Chapter 787: I Am the Desolate Ox, Great Sage Researcher (10/10)
Zhang Yu glanced at the contents of the military-grade cultivation technique, then noticed Bu Yingshu standing motionless beside him, her peripheral vision intentionally yet casually flicking toward him.
If this had been at the very beginning, Zhang Yu might not have understood what Bu Yingshu’s reaction meant.
But after getting to know her over this period, Zhang Yu’s understanding of this Immortal Clan noblewoman had deepened considerably.
To Zhang Yu, Bu Yingshu’s current posture and subtle movements resembled a young girl showing off a new treasure to her friend, eagerly waiting to see them gasp in astonishment.
Immortal Slayer commented, “It’s not as advanced as ‘friends.’ Don’t hold such high hopes for the Immortal Clan. A more accurate description of the current situation is that Bu Yingshu has acquired a new, interesting cat-and-dog toy and is now presenting it to her beloved pet, hoping to see it either jump in fright or play with it excitedly.”
Zhang Yu wanted to retort but found himself speechless. He knew Immortal Slayer was right, that was precisely how Bu Yingshu viewed him.
Fu Ji said, “What’s so bad about being a pet? Others wish she’d shock them like this, but she can’t be bothered. Besides, as a pet, Bu Yingshu would shower you with money and care. Would she do that for a friend? In my opinion, being an Immortal Clan’s dog might even get you better treatment than being their friend.”
“Zhang Yu! Stop spacing out and start sucking up! Your chance for promotion is right there in Bu Yingshu!”
“Young man, how can you sleep at night if you’re not constantly thinking about getting promoted?”
Spurred on by Fu Ji’s encouragement, Zhang Yu’s body suddenly trembled. His gaze toward the military-grade cultivation technique shifted, and he exclaimed in astonishment, “Dao Monarch, you can even obtain military-grade cultivation techniques that are still under review by other teams?”
The corners of Bu Yingshu’s lips curled up slightly before she quickly composed herself. The pride in her eyes vanished as quickly as it appeared, and she said nonchalantly, “This is nothing.”
“Just two military-grade cultivation techniques. In the past, if I wanted to go to the Immortal Ascension Hall, it would only take a single word to the Ancestor.”
Zhang Yu knew that the Immortal Ascension Hall was the central authority, a place where one could directly face the sect leader and vice sect leaders. Her words once again revealed the immense power of her background.
With that, Bu Yingshu shot Zhang Yu a disdainful glance and said, “You people who crawled up from the Lower Realms are just so inexperienced, getting startled over every little thing. From now on, when you’re with me, remember not to embarrass me like this again.”
Zhang Yu cursed inwardly, “What’s with this woman’s foul temper? Every time I suck up to her, I get hit with a barrage of sarcasm.”
He desperately wanted to grab Bu Yingshu by the head, yank it up, and demand if she knew how to speak properly.
“Patience!” Fu Ji advised. “Zhang Yu, if you want a promotion, you have to endure!”
Zhang Yu forced a slight smile at Bu Yingshu and said, “With your noble background and heaven-defying connections, many things that seem ordinary to you are utterly unbelievable to a Lower Cultivator like me. If I were to follow you often, I’m afraid it would be hard not to be constantly amazed.”
After spending these past few days with her, Zhang Yu had come to understand that her background, privileges, and bloodline were the things Bu Yingshu loved being praised for the most.
Hearing this, Bu Yingshu let out a soft hmph, the corners of her lips curling upward. “Alright, enough with the long-winded flattery. Let’s get started.”
She turned her head to the main texts of the two military-grade cultivation techniques and selected one. “Let’s start with this one…”
As Zhang Yu studied the cultivation art alongside Bu Yingshu, a flicker of doubt couldn’t help but surface in his mind.
Ever since he began studying the Derivative Cultivation Arts, these doubts had constantly plagued him. After he completed the Chain Formation Diagram [Great Sage Researcher] from the Derivative Cultivation Arts, this sense of questioning grew even stronger.
Now, glancing at the cheerful Bu Yingshu beside him, Zhang Yu tentatively asked, “Dao Monarch, I’ve noticed that these Derivative Cultivation Arts, from the basic to the military-grade, all seem to share the same style. Were they all created in the same place?”
Bu Yingshu nodded. “These martial arts, including the Blood Tide Essence Qi Sacred Contemplation, were all created by a single person.”
Zhang Yu’s eyes flickered at her words. “Created by a single person?” he thought.
He then asked, “Since they were all created by one person, why not have him verify the cultivation art’s effectiveness? Even if it’s procedurally improper, wouldn’t communicating with him at least be beneficial?”
Bu Yingshu shook her head. “Don’t even think about it. That person was imprisoned long ago. There’s absolutely no chance he’ll be involved in this review.”
“However,” she added, “if this review passes, you might get a chance to meet him.”
Hearing this, Zhang Yu’s heart stirred once more.
Initially, hearing that the cultivation arts were all created by a single, imprisoned individual, Zhang Yu assumed she was referring to the Monster Saint, or the so-called “Great Sage.”
But now, hearing that there might be a chance to meet him in the future, Zhang Yu grew uncertain.
“Who is the creator of these cultivation arts? Is he also researching the Great Sage?”
Over the next few days, Zhang Yu and Bu Yingshu immersed themselves in studying and refining the military-grade cultivation techniques.
Bu Yingshu naturally took the lead in this process. Her profound martial dao foundation, fully unleashed by the [Myriad Laws Immortal Clan] bloodline, allowed her to guide Zhang Yu smoothly through the refinement of Immortal Dao Technology.
Just as Zhang Yu thought this routine would continue until the Special Task Force’s mission ended, Bu Yingshu announced one day, “I have something to attend to today. I need to go out for a while.”
“But remember,” she warned, “while I’m gone, don’t do anything reckless on your own.”
With that, Bu Yingshu transferred 8,000 Immortal Coins to Zhang Yu and left the laboratory.
As she exited, however, she paused at the door and said to Zheng Meng, “Go inside and clean the room. And bring Zhang Yu some more medicine to take.”
Zheng Meng nodded in acknowledgment. A moment later, she entered the laboratory carrying a bucket of medicine.
She looked at the laboratory floor, littered with medicinal pill packaging, various bloodstains and unidentified fluids, and extensive signs of damage… A single glance was enough to tell her just how intense Bu Yingshu and Zhang Yu’s work had been over the past few days.
With a look of envy, Zheng Meng handed the bucket of medicine to Zhang Yu and began silently cleaning the room.
Every time she saw the various martial dao traces left in the laboratory, a wave of admiration washed over her.
It was admiration for Bu Yingshu — the noble Immortal Clan scion, her superior, and a Void Refinement Dao Monarch — and also for Zhang Yu.
In Zheng Meng’s eyes, Zhang Yu’s ability to cling so tightly to Bu Yingshu’s thigh was itself worthy of worship.
As she cleaned, she thought to herself, “Since I can’t latch onto Dao Monarch Bu’s thigh, maybe I should try latching onto Zhang Yu’s. If I can learn a few tricks from him, I might have a chance to earn the Dao Monarch’s favor.”
So, before leaving the laboratory, Zheng Meng said to Zhang Yu, “True Monarch Zhang, if you need anything, just let me know. I’ll go get it for you.”
Zhang Yu, still focused on the military-grade cultivation technique, replied casually, “Nothing for now. I’ll call you if I need anything.”
Zheng Meng pressed on, “True Monarch Zhang, do you think there’s any chance I could study with you and the Dao Monarch?”
Zhang Yu shook his head. “That’s not for me to decide. It depends on what Dao Monarch Bu thinks.”
Though he couldn’t say it outright, Zhang Yu knew perfectly well that Bu Yingshu would never allow an outsider to observe or disturb her upcoming Dao Seed upgrade.
So, looking at the female cultivator before him who was eager to improve, Zhang Yu said, “From the looks of it, Dao Monarch Bu probably doesn’t want a third person involved in the upcoming experiments.”
Zheng Meng continued to plead humbly for guidance, but she didn’t get the answer she wanted and could only leave in disappointment.
She thought bitterly, “That Zhang Yu… he’s deliberately keeping Dao Monarch Bu all to himself, not giving me any chance to get involved…”
“If this continues, I’ll be worthless in Dao Monarch Bu’s eyes, and I’ll be isolated by the Edict Pavilion again when I return.”
Just then, Zheng Meng saw a message from Lu Hengzhang.
After thinking it over, she finally replied.
Not long after, Bu Yingshu returned to the laboratory.
Floating in mid-air, her face now radiated a calm confidence, as if she had gained a new, deep-seated assurance.
Zhang Yu didn’t ask. He knew Bu Yingshu wouldn’t be able to resist showing off.
Sure enough, a moment later, he heard Bu Yingshu say, “The clan fully supports my wager with the Edict Pavilion. As long as we make substantial progress within two months, they’ll back me in verifying the Blood Tide Essence Qi Sacred Contemplation to the very end. No one will be able to stop me.”
Zhang Yu replied, “Congratulations, Dao Monarch.”
Bu Yingshu chuckled lightly. “Don’t worry, Little Yu. Once this is done, I, your Dao Monarch, won’t treat you unfairly.”
As she floated in mid-air, she subconsciously reached out to pat his head, but the memory of Zhang Yu flinching from the fine last time flashed in her mind.
Bu Yingshu awkwardly withdrew her hand and continued, “I won’t forget all your hard work during this time.”
“After the Blood Tide Essence Qi Sacred Contemplation passes review, I’ll request personnel from the higher-ups. Then I’ll officially and legitimately place you under my command.”
“As for the title of exclusive dual cultivation partner… I know you really want it, but don’t even think about it. I definitely can’t give it to you. You’re not worthy yet.”
Zhang Yu thought to himself, “Who the fuck asked you about that?”
Floating in mid-air, Bu Yingshu continued, “Although dual cultivation is out of the question, I’ll give you another legitimate and official status, definitely a position of real authority under my command.”
At this point, Zhang Yu knew that after offending the entire Edict Pavilion, he couldn’t stay there. Following Bu Yingshu seemed like a viable path forward, so he immediately bowed in thanks.
At the same time, he thought, “I just hope there aren’t any more twists and turns.”
Zhang Yu had a faint feeling that this matter had far-reaching implications and probably wouldn’t be as smooth and simple as Bu Yingshu claimed. The final outcome was still difficult to predict.
Just then, Zhang Yu felt a weight settle on his shoulder, and a fragrant scent wafted into his nostrils.
It was Bu Yingshu, still floating in mid-air. Her long, booted leg was now resting on his shoulder.
In Bu Yingshu’s view, this was like dealing with a pet cat or dog. If it was afraid of being touched by hand, she’d just step on it gently with her boot.
Based on her experience with lower cultivators, many would dodge her hand, but very few would dodge her foot.
Bu Yingshu thought, “Sigh, the poor… they’re only fit to be stepped on.”
While gently pressing down on Zhang Yu’s shoulder with her foot, Bu Yingshu spoke as if soothing a cat or dog, “So, perform well from now on. Once this is done, I’ll be able to take you home.”
Feeling the pressure of her foot on his shoulder, Zhang Yu desperately wanted to pin her to the ground and stomp on her a few times.
Fu Ji thought, “Zhang Yu definitely won’t dare to resist. The power gap between them is just too vast right now. But with us watching, if we don’t give him a way to save face, he’ll be too embarrassed.”
So, Fu Ji spoke up again, “Endure it, Zhang Yu! You’re the best!”
Immortal Slayer added, “If Master or Grandmaster were in your position right now, they would likely make the same choice — temporary compromise for the sake of a longer journey.”
Zhang Yu replied to them in his mind, “Just you watch. Sooner or later, I’ll be the one stepping on this woman.”
Over the next two days, Zhang Yu raised the two military-grade cultivation techniques to Level 40, completely unlocking the Chain Formation Diagram for the Great Sage Researcher.
Ultimate - Great Sage Researcher (10/10): When interpreting the Great Sage’s Intent, you can evade gazes from the depths of the Spirit Realm.
Zhang Yu thought, “The first-tier effect of Great Sage Researcher allows me to sense the Great Sage’s Intent, the second-tier effect allows me to interpret the Intent, and now with this third-tier effect…”
An image flashed through Zhang Yu’s mind: the intense sense of danger he had felt in the Spirit Realm the last time he sensed the Great Sage’s Intent.
“Can I now sense the Great Sage’s Intent safely and covertly?”
With Bu Yingshu right in front of him, Zhang Yu naturally didn’t dare to test it. He could only suppress his curiosity and wait for an opportunity.
Although he had learned the military-grade cultivation techniques, extracting all their technologies still required time, especially since each military-grade technique contained more than one Immortal Dao Technology.
After about another week, under Zhang Yu’s deliberate control, as he and Bu Yingshu finished extracting an Immortal Dao Technology from another military-grade technique, Myriad Laws Immortal Clan finally advanced to the 4th-tier.
At the same moment, Bu Yingshu’s mind went into a trance. The countless martial arts foundations within her mind seemed to boil, instantly unifying into a single, coherent whole.
At this moment, Bu Yingshu felt that the four tiers of cultivation techniques — Basic, Intermediate, Expert, and Military-grade — no longer held any secrets for her. She was absolutely confident she could easily comprehend their profound mysteries and integrate them into her own power.
Especially the numerous Derivative Cultivation Arts she had continuously studied and refined recently, they surged wildly in her mind, as if constantly displaying all their forms.
Even Immortal Sect Techniques, under the unifying force of her profound martial dao foundation, became much clearer in her eyes.
It was like someone who had been constipated for two months suddenly experiencing a blissful release. An unprecedented sense of exhilaration flooded Bu Yingshu’s heart, causing her to let out a long, unrestrained cry.
“A hidden dragon in the abyss, gathering strength to soar. With one leap, its roar will shake the Nine Heavens!”
Bu Yingshu thought to herself, “Years of unwavering persistence have finally borne fruit this year. Soon… my talent, along with the Blood Tide Essence Qi Sacred Contemplation, will shock the entire world!”
Bang!
The shockwave of her power sent Zhang Yu flying, slamming him against the wall.
Watching Bu Yingshu’s wildly arrogant display, Zhang Yu thought to himself, “Is breaking through with a Dao Seed really this satisfying?”
He glanced at the Dao Seed Register in his Feather Book. The [Myriad Laws Immortal Clan] had already reached the 4th-tier, allowing him to gain rewards by refining the technology of military-grade cultivation techniques.
Just like last time, Zhang Yu used ten draws at once. Most of the rewards were still “Self-Selected Military-Grade Cultivation Technique Level +1.”
To his surprise, he also drew another “Random Military-Grade Cultivation Technique Mutation,” which, like the previous one, was currently useless.
Then, Zhang Yu looked at the requirements to advance the [Myriad Laws Immortal Clan] to Level 5.
“Refine the technology of ten Immortal Sect Techniques?” he mused.
While Zhang Yu was lost in thought, Bu Yingshu, brimming with confidence, projected the full text of the Blood Tide Essence Qi Sacred Contemplation.
“Next up are the Immortal Sect Techniques, right?”
Bu Yingshu thought, “I’ll use this Blood Tide Essence Qi Sacred Contemplation to temper my talent! The moment my talent breaks through will also be the moment I verify this technique!”
After multiple Dao Seed enhancements and her recent study and refinement of Derivative Cultivation Arts, the Blood Tide Essence Qi Sacred Contemplation now appeared before Bu Yingshu as if its many veils had been lifted, becoming clearer and more comprehensible than ever before.
Working with Zhang Yu, Bu Yingshu spent three full days extracting the first Immortal Dao Technology from the technique. However, she found herself unable to replicate it in the laboratory.
Watching Bu Yingshu immerse herself in comprehending its mysteries for hours, Zhang Yu decided to switch his Chain Formation Diagram to the [Great Sage Researcher] state, curious to see what insights it might offer when examining the Blood Tide Essence Qi Sacred Contemplation.
But as he reviewed the extracted Immortal Dao Technology, a call from the depths of the Spirit Realm echoed in his ears.
“I’m not even wearing my Bionic Eye… yet I can feel the Spirit Realm’s call?”
Zhang Yu’s spirit jolted in disbelief. “Before, I could only sense the Great Sage’s Intent when actively circulating a Great Sage Cultivation Art.”
“This Immortal Sect Technique… just by comprehending one of its technologies, I can already sense the Great Sage’s Intent? And so clearly?”
“Is it because this cultivation art is Sect-Guarding-Tier?”
As Zhang Yu felt the call from the depths of the Spirit Realm, he tried to decipher its meaning.
In the next moment, the light and shadows before his eyes shifted rapidly. A surge of intent broke through the Spirit Realm’s barriers and flooded his mind.
Simultaneously, Zhang Yu seemed to see pairs of colossal, indescribably vast eyes within the bottomless Spirit Realm turn to gaze upon his location.
Each pair of eyes shone like the sun and moon, seeking to expose any existence that had touched the Great Sage’s Intent.
But in the next instant, Zhang Yu felt the [Great Sage Researcher] state envelop him like a shadow eternally submerged in darkness, a figure that could never be revealed no matter how intensely the light shone.
Then, the intent that had surged into his mind erupted, and a massive amount of information materialized in his thoughts.
In that moment, Zhang Yu felt as if he had transcended time and space, arriving in a distant, ancient era.
In this era, the world had not yet been divided into its 36 Layers. The sun and moon still shone upon the earth, and starlight did not belong to individuals. Hundreds of sects stood numerous across the land.
In this age, all beings — humans, monsters, cultivators, and Immortals alike — seemed to share the same sky, the same atmosphere, the same spacetime.
But at some unknown point, for some unknown reason, the entire world underwent a heaven-and-earth-overturning transformation.
Countless cultivators from hundreds of sects, led by the Immortals, acted in unison. Together, they reshaped the heavens and remade the earth, beginning the division of the entire world.
The land was torn asunder, the sky was sliced apart, and even the sun, moon, and stars were gathered and contained one by one. The world experienced an unprecedented cataclysmic change.
Witnessing this scene, Zhang Yu’s mouth fell slightly agape. He thought to himself, “Is this… could this be Kunxu’s ancient history? The history before it became the 36-Layered world it is today?”
“Hundreds of sects? That’s far more than the Ten Great Sects.”
“Was it this collective, world-remaking effort by hundreds of sects, that for some unknown reason created the current 36-Layered Kunxu World?”
Zhang Yu didn’t know. He couldn’t confirm if his guess was correct, and a deeper question arose in his mind: “Why do I know all this?”
He froze for a moment. “This isn’t my memory… Could it be…”
Zhang Yu recalled the surge of intent that had just poured into his mind. “The Great Sage’s memories?”
In that instant, Zhang Yu understood. What he was seeing wasn’t his own recollection but a rapid absorption of information from the Great Sage’s Intent, like watching a video complete with all senses — sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste.
All Zhang Yu could do was watch as the light and shadows before him constantly shifted. He saw countless monsterfolk suddenly appear, swarming across the land. He watched them move mountains and drain seas, beginning to transport entire worlds.
At the same time, a memory surfaced in Zhang Yu’s mind: “This is the Monsterfolk Construction Corps, created by the First Monster Saint at the Immortals’ command to reshape the world.”
As this thought crossed his mind, a sudden realization dawned on Zhang Yu: “Is this also the Great Sage’s memory?”
The next instant, another thought surfaced in Zhang Yu’s mind: “Among these monsterfolk, there is one species, the most widespread and numerous, known as the Desolate Ox.”
“They are a hive mind with separate bodies. Billions of physical forms scattered to the ends of the earth, their consciousnesses converging into a single will that controls every Desolate Ox body.”
“Their thoughts span heaven and earth, allowing them to instantly perceive every corner where their physical bodies exist.”
“Our minds are one, united in changing and building the world.”
“I am the Desolate Ox, and the Desolate Ox is me.”
In this moment, Zhang Yu seemed to hear the collective roar of hundreds of millions of Desolate Oxen within his mind, as he prepared to merge his will with the consciousness of these countless beasts.
Within the minds of these countless Desolate Oxen, the exact same thought was pulsing.
“Work! Work! Work!”
“We… are a collective life form designed by the Immortals and created by the First Monster Saint to reshape the world.”
“But we, who were supposed to be emotionless, heartless, and free from all troubles and desires… at some unknown point, began to feel anger welling up within us.”