In an instant, a myriad of enormous waves surged in Chen Xiâs heart.
âHave you heard of the River Diagram? It was the most mysterious diagram in the primordial era. Numerous gods and devils of the primordial era used it to comprehend their own path in the Dao. They peeked into the secrets of the heavens to master the profound meaning of the Grand Dao and ascended to the highest summit of the Dao. It was precisely because of this that every appearance of the River Diagram was accompanied by slaughter. This slaughter caused upheaval within the three dimensions and disturbed the six paths of reincarnation. That doomsday-like scene of various figures with remarkable ability fighting over the River Diagram, just thinking about it sends a chill down oneâs spine.â
âLuckily, the River Diagram vanished after the end of the primordial era, and that terrifying scene of gods and devils entangled in battle never appeared again. Itâs probably been 1,000,000 years since then. If it wasnât for Mom having read the ancient books of the clan when I was young, I would be completely unaware of the River Diagramâs name.â
In his mind, the words of his mother resounded once again, like flowing music from a zither, agilely ringing out, causing Chen Xi to be reminiscent and shocked.
Chen Xi couldnât help but think of the vast and aged Fuxi Divine Statue in his sea of consciousness. Senior Fuxi had observed the River Diagram to divine the Grand Dao of the changes of the secrets of heaven and ascend the peak of the Grand Dao to achieve supreme glory. How terrifying an existence the River Diagram actually was could be seen from this; it was simply a first-rate treasure in the entire world!
Moreover, Chen Xi had once heard Ji Yu say that the Fuxi Divine Statue in his sea of consciousness contained a strand of the River Diagramâs true essence, but he still hadnât understood the profundities within it until today. At this moment, when he heard the Old Turtle King speak about the River Diagram, he couldnât help but think in his heart.
âRiver Diagram? Impossible! How could such a mysterious existence fall to this poor and ordinary lousy mountain range?!â Ji Yuâs voice suddenly sounded out in his heart.
He seemed to be slightly anxious and doubtful, and he said after pondering for a moment, âHowever, you should reconfirm it. After all, that River Diagram is extremely mysterious. If it really fell here, then itâs an enormous good fortune that you absolutely must not miss. That year, my Master was comprehending the Grand Dao at the bank of a river when he obtained it by chance. Unfortunately, at the instant my Master had just comprehended a Grand Dao, it vanished into thin air. No matter how my Master searched, he was unable to find it again. Itâs extremely miraculous.â
âWhat Iâm wondering now is why would they look for me? Could it be that they know I possess the True Body Brand of Senior Fuxi in my sea of consciousness?â Chen Xi wondered.
âHmm?â Ji Yu was startled, then went silent for a long time, before seeming to notice something as he said in realization, âI understand now. So itâs an old soft-shelled turtle. During the primordial era, the soft-shelled turtle family understood divination via astrology, and are most skilled at divining the changes in a person within a year in the past and future. I presume this soft-shelled turtle noticed something through divination, and only then did he look for you.â
âSo thatâs how it is.â Chen Xi immediately understood as well.
âThis wonât do. This matter is of great importance. The moment the River Diagram appears, it will surely draw the attention of almighty figures in the heavens and earth. Look like I have to show up and meet themâŚâ Ji Yu said resolutely, his tone carrying a trace of heavy seriousness.
ââ
During the time Chen Xi was lost in thought, the Old Turtle King and Nine-tailed Fox King looked at each other, but they didnât disturb Chen Xi. They instead picked up their wine cups to carefully savor the wine as they communicated via voice transmission.
âLooks like you were right, this little fellow knows of the River Diagram as well.â The Nine-tailed Fox King said swiftly, and the excitement in his voice couldnât be concealed. âIâve already been held up at the perfection-stage of the Violet Palace Realm for a few thousands of years. If Iâm still unable to break through the restrictions here, then Iâm afraid I wonât be able to live for long. Luckily, luckily this fellow has appeared!â
The Old Turtle King sighed with emotion as well. âYeah, if it wasnât for our demon-kind possessing extremely long lifespans, Iâm afraid we would have completely been unable to endure the countless years. We must make sure to grab ahold of such a critical moment like this.â
The Nine-tailed Fox King nodded then said abruptly, âRight, do you think he can take the River Diagram?â
âIt isnât the River Diagram, itâsâŚâ His voice came to an abrupt stop, and the Old Turtle King swiftly raised his head and a trace of astonishment was contained within his eyes.
The Nine-tailed Fox King was stunned then raised his head to look, and when he saw the thin old man that had appeared suddenly, he couldnât help but secretly gasp.
The old manâs face was thin and indifferent, his eyes deep like an abyss, and he lazily held an azure skinned bottle gourd as he gulped down some wine with an inexplicably unrestrained bearing. He looked to be like a content old man that could be constantly seen in the mortal world.
However, how sharp were the gazes of the two demon kings? In practically an instant, theyâd noticed a terrifying aura that caused their hearts to palpitate coming from the thin old man.
This feeling was like facing a towering mountain of unknown height, only able to look up, only able to revere!
Ji Yu swept the two demon kings with his gaze as he said indifferently, âAn old soft-shelled turtle that has cultivated for 31,200 years and a nine-tailed fox that has cultivated for 8,033 years, yet both are only at the perfection-stage of the Violet Palace Realm. If not for your innately long lifespan, the two of you would have probably already transformed into a pile of bones, right?â
The faces of the Old Turtle King and Nine-tailed Fox King went grim and they were unable to restrain a wisp of astonishment from appearing on their faces. Obviously, Ji Yu had revealed everything about the two of them with a single sentence.
âThis fellow, Ji Yu, saw through them with a glance?â Although he had known Ji Yuâs cultivation was unfathomable long ago, Chen Xi still couldnât help but exclaim in surprise.
The Old Turtle Kingâs expression had already become extremely respectful, and he stood up before asking in a respectful tone. âSeniorâs eyes are filled with wisdom, may I know Seniorâs great name?â
The Nine-tailed Fox King didnât dare dally and followed to stand up, and the gaze he shot at Ji Yu was filled with shock.
âYou two donât have to know who I am, you just have to answer my questions.â Ji Yuâs voice that seemed to be casual and relaxed had instead revealed an aura of looking down on the world, and he said directly, âIs the River Diagram really in this depths of the mountain range?â
âIt is, but it ought to not be the complete River Diagram, and itâs more likely a fragment.â The Old Turtle King replied. Heâd already discerned that Ji Yu had a deep relationship with Chen Xi, and he naturally knew what he should do.
But a trace of shock couldnât help but arise in his heart.
âA fragment of the River Diagram?â Ji Yu said in surprise.
âItâs indeed like that. If it was the complete River Diagram, Iâm afraid it would have been discovered long ago.â The Old Turtle King replied extremely straightforwardly.
âWhy would the complete River Diagram shatter into fragments? Could it be that another unforeseen event occurred during these one million years of time?â Ji Yu muttered to himself and was lost in thought.
Chen Xi instead paid no attention to all this as he said, âSince itâs a fragment of the River Diagram, then why didnât you two seniors go take it?â
âLittle Brother Chen Xi, please donât address us like this again. Iâm unable to take on such respect, letâs just become friends on equal terms.â The Old Turtle King hurriedly corrected.
The Nine-tailed Fox king radiated with smiled as he said, âExactly, exactly! If Little Brother Chen Xi doesnât mind, then just call me as Elder Brother Qing Qiu.â
When faced with such an unexpected event, Chen Xiâs mind was filled with limitless emotions.
âThe energy of the River Diagram fragment is too mystical, and is not something our strengths are able to subdue.â The Old Turtle Kingâs expression was serious as he said, âAccording to my calculations, only you, Little Brother, are able to subdue it.â
âMe?â Chen Xi pointed at himself in astonishment.
âRight, you.â The Old Turtle King spoke with certainty. âI sacrificed 10 years of my lifespan to conduct a divination and devoted myself to try to fathom it. I noticed that all the traces pointed towards you, and itâs absolutely correct.â
Chen Xi still felt it was extremely absurd, but he also knew that astrological divination and similar secret arts had been present since ancient times, so he didnât really doubt what the Old Turtle King said.
âRegardless of if itâs true or false, go take a look once your strength has recovered.â Ji Yu awoke from his pondering and said decisively, âIf itâs a River Diagram fragment, then the possibility of you seizing it is great indeed. Donât forget, within your sea of consciousnessâŚâ
He didnât finish speaking, yet Chen Xi understood what Ji Yu meant. The Fuxi Divine Statue within his sea of consciousness contained a strand of the River Diagramâs true essence, and relying on the faint connection, it was indeed possible for him to subdue the River Diagram fragment.
âSenior is correct. Little Brother is probably already exhausted from the fierce battle with the Roc King, and itâs most suitable to go subdue the River Diagram fragment after his strength recovers.â The Old Turtle King was in extremely high spirits, as the appearance of Ji Yu had undoubtedly allowed him to see new hope.
âThis is 5,000 kg of spirit liquids for Little Brother Chen Xi to use in recovering your strength. This is an expression of my good will and I hope you donât refuse.â The Nine-tailed Fox King took out a white jade bottle and passed it to Chen Xi.
âItâs better to accept than to decline courteously.â Chen Xi cupped his hand and readily received it.
âHahaha!â The Old Turtle King and Nine-tailed Fox King laughed loudly in unison, it seemed that Chen Xi being able to accept this 5,000 kg of spirit liquids caused them to be extremely happy.
Chen Xi clearly felt that after heâd accepted this gift, the relationship between himself and the two demon kings had become a great deal closer. It was true that accepting the gifts of others sometimes was instead able to advance the relationship between the two.
Of course, Chen Xi didnât reject this sort of feeling. As far as he was concerned, the Old Turtle King and Nine-tailed Fox King were both experienced demons who had ability, finesse, knew their limits, and knew how to give favors. Establishing a relationship with them was completely beneficial.
At the side, Ji Yu watched Chen Xi communicate with the two demon kings. Chen Xi spoke steadily and had a sense of propriety; the greenness in all of his actions had greatly faded away. Heâd formed a character and bearing that belonged to himself, and he seemed to be so extraordinary and dignified.
âThe little fellow has finally grown upâŚâ Ji Yu sighed with emotion in his heart and was extremely gratified.
He still remembered that when he met Chen Xi for the first time, the sedateness and vigilance on that handsome face was like a lonely infant beast that was ready to put his life on the line at any moment; like a hedgehog that had used sharp spikes to disguise himself. It was like if he didnât do this, then he wouldnât know how to continue living. He was stubborn, fierce, and steadfast.
Comparatively speaking, the current him had already imprinted his ability into his bones, like a rounded cobblestone that released a dazzling light that belonged solely to him.
He didnât need compassion, he didnât need sympathy, he didnât need assistance; he would rely on the sword in his heart to do things openly and upright, and repay all kindness and enmity swiftly.
This was the mentality that an expert must possess!