Chapter 14: A Scroll of the Heavenly Tome! The End!

After much effort, the two finally arrived at their destination. Their eyes fell upon the iron box; inside, it was simple, with no hidden compartments or mechanisms. The small iron box held only one item—a golden bell, pristine and untouched.

The Bell of Joy once belonged to Lady Golden Bell. It could forcibly extract one soul from a person's three souls and seven spirits, safeguarding it within the bell, thus ensuring the body's survival. The Blood Devouring Pearl and the Bell of Joy were treasures in their previous lives, belonging to the Black-hearted Elder and Lady Golden Bell, who were lovers.

"System, can you replicate the Blood Devouring Pearl?"
"Yes! Would you like to replicate it?"
"Indeed, the system is omnipotent. Yes, do it, and then fuse the pearl with me."
"As you wish, Host!"

In this life, the Blood Devouring Pearl had also merged within his body, and the Bell of Joy was found here. Biyao and he had again become a pair of lovers united by life and death, so it seemed that the Blood Devouring Pearl and the Bell of Joy were bound by fate across lifetimes.

Qianmo took out the Bell of Joy. A crisp 'ding' echoed, reverberating in their minds, breaking the eight-hundred-year silence of the secret stone chamber.

…

After a long while, the music faded.

"What a wonderful sound," Qianmo smiled gently, holding Biyao's slender hand and softly placing the Bell of Joy on her wrist. "It's beautiful. Do you like it?"

"Ding... ding," Biyao nodded slightly. With the innocence of a young girl, she naturally loved it, especially since it was a gift from Qianmo. She examined it closely, finding nothing peculiar—it was simply a finely crafted bell.

"Is this truly a magical artifact?"
"Yes, it's indeed an excellent magical artifact. Wear it; it suits you well."

Sweetness filled Biyao's heart. Even though she was usually cold and aloof, she adored the delicate bell on her wrist, gently turning it so it emitted a series of clear, melodious chimes.

Afterwards, they searched the secret chamber, but found nothing else useful aside from some worthless scraps.

Returning to the initial chamber, Qianmo approached the massive stone tablet, sat cross-legged, calmed his mind, and carefully studied the original text of the Heavenly Book.

His spiritual power concentrated on the stone tablet. "Ding, the system has detected the Heavenly Book. Would you like to absorb it, Host?"
"Yes."

A thunderous roar erupted in his mind as the golden characters on the stone tablet transformed into light, flowing entirely into Qianmo's consciousness. The golden script on the stele dimmed, losing its brilliance.

"Ding, Fifth Volume of the Heavenly Book successfully collected. Mission progress: 1/5!"

He opened his eyes again, a sharp gleam flashing through them. Qianmo's aura underwent a profound change; his spiritual energy was now full, his cultivation method completed nine cycles, and his breath soared instantly—he reached the fourth layer of the Out-of-Body stage.

Startled, Qianmo quickly examined himself. His aura was robust, confirming he had indeed reached the fourth layer, though he had only absorbed and comprehended the first volume. His cultivation had advanced three stages!

Moreover, he found himself able to integrate parts of the Heavenly Book. Its contents were vast and ever-changing, allowing Daoists, Buddhists, and demon cultivators alike to glean different universal truths.

Clearly, the Heavenly Book did not belong to this world. Otherwise, the cultivation levels of the Azure Cloud Chronicle would not be so weak—even Supreme Elder Dao Xuan could not decipher it. If not for his extraordinary talent, he would never have glimpsed its secrets.

With the first volume in hand, Qianmo stood up and said, "Biyao, we've got what we came for. Let's leave quickly."

As he spoke, the ground beneath them began to shake, stones tumbling down. Biyao's face paled, not expecting the Blood Dripping Cave to collapse at this moment.

Using spiritual energy to protect them, Qianmo wrapped his arms around Biyao and transformed into a streak of sword-light, retracing their path. Within seconds, they sped out of the cave at a speed invisible to the naked eye.

Boom! Boom!

Shortly after their escape, a deep rumble echoed from within. Biyao breathed a sigh of relief.

Qianmo arched his sword-like brows. Though he hadn't used his full strength, his speed was several times faster than usual. He hadn't deployed his wings, yet he felt subtly transformed, as if he had become a sword himself.

What he hadn't noticed was that not only had his cultivation advanced, but his entire aura had changed dramatically. Before, with his aura suppressed, he seemed an ordinary man. Now, standing still, he was like a divine sword existing between heaven and earth, looking down upon all beings.

Even his every movement and glance radiated a formidable presence.

Biyao noticed Qianmo's transformation but said nothing. "We didn't encounter Aunt You on the way out. I wonder how she's doing?"

"The Blood Dripping Cave has collapsed; no one can enter unless by force. The remnants of the Blood Refining Hall can't harm Aunt You. Don't worry—besides, I asked Aunt You to wait outside for us. I just didn't tell you, to create a better atmosphere and deepen our bond."

"So it was you who sent Aunt You away! I knew something was off when she disappeared!" Biyao rolled her eyes at him, speechless.

"Well, I wouldn't say 'sent away.' Aunt You was quite cooperative. Hehe!"

"Alright, the Ancient Bat Cave is finished," Biyao said, gazing at the ruined cavern.

"You finally made it out!" came a familiar voice—it could only be Aunt Youji.

"Aunt You! You actually left me behind, hmph!" Biyao ran over to express her displeasure.

"I was just helping you two nurture your relationship!" Aunt Youji laughed mischievously.

"Who—who said we’re a couple?! I haven’t married him yet!" Biyao replied shyly.

"Now that this matter is over, I must be on my way," Qianmo said. The bashful Biyao immediately grabbed his arm.

"Are you really coming back to the Ghost King Sect to marry me?" Biyao’s eyes were filled with longing.

"Biyao, be good. Once I've finished some things, I'll come to the Ghost King Sect for you, and then take you away. Tell the Ghost King what I told you," Qianmo gently stroked her head, calming her instantly.

"What will you do next, Qianmo?" Biyao asked, reluctant to part.

"I need to collect the remaining four volumes of the Heavenly Book. You're my closest person, so I’ll tell you. I have two things for you, which will be beneficial." Qianmo led Biyao aside and explained, while Aunt Youji tactfully stepped away.

Qianmo produced two items. "In my left hand is the Penetration Spray; once applied, you can pass through anything with ease. In my right hand is the Freedom Spray; use it to move freely in water or other unusual places. You can use both together as well." He explained carefully.

"Amazing! Then I won’t be shy about taking them." Biyao placed the items in her storage ring.

"I’m about to leave. Shouldn’t there be a farewell kiss, my lady?" Before he finished, Qianmo wrapped Biyao in his arms and pressed his lips to hers.

An hour later

Their lips parted. Qianmo spoke first. "Be good and wait for me at the Ghost King Sect."

"Mm, but don’t make me wait too long!" Biyao pouted adorably.

"Don’t worry. It won’t be long."

"Alright."

Qianmo went to Aunt Youji. "Aunt You, after I leave, please take care of Biyao."

"Don’t worry, I’ll protect her well. How is Wan Jianyi?" Aunt Youji agreed, hesitated, and finally asked.

"No worries. Though he’s lost his internal strength, he’s living a peaceful life in the outer court. Wan Jianyi is still alive—only my master and I know, and now you and Biyao. Please keep it secret," Qianmo said calmly.

"A quiet life without power might be for the best. Biyao and I won’t tell anyone," Aunt Youji replied.

"Good. Then, farewell! Until we meet again." With that, a dragon emerged from Qianmo, transformed into its previous form, and carried him away.

"Just how many secrets does he have?" The two women stared at the giant dragon in shock.

…

…

(End of chapter)