Chapter 158: Journey to the Upper Realm

"Demon Island was originally inhabited by a Supreme Demon Venerable who achieved the Supreme Fruit Position. Over endless years, he swept across all sects, known as the Supreme of his era... In his later years, when he sought to breakthrough, he exceeded the limits allowed by Heaven and Earth, subsequently drawing down the Immortal Dao Laws as a thunderous tribulation..." "The sacred island, once abundant with precious medicines and Spiritual Qi like a sea, became desolate..." She didn't know why Shi Jian wanted to go to Demon Island, but the Demonic Woman still told him about the situation there. "After that Demon Venerable died, his flesh and blood merged with the island, and the power of thunder permeated this place, forming many rare and precious materials!" "Legend has it there's also an Immortal Tomb there, belonging to that taboo being..." "Demon Island is within the Five Elements Province. If you want to go, you can use a massive teleportation formation to travel there... Such super teleportation formations that cross major sects are only controlled by some great sects... My Heaven-Mending Sect just happens to have one!" As the Demonic Woman spoke, her gaze towards Shi Jian seemed to say, 'Beg me.' Shi Jian, however, stopped talking about this matter and instead inquired about something else: "What about the strength of the Immortal Palace's successor? As top Dao Lineages in the Upper Realm, you should know him, right...?" The Demonic Woman's expression became a bit more serious upon hearing this: "That person's strength is indeed terrifying. Wielding the Void Realm Halberd, his Perfection Realm cultivation can contend with Divine Fire Realm experts..." "Compared to your Inscription Realm fighting Divine Fire Realm, he is naturally inferior... But in the Upper Realm, apart from some reclusive prodigies, no one is his match?" "You're planning to target him?" Although the Demonic Woman hadn't been with Shi Jian for long, she had some understanding of his character. This person would never ask about the Immortal Palace's successor without reason. "The Immortal Palace's crippled immortal crossed realms to attack me... When I reach the Upper Realm, I naturally need to collect some interest first..." Shi Jian replied. Although his combat power was terrifying, he couldn't underestimate the people of the world. If he didn't use the Divine Elephant Suppressing Prison Strength, relying solely on his Array Realm cultivation, Shi Jian could at most contend with Divine Fire Realm experts now. However, if he used the Divine Elephant Suppressing Prison Strength, even True One Realm experts could be suppressed. Moreover, he also had Tianhuang and Liu Shen as his backing. With this cultivation, he was already an invincible existence among the younger generation in the Upper Realm. It shouldn't be difficult for Shi Jian to kill the Immortal Palace's successor. However, people from such forces usually have Dao Protectors assisting them. Trying to kill the Immortal Palace's successor right under the nose of a Dao Protector would be a bit difficult. Ultimately, it was still due to insufficient strength. In this Lower Realm, he was already unrestrained. But upon reaching the Upper Realm, though not starting from scratch, his actions would always need some consideration. Although if he caused trouble, Liu Shen would back him up... But he couldn't possibly rely on Liu Shen for three hundred and sixty-five days a year, could he? However, if there was a strong backer, he should embrace it. Shi Jian pondered that after arriving in the Upper Realm, he would directly bring out Liu Shen and make a big move first. Targeting a top force to deter other forces. So they wouldn't dare send strong individuals to deal with him. In short, to create a balance between Liu Shen and the top experts of the Upper Realm, so neither side could easily make a move. Then, matters of the younger generation would be handled by the younger generation themselves. Then he would be comfortable. First, use nuclear weapons for deterrence, then slowly boil the frog... Shi Jian already had a plan in his mind, but of course, he didn't tell the Demonic Woman about these things. ***** After learning more about the Upper Realm from the Demonic Woman, Shi Jian wanted to inform Shi Hao about their imminent departure. However, when he saw Shi Hao, he was utterly dumbfounded. He saw Shi Hao holding the God-Striking Stone in his left hand and the Small Pagoda in his right. Two Heaven-Defying opportunities in hand. "You're the Shi Jian this kid brags about as being like a God? It seems this kid didn't exaggerate after all..." The Small Pagoda circled Shi Jian once, then spoke. The God-Striking Stone, upon seeing Shi Jian, quickly hid. It sensed a fatal danger from Shi Jian. The God-Striking Stone looked somewhat fearful of Shi Jian. The Small Pagoda, however, was somewhat surprised by Shi Jian's power. It had its own sentience. It knew what had happened in the Lower Realm. Naturally, it also knew the power of this young man before it. Unprecedented and unparalleled. In the Small Pagoda's view, Shi Jian definitely possessed the aptitude to become an Immortal King. Shi Jian was also a bit dumbfounded when he saw the God-Striking Stone and the Small Pagoda. Especially the Small Pagoda. The origin of the Small Pagoda did not seem to be specifically mentioned in the original work. Liu Shen described the Small Pagoda like this: "This pagoda has appeared again..." "It appeared in the Archaic Era, and manifested in the Ancient Era. It possesses world-shaking Divine Might. Now it is crystal clear and very small, almost unrecognizable." From this description, Liu Shen also didn't know the origin of the Small Pagoda. However, this Small Pagoda was at least an Immortal King-level existence. It was also a thick thigh to hold onto. Shi Jian rose too quickly in the early stage, so he hadn't sought out the Small Pagoda. However, after the great Heaven and Earth Tribulation, he had gone to search for traces of the Small Pagoda. But he didn't find it. Shi Jian estimated that it was probably due to the great Heaven and Earth Tribulation that the Small Pagoda awakened early. Thus, a change occurred. But he didn't expect it, the Small Pagoda still ended up in Shi Hao's hands. "You mean you went out to train, and then these two shameless things clung to you... and ate a lot of your flesh and blood treasures!" Shi Jian looked at Shi Hao in silence and said. Shi Hao nodded with a bitter expression. Not long ago, he had just broken through to the Spiritual Realm, and he was full of vigor. Therefore, he wanted to take advantage of the time before leaving to scour the Lower Realm for treasures, just like Shi Jian. As a result, when he was exploring a ruin, he happened to encounter the God-Striking Stone and the Small Pagoda. These two things immediately latched onto him. One said it needed to devour Heaven And Earth Treasure to grow, thus recognizing him as its master and needing him to feed it. The other said it was in its recovery period, and once recovered, it could provide him with immense assistance, also needing him to feed it. This truly made Shi Hao anxious. Don't forget, he also had a Supreme Vine that similarly required resources to be fed. One Supreme Vine. One Small Pagoda. One God-Striking Stone. Three non-human entities fought fiercely over resources. Shi Jian smiled as he looked at Shi Hao's bitter expression. "This God-Striking Stone is one of the Ten Archaic Fiends, with an extraordinary origin. It can devour ore and grow continuously. Besides that, it is also proficient in formations... It's a good helper!" "This Small Pagoda also has an extraordinary origin. In its peak, it seemed to be on the same level as Liu Shen... Their presence by your side will only bring you benefits, not harm!" Shi Jian told Shi Hao the origins of the God-Striking Stone and the Small Pagoda. He didn't care that the actual owners were right there. Shi Hao naturally knew that these two things were extraordinary. In fact, he had taken the Small Pagoda to see Liu Shen once. He knew the Small Pagoda was very powerful. But he couldn't afford to raise it. He had to support himself, and also the Supreme Vine. Now he also had to support the God-Striking Stone and the Small Pagoda. One person bearing four mortgages. Who could endure that? "You really are knowledgeable, kid..." The Small Pagoda floated in front of Shi Jian, then looked disdainfully at Shi Hao. "This little guy hasn't been weaned yet. Following him would simply tarnish my, Pagoda Lord's, prestige... How about I just follow you from now on!" Shi Jian looked at it with disdain. The Small Pagoda was indeed powerful in its peak. But it was different from Liu Shen. Liu Shen could recover her cultivation as long as she had some enlightenment. He only needed to provide the Great Five Elements Technique to allow Liu Shen to return to her peak. But the Small Pagoda, this thing needed to either find its other pagoda bodies to recover its strength, or be fed treasures... Shi Jian himself was a gluttonous beast, so how could he have the energy to raise another gluttonous beast? "You should still follow Shi Hao... If you follow me, you'll starve to death!" Shi Jian waved his hand, directly refusing. After being rejected, Pagoda Lord said nothing more. It felt that Shi Jian was difficult to control, and Shi Hao was easier to fool. ***** After a few more days, Shi Jian and Shi Hao had both settled their affairs in the Lower Realm. With everyone's farewells, the two finally embarked on the path to the Upper Realm. "Are you sure you want to use my Heaven-Mending Sect's teleportation formation to go to the Upper Realm?" After waiting for so long, the Demonic Woman finally saw Shi Jian, but she felt a bit unreal. Shi Jian looked at her strangely: "You waited for me for so long, wasn't it to go to the Upper Realm with me?" "Why are you backing out now?" The Demonic Woman was silent for a moment upon hearing this: "What I mean is, aren't you afraid I'm setting a trap for you? You should know... your bounty in the Upper Realm is now comparable to the accumulation of a major sect!" "Moreover, countless forces in the Upper Realm want to kill you quickly... My Heaven-Mending Sect is one of them!" "Aren't you afraid this teleportation formation is a trap?" Shi Jian remained calm upon hearing this. There were indeed many ways to go to the Upper Realm. He didn't necessarily have to hitch a ride with the Demonic Woman. Some races in the Lower Realm were once very powerful. They later declined or disappeared. But ancient teleportation formations could still be found in their ruins. In the original work, Shi Hao went to the Upper Realm by using the Cloud Heaven Palace's teleportation formation. The Cloud Heaven Palace and the Luo Fu Great Marsh, those warriors who bravely seized the Immortal King's crippled body in the Blood Moving Realm, had once had some disputes with Shi Village over the mountain treasure. However, they were all suppressed by Shi Hao. There were many forces like Cloud Heaven Palace. They could always find a teleportation formation. However, these teleportation formations were not reliable. In the original work, Shi Hao encountered the collapse of a Void Realm passage. If it weren't for the halo, he would have died long ago. Even Heavenly God-level or even more advanced-level experts would die if they encountered a collapsing Void Realm passage. Better safe than sorry. Shi Jian felt it was better to hitch a ride with the Demonic Woman. If there was real danger, it would be a threat from the Heaven-Mending Sect. If they dared to act dishonorably and send powerful experts to deal with him, then he would simply summon Liu Shen. And sink the Heaven-Mending Sect. He was going to establish his prestige anyway. "A trap would be best... Then we'll settle it with our hands and see who's more skilled..." Shi Jian replied to the Demonic Woman. The Demonic Woman rolled her eyes. However, she still obediently led everyone to a huge teleportation formation. The God-Striking Stone, a Formation Great Master, carefully studied it and confirmed the authenticity of the teleportation formation. "This is indeed a teleportation formation to the Upper Realm..." The Demonic Woman rolled her eyes again upon seeing this. He said he wasn't afraid. But his actions were very honest. He even had the God-Striking Stone verify the authenticity of the formation. The Demonic Woman also had some understanding of the God-Striking Stone, this Divine Object. However, she didn't say anything more to needle Shi Jian. Mainly because she was afraid of getting beaten. With a hum, the huge teleportation formation activated. Runes flashed. A passage appeared before everyone. "Goodbye Shi Village... Goodbye, Grandpa..." Shi Hao looked towards Shi Village with reluctance in his heart. His nose felt a little sore. He had just managed to reunite with his parents and grandfather. Now, he faced separation again. His parents and the Great Demonic God remained in the Lower Realm. Their strength was too weak. Their aptitude and potential were acceptable in the Lower Realm. But they wouldn't count in the Upper Realm. Unable to rise quickly, they would ultimately be a burden. Therefore, only Shi Hao and Shi Jian went to the Upper Realm. Shi Jian was also a bit sad. He had lived in the Lower Realm for many years and had long regarded Shi Village as his home. Now, he was truly leaving home. He didn't know when he would be able to return. "Goodbye, Lower Realm..." Shi Jian's figure stepped into the passage, then disappeared from the Lower Realm. ***** This passage was extremely long. It pierced through space, a hazy expanse. Walking within it felt like traversing the river of time. Stars constantly flickered, and galaxies rotated. The sight was astonishing. "Boom!" Suddenly, the originally stable teleportation formation trembled violently. Countless stellar phenomena disappeared. Runes flickered. It was chaotic. "Not good... This path is about to break!" The God-Striking Stone let out a strange cry. Many cracks appeared on the boundary wall of the teleportation passage. A surge of spatial energy struck. Chaos filled the Heaven and Earth. Violent energy surged forth. "This passage was clearly very stable... How could it suddenly today!" Panic also appeared on the Demonic Woman's face. Shi Jian frowned: "You really did set a trap, huh? Using your spiritual body as bait..." The Demonic Woman cursed upon hearing this: "Do you think this spiritual body of mine is some cheap item? This spiritual body took me decades of time and effort to cultivate..." "This teleportation formation is affected by the energy of something... and there's also the obstruction of Heaven and Earth Laws!" A stream of light flew over. Carrying a misty Qi. The rune power within it was terrifying. Shi Jian was caught off guard, and a cut instantly appeared on his body. Blood flowed immediately. Although the wound healed in less than a moment. However, it was enough to show the danger of this spatial turbulence. Shi Jian's current physical body, even if he stood there and let a Divine Fire Realm expert attack him, the Divine Fire Realm expert might not even be able to break his defense. Yet this spatial turbulence easily cut open his physical body. "Damn it..." Shi Jian cursed under his breath. He was precisely afraid of encountering spatial turbulence by using unknown teleportation formations from other fallen forces. That's why he hitched a ride with the Demonic Woman. As a result, he still encountered it. Space trembled. Half of the passage shattered, and countless energies surged over. Countless streams of light. The situation became increasingly perilous. Shi Jian grabbed Shi Hao with one hand and the Demonic Woman with the other, quickly moving and running rapidly within the passage. "Just a little further, and we'll reach the exit... I'm about to enter the Upper Realm!" The God-Striking Stone yelled. The next moment, a loud bang came, and a part of the Void Realm rapidly fractured. The situation was extremely bad. Sheets of runes surged forth, weaving terrifying Chaos light in the Void Realm. Void Realm Great Cleave. This energy was extremely terrifying. Once struck, even a Heavenly God expert would instantly perish. "Open!" Shi Jian erupted with extreme speed, preparing to escape this place, when a struggling force suddenly came from one of his hands. Shi Jian looked up and saw Shi Hao, for some reason, exert a tremendous force, breaking free from his grip. His gaze was as if he had lost his mind, staring intently in a certain direction. Shi Jian followed his gaze. And then he saw the culprit that caused the collapse of the teleportation passage. It was a drop of blood. A drop of blood that flowed with Divine Light, emitted terrifying aura, and suppressed the entire Void Realm almost to the point of collapse.