Grasping Evil

Men were different from women. If women feel weary, misery or wronged, they would find their sisters or close friends to pour out their ill feelings. However, men could only conceal all their weariness and bitterness, burying them deep within their hearts and move forward in life with a heavier load on their shoulders…

No one would know about what's within their hearts and none of them would wish someone could understand their feelings. What they only wished is that for every step they take, they have no misgivings nor qualms.

Ning Fan's heart was weighed down by weariness. This feeling of tiredness was actually the evil influence of the Heart's Devil before one attains the Divine Transformation Realm which was inducing him to let go of all responsibilities and return to become his mortal self, tempting him to give up all of his cultivation levels and weakening his state of mind to the point of falling apart.

However, the Heart's Devil might be strong, but it was still a Heart's Devil after all. It might be able to trouble Ning Fan's heart, but it would not be able to change his mind.

Even though the snow breeze before him was no different from those of Seven Apricot City, the more the responsibilities he had on his shoulders, the harder it would be for him to turn to his back and return.

"The moments I had in Seven Apricot City are indeed unforgettable. But there's no turning back now…"

The perplexed look on his face gradually faded away. His eyes began to shine with brilliant light, extinguishing traces of the Heart's Devil within him. Meanwhile, his state of mind was advancing closer to the Divine Transformation Realm.

With just a step, he travelled across the cold plum tree, through the icy snow breeze, casting all the past behind, as if he was severing all his mortal coil!

His steps were adamant. Traces of his aura were all withdrawn within his heart, making him look simple and guileless on the outside.

From a mortal to a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator, every advancement would make one's aura become sharper and keener than before.

However, from the Nascent Soul Realm to the Divine Transformation Realm, every advancement would cause the cultivator's aura to be more restrained than before.

It was actually a state similar to recover one's original simplicity!

As Lu Wan'er looked at the emaciated but reliable body from behind while following at Ning Fan's back, her heart pounded heavily in disbelief.

She gradually had a delusion that Ning Fan's breath was slowly becoming as low and inaudible as a mortal being.

"Lu Bei… No. Ning Fan…He's on the verge of breaking through to the Divine Transformation Realm…My brother once told me that the moment when a Peak Nascent Soul Realm cultivator's aura has completely been kept within his heart and become no different than that of a mortal being is his final step before transforming himself into a divine being…It's the step where he has to sever his mortal self!"

Lu Wan'er cast him a glance.

It's just like yesterday when I first met him in the Ming Lu Building…During that time, his demon power was just at the early stage of the Nascent Soul Realm… Just over a year, he has nearly broken through to the Divine Transformation Realm…

"Ning Fan, you are too outstanding…So much so that I don't even dare to claim ties of kinship with you…"

"Silly girl, what nonsense are you talking about?!" Ning Fan gently flicked her forehead. That intimate action caused the little fox to be dazed at first but revealed a smiling face split seconds later.

In the government office of the province, Encompassing Heaven Hall.

Without the need of reporting to the guards, Ning Fan and Lu Wan'er directly entered into the hall.

Within the hall, Lu Daochen was standing with his back slightly bent while looking at a portrait hanging on a wall.

Obviously, that portrait had just been made. It was a drawing of a young and strong middle-aged Heavenly General.

That man had the head of a tiger, clad in a set of golden armor. His fierce and menacing eyes were gleaming in radiant light. He stood at the front of the Golden Flame Chariot with his hands clasped behind his back.

There were nine demon beasts pulling the chariot and each of them possessed different bloodlines. Among them, there was a tree bird with six heads, a blood-red jiaolong1, a cloud beast, a gigantic snake, a leopard and so on.

The place that the Golden Flame Chariot was passing by was an herbal garden which was full of spiritual qi.

Ning Fan's eyes lit up when his gaze fell upon the portrait.

If he was not wrong, the Golden Flame Chariot on the portrait was exactly the chariot that was given to him by Lu Daochen. There might be lots of similar chariots in ancient times, but each of the chariot were engraved with different designs because of the different people riding them….

It can't be wrong! As expected, this chariot really has special meaning!

"You have come…"

Lu Daochen's tone was a little sentimental. Turning to his back, his gaze landed on Lu Wan'er, revealing a fatherly look on his face.

When his gaze shifted to Ning Fan, his face began to be filled with surprise and praised, "Uncommon, truly uncommon! Your aura has become so restrained. Apparently, you are not far away from attaining the Divine Transformation Realm… If you enter the Dragon Pond, you will definitely achieve the breakthrough within a hundred years… If you have the help from this old man's pills, you will have a higher chance of succeeding. If you are assisted by the power of the demon statue on the Cloud Platform, it won't be difficult for you to achieve your Third Bloodline Awakening after attaining the Divine Transformation Realm. Perhaps, your demon power will increase by at least 30%... If you have me giving you guidance on the 'path of the Star Palace', you will be able to obtain the Star of the Celestial Emperor. With that, you might even advance into the Mid Divine Transformation Realm in one go…"

Lu Daochen's eyes flashed with kind intentions. It was because he wished to get Ning Fan's help that he offered all kinds of attractive benefits just as they met.

If one thought about it carefully, one would find that his words had indicated a number of things. The Dragon pond, the pills, the demon statue on the Cloud Platform, the path of the Star Palace, the Star of the Celestial Palace…

What Lu Daochen did was similar to casting a few bricks to attract jade. He was actually trying to arouse Ning Fan's interest so that they could move on to the topic about the maps of the Third World Passage.

However, Ning Fan gave him a wee smile and deliberately avoided the topic. He did not immediately discuss the maps with Lu Daochen but he lifted his finger and pointed at the portrait on the wall instead.

"If I didn't guess wrongly, the painter of the portrait is a True Immortal! And the Heavenly General who stands at the front of the chariot should be the Demon Marshal sleeping in this Land of Slumber, Lu Wu!"

Mortals would only seek for the similarity in shapes in their paintings and calligraphy. Those who had arrived at a higher level in paintings would seek for the overall arrangement while those who were better than the experts would only emphasize on the meaning but not the shape. Their artwork would be painted using light ink, leaving only a white landscape painting.

However, that was not the highest level in paintings and calligraphy. At least, Ning Fan knew that the higher level than just focusing on the meaning of the drawing was to add the vital finishing touch, just as the saying goes, bringing the painted dragon to life by putting in the pupils of its eyes. The painter who had achieved that realm would be able to turn the virtual things into physical existence, turn fantasy into reality.

The middle-aged Demon General in the portrait before his eyes gave him a feeling that as long as the painter wishes, the character within it would then be turned into an actual person!

After all, the seven realms of the cultivation level only cultivate and comprehend the meaning of "void".

Only True Immortals would cultivate and comprehend the meaning of 'truth'.

Therefore, if the artwork was at the level of being able to become reality, the painter of the portrait must be a being who had attained the True Immortal Realm!

Due to the long age of the portrait, it had lost more than half of its spirituality. Otherwise, with just a thought, one could summon a Void Refinement Realm Demon Marshal from the portrait to fight. A portrait like this could be regarded as an Immortal Treasure!

Ning Fan's was moved by the portrait. The techniques and art in creating that portrait were extremely profound. Aside from that, this simple drawing seemed to have contained the True Immortal's technique of turning the illusion into reality…

If I get this portrait and comprehend it, it would definitely be beneficial for advancing into the Void Refinement and Void Fragmentation Realm!

Besides, from this portrait which was almost lifelike in appearance, Ning Fan could see the middle-aged man loftily standing at the end of the chariot possessed a Void Refinement Realm aura at first glance. It was a being with a Demon Marshal's cultivation level and Lu Daochen was looking at it reverently just now. Thinking in a logical manner, one would be able to figure out the man was Demon Marshal Lu Wu.

"Isn't it just a normal drawing? How could it be an artwork of a True Immortal…" Lu Wan'er pursed her lips to control herself from laughing.

This Ning Fan is really interesting. He might be powerful but don't tell me that his knowledge in paintings is also extraordinary…

Lu Wan'er muttered inwardly.

At least, she could not see how unique that portrait was even though she had studied quite a lot of calligraphy and paintings.

But what surprised Lu Wan'er was her master's reaction.

After seeing Ning Fan's state of mind was nearly approaching the stage of severing his mortal coil, Lu Daochen was slightly astonished. But after listening to Ning Fan's opinion, Lu Daochen was completely stunned.

It was because in the past, if it was not because the Demon Marshal who personally introduced to Lu Daochen that the portrait was a gift from a True Immortal of the Ancient Heavenly Court, he would not be able to perceive how special the portrait was at all. The reason why he would stare at the portrait just now was just because he was cherishing the memory of the Demon Marshal.

At this moment, Lu Daochen felt that he had to start over in understanding Ning Fan.

This person doesn't only have strong combat power, but also have broad and profound knowledge. He is a man of great shrewdness and his foresight is incredibly sharp.

"You really have good judgement. This old man is ashamed for not being able to compare to you… To be honest, this portrait is a 'relic' from the Demon Marshal. True enough, it is precisely a gift from a True Immortal to the Demon Marshal. If you are able to cooperate with me, this item will also be one of your rewards. Since you could recognize the profundity of this portrait, it won't be a waste for you to own it…"

"Oh. Then it would be disrespectful to decline your offers. Thank you…"

Ning Fan's facial expression remained unaffected but deep inside, he was shocked. In Lu Daochen's words, he mentioned that the portrait was a 'relic', which was beyond Ning Fan's expectation.

From Lu Daochen's tone, he seemed to be declaring that Demon Marshal Lu Wu had already passed away…

To Lu Wan'er, it was just a conversation between a young man and an old man where every line they conversed carried an underlying meaning. She had never liked such style of communication.

"Lu Bei! Master! There isn't anyone else in this place. So can't the both of you just speak properly and frankly?!"

"Hehe. Alright. Alright. I'll go straight to the point. Actually, this should be the case… Lu Bei, let me ask you, the reason why you want to gather the maps is because you intend to kill Demon Marshal Lu Wu and devour his demon bloodline to enhance your demon power?"

"Yes." Ning Fan replied without holding back his true intention.

"Good kid… If the Demon Marshal were alive, I, as the Demon General who protects the Demon Marshal would have fight you to the death if you make such rebellious remarks… Unfortunately, this old man no longer has the reason to fight you anymore. Aside from that, your wish of devouring the Demon Marshal's blood essence is bound to be fruitless. As I've hinted to you earlier, Demon Marshal Lu Wu has already died countless years before this old man awakened. His demon blood is already long gone…"

Theoretically, demons would never die because of falling into slumber. However, the moment of waking up was hard to control.

Lu Daochen did not know how long he had been slumbering but the moment when he was awake, he sensed that the Demon Marshal was already dead.

The reason why he was able to tell was because of some kind of item given by the Demon Marshal that reacted. Other than Lu Daochen, the other generals of the other divisions had no idea about Lu Wu's death.

"The Demon Marshal of the Third World is dead?!"

Lu Wan'er covered her mouth with her hands, feeling flabbergasted by that shocking secret. If that matter is disseminated, it would definitely shake the entire Luo Yun Tribe.

"I don't know if what you're saying is true or not. If it's true, it will be pointless for me to enter that world. But I just want to know what Cloud General plans to do in that world?"

Ning Fan's eyes turned serious. What he wanted to know the most was Lu Daochen's true intention.

Ever since the beginning, he had never been able to see through him because he could not see Lu Daochen had any schemes or greed towards the Third World.

"For me, I have nothing to do in the Third World. I only want to pay a debt of gratitude to the Demon Marshal Lu and save his remnant soul… It has been more than a thousand years since I was awakened from the egg. Throughout this period of time, I have been repeatedly performing divination and studied about the Third World. All records about that world are within this jade slip. Please have a look."

After receiving the jade slip, Ning Fan placed it on his glabella. Immediately, a primitive and wild continent which was immeasurably vast appeared within his Sea of Consciousness.

It was a general map of the Third World!

However, within this map, there was not the most symbolic building for a Demon Marshal to fall into slumber – the Egg of Slumber. There were only different trails of star path connecting to the void. In the middle of the void space, there was an enormous maze palace which was formed from starlight.

This maze palace was labelled by Lu Daochen as the Star Palace!

The paths within the Star Palace were intricate and filled with danger that was unpredictable. There was only a red spot specifically marked by Lu Daochen on an approximate location.

Ning Fan faintly felt that the red dot within the Star Palace was exactly Lu Daochen's goal!

"What's the meaning of this map…" Ning Fan heaved a deep sigh. The situation within the Third World was completely different from that of the ordinary Land of Slumber.

Especially the Star Palace, it gave Ning Fan an extreme feeling of threat. If he is lost within the place, it would probably be very difficult for him to extricate himself from it.

"Save the remnant soul in the red spot and free it into the cycle of rebirth. After that, I will grant you whatever you want, even if you demand to get this old man's position as the Honorable Demon General in the Luo Yun Tribe!"

Lu Daochen's eyes were solemn.

The reason why Ning Fan was unable to see through his intention in the past was because he was gauging him with a utilitarian heart.

In actuality, what Lu Daochen was trying to do was merely to free the Demon Marshal. Therefore, it became difficult for Ning Fan to judge his motive.

"He was regarded as a sinful Demon Marshal who was sent into exile by the Immortal Demon World. In the past, we, the Honorable Demon Generals of the nine divisions were just the chariot spirits of Demon Marshal Lu's Golden Flame Chariot. After the Heavenly Court collapsed, our memories were erased by someone and were forced to fall into slumber. None of us could remember anything about what happened in the past, let alone what Demon Marshal Lu did which provoked the Immortal Demon World to banish him. However, although it's just my hypothesis, I suppose the Star of the Celestial Emperor must have something to do with it. Regarding the details of the matter, I've completely forgotten about them. The only thing that remains in my memories is Demon Marshal Lu's kindness. Without Demon Marshal Lu, how could I become a Demon General, how could I have great and profound knowledge, how could I be chosen by the people from the Spirit King Palace and given the chance to ascend to the Immortal World… It was my biggest regret in my entire life for not being able to repay Demon Marshal's kindness as I've sensed his death after I awakened! It I can't remove this regret, I don't have the mood to continue my cultivation, let alone ascending to the Immortal World… Lu Bei, it's up to you now to enter the Third World and save Demon Marshal Wu's remnant soul. Although there isn't the demon blood of the Demon Marshal, this old man's rewards will definitely satisfy you…So are you willing to lend this old man a hand?!"

"Demon Marshal Lu might be dead, but part of his soul is still trapped inside the Star Palace, unable to break free… The location which was marked with the red dot is the centre of the palace. Demons are unable to access it or else they would succumb to the power of the star. You are a human. Therefore, there's a chance you will be able to get in. Besides, you've awakened a royal bloodline which could be used to wash away the 'Sinful Mark' on Demon Marshal Lu's soul and help it to enter samsara…"

"If you are willing to help, all the rewards that I mentioned earlier will all be yours. With my help, the next time you leave the Land of Slumber, you will at least be at the Mid Divine Transformation Realm! Without my help, even if you gather all the maps of the passage connecting to the Third World, you will still come out in vain from the Third World… The Star of the Celestial Emperor is the most precious treasure. Only I was granted by the Demon Marshal the Key of the Star Palace and only this key can subdue the star… Normally, it would take at least hundreds of years for a common Early Divine Transformation Realm being to break through to the Mid Divine Transformation Realm. But if you possess this star, attaining the Mid Divine Transformation Realm will just be around the corner!"

Lu Daochen's face revealed a pleading expression for the first time.

He used to uphold Lu Wu's teachings: don't beg the heavens nor the earth because what isn't yours will never come no matter how hard you beg for it.

Today, however, he had to plead Ning Fan no matter what. Without him, Demon Marshal Lu's soul would almost be impossible to rescue!

Lu Wan'er's eyes turned serious. It was her first time witnessing her unyielding master pleading someone.

Ning Fan seemed to be touched by what Lu Daochen said. Among the rewards, what truly moved him were the Star of the Celestial Emperor as well as the promise of advancing into the Mid Divine Transformation Realm. After all, his purpose of coming to the Land of Slumber was to obtain the Demon Marshal's blood to improve his cultivation level. Although what he wanted can't be found in the Third World now, there is still the Star of the Celestial Emperor, which isn't any less significant compared to the Demon Marshal's blood. Therefore, he would of course be willing to accept the request.

But anyhow, he was no longer a hot-blooded young man anymore. Regarding Lu Daochen's words, he only had 70% of confidence in them. The remaining 30% was reserved.

Even if Lu Daochen was telling the truth, it was his principle of conducting himself: never blindly and fully believe in a stranger.

"I'll need three days to think about it."

Lu Daochen gently sighed.

This kid is really vigilant in doing things. Taking three days to think about it… He's probably going to find out more about my background from other sources.

I suppose he will likely start with Yao Fei…

"Alright. I'll wait for your reply after three days. Of course, even if you refuse to help me, as the Eighth General of the tribe, you will still enjoy the right to enter the Scripture Tower, cultivate in the Dragon Pond, awaken your bloodline in the Cloud Platform and so on. However, the Key of the Star Palace granted by the Demon Marshal and the map of the World Passage will only be handed over to you after you've promised to help me and take an oath of Heart's Devil…"

"Of course!"

An important matter like this must of course be dealt with care and caution. Ning Fan would need to take the vow of Heart's Devil and so does Lu Daochen.

Since he had three days to contemplate about it, he did not have to rush. Besides, having the Mind Reading Technique was enough for him to obtain some information about the Third World.

In the province of the Pure Flame Tribe, Wang Xiao was looking at the two life plates which disintegrated with a grim expression.

Jin Qun and Li Ban are dead?! What the hell had happened?!

He had been waiting within the hall for Lu Jiefen's report for more than 10 days. Unfortunately, the distance between the Luo Yun Tribe and the Pure Flame Tribe was not short. Therefore, within a short period of time, there was no way he would be able to see Lu Jiefen, let alone get him to clarify what was going on.

However, although Lu Jiefen had yet to return, a ray of sword light flew into the hall, carrying a message. It was a technique that was specially used by the beings at the Divine Transformation Realm, Flying Sword Message Transmission!

"General Wang Xiao, the evil general of the Luo Yun Tribe, Lu Bei was bold and reckless. He killed General Li Ban, Jin Qun and even a general of my Pure Flame Tribe, General Jin Yun. Their deaths must be avenged. But I've just received intel that the situation of the Third World seemed to have some changes… The Luo Yun Tribe is backed by a demon imperial concubine from the Spirit King Palace. It will be hard to overturn them. In order to acquire the Star of the Celestial Emperor without fail, I recommend General Wang Xiao to set up a demon altar and open the World Passages to invite some experts from the Upper World or some strong reinforcements from the Demon World. All in all, we must give everything to open up the World Passage to the Third World!"

As the voice fell, Wang Xiao's expression was filled with rage and he crushed the message-transmitting sword light with his hand.

Instead of feeling enraged by Lu Bei who killed three of their Demon Generals, the focus of his anger shifted towards Yao Fei from the Spirit King Palace.

"The Spirit King Palace wants to fight against us, the great True Spirit Races for the Star of the Celestial Emperor?! Hmmph! If that's the case, I'll really need to request for some backup, just like what Lu Jiefen said. I won't be able to open up the World Passage connecting to the Upper World on my own. As for the World Passage to the Demon World, if there are blood offerings from hundreds of thousands of living creatures, it will still be forcibly opened… This time, I guess I should request help from the Prince of the Demon Sovereign! The bloodline he possesses is so powerful that even the Spirit King Palace will have to be dreadful of…"

In the Misty Rain House of the Luo Yun Province.

Behind a curtain, Yao Fei was veiling her face with a silky-white cloth while playing the qin2. The melody was sweet and pleasant.

However, after accidentally hearing the whispers among the maidservants, the tip of her fingers trembled, causing a string of the musical instrument to break.

"What?! The Spirit King wants to send Imperial Concubine Zi to the Land of Slumber?! Nonsense! This woman always relies on the special kindness of the king and behaves in a bossy and arrogant manner. If she meets with an accident or mishap here, how should we report to the Spirit King?!"

Yao Fei's brows tightly knitted together.

If Imperial Concubine Zi comes and offends someone whom she shouldn't have with her rude remarks, how should it be handled…

It's going to be a mess… The situation in this Land of Slumber is going to be in turmoil. For the nine parts of the World Passage map, there would probably be a great bloodshed…

Is it truly good to activate the World Passage?

The Star of the Celestial Emperor is one of the demon stars which belonged to the Celestial Emperor of the Ancient Heavenly Court. This star contains one-ninth of the Celestial Emperor's cultivation level. But countless years have passed and the power of the star is nearly depleted. Its greatest use is related to the Ancient Heavenly Court…

Yao Fei's mind was troubled.

At this moment, there was another maidservant who came to report with a strange look.

"What's the matter?!"

"Reporting to Demon Imperial Concubine, outside the Misty Rain House, the Eighth General who was newly promoted, Lu Bei requests to meet you and he hopes to have a private conversation with you, Demon Imperial Concubine."

"Lu Bei? He wants to converse alone with me? What is his purpose of meeting me?"

As Yao Fei intended to permit him to enter, she noticed that each of the maidservants looked at her in a weird manner. Instantly, her expression slightly changed.

As an imperial concubine of the Spirit King, although I haven't been patronized by the Spirit King nor summoned to meet him, I am still being regarded as a high-ranking maid in the imperial palace. With that identity, it seemed inappropriate for me to have a private meeting with another man…

"Decline him. I'm not meeting him…" Yao Fei let out a dejected sigh inwardly.

One's reputation and integrity are indeed too restrictive.

On the first day, Ning Fan was declined.

On the second day, the maidservant reported again that Ning Fan came to meet Yao Fei, making the latter be curious of the reason why Ning Fan came to seek for her. However, due to her identity, she declined again.

On the third day, Ning Fan came too but this time, he did not request to meet anyone. He only told them that he is going to the Scripture Tower to read some scriptures.

Yao Fei felt that his action was a little laughable.

He must have known that he would be rejected. That's why he didn't even request to meet me and directly go to the Scripture Tower.

"Why is he going to the Scripture Tower? Don't tell me that a boorish fellow like him still wants to study the ancient demon characters and model Lu Daochen to be a Demon General with great wisdom?"

"Wait. It isn't right! He is a human. How can a human read the characters of our race? It's a serious matter… It might be fine for him to do so in the borderline city which does not have the complete series of books, but the tower in the province is a place which keeps the Demon Codex. If he imprints it and spread it to the human race, it will cause harm to our demon race! How could Lu Daochen allow him to do so after knowing his true identity?!"

Her beautiful eyes sparkled. As such, there was no way for her to avoid meeting Ning Fan anymore.

This man is really crafty. After knowing that he can't meet me by requesting directly, he applies some tricks, forcing me to take the initiative to seek for him.

Knowing that I would protect the demon race and repel the human race, he uses the matter of the Scripture Tower to compel me to see him in order to stop him from reading the demon scriptures.

"Fine. Since there's always a crowd in the Scripture Tower, I don't have to be afraid of being suspected of having a scandal with him… Moreover, what's his purpose of meeting me? Conveniently, I should let him know about the arrival of Imperial Concubine Zi. I will need him to tolerate the Imperial Concubine Zi in case she treats him badly because of his identity as a human and displeases him. After all, she isn't a being like Jin Qun and Li Ban. If she is killed, the Spirit King will probably destroy the entire Rain World…"

In the Scripture Tower, Ning Fan sneezed right after he landed on the ground.

Is someone talking about me?

Suddenly, his heart had an extremely good feeling, as if a group of Divine Transformation Realm human cauldrons are walking right into his trap…

<strong>Translated by Tommy, edited by Roel</strong>

<strong>Note:</strong>

1. Jiaolong (Chinese: 蛟龙, pinyi n: jiāolóng) is a dragon in Chinese Mythology. It is often defined as a "scaled dragon", hornless according to certain scholars.

(Click here for picture) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3RRFOqF_MI/

2. Qin or better known as guqin is an ancient stringed instrument originated from ancient China.

(Click here for picture) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0s0FrvFV-z/