Cultivation Starts with Rejuvenation

Li Ji’an, upon entering Gugu’s spatial realm, hurriedly cupped his hands towards the Dark Light Umbrella with some anxiety.

At the same time, he subconsciously sensed everything stored within the spatial realm, finding nothing missing and no signs of disturbance.

”Hmm~ young friend, what kind of ambush? Although I wish to assist you, I am but a wisp of residual soul, and I fear...” The True Monarch of Ten Thousand Laws seemed just awakened by Li Ji’an.

”With the Dark Light Umbrella in hand, I should be able to shield myself,” Li Ji’an replied, reaching out to grasp the umbrella.

”Very well. In case of real danger, I might be able to offer guidance,” the True Monarch of Ten Thousand Laws nodded.

”Thank you, senior.” Li Ji’an said no more, gripping the Dark Light Umbrella tightly and swiftly leaving Gugu’s spatial realm.

”Swish~”

Upon emerging with the Dark Light Umbrella, Gugu immediately slipped out of the array as instructed beforehand.

At the same time, the Little Fire Spirit leapt from Li Ji’an’s Dantian, instantly unleashing the full might of the Spirit Flame to envelop the umbrella.

Li Ji’an also instantly moved outside the array.

Boom~

The expected screams and curses did not come forth, only a majestic pressure that suddenly shattered the Spirit Flame.

Soon after, a humanoid silhouette stood suspended in mid-air.

Wearing a Gilded Magic Robe, with a Purple Gold Crown and a Vermilion Seal at his waist, a broad forehead and square face, three-inch black beard under the jaw, the figure exuded supreme majesty, like an emperor in middle-age, the Nascent Soul manifestation of the True Monarch of Ten Thousand Laws.

”Heh~ young friend, your intellect and courage are indeed remarkable.” His gaze swept over his surroundings, showing slight surprise at the Soul-Extinguishing Array he found himself in, yet he did not dwell on it, finally resting his eyes on Ning Sujin, standing beside Li Ji’an.

”Huff huff~” Before Li Ji’an could respond, the Little Fire Spirit’s flame gathered again, lashing towards him.

”Hm, just a Tier Three Holy Spirit, does it truly think I fear it?” The Nascent Soul of the True Monarch of Ten Thousand Laws chuckled faintly, lightly waving his hand, scattering the Little Fire Spirit’s flame.

”I merely worried about incinerating the Soul-Nourishing Wood Main Rod within the Dark Light Umbrella.” With that, he gestured, and the umbrella floated into his grasp.

A shimmer of light glinted on the thumb of his left hand, causing the umbrella to vanish into thin air.

”Young friend, your talent is extraordinary, your willpower is superior, and you are favored by remarkable fortune and celestial and earthly treasures. With heroes willing to sacrifice for you, I see the makings of a hero in you. I will give you another chance; I’m willing to take you as my direct disciple, imparting all I have learned so that we may pursue the Great Dao together. What do you say?”

Standing within the Five Yang Soul-extinguishing Array, the True Monarch of Ten Thousand Laws showed no fear. Even after sensing the divine soul strength of Ning Sujin, he remained composed.

”Does senior truly possess such discernment?” Li Ji’an chuckled lightly, continuing, ”Since I hold such potential in your eyes, it is only fair I have certain requirements for my master, isn’t it?”

”Haha, I, the True Monarch of Ten Thousand Laws, have reigned supreme in this domain for hundreds of years; do you doubt my qualifications to be your master?” the True Monarch laughed enthusiastically.

”True gold does not fear the test of fire; surely, senior won’t mind if I verify these qualifications, right?” Li Ji’an retorted pointedly.

”Oh? How does young friend plan to verify?” the True Monarch’s expression gradually darkened.

Li Ji’an conjured a Three-sided Magic Shield before him, then wrapped Ning Yutan’s physical body within a circle of magical power, responding, ”If senior can pass this trial, it signifies qualification, and I will immediately acknowledge you as my master.”

”Hm, and if I don’t pass?” the True Monarch sneered.

”Then we’ll have to postpone our bond to the next life.”

The True Monarch’s face darkened completely: ”Young one, do you truly seek death?”

”Please, senior, enlighten me!” Li Ji’an said decisively, unwavering in his stance.

As his words fell, a beam of brilliance shot forth from Ning Yutan’s Celestial Spirit.

Ning Sujin’s Nascent Soul manifestation finally revealed its form.

”You...” At the sight of Ning Sujin’s Nascent Soul, the True Monarch was utterly shocked, his eyes then flashing with delight.

Earlier, he could only sense a strong divine soul beside Li Ji’an, but its Dharma Body was weak, leading him to assume a Soul Cultivator.

But now, seeing Ning Sujin’s Nascent Soul Spirit Body, it instantly aligned with the suspected body of the Divine Favored.

”Is that so!” the True Monarch exclaimed with overwhelming joy.

”You old thief, where is my body?” Ning Sujin noticed the eagerness in his eyes, ceasing her pretense.

”Haha, rest assured, friend. Your body has been well-preserved and can be reclaimed whenever desired,” the True Monarch laughed heartily.

”Truly?” Ning Sujin’s eyes lit up.

After the Ten Thousand Laws Palace fell to the Corpse Puppet Sect, she had abandoned any hope for her physical form, but now hope rekindled.

”I am a dignified Nascent Soul True Monarch and would not deceive a friend,” the True Monarch vowed convincingly.

Boom~ With a definitive response, Ning Sujin erupted swiftly, eager to bring down the True Monarch’s Nascent Soul at once, hastening her body’s recovery.

”Hold on, friend...” Facing Ning Sujin’s full-powered attack, the True Monarch’s complexion changed immediately.

His earlier intent to reunite the Divine Favored’s soul and body and offer it to Beixuan True Monarch for further advancement turned into fear.

Ning Sujin paid no heed, her Nascent Soul manifestation transforming into a swarm of Soul-Catching Light Arrows launching at the True Monarch.

The True Monarch, startled and terrified, first sought to escape swiftly.

Yet upon reaching the Soul-Extinguishing Array, he encountered an invisible resistance.

Given time, he was confident that even in his damaged Nascent Soul state, he could break free within ten breaths.

But Ning Sujin’s activation of the Divine Soul Attack Secret Technique demanded his strict attention.