The sudden change left Margaret, A’Long, and the others exchanging uneasy glances, unsure whether this was a blessing or a curse.
Dustin adjusted his breathing for a moment. A hint of color returned to his pale face.
He gazed at the radiant rainbow bridge before him — its glow alluring yet laced with ominous mystery — his eyes deep and unreadable.
He could feel it.
At the other end of that bridge were Ao Kun and the others — the very heart of that luxurious palace.
“It seems that unless I defeat the true master, I’ll never uncover the real secret of the Jade Pool.”
Dustin slowly rose to his feet. Though his aura was still weak, his eyes once again shone with sharp determination.
“Stay here and wait for me. I’ll be back soon.”
“I’m coming with you!” Margaret said without hesitation, her tone resolute.
Dustin glanced at her, seeing the worry and unyielding resolve in her eyes.
At last, he nodded.
“Stay close.”
The two stepped forward, one after another, onto the Bridge of Celestial Guidance, woven from seven-colored divine light.
The moment their feet touched the bridge, the world around them spun violently — space twisted, and it felt as though they were crossing endless distance in an instant.
When the scene stabilized, they were already in a completely different realm.
Beneath them stretched flawless white jade tiles, warm and luminous.
Around them rose grand palaces adorned with gilded beams and painted rafters; coral trees and night pearls shone softly, casting a luxurious glow.
The air was thick with the intoxicating scents of wine and meat — and beneath that, an almost liquid density of spiritual energy.
But what drew their eyes most was the massive “Pool of Wine and Forest of Flesh” at the center of the grand hall —
and the men and women within, lost in debauchery.
At the highest seat of the hall, reclining lazily on a white jade chair, was Ao Kun, flanked by the effeminate man, the Dao-robed man, and the breathtakingly beautiful woman.
All four turned their gazes toward Dustin and Margaret the moment they entered —
four beams of focused light, sharp and assessing.
“Welcome to the Penglai Celestial Palace.”
Ao Kun’s voice was calm as ever, though now it carried a subtle undertone — less cold indifference, more something impossible to define.
His gaze rested mainly on Dustin, as though Margaret were merely an afterthought.
The Dao-robed man looked Dustin up and down, clicking his tongue in admiration.
“To touch upon the Star Dao with a mortal body — boy, your talent is nothing short of monstrous.”
The beautiful woman’s eyes shimmered, her voice soft and honeyed.
“Handsome and powerful… such a combination makes a woman’s heart ache.”
The effeminate man gave a lilting chuckle, his slender fingers plucking a teasing note on his zither.
This palace — these four people — all seemed the image of celestial grace: music, wine, and laughter flowing like fairy mist.
But Dustin’s spiritual sense was razor-sharp.
He could feel it — beneath the dense spiritual aura lurked a strange, sinister energy —
one that shared the same origin as the dragonblood miasma, yet was even purer, darker, and more twisted.
These four…
Though cloaked in celestial radiance, were drenched in demonic qi!
That so-called “Pool of Wine and Forest of Flesh” was not brimming with vitality, but rather, refined and perverted life essence.
The men and women writhing within it — their eyes vacant, their breaths faint — were no immortals at all,
but living furnaces, drained of their spirit and vitality.
This was no Celestial Palace.
It was a demon’s lair, wearing the skin of paradise!
“A Celestial Palace?”
Dustin’s lips curved into a cold smile as his gaze swept across the four.
His eyes were sharp, unflinching, and full of scorn.
“From where I stand, it’s nothing more than a cesspit — a den of filth that leeches dragon power to prolong its miserable existence.”
The music in the hall stopped instantly.
The revelers froze, their faces drained of color.
The zither player’s hand halted mid-note.
The Dao-robed man’s smile stiffened.
And in the eyes of the stunning woman, a flicker of killing intent appeared.
Only Ao Kun remained composed — though a faint glimmer of appreciation flashed in his eyes.
Power itself is neither good nor evil — only its wielder decides.”
He sat upright, his gaze locking onto Dustin —
bright, intense, and filled with an almost predatory allure.
Immortality and freedom — not mere illusions.”
He raised his hand.
In his palm appeared a pill the size of a dragon’s eye, glowing with golden-red light and surging with vibrant life force — the Dragonblood Rebirth Pill.
“This pill can heal your wounds in an instant — even raise your cultivation to new heights.”
Then he gestured toward the decadent pool below.
Beauties like jade — yours for the taking.”
Finally, his tone grew darker, more persuasive.
all of this will be yours.
using the true origin essence of the Jade Pool itself.”
The offer was overwhelmingly tempting —
Immortality. Power. Pleasure.
Even hope for Margaret’s father’s recovery —
all seemingly within reach.
Margaret turned anxiously toward Dustin, her jade-like hand trembling as she clenched it tightly.
Dustin looked at the pill in Ao Kun’s palm —
that radiant sphere brimming with power, yet pulsing with hidden peril.
Then his gaze swept over the hall once more —
its beauty twisted, its grandeur steeped in corruption —
and finally, his eyes met Ao Kun’s,
seeing through the calm surface into the boundless ambition beneath.
He shook his head slowly.
When he spoke, his voice was clear and resolute, echoing through the silent hall:
“Our paths differ. We cannot walk together.”
and dressing up decay as divinity.”
It is a demon’s nest.”
“I want no part of it!”
As his final words fell,
the entire Penglai Celestial Palace erupted with killing intent! - Marinien
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