Fifteen years had passed since the Sundial had been activated.
Zhang Ruochen pushed open the door and walked out of an apricot courtyard northwest of the Governorâs Manor of Enchanton. The sunlight fell on his face, making him feel warm and comfortable.
On this ice and snow planet, enjoying the sunlight was a luxury. It could only be seen a dozen days a year.
He had secluded himself for 15 years and broken 99 shackles in him.
He was only one shackle away from reaching the Great Perfection stage of the Hundred-Shackle Realm. At that time, his Demigod-level physique would no longer be restricted. His divine power would be vast, and his blood and Qi would be shocking. His cultivation and strength would definitely enter a brand new world.
The injury to the Sainthood Source had completely recovered.
The only thing left was his sea of Qi. It still hadnât recovered, and it couldnât withstand the impact of Qiankun Realmâs power. He had to wait a little longer if he wanted to mobilize the worldâs power and deal with the Seven-Armed Elder.
The Shackle of Desire was located in the Saint Soul and was connected to consciousness. They often represented a cultivatorâs obsession or desire.
Zhang Ruochen tried to break the Shackle of Desire, but many distracting thoughts were in his mind. Illusions appeared frequently, and even his inner demons were restless. His father, Emperor Qing, Chi Yao, Chi Kongyue, Chi Kunlun, Supreme Saint Manjian, Huang Yanchen, Fairy Tianchu⊠All kinds of people appeared one after another, making the seven passions and six desires infinitely magnified. Sometimes, he laughed until he was out of breath. Sometimes, he was in tears. He was showing signs of Qi deviation.
Zhang Ruochen had no choice but to take back his thoughts and temporarily give up on breaking the Shackle of Desire.
Although it was difficult for him to overcome the last obstacle, Zhang Ruochen had received a Quasi-Emperor Grade Sacred Pill, the Pill of Desire, from the Fane of Immortality. It could help him breakthrough forcefully.
However, the power of the Pill of Desire was too strong, and Zhang Ruochenâs injuries had not fully healed, so he did not take it directly.
âWait a little longer. When my sea of Qi heals a little more, it wonât be too late to take the Pill of Desire,â said Zhang Ruochen.
Zhang Ruochen was only one step away from the Great Perfection stage of the Hundred-Shackle Realm. Still, his heart became calm and less anxious.
In the 20 years since he started cultivating the Sundial, Zhang Ruochenâs cultivation, saint techniques, spiritual power, and understanding of the saintwill have made significant progress. He did not want to ascend to heaven in one step but only wanted to take one step at a time. He tried to take it steadily and not let down his reputation as a Yuanhui-level genius.
âMaster Xunmu, what are you so happy about?â Ji Wenwu asked as he walked into the small courtyard.
Master Xunmu was not a Supreme Saint, so he was not qualified to live in the Divine Grotto opened by the Enchanteur Chamber. He could only live in this small courtyard with Ji Wenwu.
Zhang Ruochen looked up at the sky and stroked his beard. âAfter receiving the sacred medicine from the Enchanteur Chamber, my spiritual power has broken through to the 59th level. Naturally, I am thrilled. It seems that I can become a Supreme Saint in this life.â
Ji Wenwu was shocked. He asked, âYou have broken through so quickly?â
Zhang Ruochen smiled and said, âMaybe itâs because of the hard cultivation in the past 1,000 years. Now, with the help of the sacred medicine, my spiritual power has improved by leaps and bounds.â
âThis is a happy occasion. Why donât we go to the House of Enchanteurs to celebrate?âJi Wenwu asked.
Zhang Ruochen was about to refuse, but he suddenly thought of something. It had been half a month. He didnât know what was going on in the Enchanton, so he could ask around.
Seeing Zhang Ruochenâs hesitation, Ji Wenwu immediately understood. He smiled and said, âItâs my treat.â
Zhang Ruochenâs old face relaxed, and he readily agreed, âOkay! Itâs decided!â
As a cultivator under the Enchanteur Chamber and a powerhouse among Saint Kings, there was an excellent discount for entering the House of Enchanteurs.
That night, Ji Wenwu was familiar with the place. He found 12 young and beautiful women to accompany him. He introduced Zhang Ruochen to several Nine-Step Saint King Realm powerhouses from the legion.
Everyone had a good talk during the dinner.
After the meal, Ji Wenwu and the other powerhouses held two women and went to the room in the back hall.
Zhang Ruochen claimed that he was old and was not interested in women, so he did not join them.
He walked out of the yard and stood by the lakeside, holding the Divine Envoyâs Staff. He faced the bright lights on the other side of the lake, listened to the pleasant singing and dancing, and watched the people coming and going.
How many cultivators knew that there was endless killing intent behind the laughter, wine, and wealth?
Zhang Ruochen secretly released his spiritual power. He carefully probed and sensed the conversations of the pedestrians.
âThere are so many Supreme Saints gathered in the House of Enchanteurs. The major forces are indeed determined to take over the Fane of Origin. Theyâve come to Hoth! Eh? How can it be her?â
Zhang Ruochen suddenly opened his eyes and stared at one of the lotus-shaped palaces. He thought for a moment and turned into a shadow that flashed past.
âŠ
Luo Sha was wearing a robe with a green belt around her waist. Her collar and cuffs were soap-colored. She wore a silk scarf, her lips were red, and her teeth were white. She had her hands behind her back. She had the charm of a beautiful young man.
Behind her were two cultivators who were three meters tall. They were wearing thick armor, and their faces couldnât be seen clearly.
However, as the two iron-armored cultivators walked through the corridor, their aura caused the passing maids to tremble and immediately kneel to the ground.
âWait outside.â Luo Sha ordered.
After instructing the two iron-armored cultivators, Luo Sha pushed open the door and walked into the palace building.
The lotus-shaped palace building was very spacious, and it could easily accommodate a thousand people. There were eight stunning women of the Saint-level dancing on the round stage. Their dance was beautiful, and their figures were excellent. It was highly pleasing to the eye. Compared to the women Ji Wenwu and the others had taken away, they were much more beautiful.
There was another girl in red whose appearance was ten times more beautiful than the eight dancers.
She held a lute in her hand and was extremely independent. She was like a red lotus on the surface of a lake. Her slender fingers played a moving piece of music.
It was an ancient piece created by a god. It could move peopleâs hearts and make them feel emotional. Only when oneâs music skills reached an extraordinary level could one play it.
Luo Sha had just entered the palace when a series of berating voices immediately sounded from inside.
However, when the berating saint guards saw the figure walking in clearly, they immediately stopped. They cupped their fists and bowed, not daring to speak anymore.
Luo Shengtian, sitting cross-legged above them, had a surprise flash in his eyes. He quickly waved his hand, signaling the dancing girls to leave.
The sound of the lute stopped.
The red-dressed girl looked at Luo Sha.
Luo Sha stared at her for a long time before looking at Luo Shengtian, who had become calm again. She said, âMy Royal Brother, youâre in a good mood. You donât look like youâre here on Hoth for official business.â
Luo Shengtian forced himself to hide his nervousness and said solemnly, âShaâer, why are you here on Hoth? Arenât you in closed-door cultivation?â
Luo Shaâs eyes were cold as she said, âTell them to leave!â
Luo Shengtian waved his hand.
The eight Saint-level dancers hurriedly walked out of the palace building as if they had been pardoned.
The girl in red with the lute was about to leave when Luo Sha looked at her again. She said, âMiss Shang Xia is a first-class Supreme Saint in the Enchanteur Chamber. You are also the flower that my Royal Brother treasured. You are not an outsider. You can stay.â
âMy name is Poinsettia, and I donât know any Shang Xia. Iâm afraid that Your Highness has mistaken me for someone else.â said the girl in red. She was gentle and refined as she bowed to Luo Sha.
Luo Shengtian said, âShaâer, donât mess around.â
Luo Sha smiled lightly and said, âI wonder if Senior Sister Qingli knows that you have a confidante in the Enchanteur Chamber.â
Luo Shengtianâs expression changed slightly. He gestured to the red-dressed girl and said, âYou may leave.â
âPlease excuse me.â said the girl in red.
The red-dressed girl walked out gracefully and closed the palace door.
Her gaze landed on the armored cultivators standing on the left and right sides of the palace door. She hugged her lute and disappeared into the night.
A moment later.
The red-dressed girl came to Bai Qingâerâs residence. She bowed and said, âMaster, Luo Sha came to Hoth and even saw through my identity.â
Bai Qingâerâs voice came from the room. She said, âDevala is very powerful, and Amane used to be the Scioness of Destiny. Itâs only a matter of time before your identity is exposed. However, you have to guarantee that the Divine Prince is indeed interested in you.â
âI understand!â The red-dressed girl said, âThereâs another thing, Luo Sha came with two Dvarapalas.â
âOh!â said Bai Qingâer.
Bai Qingâer opened the wooden door and walked into the snow-covered courtyard. She said, âDevala is the number one divine kingdom of the Rakshasas. There are many gods here, so we canât underestimate them.
âThe Dvarapalas1 are Emperor Luo Yanâs Imperial Guard. Every one of them is bathed in divine aura all year round and can sense the mysteries of the Divine Precepts. They are all top-notch powerhouses below divinity.
âAs for Luo Sha, it is said that she has been extremely talented since she was young. She is brilliant. When she was at the Saint-level, she was able to lead tens of millions of sacred soldiers to attack a Macroworld. She is even more brilliant and majestic than her Royal Brother.â
The red-dressed girl said with some worry, âSince Devala has allowed Princess Luo Sha to bring two Dvarapalas here, the other factions will probably send their powerhouses to Hoth soon. If all the major forces work together to pressure us, Iâm afraid Master Yeâs side wonât be able to hold on. However, Zhang Ruochen has disappeared without a trace. He has likely escaped from Enchanton. The situation will become more and more disadvantageous for us.â
âNo! Zhang Ruochen definitely hasnât escaped from Enchanton,â said Bai Qingâer
Bai Qingâer thought for a moment and said, âDang Hu.â
âIâm here,â said Dang Hu.
A white-haired old woman walked out from the darkness. She was thin, and her hair was messy. Her eyes were extremely sharp, and numerous precepts were intertwined in her pupils. She was a formidable Supreme Saint.
Bai Qingâer said, âYour stealth technique is extraordinary. You can hide from a Paramount Realm Supreme Saint. If you follow Luo Sha in the dark, you might be able to find Zhang Ruochen.â
Whoosh
The white-haired old woman flew into the air. She transformed into a strange black bird and flew toward the lotus-shaped palace.
The red-clothed girl said, âThe Enchanton has been sealed for 20 days. More and more cultivators are in the city, and there are often Supreme Saint-level conflicts and battles. If this continues, the city will be destroyed soon!â
Bai Qingâer said, âDonât worry. The Overseer of the Divination Division is on his way to Hoth with the Divine Artifact, the Tensho Compass. I have a scheme that will force Zhang Ruochen to show himself.â
âŠ
About 15 minutes later, Luo Sha walked out of the palace. She left the House of Enchanteurs with two Dvarapalas and got into a magnificent sacred carriage.
Zhang Ruochen hid his aura and followed her quietly.
The sacred carriage traveled three streets and turned into a mansion.
Luo Sha walked out of the sacred carriage and stood on the white snow. She looked behind her and smiled. Then she walked into the room.
The moment she stepped into the room, a flame shot out from her fingertip and lit the candle hanging on the wall.
She saw an old figure sitting in the room.
It was Zhang Ruochen, who looked like Master Xunmu.
Luo Sha was not surprised at all. He stared at him for a long time and frowned slightly. She said with disdain, âBetter change back to your original appearance. This appearance is too ugly!â
âEveryone gets old and ugly. Does the Princess care so much about appearance?â Zhang Ruochen said.
Luo Sha smiled charmingly and threw herself into Zhang Ruochenâs arms boldly. She said, âOf course I care. To tell you the truth, Iâve always liked your appearance. Donât you like a beautiful woman with a good figure? Or you prefer an old lady?â
Zhang Ruochenâs lips twitched as he held the beauty in his arms. He maintained a severe and stern look and said, âWhereâs Lingxi? Did she come to Hoth too?â
Luo Sha put her arms around Zhang Ruochenâs neck and said, âIâll tell you when you return to your original appearance.â
Zhang Ruochen had no other option. His body and appearance quickly revert to his original appearance. He was attractive, young, and charming.
Luo Sha stared at Zhang Ruochenâs face. She sniffed and said, âI smell the unique fragrance of Jing Jing on you. Are you with her?â
Zhang Ruochenâs heart skipped a beat. He was shocked.
What he was worried about was not Luo Shaâs misunderstanding.
Since Luo Sha could smell the unique fragrance of Jing Jing, other cultivators would also be able to detect it. It was fortunate that he could walk out of the House of Enchanteurs alive.
Zhang Ruochen said, âIs there any residual fragrance? I cleaned the smell when I went out.â
Luo Sha pressed her palm on Zhang Ruochenâs chest. Her soft body flew out like a gust of wind and stood straight in the room again. She snorted, âAll men are the same. Once released, he will go around fooling around. I only tested you, and you were exposed!â
Zhang Ruochen let out a sigh of relief. He didnât seem to have exposed his scent. He said calmly, âItâs just a partnership.â
âWho knows? Youâre a genius of the Yuanhui level. There must be many beautiful women pouncing on you. I donât care, and Iâm open-minded. Why should I be moved if a man doesnât have the charm to attract bees and butterflies? But Iâm afraid Miss Lingxi will be very disappointed in you.â Luo Sha sighed.
Zhang Ruochen suddenly stood up and asked, âWhere is she?â
âI wonât tell you unless you tell me first. Where is Jing Jing?â Luo Sha said.
Zhang Ruochen said, âThe Governorâs Manor of Enchanton.â
âYouâre hiding there. It is a good spot.â Luo Sha praised with a smile.
Zhang Ruochen said, âAnswer my question.â
âI wonât unless you answer one more question,â said Luo Sha as she raised her snow-white neck and looked like he would fight Zhang Ruochen.
Zhang Ruochen said, âDonât push your luck.â
âI like to push my luck. I also like to see you helpless,â said Luo Sha. She felt the temperature in the room drop rapidly. He realized that he had made Zhang Ruochen angry, so she stopped. She said, âOne last question, really one last question.â
Zhang Ruochen said, âSpeak.â
âWhere is the superior-grade Divine Crystal of Origin?â Luo Sha stared into Zhang Ruochenâs eyes and asked.