Chapter Sixty-Three: Clouds of Doubt

As the name suggests, "Nine Dragons Seizing the Sun" describes nine dragon veins contending over a single place of extreme Yang energy—a site often used to suppress the most wicked and unparalleled devils. Conversely, any who survive in such a deadly place are devils among devils.

“This old fiend is too terrifying. Even after all these years, he hasn’t been worn down by this desperate land. Just how powerful was he at his peak?” Lin Fan drew a sharp breath, struggling to control his emotions, and proceeded toward the heart of this desolate land.

“How dreadful. Everything around here has been corrupted by demonic energy. For the demon race, these are rare treasures, but as for me, they’re of little use.” With a soft sigh, Lin Fan abandoned all the useless items around him.

“Be careful. This place has suppressed not only the old fiend, but many powerful beings have also fallen here. There may well be ominous dangers lurking,” Prison Heaven warned gravely, scanning their surroundings.

The land of Nine Dragons Seizing the Sun was deathly silent, devoid of any breath of life. Occasionally, a chill wind would sweep by, and faint wails could be heard, adding to the eerie, bone-chilling atmosphere.

“Let’s take the Demon God Crystals and leave. I have a bad feeling about this,” Lin Fan said, nodding, unease swelling within him.

Prison Heaven did not object; the two advanced cautiously. As they crossed a small rise, they saw a pool of black liquid, emitting a faint, ghostly glow.

“What is this? Why is there a trace of water?” Lin Fan was puzzled. Since entering Black Demon Heaven, all he had seen was barren wasteland—never vegetation, let alone water.

“Don’t go near! This is the Water of the Departed—the so-called Soup of Oblivion you mortals speak of,” Prison Heaven’s expression turned grave as he grabbed Lin Fan, stopping him from advancing any further.

“What!” Lin Fan exclaimed in shock, wide-eyed. The Water of the Departed was infamous—ancient texts recorded that any living creature approaching it would instantly dissolve into a pool of blood, and even titled powerhouses could not escape this fate.

Suddenly, a raging black wind swept forth. From the Water of the Departed, a skull gradually emerged, and a piercing voice sounded directly in their minds.

“To think someone still remembers my origins. Since that’s the case, surrender yourselves to me. I promise there will be no pain.”

The skull cackled madly, trembling with extreme wickedness.

“Monsters and ghosts! In my prime, a single glance could dry up the Yellow Springs. What are you to me? Be suppressed!” Prison Heaven sneered, utterly unafraid. He formed divine sigils with his hands, and a formation descended, pressing the skull back into the Water of the Departed.

“Go, now! My formation won’t hold it for long—delay and disaster will follow,” Prison Heaven urged, no longer displaying his usual dominance. Now, weakened and far from his ancient strength, it was already remarkable he could suppress the skull for even a short while.

“Alright!” Lin Fan replied, striding quickly over the Water of the Departed without looking back, while Prison Heaven, having completed the suppression, swiftly followed.

“The Flower of the Other Shore?!” Lin Fan exclaimed. Before him spread a vast clearing, where countless pink blossoms danced in the wind with an unparalleled beauty.

The fame of the Flower of the Other Shore was great—legends of it existed everywhere, so it was no wonder Lin Fan recognized it at once.

“How strange—truly strange. The layout here is exactly like that legendary place,” Prison Heaven muttered, scanning the area with furrowed brows.

“What are you talking about?” Lin Fan heard him and couldn’t help but ask.

“It’s nothing. You wouldn’t understand yet, nor could you reach this level. But I can tell you one thing—Black Demon Heaven is far from simple. It can’t possibly exist just to suppress a mere Demon Emperor. There must be a greater secret, a deeper horror,” Prison Heaven replied, unwilling to elaborate further. Clearly, he knew more but was constrained from speaking.

“We’re close. The Demon God Crystals are just ahead—take them and leave,” Prison Heaven said.

Beyond the sea of the Other Shore flowers, a small mountain appeared before them, composed entirely of diamond-shaped crystals, each containing a terrifying power.

“So these are the Demon God Crystals? My Condensed Veins Realm is within reach!” Lin Fan was ecstatic. He picked up one crystal, examining it closely, and could immediately feel the immense power within.

“That’s right—just one is enough for you to break into the Condensed Veins Realm. I suggest you take a few more, but not too many, lest that old fiend notices,” Prison Heaven advised, waving his hand. But his words were cut short.

In a blink, Lin Fan had already pocketed nearly ten Demon God Crystals and showed no sign of stopping. Although he didn’t fully understand their use, it was clear they were extraordinary.

He only stopped after taking nearly twenty, forced to halt by Prison Heaven’s stern intervention.

“We must leave now. Their battle is ending. If we’re discovered, there’s only death,” Prison Heaven urged, glancing at the sky, where two beams of light collided, shattering heaven and earth.

Lin Fan understood the gravity of the situation and agreed without hesitation.

The two figures vanished from the spot, racing toward the edge of Nine Dragons Seizing the Sun. Neither noticed the gaze fixed upon them from a distant hilltop—a pair of eyes that had never left them.

“So, it’s an old acquaintance. Good thing you didn’t act recklessly, or I would’ve forgotten old ties. But who’s that youngster? Is he your chosen one?” On that hill stood a man shrouded in a black cloak, his gaze terrifying, reflecting the evolution of the universe and the return of chaos. Soon, though, he closed his eyes, letting his aura dissipate entirely.

“So, he’s still alive—and he’s turned this place into a testing ground. You failed in ancient times; do you really think you’ll succeed now?” Prison Heaven mused, glancing back thoughtfully after they left Nine Dragons Seizing the Sun, a strange light flickering in his eyes. He truly did know everything.

At that moment, heaven and earth collapsed—the battle was reaching its end. The old fiend roared, his cultivation immense. Though his vitality was withered, his combat power remained unmatched. With one strike, he sent the Buddha flying in a spray of blood.

But then another human powerhouse joined the fray. A giant hand manifested, evolving sun, moon, and stars, blotting out the sky, as if to crush all of Black Demon Heaven.

The Lord of the Celestial Prefecture had intervened. Standing billions of miles away, he struck across space with irresistible force, suppressing the old fiend. His five fingers spread, divine light sweeping the void, chaotic currents flooding the nine heavens. Miserable screams echoed—except for the Grand Heavenly Demon King, all other demons were slaughtered, their bones wiped from existence.

“Go, now!” Prison Heaven barked, unleashing a technique to steal heaven and swap the sun, transforming into a rainbow streak that vanished instantly from Black Demon Heaven.