Though Jiang Wang and Xu Xi Ming fought individually, they instinctively kept a certain distance, prepared to aid each other at any moment. After all, Evil Visages of the Grotto-True realm were not uncommon here.

Their fighting range never exceeded Jiang Wang’s initial stance, as they systematically eliminated the Evil Visages of the God-Arrival realm in a widening circle.

While in the distance, the four contemporary True Monarchs battled amidst churning, diseased waters, Jiang Wang and Xu Xi Ming’s swords never ceased. They maintained an almost identical pace, extinguishing one Evil Visage approximately every three breaths.

But at this moment, Jiang Wang unleashed his perception, yet Xu Xi Ming’s figure was nowhere to be found.

The might of the several True Monarchs in the distance remained clear.

But around him, the space was empty, devoid of any other person.

Where had Xu Xi Ming gone?

Could it be…

Did Xu Xi Ming truly exist?

Because at this very moment, his sight saw nothing, his hearing heard nothing, and his mind felt nothing.

When all that could be perceived did not exist, could that person still be real?

Though they had conversed with Xu Xi Ming moments before, and he had witnessed Xu Xi Ming slay a newly emerged Evil Visage, were those conversations, those scenes, truly real?

A chill snaked down Jiang Wang’s spine!

Especially upon seeing the plump white child in the water, radiating such curiosity, his heart leaped into his throat!

Just a moment ago, he had been discussing the matter of Evil Visages with White Cloud Boy; what was this thing in the water?

He reacted almost instantly, first shielding himself with sword energy. Then, he submerged his consciousness, peering into the Sea of Five Mansions. Finding no trace of intrusion, he finally spotted the snoring White Cloud Boy in the main hall of Cloud Peak Pavilion.

This little fat child had crafted a small cotton cloud bed for himself at some point, placing it grandly in the center of the great hall. On either side were items like a wooden horse and a swing.

At this moment, he was wrapped in a small quilt, his plump face flushed. He was also snoring, albeit very faintly.

Jiang Wang let out a sigh of relief. Though this little immortal child was not of much use, they had spent so long together, and there was a degree of affection.

Just as he prepared to unleash his sword into the water to slay the new, unknown Evil Visage disguised as a fake, the cotton cloud bed’s White Cloud Boy’s plump face suddenly turned a ghastly blackish hue. His entire body instantly stiffened, his breath vanishing without a trace, transforming into a corpse without warning!

Was this a case of “exchanging the plum for the peach,” or was he simply erased?

Simultaneously, the white, plump child beneath the diseased water suddenly shot to the surface, crying “Waaah, waaah,” and pouncing wetly towards Jiang Wang: “Immortal Lord sir! You scared this little one to death, waaah, waaah, waaah…”

True or false?

Jiang Wang had no time to contemplate further.

Above the Sea of Five Mansions, a resplendent red-gold mansion rumbled forth, rapidly approaching Cloud Peak Immortal Palace!

Immortal light instantly streamed down, illuminating every corner of the Immortal Palace complex.

Like clear water washing away grime.

Faint shadows were dispelled.

The White Cloud Boy on the cotton cloud bed suddenly opened his eyes, snatching up his small white cloud sword, his small eyes darting about vigilantly: “What vile vermin dares to provoke this immortal child’s domain!”

Two loyal Immortal Palace laborers, who had been diligently working, instantly leaped up, one in front and one behind, falling into Cloud Peak Pavilion. They stood guard to his left and right, exceptionally loyal.

Looking at his face again, it was already rosy and moist; where was the blackish color?

He hadn’t been quietly eliminated or replaced within the Immortal Palace, but rather, this was a form of sensory misdirection.

At this moment, the Sea of Five Mansions was already cleansed.

The wet, pouncing white plump child outside was also obstructed by the red-gold light.

But he suddenly revealed a twisted, malevolent grin, opening his mouth and taking a bite!

He bit off a large chunk of the red-gold light!

This act caused a chain reaction.

Jiang Wang’s Qian Yang Red Pupils almost instantly collapsed, a trail of blood weeping from the corner of his eye!

The dazzling red-gold mansion within the Sea of Five Mansions also suddenly dimmed.

Between his chest and abdomen, five blazing wheels of light ignited simultaneously. In this critical moment, he activated his Heavenly Mansion Body, protecting himself with the light of his five divine powers.

This was the first time he had suffered such a severe setback to this divine power since shedding the Red Heart divine power. Who could have imagined that even divine power light could be devoured?

“Giggle, giggle.”

The white plump child seemed to have eaten with great satisfaction, laughing happily. He paid no mind to the might Jiang Wang displayed, stepping on air with his short legs, flying and pouncing towards Jiang Wang’s embrace.

“Immortal Lord sir, hug.”

“Damn thief!” White Cloud Boy inside Cloud Peak Pavilion, gripping his small white cloud sword, cried out angrily, “Who is your ‘sir,’ you stinky, shameless ghost baby!”

The white plump child could actually hear the sounds within the Sea of Five Mansions, glancing towards Jiang Wang’s chest and abdomen.

Even the light of the five divine powers could not block this gaze!

The entire Cloud Peak Immortal Palace complex suddenly emitted a clear light.

Yet it was instantly extinguished by an invisible force!

White Cloud Boy immediately fell into a sprawling pose, dropping his sword, burying his head in the small quilt, and shrinking away, refusing to show his head again.

As for the two Immortal Palace laborers guarding his left and right, they simply hadn’t even reacted.

And outside his body, faced with the wet, pouncing white plump child, Jiang Wang dared not hold back. He drew his sword horizontally, directly slashing out a One Line of Heaven that carried the meaning of breaking karma.

Yet, the white plump child extended his chubby little hand and actually seized this “one line” of heaven and earth in his grasp!

Empty machination becoming real, imagination taking form.

Then, like eating a fried dough stick, he bit it off bite by bite!

What level of terrifying existence was this?

Even Jiang Wang, with his absolute refusal to surrender, temporarily found no possibility of resistance. He could only first leave a realm of fire in his original position and retreat quickly.

He attempted to use the Three Flavors True Fire to gain a deeper understanding of this terrifying existence and then slowly plan his response.

Yet, he saw only this white plump child reach out and pinch, transforming the realm of fire into a red ball. Like eating a candy pill, he tossed it into his mouth!

Laughing “hee hee,” he took a step with his short legs, already sticking close to Jiang Wang!

Jiang Wang’s hair immediately stood on end. A point of sword intent ignited from his already extinguished red-light eyes, and his entire body burst forth with sword energy!

Just at this moment, a single straw suddenly appeared, falling onto the white plump child’s forehead.

The white plump child instantly cracked open, then all his limbs, all of him, disappeared without a trace.

Including his laughter, including the powers he had swallowed.

The straw fell into a slender hand. Si Yu An appeared before him.

The vast expanse of water below was already crystal clear, and Xu Xi Ming, the true transmission of Square Earth Palace, had returned to visual and auditory perception. He was still wielding his six-foot long sword, meticulously slaying Evil Visages.

Regarding everything that had just happened to Jiang Wang, he seemed unaware.

Regardless, Xu Xi Ming’s existence was real, which allowed Jiang Wang to relax somewhat.

He bowed respectfully to Si Yu An: “Many thanks, Pavilion Master Si, for your timely assistance!”

“After all, it was this seat who brought you across the diseased waters. If you were to die, wouldn’t this seat be like mud falling into trousers?” Si Yu An waved his hand, laughing lightly, “I also fear that Sword Pavilion might not last over three months, ah.”

Jiang Wang realized that this Street True Monarch hadn’t forgotten a single word of what he had said earlier in Sword Pavilion.

He could only shamefully say: “This junior was presumptuous in venturing into the diseased waters; I am truly ashamed.”

“This is not your fault.” Seeing that Jiang Wang was indeed somewhat dejected, Si Yu An became more serious: “Speaking his name in front of you just now was indeed Huo Sect Master’s oversight. There are some existences whose names are known but not to be spoken. Even in these diseased waters, do not think of his name.”

According to his words… could that white plump child just now actually be…

Jiang Wang quickly extinguished the thought, obeying Si Yu An’s warning and preventing himself from thinking that name.

Si Yu An continued: “But his recent performance was not too similar to the Bodhi Evil Ancestor… Do you know other names?”

Jiang Wang hesitated slightly.

Si Yu An said lightly: “I am by your side, speak freely.”

Jiang Wang then said: “Primordial Chaos Evil Immortal.”

“The Marquis Wu An of Great Qi is indeed different; his knowledge is profound. Hehe…” Si Yu An glanced at Jiang Wang, holding his grass sword askew, and stepped away again.

He no longer spoke of the Bodhi Evil Ancestor, nor of the Primordial Chaos Evil Immortal.

Only a voice lingered: “Consider carefully!”

And under this voice, Jiang Wang gripped his Long Xiang Si tightly.

A name that could not be spoken, a name that could not even be thought of. What kind of existence was this?

At his God-Arrival realm, he simply could not gauge that kind of power.

Instead, Si Yu An’s words, that he should not have heard the name of the Bodhi Evil Ancestor, seemed to be hinting at something.

Why would Huo Shi Ji make such an oversight? Was it intentional or unintentional?

The Green Cloud Mark flashed past. Jiang Wang allowed his thoughts to churn, but his body, along with his sword, had already crashed towards a rhino-bodied, bone-winged Evil Visage. While using his sword to block the bone wings, he also unleashed the Three Flavors True Fire, attaching it to its body.

He had not forgotten why he had come to the diseased waters.

Though lingering fear resided in his heart, his long sword was not sheathed, and his fighting spirit remained undiminished.

“Eh.” Xu Xi Ming seemed to only notice Jiang Wang’s fighting at this moment, somewhat surprised: “Your Three Flavors True Fire has its own true meaning, different from other places.”

Jiang Wang kept the Evil Visage outside his sword’s reach, continuing to burn it with the True Fire, casually saying: “Allow Brother Xu to see my inadequacy. I do not know how senior experts use this fire, and I am still exploring it slowly in my own way.”

“The person is the root of divine power; divine power is for the cultivator’s use. You already have your own path, so you need not concern yourself with what senior experts do.” Xu Xi Ming’s expression was calm, but his tone was very bold. He smoothly cleaved the Evil Visage before him and suddenly laughed: “Just now, I thought you would turn and leave.”

“Why would you say that?” Jiang Wang asked.

Xu Xi Ming did not provoke the next Evil Visage but stopped, standing in the air, his eyes fixed on the group of Evil Visages. For a moment, he sighed: “The first time I came to the diseased waters… was probably thirteen years ago.”

“My master also brought me here, also filled with hot blood, wanting to subdue the diseased waters and protect the frontier of the human race.”

“But upon truly arriving here, truly coming into contact with the Evil Visages, I felt lost, felt at a loss.”

“Outside, I am the true transmission of Square Earth Palace, an object of admiration for my junior brothers and sisters. I maintain order, protect one side. My name alone is enough to deter many evildoers. But here, there are too many dangers I cannot cope with, and many times, I do not know where the danger comes from.”

“Killing one or two God-Arrival level Evil Visages is nothing more. Like divine power, they are just basic existences within these Evil Visages.”

“I was absolutely unwilling to become anyone’s burden, even more unwilling to rub some merit of suppressing the diseased waters under the protection of several contemporary True Monarchs. My heart birthed the intention to retreat; I did not know what I could do here.”

“So I left at that time.” Xu Xi Ming’s expression was somewhat bitter: “It is very difficult for people to face their own powerlessness.”

He looked at Jiang Wang: “So compared to your Three Flavors True Fire, I am actually more curious… how you can still fight with such firm spirit.”

Jiang Wang casually twirled his sword light, circling another Evil Visage, and once again calmly found an opportunity to attach the Three Flavors True Fire to its body. At this moment, fighting two blazing Evil Visages with red flames by himself was still very easy.

“I cannot say any profound reason either,” he answered calmly, “Perhaps it is just because I have already faced my own powerlessness many times.”

In Xu Xi Ming’s eyes, there was some sympathy: “Very painful, isn’t it?”

Jiang Wang only said: “Indeed, there are some things I cannot do, some people I cannot defeat, but what can be done? This is the path I have chosen, and I cannot stop.”

He said this.

He withdrew his sword, and with just a grip of his left hand.

Two groups of Three Flavors True Fire suddenly surged up, covering the two Evil Visages, causing them to vanish into smoke and dissipate.

The True Fire had burned for so long, it had already “understood their three flavors.”

“If the path ahead is already a dead end,” Xu Xi Ming asked.

Jiang Wang circled the next Evil Visage, still not rushing, finding an opportunity to attach the Three Flavors True Fire. He said casually: “Just like Brother Xu said earlier, if you can contribute an inch, then contribute an inch of merit; if you can strive a foot, then exert a foot of courage. Otherwise, why would Brother Xu return to the diseased waters?”

Compared to those several Dao-Origin realm existences, their overall harm to the Evil Visages was, of course, a drop in the bucket, not to mention they still chose such a “health-preserving” fighting style.

But so-called contribution should originally be like this: use as much effort as you have strength.

Cultivators of the Inner Mansion realm from Blood River Sect still entered the water domain to purify it. They purified it drop by drop. Such efficiency could almost not affect the diseased waters, but it was also a sincere heart.

One person, one breath, one drop of water; ten people, a thousand people; a hundred years, a thousand years.

Exactly, a hundred years, a thousand years, ten thousand years, countless years, countless cultivators sacrificing one after another, only then could the diseased waters always be isolated here, preventing them from invading the human world.

Xu Xi Ming laughed, and then he charged forward again, battling with the Evil Visages: “Brother Jiang is right!”

Jiang Wang, while extinguishing the Evil Visages, calmly and methodically supplemented his understanding of the Three Flavors True Fire. He then very casually asked: “Right, may I inquire about a person with Brother Xu?”

“Who?”

“A friend of mine. He went to Three Punishments Palace to study a few days ago, named Lin You Xie. I wonder if Brother Xu has any impression.”

“I have never heard of this person.”

She said she wouldn’t go to Punishment Person Palace, and it seems she is not in Square Earth Palace either. Could she have entered Rule Heaven Palace? Jiang Wang’s thoughts followed, not affecting his fighting. Rule Heaven Palace might be a good place, held by the contemporary foremost legalist, with immeasurable might.

Xu Xi Ming added: “But since he is Brother Jiang’s friend. If he is bullied in Three Punishments Palace, I will take care of it later.”

Jiang Wang hesitated slightly and said: “Then I shall first offer my thanks. But please, Brother Xu, do not mention my name, and do not be too obvious. This friend of mine, though outwardly speaks slowly and is dull, is actually proud and clear-hearted within.”

“Understood, understood!” Xu Xi Ming said loudly: “I understand taking care of people’s feelings the most!”

His voice seemed a little too loud.

Or, more accurately, it was influenced by some rule, unconsciously suddenly rising in volume.

Xu Xi Ming himself seemed unaware.

But Jiang Wang keenly perceived that within this square world of diseased water, the sound patterns instantly changed, submitting to a new rule.

“Woo woo woo woo…”

Suddenly, a shrill cry resounded, originating from who knew where, born for who knew what reason.

It echoed in his ears, as if it echoed in the depths of his heart.

The diseased water everywhere surged, stirring up mad waves!

What change had occurred again?

A rootless world is indeed fraught with danger…

A huge shock suddenly surged in Jiang Wang’s heart. He cautiously avoided using his immortal state of sound perception to trace the source. Instead, he immediately assumed a defensive posture, while simultaneously sealing his ear perception!