The Ancient Gods' Whisper

Gu Jianlin cleared his throat and spoke seriously, "It's nothing. Is that the blade created by the Candle Dragon Venerable?"

He glanced around, searching through the bizarre chaos of dancing demons.

"No need to look; it's not here."

Ji Zhou raised a hand and made a sweeping motion in the air, his palm emanating intricate, ancient patterns.

Space in front of them twisted and revealed three enormous chasms.

The first chasm burned with blistering flames, faintly revealing a menacing blood-red demon sword suspended mid-air. The terrifying heat warped the air, sending waves of scorching heat rolling outward.

The second chasm gleamed with golden brilliance; deep within the darkness stood an imposing, ancient golden throne. Its immense and majestic stature was adorned with fiery crimson patterns, faintly aglow with light.

As for the third chasm, an eerie blood-red light flickered. Within it hung a blood-colored Tang Blade, illuminating the surrounding darkness. The blade exuded a torrential, lava-like bloodlust. The area surrounding the blade felt like stepping into Hell.

Gu Jianlin was slightly mesmerized by the miraculous scene.

A true growth-type Mythical Weapon—it's certainly extraordinary.

Lei Wating needed no introduction—violent and blazing—but unfortunately, he wasn't a sword user.

The Heavenly Divine Throne stirred even the instincts engraved in his genes, yet its sheer size and weight were a problem.

The idea of lifting that throne and smashing it into someone seemed... challenging.

The last Tang Blade looked promising; after all, he had a secondary path he could use.

Moreover, the aura of bloodlust indeed reminded him of that old monster.

"This blade is called Jiuyin."

Ji Zhou's eyes flashed with a hint of regret as he introduced, "This is the weapon discarded by the Candle Dragon Venerable. Although it appears to be a blade, it's in fact a domain-type weapon, capable of generating the Senluo Ghost Domain. As for specific details, I can't recall—they've long been forgotten because it hasn't been used in ages."

A blade capable of generating its own domain—now that seemed intriguing.

Gu Jianlin asked, "Does this blade have a story?"

"Heh."

Ji Zhou said, "Since ancient times, the Candle Dragon Venerable has constantly been a major adversary of the human world. Every time it awoke from slumber, it would disguise itself as a human, regaining its strength and understanding the progress of civilization within human realms. In the year 640 AD, the Candle Dragon Venerable transferred the spirituality of a certain Mythical Weapon into a Tang Blade."

"That's how Jiuyin was born, earning its name by killing two Bai Ze Ancestors' primal bloodline."

Ji Zhou continued, "But ultimately, this blade met its end by the hand of Bai Ze Venerable."

Gu Jianlin cast a doubtful glance at the blade. "Destroyed?"

"Growth-type Mythical Weapons possess self-repairing capabilities—they are living entities."

Ji Zhou said, "But the Candle Dragon Venerable is nothing if not arrogant. Once something of hers gets destroyed, she won't deign to use it again. This blade was buried in the Netherworld River beneath Buzhou Mountain until it resurfaced five hundred years ago."

Gu Jianlin thought to himself, what a pitiful blade, stuck with such a lousy owner.

But this was entirely in line with the old monster's character.

Back when they'd first crossed paths in the dimensional tunnel of the Qilin Immortal Palace, this woman had been casually speaking modern Mandarin.

Her Mandarin was remarkably standard.

Without even a discernible regional accent.

She could even hum melodies.

Tsk, truly terrifying.

An Ancient Supreme capable of blending seamlessly into the human world—all too insidious.

"Though it may be discarded, Jiuyin has inherited the arrogance of the Candle Dragon Venerable. It's unruly and wild. Over the years, no one has managed to unlock its true potential—instead, it's caused endless misery. Its previous owners have all perished, making it a weapon few dare to choose."

Ji Zhou calmly said, "What's more, its growth requirements are demanding, and advancing it is exceedingly difficult. I wouldn't recommend choosing this Mythical Weapon, especially since you're not on the Ghost Slayer Path."

Gu Jianlin fixed his gaze on the Tang Blade radiating bloodlust and said seriously, "Alright, senior, I've decided—this one."

Ji Zhou was taken aback.

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure."

"Let me warn you—growth-type Mythical Weapons have shifting containment conditions, and they won't hesitate to turn on you. In the past five hundred years, no one has been able to tame it."

"I know, but I enjoy challenges like these."

Ji Zhou fell into silence.

"One more thing."

She said calmly, "This happens to be a personal collection of the President, sealed in an independent space. Its price is one hundred fifty thousand merit points, and before it's sold, strict reviews and assessments are required. Without the President's explicit approval, no one is permitted to obtain any of these three Mythical Weapons."

A question mark popped into Gu Jianlin's head.

A parrot screeched nearby, "Say 'hook'... say hook, not eight—civilization starts with harmony!"

"But this rule isn't something you need to worry about."

Ji Zhou glanced at the youth and said indifferently, "You've made contributions to tracking The Order of the Hidden, so there's no need for those dull examinations and tests. I have the authority to let you take it with you."

"Are you sure about this?"

Gu Jianlin hesitated. "Won't this cause trouble for you…?"

Ji Zhou sipped her tea and sneered, "I've known her for over four hundred years. What is there to be afraid of? Since she sent me here, it's clear everything is left to my discretion. Besides, no one can deny your merits—and not even the President herself could refute that today."

Gu Jianlin remained silent for a moment. "Understood. Thank you."

Boom!

Ji Zhou raised her hand and grabbed the air forcefully.

The three shadowy chasms vanished in an instant.