Chapter Seventy-Six: The Sage Shennong!

At this moment, Jiang Yuan’s heart was not the least bit flustered; instead, he felt an unexpected calm. For reasons unknown, the anxiety he’d carried before entering the Abyss dissipated once he’d reached its depths, replaced by a profound serenity.

He carefully surveyed his surroundings. Darkness ruled here at the bottom of the Abyss. All around lay white bones—human remains mingled with the colossal skeletons of strange beasts. Their age was indeterminate, but their undiminished strength in life had ensured their bones remained uncorrupted in death.

Gazing at the field of corpses, Jiang Yuan knew that a battle of unimaginable scale must have been fought here in ages past. No, more than one, for he could discern the remains of countless races: the Shaman, the Ghost, the Demon, and the Devil tribes, even the ancient bones of true dragons and phoenixes.

He realized he had been reckless—this sort of dungeon was far beyond the reach of a small figure like himself. He might hold the title of Human Sovereign now, but this wasn’t a feudal era; a Human Sovereign at the True Immortal level was of little use!

Jiang Yuan began communicating with the system.

"Hey, system, how do I use the resurrection token?"

"..."

No response.

"System, did you die? I asked you how to use the resurrection token! If you don’t tell me, I’m going to get wiped out!"

"..."

Still silence.

"Is your signal blocked?" Jiang Yuan cursed inwardly.

"..."

"What’s going on? Did you crash?"

"..."

Stunned, Jiang Yuan gritted his teeth.

"System, I want to spend Tyrant Points to draw a prize!"

"..."

Even then, the system remained mute.

Jiang Yuan was about to lose his mind. What was this supposed to mean? Had the system abandoned him? Was he really going to die here today?

"System, please help me!" Jiang Yuan pleaded desperately.

"This place is too mysterious; the system cannot communicate extensively with the host, lest it be exposed. Judging by the circumstances, there is no immediate danger to the host. I advise you to act prudently and refrain from calling on the system unless necessary."

"The system will intervene in critical moments."

These words finally reassured Jiang Yuan, but regret began to seep into his heart. What was he thinking, risking his life here? If the system could be discovered, how could a nobody like him hope to survive?

---

Jiang Yuan sighed inwardly. Now that everything had happened, no amount of complaining would help. The only thing left was to search for a way out—otherwise, he might really be trapped here forever.

The bottom of the Abyss was dim, but his vision was clear enough to make out his surroundings. What astonished Jiang Yuan most was that, despite the epic battle that had occurred here, not a single vengeful spirit was to be seen. It was utterly baffling. Perhaps he wasn’t in the main battlefield?

He wandered aimlessly through the depths. There was no way out and no way to prepare for sudden danger, so he might as well explore boldly.

With this thought, Jiang Yuan took out a cigarette and lit it, the tiny ember shining bright in the darkness. The bottom of the Abyss was vast, boundless—an ancient battleground. He didn’t know whether he was at the edge or the center, but he simply picked a direction and marched forward.

After an indeterminate time, he caught sight of a faint light in the darkness, which filled him with excitement. He hurried toward it.

When he arrived, he found a valley bathed in light, like a hidden paradise. Flowers and grasses, trees, insects and beasts—all flourished here. Yet there wasn’t a single innate spirit to be found.

Jiang Yuan stepped into the valley, and instantly felt a warmth and ease wash over him, dispelling the chill of the darkness. Even his cultivation realm stirred, but his potential was so heavily constrained that he couldn’t break through. If Grand Preceptor or Zhang Kui had come, they would at least have advanced a level.

He walked quietly ahead, hoping to find an innate spirit—even if not of the human race.

Deep in the valley stood a thatched hut, which lifted Jiang Yuan’s spirits. He flew toward it.

Outside the hut, he paused, anticipation building. “Is anyone there?” he called.

“Come in,” replied a voice—aged, mysterious, yet oddly familiar.

Jiang Yuan entered the hut nervously. Surely, it must house a peerless master.

He pushed open the door and saw an old man, hair white but clothes worn and impeccably clean, giving off a gentle, kindly air.

“What is your name? Are you the current Human Sovereign?” the old man smiled warmly.

“Senior, I am Di Xin, the Human Sovereign of this era,” Jiang Yuan replied respectfully.

“Then do you know who I am?” The old man’s lips curled in a smile.

---

Jiang Yuan looked up at him, trying to see if he could glimpse the old man’s system panel.

He almost fainted at what he saw.

Name: Shennong
Title: Flame Emperor, one of the Three Sovereigns
Realm: Sage
Possessions: Shennong Cauldron, Shennong Whip, Shennong Herbal Classic
Cultivation Method: None
Mount: None
Loyalty: None
Favorability: None
Tyrant Points obtainable: 10,000

Jiang Yuan’s mind whirled with shock—this was the ultimate powerhouse! Clearly, the maximum Tyrant Points he could gain here was 10,000. He could understand the absence of loyalty and favorability, but how had Shennong attained sainthood without a cultivation method?

No time to ponder. Meeting such a figure, he could only offer reverence!

“Junior Di Xin pays his respects to Senior Shennong!” Jiang Yuan’s heart raced.

Seeing Jiang Yuan recognize him instantly, Shennong was a bit surprised and laughed. “Since you know me, there’s no need for me to explain further.”

“Was it you who summoned me down here, Senior?” Jiang Yuan asked curiously.

“Yes. I sensed the luck of the Human Sovereign upon you and called you down to ask some questions,” Shennong replied with a smile.

“Please ask, Senior. I will answer everything to the best of my knowledge!” Jiang Yuan assured him.

So this is what it feels like to be a sycophant? To think there are divine figures among the human race! I have a question for you, can I call you father?

Shennong saw Jiang Yuan’s expression and smiled lightly, “We are both Human Sovereigns; there’s no need for such formality. Though your strength is low, I will not mock you. Here, we are equals—be at ease.”

I see you as my father, but you want to stand as my equal?

“You are my elder, Senior. I must show respect,” Jiang Yuan refused.

Today, whether you wish to be my father or not, you must!

Shennong found Jiang Yuan’s stubbornness amusing, but he did not press further.