Chapter 600 | Demonic Beings? Obviously Auspicious Omens!

Zhaoye glanced at Xuandu, who gave a slight shake of his head.

Zhaoye thought for a moment and decided that some things were indeed inconvenient to discuss in detail. When he had observed Chen Zhou’s merit, he had indeed discovered things that even he could not look directly upon, things that were not meant to be spoken aloud.

Xuandu and Dongming had likely noticed as well, but with a straightforward person like Suwei, he would nag for a lifetime if he wasn't given at least some information.

So, Zhaoye patted Suwei on the head and said with a smile, “The Young Palace Master possesses the merit of saving the world.”

Suwei was stunned.

Merit of saving the world?

What was that?

In all his long life, he had never heard of such a term.

But looking at the expressions of Zhaoye and Dongming, he knew it was definitely nothing simple.

He wanted to ask more, but Zhaoye had already turned back to talk to Dongming. Xuandu, as usual, was as cold as a corpse and had never been the enthusiastic type; he remained tight-lipped as well.

Suwei felt like he was about to burst with frustration.

The thing he hated most was when people only told half the story, especially about something that sounded so impressive.

Merit of saving the world.

What exactly was it?

Who saved the world?

What world was saved?

And how was it saved?

Suwei scratched his head restlessly. After thinking for a while, he decided not to ask these deviously quiet old ghosts.

He wouldn't get anything out of them; these old guys were each more tight-lipped than the last.

But he was dying of curiosity.

What exactly was on the Young Palace Master?

It was enough to make Zhaoye give him a ghost decree, enough to make Xuandu treat him with such courtesy, and enough to make Dongming lose his composure to the point of grabbing a collar.

The more Suwei thought about it, the more curious he became. Finally, he simply stamped his foot.

“Fine! Since you won't say, I'll ask him myself!”

With that, he strode over to Chen Zhou and sized him up.

Suwei could sense a very special aura coming from this young man. He couldn't say exactly what it was, but he could definitely feel it.

“Young Palace Master.” Suwei boisterously threw an arm around Chen Zhou’s shoulder, acting as if they were old friends.

Chen Zhou nodded slightly. “Greetings, Senior.”

Suwei didn't stand on ceremony and asked directly, “Young Palace Master, I have a question for you.”

“Please, Senior.”

“These old ghosts all say you have something special on you. What exactly is it?”

“Also, that little monk is your subordinate god, and he's so young. If he's that young, just how old is your soul age?”

“Those guys are too hateful. They’ve all figured it out, but they won't tell me.”

Chen Zhou raised an eyebrow, feeling that Suwei’s question was a bit presumptuous. What kind of senior immediately asked for a junior’s secrets?

However, on second thought, Suwei had been this casual and uninhibited since they first met.

Suwei Ghost Emperor’s direct inquiry probably didn't have any ill intent; he was likely just genuinely curious.

A person with such a personality already considered Chen Zhou one of their own in their heart. They didn't feel the need for social niceties, which was why they seemed blunt and spoke without filters.

Suwei was asking what he had on him?

He had the artifacts Eternal Calamity Karma-Fire, Yin-Yang Judgment, and Cloud-Hiding Silk. He had the complete divinities of hatred, filth, and decay. He also had the inner godhead born after Lian was contaminated.

But Chen Zhou guessed those weren't what Suwei wanted to know.

What else did he have?

Oh, right, he also had a stingy system.

It clung to him stubbornly, making him wear the skin of an evil spirit while doing deeds to save the world. It was quite cunning.

But that was inconvenient to mention. As for the latter question, the matter of his soul age could be answered.

After all, Xuandu, Zhaoye, and the Seven Evils had already learned his soul age during the previous trial. There was no need to hide it specifically from Suwei Ghost Emperor.

Chen Zhou pondered for a moment, gently pulled away from Suwei’s embrace, and said seriously.

“I do have some opportunities on me, but they are inconvenient to discuss. I hope you can understand, Senior. As for my soul age, it is also one year.”

Suwei’s eyes widened in shock.

“How old? You’re one too?”

“Your cultivation is so much higher than his, your foundation is solid without a hint of instability, your merit and faith are profound, and you even possess a high-tier godhead and multiple divine path inheritances. Are all of these things really achievable in a single year?”

Suwei’s mouth opened, then closed, then opened again, like a fish that had been tossed onto the shore.

He turned to look at Xuandu, who nodded slightly.

He looked at Zhaoye, who nodded with a smile.

The two of them had already gone through their shock last time.

He looked at Dongming, who remained expressionless. After observing Chen Zhou with his Ghost Eye earlier, he had already made some guesses and had also processed his shock.

Only Suwei was left. He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

“One year...”

He muttered to himself, as if digesting the information. Then his eyes suddenly lit up—so bright it was frightening.

“Since you already have a subordinate god as monstrous as that little monk, are there any other people with such freakish talent among your subordinate gods?”

Chen Zhou glanced sideways. Suwei was asking about soul age, right?

He thought about it.

In terms of soul age, there were indeed quite a few special souls that the Myriad Herbs Life-Death Realm had received.

For example, Bai and Xiaoye.

Those two had been received by the Myriad Herbs Life-Death Realm for reincarnation after dying in battle in the Northern Region. They retained their past-life memories and sword talent, and they had awakened the Impermanence Body and sword techniques for soul-arresting and ferrying.

Then there was the Sea Emperor of the Eastern Region. In his previous life, he had been exhausted to the point of death after guarding the sea eye for a thousand years, nearly merging with the cold spring. But he had found a blessing in disguise; after reincarnation, he not only kept his original water-system talent but also gained an extremely powerful ice-control ability.

There was also True Lord of Purity and Filth from Tianchi. He had reincarnated less than a month ago, though he had grown up now and could already hold his own. As for what new abilities he had awakened, that remained to be discovered.

So, Chen Zhou nodded. “There should be a few more.”

His voice wasn't loud, but in the quiet hall, everyone heard him clearly.

Before his voice even faded, Dongming moved.

He shoved aside Suwei, who was blocking his way, strode up to Chen Zhou, grabbed his hands, and shook them vigorously.

“There are more?!”

Dongming’s voice had changed pitch. He was no longer his previous cold self; he was filled with a near-fanatical urgency.

“How many more?!”

Chen Zhou’s head wobbled back and forth from the shaking, feeling like his skeleton was about to fall apart.

This old ghost looked tall, thin, and scholarly, but how was his grip so strong?

“Senior... let go first...”

Dongming realized he had lost his composure. He didn't let go, but he lightened his grip, his hands still firmly holding Chen Zhou’s.

“Quick, tell me, how many more?”

Chen Zhou pressed on Dongming’s wrists and used a bit of force to pry his hands away.

“Don't be in such a hurry, Senior.”

Dongming took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, but his eyes were still frighteningly bright.

“I'm not in a hurry. Speak.”

“What kind of person are you looking for, Senior?”

Dongming immediately said, “Pupillary techniques. Sword arts. Are there any who specialize in pupillary techniques or the sword?”

Chen Zhou thought for a moment.

As for pupillary techniques, he didn't have anyone under him who specialized in that path.

Chen Zhou shook his head. “I might not have anyone for pupillary techniques.”

A flash of disappointment crossed Dongming’s eyes, but they quickly lit up again.

“What about the sword?”

“I do have a few for the sword.”

“A few?”

“Yes. Two of them are sword geniuses. Their soul age is also under a year. They are currently at the first symbiosis contract, have awakened the Impermanence Body, and have mastered special sword techniques for Arresting Evil Souls and Guiding Good Spirits.”

“Seventh-stage first symbiosis contract? That cultivation is a bit low. They would have a hard time passing the Dongming Ghost Mansion’s trial; they aren't quite suitable. Do they have any special destinies?”

Chen Zhou shook his head. “No. But as for destinies, I have another sword genius with a special destiny.”

“He has the General Star Destiny and a natural Lucid Sword Heart. His cultivation is likely around the second symbiosis contract. He has already successfully obtained an evil spirit body and mastered the technique to command enslaved ghosts.”

“With a wave of his hand, he can summon thousands of enslaved ghosts and paper people to fight alongside him. He also practices a special large-scale sword domain that empowers his enslaved ghosts.”

“However, as for his soul age, I'm not entirely sure. It should be under thirty years.”

Chen Zhou himself wasn't sure about Jian Huaishuang’s soul age.

He was an evil spirit body directly rewarded by the system after Chen Zhou sacrificed the Smiling Face Buddha, who had merged with the Zhenjiang evil spirit.

If calculated from the moment he became an evil spirit, his soul age was also less than a year.

But if calculated by the years he had lived before death, he would be in his early twenties.

Dongming shook his head and sighed. “Only a General Star? It is indeed a special destiny, but it cannot be considered a noble rank.”

“A talent with a General Star is a top-tier asset for any divine kingdom, capable of fighting on battlefields and commanding ten thousand troops.”

“But to be honest, he isn't quite compatible with my Dongming Ghost Mansion.”

“To enter my Dongming Ghost Mansion, it is best to possess a National Seal Noble destiny.”

“One with the National Seal is a seal-bearing official who can see through the imperial court and distinguish between loyalty and treachery. Only with such a destiny can one inherit my Authority of Insight and take over the legacy of the Dongming Ghost Mansion.”

“A soul age of thirty is also slightly on the older side. Just bring him over and let me have a look anyway.”

Suwei, who had been pushed aside by Dongming, was already annoyed. Seeing him try to snatch someone again made him even more irritated.

He shoved Dongming away, firmly grabbed Chen Zhou’s shoulder, and said loudly.

“Young Palace Master, don't listen to him! A General Star is great! A General Star is perfect for my Suwei Ghost Mansion!”

Dongming stumbled from the shove. After steadying himself, he looked at Suwei coldly.

“Suwei, what is the meaning of this?”

“What do I mean?” Suwei rolled his eyes. “Old Dong, you've really let it go to your head. You’re actually calling a thirty-year-old General Star old.”

“Even if a General Star isn't a noble rank, they are still top-tier talents for slaughter. To reach the second symbiosis contract with a soul age under thirty—how many could you find even in the ancient era when the divine path flourished?”

Dongming was speechless. Suwei made too much sense.

He had just witnessed two one-year-old monsters, and his standards had been instantly heightened. His taste had become so picky that he felt a General Star in his early twenties wasn't enough.

Thinking about it now, he really had let it go to his head.

A General Star in his early twenties would have been a definite genius even in the ancient era, the kind that various divine races would fight over.

And he had actually looked down on him?

The world today was one where the divine path had collapsed. How many geniuses could even be left outside?

The Young Palace Master was so sincerely recommending a successor to him, yet he had spoken such cold and hurtful words.

It was very improper.

After all, the other party was just a new god and so young; this was the age when one needed encouragement and care from their elders.

Would his actions hurt the Young Palace Master’s young heart?

Having lived for an entire eon, he really was becoming more regressive as he aged.

Dongming’s expression suddenly turned ugly as he engaged in self-reproach and internal conflict. He wanted to say something to save face, but Suwei didn't give him the chance.

“Young Palace Master, listen to me.” Suwei held Chen Zhou’s shoulder, sounding very enthusiastic.

“The General Star destiny is no simple thing.”

“Think about it, what is a General Star? They are natural commanders, kings of the battlefield.”

“Those with a General Star are naturally skilled at warfare, at tactical formations, and at taking the enemy general’s head amidst ten thousand troops.”

“My Suwei Ghost Mansion lacks exactly this kind of talent!”

Suwei grew more excited as he spoke, his saliva nearly spraying onto Chen Zhou’s face.

“What is that subordinate god of yours called? Where is he from? how long has he been a god? Does he have a godhead? Is he interested in coming to my Ghost Mansion for a trial?”

“As long as he's willing to come, I'll guarantee he passes!”

“Even if he can't pass the trial, I'll open the back door for him!”

Chen Zhou’s shoulder hurt from the grip, and the corner of his mouth twitched slightly.

This Suwei Ghost Emperor was a bit too enthusiastic.

“Senior, his name is Jian Huaishuang. He’s a Ghost General I subdued in White Jade City. He’s been a god for... about a year. As for a godhead, he doesn't have one yet.”

Suwei’s eyes grew even brighter. “He reached the second symbiosis contract without a godhead? This is simply a heaven-sent talent! Since Dongming doesn't want him, I'll take him. I'm pre-ordering him from you. Come, Young Palace Master, let's pinky-swear!”

Dongming’s face turned ashen. “When did I say I didn't want him?”

“That look on your face just now clearly showed you didn't think much of him!”

“I was... thinking.”

“Thinking about what? Thinking about how to snatch people from me?”

“What do you mean, snatching? The subordinate god belongs to the Young Palace Master, not to your family.”

“The Young Palace Master said just now that there are several sword geniuses! You take the others, and I'll take the General Star. No conflict!”

“On what grounds? I spoke first!”

“So what if you spoke first? My Ghost Mansion needs a General Star more!”

“I need him more as well!”

Zhaoye had been watching the spectacle from the side for a while. Only now did he speak up with a smile.

“The two of you are certainly fighting happily, but I must remind you of something.”

Suwei turned his head. “Remind us of what?”

“The Young Palace Master hasn't passed the trials for your Ghost Mansions yet. The trials for the Suwei Ghost Mansion and the Dongming Ghost Mansion are not simple; they have hard requirements for cultivation.”

“You have to wait for the Young Palace Master to pass first. Only then can his subordinate gods come to participate. And only if the subordinate god also passes can they inherit the Ghost Mansion.”

“It's a bit early to be fighting over people now.”

Suwei was taken aback, then slapped his forehead.

“Oh, right. You have to pass the trial of the Suwei Ghost Mansion first.”

He turned back to look at Chen Zhou, his eyes sparkling.

“Hey, Young Palace Master, when will you reach the ninth-stage?”

Chen Zhou: “...?”

“You’re only one year old, and you’re already on the verge of the eighth-stage. At this rate, can you reach the ninth-stage tomorrow?”

Chen Zhou’s mouth twitched.

“Senior, the ninth-stage isn't that fast.”

Suwei didn't give up. “If one day isn't enough, then two days should be more than enough, right?”

Chen Zhou: “...”

“Generally speaking, cultivation doesn't happen that fast.”

His sacrifices also had a cooldown.

“I know cultivation isn't easy, but aren't you exceptionally gifted?”

Chen Zhou didn't want to talk anymore.

At that moment, Dongming suddenly spoke up, protective of his own.

“Suwei, stop putting so much pressure on the Young Palace Master. No matter how much of a genius he is, how could he possibly reach the ninth-stage by tomorrow?”