The Name of Eternals

Chapter 224: The Treasury of Merit, Who is Chong Er?

Li Hao's expression changed slightly. Hearing the other party's relaxed yet firm tone, it was clear that further denial was unnecessary.

Meanwhile, on Li Hao's wrist, a blood-colored vine ring had a blood tendril sticking up like a silly hair, seemingly eavesdropping on Li Hao and Ji Yunge's conversation.

Ji family?

The Crimson Blood Vine King was quite shocked. After spending thousands of years in the Crimson Wood Corpse Ridge, it had seen several ancient saints come and go to harvest its Dao Rhyme Blood Fruits. The other tribes were even more numerous, often fighting each other with bloody heads before even reaching the ridge.

From their struggles, it had learned many things and yearned to leave the ridge.

After all, it had never been outside since its birth.

The Ji family—the only Ji family in the entire Great Wilderness.

The Crimson Blood Vine King felt a bubbling excitement. The young man claimed to be from the ancient divine clan, and now there was talk of Ji family blood. Could there be a connection between the Ji family and the ancient divine clan? It seemed to have overheard something incredible. What should it do? It was so excited! (><)

"Your mother should be that little girl Ji Qingqing. She actually married into the Li family," Ji Yunge sighed.

From the obsessions of Li Tianzong, along with the ancient records of the Ji family, he knew about the most powerful divine dynasty outside the Great Wilderness, the Dayu Divine Dynasty. The Li family was a divine general family within that dynasty, with significant status and fame.

Although such a family was insignificant in their eyes, it wasn't completely unknown.

Moreover, thousands of years ago, that divine dynasty had been very prosperous. Even the ancient saint clans would not provoke them unnecessarily.

Seeing that he had been exposed, Li Hao had nothing to say.

"No wonder those two people were so hesitant to leave. They were probably warning you in secret to hide your identity," Ji Yunge recalled the farewell, finding it slightly strange before but now understanding.

Seeing Li Hao's acknowledgment, Ji Yunge scrutinized him. Despite guessing that Li Hao was Ji Qingqing's child when he sensed the bloodline, he found the resemblance more striking upon closer inspection.

"You don't need to be too nervous. Although our Ji family forbids marriage with outsiders, and any discovered will be imprisoned for life, with the offspring and their spouse executed, there are always exceptions."

"If it were someone else, I might turn a blind eye, considering you are bringing me back to the Ji family. But given your talent, I will talk to the elders. They should accept you."

"Hmm?"

Li Hao's face changed. Imprisoned for life if caught marrying outside? So, that woman revealed her identity in Yanbei to deter the Holy Palace and was then taken back to the Ji family, where she is now imprisoned?

Seeing Li Hao's uncertain expression, Ji Yunge smiled and said, "With your talent, you are considered a top genius in the Ji family. Even if there have been more exceptional talents among the younger generation during my absence, you would still rank first in my time!"

At only fifteen years old and in the Three Immortal Realms, Li Hao's cultivation alone qualified him as a genius.

Moreover, despite coming from the barren lands outside the Great Wilderness, he had cultivated divine power and reached the pinnacle of the Convergence Realm.

In the ancient saint clans, reaching the pinnacle of martial arts either required longevity or was achieved by rare prodigies! "When you bring me to the Ji family, I will give you a small gift," Ji Yunge said with a smile.

Li Hao, however, was more concerned with something else. "Senior, how can my mother be freed if she is imprisoned?"

Ji Yunge's gaze softened further. Li Hao showed no interest in the promised gift, focusing only on his mother. Despite their brief interaction, Ji Yunge grew more fond of this junior.

"Your mother, Ji Qingqing, holds a high status in the Ji family as a direct descendant. If it were a less important member, they might be executed without intervention, but your mother's pure bloodline means she will only be imprisoned."

Ji Yunge sighed, recalling the little girl who used to tug his beard, now grown up with a son. And it was thanks to her son that he could return.

"Your mother is likely imprisoned. When you claim the top spot among the Ji family geniuses, you can visit her. Once you wield enough power and influence within the Ji family, you can exchange your contributions for her freedom."

Li Hao was stunned, then quietly relieved.

Low status meant immediate death; the Ji family truly valued their bloodline.

Recalling the gentle eyes of that woman, Li Hao's initial plan to visit her became a necessity. Originally, he intended to escort Ji Yunge and leave without disturbing her, fearing that acknowledging their relationship might cause trouble.

But now, knowing she was imprisoned, he had to go.

Ji family's top genius?

Li Hao's eyes sparkled. He then inquired further, learning some Ji family rules from Ji Yunge, who provided basic information, saying the rest would be explained upon their arrival.

Time passed.

After several more days.

Li Hao traveled over seventy or eighty thousand miles, more than half the distance across Liangzhou in a straight line.

Along the way, he killed more than ten demon kings and a fierce beast with ancient demon king bloodline. Despite its ferocity and strength, it was no match for Li Hao, who quickly dispatched it.

Absorbing the essence of these demon kings, Li Hao's body strength increased again, comparable to a nine-cast divine weapon.

Traversing mountains and wilderness, Li Hao, though a newcomer to the Great Wilderness, was unstoppable like a young beast.

Finally, Li Hao arrived at the Ji family territory.

Flying high in the sky over a forested landscape, he saw a vast expanse of dense forest with a massive lake in the center, several hundred miles in diameter. Long waterfalls snaked through the forest, cascading off cliffs, creating rainbows in the air.

"We're here."

Ji Yunge's voice trembled with excitement, his long-held obsession about to be fulfilled.

Falling leaves returning to their roots, whales sinking to the sea, life seeks its final resting place.

Li Hao's spirit flew out, scanning the area but seeing no signs of activity. "Is this it?"

"Yes."

Ji Yunge's soul appeared beside him, gazing around as if deeply breathing in the homeland's scent.

But without physical organs, he might not truly sense it.

"Ahead is the sacred mountain barrier of the Ji family. Only those with Ji family blood can enter, or you must first pay respects at the mountain. Do you see that?"

Ji Yunge pointed.

Li Hao looked and saw several ancient characters carved on a distant mountain.

Ancient Ji family.

It seemed this was indeed the Ji family's domain.

"Thank you. My wish is fulfilled."

Ji Yunge turned, his eyes sincere and earnest as he looked at Li Hao.

Despite knowing Li Hao would bring him home, standing here now, his gratitude and sincerity deepened. Smiling, he said, "As promised, I have a small gift for you for bringing me back."

He raised his hand, and the void twisted, extending a black ribbon.

Li Hao recognized the aura—it was the breath of the River of Demise.

Ji Yunge could still control some of the River of Demise's eerie power.

As the black ribbon split open, it seemed to open a portal, from which two entwined figures fell out, resembling a mix of lion and snake.

One had red fur, the other silver.

Li Hao detected their aura and his expression changed, "The Candlefire Gods!"

These two monsters were the Candlefire God couple, still alive!

However, they lay unconscious in their true forms, shrunken and weakened.

"They possess the bloodline of Taiyin Youying, born as twin souls. If one reaches the half-step Tai Ping Dao Realm, they will fuse and become a true Tai Ping Dao Realm!"

Ji Yunge explained, "A true Tai Ping Dao Realm is far stronger than what you saw in the River of Demise. In the future, do not underestimate them. With your current strength, you'll need several more years of cultivation to match them."

"The strength of those in the River of Demise was diminished. Many of their life techniques couldn't be used."

Li Hao nodded, feeling a sense of caution.

"When they fuse into a Tai Ping Dao Realm, they can split again, continuing to cultivate. If both reach the Tai Ping Dao Realm, their fusion might allow them to approach enlightenment!"

Ji Yunge said, looking at the unconscious Candlefire Gods: "Their bloodline is powerful. Even in our Ji family, they would require significant effort to find and tame. Consider them a small gift!"

Li Hao was stunned, realizing they were being given to him as a gift?

Thank you very much... Li Hao thought, considering they were not easy to deal with, but perhaps useful for making broth.

Seeing Li Hao's silence, Ji Yunge laughed:

"Don't worry, I used the remaining power of the River of Demise to erase their consciousness and imprinted your image in their minds."

"When they awaken, they will remember only you, considering you their master. Treat them well."

"Of course, though you are their master, all intelligent beings can rebel. Proper care and training are essential."

Li Hao was surprised. He was to become the master of the Candlefire Gods? Taming demon kings was extremely difficult. For example, the first Palace Master of the Holy Palace had an agreement with Song Qiumo, but not a true master-servant relationship.

Other divine general mansions, like the Xia family, known for taming demon kings, had a matriarch skilled in this art. Many demon kings served in official capacities within the Dayu Divine Dynasty.

If the Candlefire God couple truly became his tamed demon kings, they would be powerful allies, capable of fighting in the Tai Ping Dao Realm.

A power equivalent to the second-in-command of the Dayu Divine Dynasty!

"I'll also teach you how to use the Qiankun Jade Belt. You can store them there for now. Their bodies have been eroded by the River of Demise, and their cultivation is weakened. Once recognized by the Ji family, you can apply to send them to the Ji family sanctuary for healing."

Ji Yunge said.

The Qiankun Jade Belt was the one the short man had thrown to Li Hao. It contained the Dao Rhyme Blood Fruit and a small world space.

Similar to the space opened by a Dao Heart Realm expert, but transferred to a treasure. Such items were called small worlds in the ancient saint clans.

The small world in the Qiankun Jade Belt was large enough to accommodate the weakened Candlefire God couple.

"Now, I am finally home."

Ji Yunge, having given his instructions, felt his obsessions fade, gazing at the scenery ahead.

As his obsessions faded, Li Hao's palm warmed, a golden light emerging from it. It was the golden page from the River of Demise.

It floated before him, inscribed with ancient characters:

[Progress 100%, completed the River of Demise in Dragon City, reward: 100,000 merit points.]

[Congratulations, you are the first in the Dayu Divine Dynasty to accumulate 100,000 merit points, opening the Treasury of Merit.]

[Congratulations, for summoning the Treasury of Merit, reward: 10,000 merit points.]

[The River of Demise is closing, please leave the River of Demise]

Achievements were inscribed on the golden page.

Li Hao saw his merit ranking soar to first place.

He had surpassed Wang Zhendong, the previous first place holder.

Wang Zhendong's merit points had increased from 9372 when Li Hao last saw them in Fengshan River of Demise to 9527.

Not yet reaching 10,000.

As Li Hao was marveling, golden light from the page converged into characters:

[The Treasury of Merit has opened, and you can exchange merit points for treasures.]

At the same time, a small golden merit hall appeared on the page.

Li Hao's mind entered it, finding himself in a resplendent palace filled with treasures imbued with the aura of the Great Dao.

He looked around in awe.

It was overwhelming.

The names of the treasures left him speechless.

[Sword Heart: 100 merit points]

[Master's Heart: 100 merit points]

[Nine-Cast Divine Weapon: 10,000 merit points]

[Power of Reversal: 10,000 merit points]

[Extreme Convergence Realm · Divine Power: 10,000 merit points]

[Holy Treasure of the Heart: 50,000 merit points]

[Enlightenment Fruit: 100,000 merit points]

...

Li Hao wondered if his eyes were deceiving him. These merit treasures were too extravagant! Sword Heart? Wasn't that a state of mind, available for exchange?! And Power of Reversal? This was a unique ability of the Reversal Realm, equivalent to a second life!

Here, it could be exchanged for just 10,000 merit points! Extreme Convergence Realm was even more incredible. The state of divine power could also be exchanged, requiring the same merit points as the Power of Reversal.

"This is too much."

Li Hao found it unbelievable. These elusive things were all "items" in the River of Demise's Treasury of Merit, available for direct exchange! ...

...

As Li Hao activated the Treasury of Merit, the entire Dayu Divine Dynasty, across nineteen provinces, was in an uproar! Anyone who had ever entered the River of Demise felt a burning sensation in their palm, followed by golden light from their pages:

[The first person in the Dayu Divine Dynasty to accumulate 100,000 merit points has appeared, opening the Treasury of Merit]

The golden announcement left everyone stunned.

Entering the Treasury of Merit, they were all astounded by what they saw.

Depending on their merit points, they could only see treasures one level above their own.

For instance, with 100 merit points, they could see treasures priced up to 1,000 points.

But with 10 merit points, they could see treasures priced at 100 points.

Sword Heart, Master's Heart! Seeing these alone left many in awe.

Apart from Sword Heart, there were Blade Heart, Spear Heart, and many other weapon states of mind! Understanding these states was essential for geniuses!

But now, they could be exchanged directly?

Typically, this required exceptional talent and enlightenment, unattainable by most! And Master's Heart was even more so. Many talented individuals could be nurtured to the Fifteen Mile Realm, but some were stuck at the Heavenly Master Realm for decades, unable to advance, despite their parents' best efforts.

Now, the Treasury of Merit offered hope!

"Heavens, this is a treasure trove!"

"Even Master's Heart can be exchanged. This is too much!"

"Clearing a Yinshaji River of Demise grants 1,000 merit points, enough for ten exchanges!"

"Can Master's Heart be stacked to become a super master?"

"Wishful thinking."

Throughout the Dayu Divine Dynasty, people were in fervent discussions.

Countless aristocrats, divine general mansions, and others were shocked by this monumental change.

In the Imperial City.

In the grand and solemn imperial palace, Emperor Yu was holding court, seated majestically.

He appeared in his middle age during court sessions, with a tall and powerful physique and eyes like the sun and moon, intimidating all.

Ministers and generals stood on either side of the dragon carpet.

At that moment, they were discussing the conferral of merit in Liangzhou.

"The Li family..."

A minister was reporting when sudden exclamations erupted.

The minister's heart skipped a beat, fearing he had said something wrong. Looking up, he saw golden light appearing on both sides of the court.

The River of Demise had extended to the Dayu Divine Dynasty for over two thousand years, becoming more pronounced and severe over the past eight hundred years. What was once a small, controllable area had gradually expanded.

Since the Wang family was assigned to guard the River of Demise, it had become a symbol of loyalty, and many ministers had received their own golden pages.

After all, demon slaying could be faked, but the golden pages from the River of Demise were tangible proof of loyalty.

"Treasury of Merit?"

"What's going on?"

"The first person to accumulate 100,000 merit points has appeared? Impossible. Wang Zhendong's points were nearly 10,000 last I checked. Is there a mistake?"

"100,000?"

Everyone was shocked and astonished.

Someone quickly checked the merit rankings, seeing a new name at the top, surpassing the iron-fisted general Wang Zhendong:

Chong Er!

"Who is Chong Er?!"

"Who is this person with such a strange name?!"

On the court, everyone looked at each other in disbelief.

Several officials from the Wang family were equally stunned. They knew the horrors of the River of Demise, yet a non-Wang name was now at the top of the merit rankings?!

The merit rankings were generally meaningless beyond ranking, so few were willing to challenge the River of Demise. Even sword saints and blade saints preferred demon slaying for the honor and rewards.

The emperor on the dragon throne was momentarily taken aback. This divine phenomenon was unprecedented.

The Treasury of Merit?

His eyes focused on the golden page, his mind entering it.

Soon, a magnificent palace no less grand than the imperial palace appeared in his mind, filled with merit treasures.

"Sword Heart?"

"Power of Reversal?!"

The emperor's gaze swept over, his pupils constricting in shock.

He instantly realized the profound impact the Treasury of Merit would have, bringing revolutionary changes and monumental achievements!