, countless lines of cause and effect suddenly appeared above the heads of the endless sea beasts outside!

*Pop... pop, pop...*

As soft, brittle sounds continued to ring out, the threads of fate for the endless sea beasts were severed one by one! Fear filled their eyes, and before they could even let out a scream, every trace of their existence was erased!

"Someone is on the seabed?"

However, just as Li Changsheng severed the causal threads, he discovered something quite strange. Above the heads of many of these monsters, each had a causal thread that led directly into the depths of the Sea of Demon Cultivation! There, something had been in contact with all these endless beasts!

Furthermore, following the causal aura, Li Changsheng could easily conclude: that was a human!

Without delay, he took a light step. Embracing Zhao Wan'er, Li Changsheng vanished instantly. Ignoring the gloomy seawater, when they reappeared, they had arrived at a very silent place.

The water here lacked even a trace of violence; instead, compared to the water above, it carried a hint of extinction! It was as if this place were a complete dead zone! Even a demon would find it difficult to survive here for long!

But Li Changsheng detected a trace of anomaly within that endless silence. It was a wisp of will, faint and flickering. It seemed extremely weak, but if one sensed it carefully, one could perceive an endless, manic intensity! It was as if... it were a demon!

In Li Changsheng’s perception, this demonic aura was identical to the one found on the chessboard at the Tianyuan Winery! It was as if they shared the same root and source! Manic, violent, and overflowing with demonic intent! It was full of the desire to subvert everything!

*Is this the Demon Ancestor who founded the path of the Demon Immortals?*

Thinking this, Li Changsheng’s gaze deepened as he followed that wisp of demonic aura, heading straight into the depths of this place. After a few moments, a pitch-black altar appeared before their eyes.

The altar was identical to the one in the divine relic—entirely black and profound, covered in the same strange patterns, emitting a faint white glow. However, the difference was that a phantom sat cross-legged on this altar!

This figure was clad in blood-red robes, with eyes and hair that were equally crimson. Thin lips, sword-like brows, and evil eyes. The manic demonic aura permeated his entire body. He looked utterly sinister! It was as if he were the source of all turmoil in time! The beginning of all disaster!

"Demon Ancestor."

The moment he saw this person, Li Changsheng understood everything. This man was the Demon Ancestor who had founded the Demon Immortal lineage! Yet, at this moment, the man's aura was incredibly weak, as if it might dissipate at any time!

"You have come."

The Demon Ancestor glanced over, his voice slightly hoarse. Seemingly unsurprised by Li Changsheng’s appearance, he paused and shook his head with a faint smile. "You truly kept me waiting for a long time."

"I am here."

Li Changsheng’s expression did not change as he spoke calmly. *The Demon Ancestor knew I would come; this is too suspicious! I must not panic.*

*Ding~ Host's 'cool factor' increased, shocking the Demon Ancestor. Reward: 200 Destiny Points.*

The system’s voice rang out at the perfect time, and Li Changsheng felt a sense of helplessness. *A mere two hundred...*

"The Heavenly Dao is flawed, and you are the only variable."

"They are coming soon."

"I used the power of my entire life to calculate the secrets of heaven, yet I did not expect that I myself was merely a number derived from those secrets."

"The situation is hard to reverse, only you can solve it."

Deep within the Demon Ancestor’s eyes, a blood-red light flashed as his hoarse voice emerged slowly.

"Why should I believe you?"

The Demon Ancestor was speaking in riddles, and Li Changsheng raised an eyebrow. Without showing the slightest emotion, he spoke indifferently.

"It no longer matters."

"You have also sensed the anomalies in the Land of Extreme Immortals."

"Now, only you can suppress them."

The Demon Ancestor shook his head slowly, sighing hoarsely.

"What kind of disaster did the ancient gods and demons endure?"

"And why are you here?"

Li Changsheng’s gaze was profound as he spoke again.

"The catastrophe of the gods and demons, I do not fully understand either."

"However, you must be wary of that Ancient Immortal Lord. I fought him back in the day."

"That person walks the path of Extreme Immortality and is suspected of having found a way to control the Land of Extreme Immortals."

"At the time, both of us were at the Dao Realm. We fought, and he held a slight advantage."

"Now that tens of thousands of years have passed, if he is still alive... the war between immortals and demons will surely break out... For all living beings, it will be another catastrophe..."

"However, I am already in the state of returning to the void (Gui Xu). I imagine he is not faring much better..."

The Demon Ancestor’s face was calm, as if he were speaking of something unrelated to himself. Only when he looked at Li Changsheng did the red light deep within his eyes flicker faintly.

"The Land of Extreme Immortals, the Ancient Immortal Lord..."

"I have noted it."

Li Changsheng remained unmoved and responded indifferently. The Demon Ancestor did not seem like a good person, and Li Changsheng dared not trust him completely. As for the claim that the Ancient Immortal Lord controlled the Land of Extreme Immortals, Li Changsheng understood the logic. If it were him, having broken through to immortality with a hundred meridians and being invincible at his level, he would never let a masterless treasure like the Land of Extreme Immortals drift away! Only by keeping it firmly under his control could he feel at ease.

Reflecting on this, a strange thought arose in Li Changsheng. *Could the ancient legend of the Immortal Lord slaughtering the gods have happened after he gained control of the Land of Extreme Immortals?* It was still just a rumor that needed verification...

After a brief pause, Li Changsheng shook his head slowly.

"When are you going to die?"

Turning to look at the Demon Ancestor, he spoke indifferently. The Demon Ancestor represented the foundation of the Demon Immortal lineage's fortune. If he died, their fortune would surely be severed, and then wouldn't killing Lin Hao be easy? But if he stayed alive, he would be a bit of an obstruction.

Thinking this, Li Changsheng decided to ask. However, the Demon Ancestor was stunned on the spot by Li Changsheng’s abrupt question. *I’ve waited for you for so long, and the moment you arrive, you ask me when I’m going to die?*

*Hmm??? Are you even speaking human language???*

"I have long since returned to the void; this is merely a lingering remnant of my will."

"Before long, it will dissipate."

The Demon Ancestor was silent for a long time before shaking his head slowly, his hoarse voice ringing out.

"In that case, your Demon Immortal lineage still has other fortunes yet to be exhausted in this world."

Li Changsheng’s expression was calm, as if he were talking to himself.

"Since you possess a divine destiny, why must you make things difficult for my Demon Immortal lineage?"

Seeing this, the Demon Ancestor’s expression darkened slightly, and his voice sounded displeased.

"That is not something you need to worry about."

Li Changsheng remained calm. With a wave of his hand, he channeled the power of the River of Oblivion to shatter the Demon Ancestor’s remnant will directly. Without delay, he took a step and, carrying Zhao Wan'er, flew toward the surface.

There were no more secrets to be found here. As for the Demon Ancestor’s words, Li Changsheng had his own judgment. From the fact that they had once fought and the Land of Extreme Immortals remained a sacred place in the Qingling Realm while the Demon Ancestor was reduced to hiding in the Sea of Demon Cultivation, never seeing the light of day, it was clear who was stronger.

He didn't know what the "Place of Returning to the Void" was, nor was he interested. As for the "Gate of the Underworld" mentioned in the divine relic, it left Li Changsheng deep in thought.

Regarding the warning about the Ancient Immortal Lord, while it coincided with his own encounters, Li Changsheng felt it was not that simple. The last remaining Child of Destiny, Wang Yu, appeared to have obtained the inheritance of the Ancient Immortal Lord and understood how to manipulate the Land of Extreme Immortals to a certain extent! This was indeed something to watch out for.

*Ding~ Destroyed the Demon Ancestor’s remnant avatar. The fortune of the Demon Immortal lineage is damaged. Lin Hao’s Destiny Value reduced by 1000. Additional Destiny Points rewarded to the Host.*

The system’s voice rang out at the right time. A contemplative look flashed in Li Changsheng’s eyes as he took a step and vanished! When he reappeared, he was already above the Sea of Demon Cultivation!

A sharp glint flashed in his eyes, and with a wave of his hand, the void in front of him suddenly cracked open! A fierce, violent storm surged from the rift, and a thick, chilling aura suddenly permeated the air!

Almost at the same time, a figure draped in red gauze, with a dazed expression, slowly emerged from the River of Oblivion... This person was none other than Tang Yun.

From beginning to end, Tang Yun’s existence served only to ignite Lin Hao’s hatred. Beyond that, she had no value. And now, as Lin Hao’s fortune was nearing its end, she had lost all worth. She had even, like the Demon Ancestor, become an obstacle.

"Besides you, where are the other generations of Demon Immortals?"

Li Changsheng’s expression was indifferent, his voice calm. But the moment Tang Yun heard this, her delicate body shuddered, and her eyes snapped open!

"Lord of the River of Oblivion... I..."

Tang Yun’s voice trembled, her eyes filled with fear. She didn't know why, but the clearer her perception of the River of Oblivion’s aura became, the more she feared this person. It was as if some strange power in the underworld was influencing her!

"The Demon Ancestor’s remnant has perished."

"Whether you speak or not is up to you."

Li Changsheng spoke calmly. Since it had reached this point, there was no need for him to play games. If she were sensible, what harm was there in giving her freedom? If she remained obstinate, what was difficult about erasing her with a wave of his hand?

In the entire Qingling Realm now, save for that Ancient Immortal Lord, Li Changsheng truly feared nothing. Even if the Ancient Immortal Lord himself appeared, what of it? The River of Oblivion could sever the causal threads of all living beings with a single thought; no matter how strong a person was, they were ultimately bound by cause and effect! If he dared to show himself, he would surely die.

"Back... God of the Underworld..."

Tang Yun’s voice trembled, and panic flashed in her eyes. She knelt respectfully on the ground, her body shaking slightly.

"The second-generation Demon Immortal fell at the Immortal Mausoleum. The fourth, fifth, and sixth generations also fell in different eras."

"Only the eighth generation took Lin Hao as a disciple."

Tang Yun’s body shook continuously, a bitter look appearing in her eyes. *To speak or not to speak, it is all up to me?* She understood Li Changsheng’s subtext. If she spoke, she could live, and the Demon Immortal lineage could leave behind a spark. If she did not, she would only face death, and the inheritance of the Demon Immortal lineage would be completely severed here.

Thinking this, Tang Yun’s resolve finally faltered. By comparison, living was the only hope...

"Only the seventh generation traveled the mortal world and did not ask about the inheritance."

Tang Yun’s expression was dim, her voice extremely respectful. Previously, while sealed in the River of Oblivion, she had still held some schemes. But when the second seal of the River of Oblivion was unlocked and the aura of absolute control over the Qingling Realm emerged, Tang Yun, being inside, felt it most intensely! How could Lin Hao be an opponent to such an enemy? And what power did she have?

As her mindset collapsed, she felt no more resentment, gradually finding release. The difference in the level of life was like that of a summer insect that could not comprehend ice. What kind of waves could the nine generations of Demon Immortals, even at their peak, make before this Lord of the River of Oblivion?

"From now on, I grant you your freedom."

After Tang Yun spilled everything, Li Changsheng did not delay. He gave a calm command, a cold light flashing in his eyes, and with Zhao Wan'er in his arms, he vanished!

When they reappeared, they had arrived above a mortal capital! Looking down, the city was bustling with life. People came and went through the ancient streets and alleys, and the sounds of hawking and selling never ceased. The crowd was noisy and lively. Li Changsheng’s gaze, however, was fixed on a pavilion on the side of an ancient street.