Immortal of the Nine Realms

Chapter 1652: The Bronze Ghost Mask

Fang Chen was startled. Xie Aman's sudden mention of the Nine Realm Immortal Alliance suggested she had connected certain clues or perhaps obtained direct evidence indicating that the recent events were linked to them."Many of the elders in the Enlightenment God Palace are of demon race origin, so there were some things I didn't mention back there," said Xie Aman with a heavy expression. "Do you know the true foundation of the God Dao Sect?"

Fang Chen shook his head. "I don't."

He only knew that the God Dao Sect possessed a superior Immortal Origin Art.

"If we are to talk about the history of the God Dao Sect, I'm afraid even the History Immortals might not have a comprehensive record," shared Xie Aman calmly.

Even the History Immortals might not have a comprehensive record?

Fang Chen seemed to guess a possibility and said in a low voice, "Is it related to the demon race?"

Xie Aman nodded. "Correct. The God Dao Sect already existed back when the demon race controlled the Nine Realms and reigned over the Immortal Realm. In those ancient eras, everything here was ruled by the demon race. The Nine Mortal Realms you see were guarded by the demons. In the Immortal Realm, the demons claimed the title of Emperors. Even in the Underworld, the demons reigned as Kings."

Fang Chen had learned some of this before, so he wasn't overly shocked by the historical context.

Then, Xie Aman dropped a bombshell. "Many of the spiritual treasures you know are not human spiritual treasures either. They were originally refined by powerful existences within the demon race until they eventually birthed spiritual resonance."

Fang Chen was stunned. "The spiritual treasures on the Spiritual Treasure Ranking... they all come from the hands of the demons?"

"Not all of them," clarified Xie Aman. "Seventy to eighty percent of the treasures on the current ranking emerged later. Only twenty to thirty percent have been passed down from ancient times to the present. For example, the True Immortal Ancient Mirror and the God Decree Ranking from the God Dao Sect were passed down by the demons. Therefore, in ancient times, they fought against the human race. Their hatred for us has likely never diminished. However, a long time ago, many experts of the human race joined hands and collectively sealed these spiritual treasures, forcing their spiritual resonance into a slumber. That is the only reason the demons could be controlled by humans."

Fang Chen remained silent for a good while as he digested this information. He had never considered that these legendary treasures originated from the demon race.

"Eldest Senior Sister, by implication, you believe the True Immortal Ancient Mirror and the God Decree Ranking have both awakened? And these two spiritual treasures are communicating and plotting to use the power of the Fallen Immortals to restore the glory of the demon race?" asked Fang Chen gravely.

It seems the demons were finally coming out of the woodwork.

"That is indeed a possibility." Xie Aman nodded. "And judging by the current clues, the probability is high. I cannot say for certain if they have a hand in the events of the Taicang Realm. I am telling you these things today because I hope that once you become a Xie Zhi, you will have a clear direction for your investigation."

Fang Chen asked, "Eldest Senior Sister, could you go into more detail about Xie Zhi?"

Since this was likely an organization established jointly by various super-first-tier powers because of the demon race's movements, it would be of crucial importance.

"The Xie Zhi Plan has always existed, but it was never implemented," revealed Xie Aman softly. "Because the demands of the various sects could not be unified, it was impossible to reach a balance. It was only because of the events in the Taicang Realm that the Xie Zhi plan had been truly activated."

She produced a bronze ghost mask and handed it to Fang Chen.

"This plan had already been active for years before you even joined the Enlightenment God Palace, and it has gradually matured. No one knows which ninth-transformation immortals stand behind Xie Zhi. This bronze ghost mask is the symbol of your identity as a Xie Zhi member. Put it on, take a pseudonym, and you can head to the Xie Zhi Division. Once you arrive, someone will naturally teach you what to do. You can utilise the special abilities granted by the department to conduct your investigations."

Fang Chen looked at the mask in his hand. Its aura was eerie and gave off a profound and mysterious sensation.

"In the Xie Zhi Division, you cannot easily trust anyone. It is best to conduct all investigations and actions alone. If you are forced to join forces, prepare your own trump cards to handle any situation." Xie Aman gazed at Fang Chen with utmost seriousness. "Becoming a Xie Zhi member carries heavy responsibility and great risk. Think carefully before you nod. If you are unwilling to join, simply return it to me."

She extended her palm, like she was ready to take back the mask.

Fang Chen remained silent for a few breaths before stowing the mask away. He smiled and said, "Eldest Senior Sister, how can one cultivate immortality without taking risks?"

Xie Aman smiled and nodded. "I will give you ten years. You must report to the Xie Zhi Division within ten years. If you exceed that time, your spot will be cancelled. As for how to get there, you will understand once you put on the mask."

Fang Chen nodded. Ten years, it is.

***

Fang Chen found Fang Tong and brought him back to Renzu Mountain. Seeing that Fang Zhixue and the others were not around, he called for Meng Qingling and asked her to help Fang Tong familiarise himself with the place.

Here, there were plenty of cultivation methods and techniques for Fang Tong to comprehend as well as a superior environment for his growth. One could say that by coming here, Fang Tong had already secured the advantages of timing, location, and allies. The rest was simply a matter of time.

After settling Fang Tong, Fang Chen turned and stepped into the boundless white mist.

***

The Enlightenment Underworld Realm.

Fairy Yu was sitting in a teahouse, snacking on broad beans while listening to the idle chatter of the surrounding Yin souls. Like her, these souls were waiting for reincarnation. Until that happened, they lived in the Enlightenment Underworld Realm like normal residents.

"Stinky Mister, bad Mister... how can you stay away for so many years?" whined Fairy Yu.

She acted as if she held a grudge against the broad beans on the table and poked them repeatedly with her slender fingers. Just as she was scolding him with gusto, a familiar voice rang in her ear.

"Broad beans are meant for eating."

With a gentle flick of his sleeve, Fang Chen sat down opposite Fairy Yu.

"Oh!"

Flustered, Fairy Yu scrambled to sweep the scattered broad beans back into their dish and looked at Fang Chen guiltily. "Mister Fang, when did you get here?"

"While you were poking them," teased Fang Chen.

Suddenly, Fairy Yu put her hands on her hips and pouted. "Why has Mister Fang been gone for so many years? Don't you know how bored I am here?"

"I was delayed by some matters," Fang Chen said with a laugh while picking up a broad bean and tossing it into his mouth.

Hmm. It tastes terrible.

Since he wasn't dead, he truly couldn't appreciate the deliciousness of these ghostly broad beans.

"So, is Mister Fang finished with his work? Can you keep me company properly now?" asked Fairy Yu joyfully. "I found out I can't leave the Enlightenment Underworld Realm, but I really want to go outside and see the world..."

Fang Chen had originally intended to refuse and encourage her to reincarnate as soon as possible, but a thought struck him. After a few moments of silence, he nodded gently.

"Alright. I'll go handle one thing, and then I'll take you out for a stroll."

Fairy Yu looked dejected. "Going to do more work again?"

"I'm not going far, and I'll be back soon. Wait for me here."

Fang Chen smiled and pointed toward the distant Reincarnation Division, then rose and departed.