"Senior, you have finally awakened."
Lan Xin and the others were momentarily stunned, followed by faces full of pleasant surprise. The mad old woman had actually woken up at this time—did that not mean they had a way to recover their cultivation?
Gu Xian'er also snapped back from her state of enlightened clarity at this moment, her eyes similarly unable to hide her joy.
She felt that she was now only one opportunity away from condensing her Dao Seed and breaking through to the Dao Realms in one fell swoop.
This process had been surprisingly smooth, so much so that it gave her a natural feeling of water flowing where a channel is formed.
"Once you recover your cultivation, it won't take long before you can push open the gates of the Dao Realms and step into another world," the mad old woman said with a slight smile, her gaze gentle and calm.
Although her hair was a mess and she appeared incredibly slovenly—her face covered in wrinkles and age spots—her posture and expression still possessed a startling beauty. One could faintly catch a glimpse of how world-shakingly elegant she must have been in her youth.
Time does not defeat a beauty's bones; the ancients truly did not deceive me.
"Senior..."
Coming to her senses, Gu Xian'er looked at the mad old woman with deep gratitude.
"Greetings, Senior."
The various elders of the Crescent Moon Sect also bowed to the mad old woman one after another, acting with extreme reverence.
Had it not been for the mad old woman stepping in to save them, they would likely have fallen at the Crescent Moon Sect long ago.
At the thought of how they had previously considered driving her out of the sect, their hearts were filled with waves of guilt.
The mad old woman paid no mind to the people of the Crescent Moon Sect.
Her gaze landed on the white-robed woman standing behind Gu Xian'er. She seemed to ponder for a moment before shaking her head.
"My current state is not good; I cannot maintain clarity for long. You need not panic. After fleeing the Crescent Moon Sect, I acted to restrain and take away your cultivation so that the Dark Beings could not track you down through the traces of Karma."
She explained as she swept her sleeve.
Streaks of brilliant divine light flew out from her cuffs, falling upon the crowd like a sweet rain drenching parched sand.
"My cultivation has returned..."
"This is truly wonderful."
The elders of the Crescent Moon Sect were startled at first, then their faces filled with delight.
During the period they had lost their cultivation, they were virtually no different from mortals. Fortunately, they had not encountered any danger along the way; otherwise, it would have been truly difficult to handle.
What a powerful and bizarre method. She says she 'restrained' the cultivation, but in truth, she even restrained things like Karma along with it.
The refined middle-aged man who had been following Song Yu felt his heart sink. As an existence in the Ancestral Dao realm, even he had been unable to resist or parry such a method.
If the mad old woman hadn't explained it, he probably wouldn't have known the reason his cultivation vanished until now.
This made him incredibly wary.
No wonder this mad old woman was able to contend with the dark matter back at the Crescent Moon Sect on equal terms.
Seeing this scene, Song Yu could not hide his excitement, his gaze burning. Having consulted many ancient records, he knew very well.
This was the inconceivable method of the Heaven-Restraining Sect , claimed to be able to restrain even Heaven and Earth—taking away cultivation was naturally a simple matter.
Now, he was even more convinced that the mad old woman was the only surviving disciple of the Heaven-Restraining Sect in the world.
"Your background is somewhat special. I actually failed to restrain your cultivation. It seems you harbor many secrets."
The mad old woman looked at the white-robed woman, the scrutiny in her eyes deepening as if guessing her origins.
Hearing this, Gu Xian'er and the others were shocked and turned their eyes toward the white-robed woman. Does this mean her cultivation never actually disappeared during this time?
The white-robed woman's expression remained calm as she shook her head. "I am merely a person with amnesia. Fellow Daoist need not look into my origins."
The mad old woman nodded and said no more.
If the white-robed woman had impure thoughts or malicious intent, she wouldn't have followed Gu Xian'er and the others such a long distance.
"In you, I see the shadow of my former self. You truly did not disappoint me."
"Breaking free from the past and firming one's Dao heart are things that must be experienced on the path. You need not be hesitant or feel lost."
The mad old woman then looked back at Gu Xian'er, her gaze very gentle—it was the appreciation and praise of a senior toward a junior.
"Senior, you overpraise me."
Gu Xian'er felt somewhat apprehensive, never expecting the mad old woman to hold her in such high regard.
Back at the Crescent Moon Sect, she hadn't met this senior many times.
At the very beginning, this mad old woman had saved her life from the jaws of a primordial fierce beast and subsequently brought her to the Crescent Moon Sect.
Since then, the two could be said to have had almost no interaction.
Later, she had even "borrowed the tiger's prestige," relying on this senior's reputation to gradually gain a foothold in the sect.
Not to mention that this time the Crescent Moon Sect encountered a great disaster; had it not been for the mad old woman's rescue, they would have all perished.
It could be said she owed this senior many debts of gratitude that she truly had no way to repay.
"The time I can remain conscious is running out. The Power to Restrain Heaven is inherently a rebellious Taboo Existence method, unacknowledged by the Heavenly Dao's Will and prone to attracting boundless Karma. However, you are somewhat different. Even I cannot see your past or future clearly. Behind you, there is also..."
The mad old woman shook her head, seemingly tabooed from speaking further on the matter. Then, she abruptly reached out her withered, branch-like hand and grabbed Gu Xian'er's arm.
With a flick of her sleeve, a blurred time-space tunnel appeared before them. She strode into it, and before the startled Gu Xian'er could react, their figures vanished instantly within.
The people of the Crescent Moon Sect watched this scene in shock and agitation.
Many realized what was happening and guessed the mad old woman's intent. Was she planning to pass her techniques to Gu Xian'er? After all, "the Law is not passed to six ears," so doing this was perfectly reasonable.
However, the Power to Restrain Heaven—just what kind of method was that?
They had never even heard of it, but from the name, they could sense that rebellious, taboo intent.
After all, who would dare take such a name?
Aside from the Leader of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, throughout the Vast Expanse, anyone or anything even slightly related to the word "Heaven" acted with the utmost caution and trepidation, fearing the attraction of Karma and backlash.
"Dammit..."
Song Yu's face was gloomy, his heart filled with undisguised envy and jealousy. His fists were clenched tightly under his sleeves, veins bulging.
He had hidden his identity and lurked in the Crescent Moon Sect for so many years—for what? Was it not for the inheritance of the Heaven-Restraining Sect ? Yet now, Gu Xian'er had obtained it so easily.
How could he be reconciled to this?
"Young Master... do not let your state of mind be disturbed. The inheritance of the Heaven-Restraining Sect can be plotted slowly; there is no need to rush this moment."
At the critical moment, the middle-aged man, Uncle Lan, sent a voice transmission to steady Song Yu's mind.
Song Yu continued to stare fixedly in the direction where Gu Xian'er had disappeared, his eyes full of resentment.
Gu Xian'er came from the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, and according to Uncle Lan, an incomparably terrifying existence stood behind her.
Now that she had obtained the inheritance of the Heaven-Restraining Sect , what chance did he have left to plot? Could he possibly snatch it from her hands by force?
From the moment Gu Xian'er was taken by the mad old woman to the moment she was sent back, less than half an hour had passed. No one knew exactly what had happened during that time.
When she returned, Gu Xian'er had a dazed expression, as if still immersed in whatever had occurred.
After the mad old woman sent Gu Xian'er back, she vanished without following the group from the Crescent Moon Sect. No one knew where she finally went.
Although the people of the sect were curious about what the mad old woman had taught Gu Xian'er, they tactfully refrained from asking.
It wasn't until several hours later that Gu Xian'er came to her senses, though she did not look particularly happy.
Regarding the secrets of the Heaven-Restraining Sect , she didn't know much. The mad old woman hadn't told her in detail, only saying it was a sect and lineage that could not be tolerated by the Heavenly Dao's Will of the various worlds and could not exist in the world.
From the moment of its birth, it was destined to be destroyed and would attract endless taboos and ominous things.
The disciples of the Heaven-Restraining Sect were destined for an ominous life and would not meet a good end.
The mad old woman was the last successor of the Heaven-Restraining Sect , and her state of being muddled all day, unable to maintain clarity, was precisely because of this reason.
This was a fate that disciples of the Heaven-Restraining Sect could not escape.
The mad old woman had not forced Gu Xian'er to join the Heaven-Restraining Sect , only allowing her to make her own choice.
Gu Xian'er had witnessed how powerful the inheritance was, but she could also catch a glimpse of the heavy price that had to be paid from the mad old woman herself.
However, Gu Xian'er did not deliberate for long before directly agreeing to the mad old woman to inherit the legacy.
She was not an indecisive person. She craved powerful strength, and now that such a path was placed before her, how could she easily give it up?
As for the Karma, taboos, and ominous things the mad old woman spoke of, Gu Xian'er did not believe in them; she only believed in her own power.
In the face of absolute strength, any Karma, taboo, or ominous thing could be shattered with a single blow.
The mad old woman also appreciated Gu Xian'er's decisiveness. Being indecisive and shrinking back sometimes changed nothing.
Afterward, the mad old woman began to teach the inheritance of the Heaven-Restraining Sect to Gu Xian'er.
Many parts of the inheritance were actually minor details; the most important part was the Nine Restraints of the Heaven-Restraining Method.
The Nine Restraints of the Heaven-Restraining Method, as the name suggested, had nine styles, each corresponding to a restraint.
And only when one's cultivation reached the Dao Realms and passed the first Heavenly Decline Tribulation could they perform the first restraint.
Each subsequent restraint required passing at least one more Heavenly Decline Tribulation to be performed.
In other words, to successfully perform the ninth restraint of the Nine Restraints of the Heaven-Restraining Method, one would have to pass nine Heavenly Decline Tribulations and touch upon the End of the Path domain.
It was the first time Gu Xian'er had heard of a Dao method with such difficult execution requirements.
If one's talent and providence were insufficient and they remained stalled before the Dao Realms their entire life, even if they learned the technique, they would not be qualified to use it.
After finishing the teaching, the mad old woman specifically warned her.
This method was incomparably domineering and fierce. Once performed, there was no turning back. She must absolutely avoid forcing its use before reaching the corresponding realm; otherwise, not only would the execution fail, it would also attract boundless backlash with terrifying consequences.
As for what the backlash and consequences were, the mad old woman did not elaborate, but Gu Xian'er could guess from her extremely solemn and serious expression.
The Nine Restraints of the Heaven-Restraining Method was a taboo art; if not necessary, it was best not to use it.
This was the mad old woman's final warning to Gu Xian'er.
After saying these things, she sent Gu Xian'er back to her original spot and then departed.
"Next, where should we go? Although the Dark Beings have reached a peace treaty with the Alliance of Righteous Unity, that doesn't mean they won't act against ordinary living beings. Everywhere is still full of crises. It's laughable that the Vast Expanse is so immense, yet now there isn't a single place for us to settle down."
The sighing voice of a Crescent Moon Sect elder brought Gu Xian'er back from her daze.
Her brows furrowed slightly as she began to consider their current situation.
The rest of the sect was also considering their next plans. Although the Crescent Moon Sect had saved some "sparks" in the end, it had essentially been wiped out and no longer existed.
At this time, should they return to the ruins of the sect? But what would be waiting for them there?
The crowd couldn't help but fall into silence.
At this moment, Song Yu seemed to think of something. He stepped forward a few paces and said with a solemn face, "I wonder if the various elders know of the Nine Heavens?"
These words caused the people of the Crescent Moon Sect to be taken aback.
The expressions of several elders who realized the meaning of these words changed simultaneously, appearing very shocked and agitated.
Gu Xian'er, who was considering whether to have everyone go to the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, was also slightly startled at this moment.
When she was still in the Dao Prosperity True World, she already knew about the Nine Heavens.
Back then, when foreign enemies invaded, some had even invited an existence in the Dao Realms from the Nine Heavens to help.
For the living beings of the various universes, most had more or less heard of the Nine Heavens. It was said to be the origin of immortals and the place where the Immortal Dao was nurtured and born.
"Could it be, Song Yu, that you mean for us to go to the Nine Heavens?"
"But the Nine Heavens has always been ethereal and mysterious. Even those with world-shaking cultivation might not be able to find the way there without someone to lead them..."
"If we can find the Nine Heavens, it would naturally be good. It is said there is no conflict there, that it is transcendent from the world. Even when the Tribulation Reckoning Cycle descends, it remains safe and unaffected."
"I heard that the Endless Yang True World, the Calamitous Yin True World, and the Nine Heavens have many origins and entanglements. It's a pity those two True Worlds have already joined the Alliance of Righteous Unity; otherwise, there would be a chance to ask for the way to the Nine Heavens..."
Several elders of the Crescent Moon Sect all looked at Song Yu with burning gazes, clearly having yearned for the Nine Heavens for a long time.
Song Yu did not hide it now and said directly, "To be honest with the elders, when I was young, I accidentally entered a time-space rift. Inside, I was saved by an old turtle. It carried me across a vast, boundless cosmic river and finally delivered me to an immense, sprawling continent."
"I lived on that continent for many years. Although it is difficult to go back now, if we think of a way, it is still possible..."
Although he did not explicitly say that the continent was the legendary Nine Heavens, everyone present could hear the implication.
No one had expected Song Yu to have such deep providence and opportunity—to have accidentally entered the Nine Heavens and lived there for many years.
Before this, Song Yu had never mentioned it to anyone.
"If you can find the way to the Nine Heavens, Song Yu, that would naturally be for the best..." an elder said with a face full of joy.
The other elders also nodded, their eyes showing yearning.
Gu Xian'er watched all of this coldly. She didn't completely believe Song Yu's words, but since he dared to say it, he presumably did know the way to the Nine Heavens.
From the current situation, even if she advised everyone to go to the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, it would likely be in vain.
Although the Dark Beings attacked and the Heaven-Slaying Alliance dispatched many experts and led armies to resist with all their might—which was completely different from what the Alliance of Righteous Unity did—the "stinking" reputation of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance had spread long ago. Compared to the Alliance of Righteous Unity, they were just two sides of the same coin.
Unless the people of the Crescent Moon Sect truly had no choice, they would never seek refuge with the Heaven-Slaying Alliance.
"Senior Sister Lan Xin, I want to go to the Heaven-Slaying Alliance. Do you plan to come with me?" Gu Xian'er looked at Lan Xin beside her and asked softly.
She had fought with the Crescent Moon Sect until the end; it could be said she had fulfilled her obligations. How the rest of the sect chose to act and where they went next had nothing to do with her.
Her only concern and care was for Lan Xin in front of her—the senior sister who had always looked after her and treated her with great care in the sect.
"What? Xian'er, you want to go to the Heaven-Slaying Alliance?"
Lan Xin was stunned when she heard this, doubting if she had heard correctly.
Gu Xian'er nodded.
The elders and disciples of the sect also looked at her with some shock, not knowing why she would say such words at this time.
"Xian'er, I wonder why you wish to go to the Heaven-Slaying Alliance. Is it not a better choice to come with us to find the way to the Nine Heavens? The Heaven-Slaying Alliance is an unknown distance from here, and the journey is fraught with peril. With your strength, it would likely be difficult to reach it.
Furthermore, the Heaven-Slaying Alliance is treacherous and unpredictable, like a dragon's pool or a tiger's den. Unless absolutely necessary, it is best not to set foot there. No one knows what you might encounter."
At that moment, an elder spoke up to advise her.
"Yes, Xian'er, why would you suddenly want to go to the Heaven-Slaying Alliance? Is it because of the mad old woman?"
Lan Xin asked with a face full of confusion.
Gu Xian'er shook her head. "No. I just want to go see an old friend."
"The aura seems to have completely vanished. I didn't expect that at this time, such an existence would already be on the field. It's a pity it was not a conscious body."
At the same time, on the boundless Gobi desert stood a collapsed ancient city.
A slender figure dressed in green stood upon the city wall, hands behind her back. Her expression was indifferent as she murmured to herself.