Chapter 927
The Mantis Stalks the Cicada, the Cave Abode is Acquired
Chapter 927 The Mantis Stalks the Cicada, the Cave Abode is Acquired
The leaves of the red maple tree are like fire, reflecting five colors of light under the sunlight.
"However, that Earth Demon Pig that concealed its aura is a bit troublesome."
As Qingyangzi Fang Yi's spirit pet, even if it is not as good as the Great Immortal, it is still no ordinary person.
"If this is delayed even a little, allowing two Golden Core cultivators to regain their lives, that would be undesirable."
Ao Peng bent his index finger and lightly tapped the purple flame lamp, the crisp sound of gold and jade clashing spreading in all directions.
"We still need to persuade that stubborn old man in the clan."
Ten breaths later.
He looked at the gray-robed old man who had stepped into the garden and spoke.
"Uncle Xun, the brat from Xuanyang Mountain has delivered himself to our door."
The two leaders, Qin Yu and Li Heng, are both Golden Core cultivators. For the sake of their clan's standing within the sect, they request their uncle's assistance.
Ao Xun had white hair and beard, and his exposed sallow skin was covered with age spots of varying sizes. His figure was as thin as a bamboo pole, and even before he opened his mouth, an aura of decay and death emanated from him.
"Ao Peng, you went looking for Luo Yuzhou again?"
Before my cousin passed away, he repeatedly warned me that Luo Yuzhou was ruthless and that I should not seek him out, lest I bring trouble upon myself.
He frowned slightly, his face showing displeasure, and scolded, "You've only been the clan leader for sixty years, and you've already forgotten the ancestral teachings!"
"Uncle Xun, does the Ao family have a choice?" Ao Peng remained noncommittal about the so-called ancestral precepts.
Ao Rui's foundation was damaged, and when he passed away, he was only at the sixth level of the Core Formation stage, just like him. Only the old stubborn man in front of him still regarded Ao Rui's words as golden rules.
He concealed his disdain, sighed softly, and said quietly:
"After Rui Zu passed away, the human relationships among the Great Masters of the Zoroastrian sect became increasingly distant."
Now only Master Kongzhao is willing to give them face, but can they protect the Jade Marrow Cave with just that?
"There are a total of six third-tier superior cave dwellings in Huitong City."
The Crimson Light Pavilion of the Zoroastrian Church, the Hundred Herbs Garden of Medicine King Valley, the Yuan Kong Mansion of the Demonic Cultivator Great Master Devouring Souls, the Golden Cicada Cave of the Witchcraft Miao Clan, the Sharpening Gold Pavilion of the Rogue Cultivator Great Master Yan Wujiang...
There's no need to mention Medicine King Valley and the Fire Worship Cult again; the Miao people's poison and Gu techniques are profound.
As for Devouring Soul and Yan Wujiang, they are only below Jade Illumination Grand Master.”
"The Zeng family possesses the foundation of a Grand Master, but they only occupy a mid-grade third-level cave dwelling."
A third-tier spiritual spring, a spiritual field, and a jade vein—who wouldn't be tempted?
The Great Master must not intervene in Huitong Ancient City again, but does that mean my Ao family will not leave Huitong Ancient City?!
Uncle Xun, tell me how to defend [Bi Sui Yuan]?
Ao Peng spoke softly, but it struck Ao Xun's heart like a boulder.
"With the help of a purple flame palace lantern?"
Or are we two mid-stage Core Formation cultivators?
"If I hadn't already pledged allegiance to Luo Yuzhou, the Jade Marrow Garden would have been wiped out by the Great True Man's scheme long ago, and the cultivators of the clan wouldn't be living such peaceful lives."
"You!" Ao Xun's anger surged, and his sallow face flushed an unusual red.
"You disrespect the ancestral teachings!"
My cousin had given instructions before he passed away: if I couldn't protect the Jade Marrow Garden, I should give it up in exchange for a favor.
"Uncle Xun, am I disobeying the ancestral teachings?"
Have you ever told me how the younger generation cultivates after abandoning the Jade Marrow Garden?
My younger brother, Ao Yuan, has completed his Foundation Establishment stage and is only three to five years away from forming his Core. Do you, as his father, intend to send him to an ordinary third-tier spiritual vein to form his Core?
"Even after losing the most powerful spiritual vein, how can a Great True Person still emerge from the clan?!"
Ao Peng lit the wick of the purple flame lamp in his hand, and a bright white light shone forth. "Uncle Xun, I am the clan leader!"
"I'll take care of everything in the clan!"
"The younger generation of the clan."
There are also apes.
Ao Xun's body trembled slightly. Thinking of his children studying medicine, he sighed and took a step back.
He looked intently at Ao Peng and murmured, "Don't regret taking this step later."
"There is no other choice now that things have come to this." Ao Peng stroked the purple flame lamp in his hand, feeling the precious seal nourished by the Little Bright True Flame.
"Since you're going to scheme against Qin Yu and Li Heng and offend Fang Yi to the death, then go all the way!"
Uncle Xun, the Xuan Yang disciples from Jinbao Ship Shop wanted to purchase spiritual herbs, but I sent them back.
Having already offended Fang Yi, the Ao family had no other choice.
"You've got some skills, Ao Peng, to act first and report later!"
"You, Fang Yi, have killed two Great Masters, Mi Ku and Gao Shanfu. Although you are only a rogue cultivator, you are no ordinary person."
A cold glint appeared in Ao Xun's cloudy eyes as he spoke in a hoarse voice, "The Four Seas Merchant Alliance is suppressing the ancient city, preventing Fang Yi from intervening."
But what will you do once you leave the ancient city?!
"Out of the ancient city?" Ao Peng thought of what he had seen and learned during his previous visit to the Crimson Light Pavilion.
"Yang Xu practiced the Flame-Burning Technique, and Luo Yuzhou personally opened the furnace to refine pills for him."
He had already taken half a step towards breaking through Yang Xu's defenses; the remaining half step would take only about a year.
He spoke softly. "Outside the ancient city, Fang Yi was powerless to protect himself, and inside the ancient city, he was unable to make a move."
So what if you can kill a Grandmaster?
Ultimately, the Four Seas Merchant Alliance rules the ancient city. The Fire Worship Sect is wary of Grand Master Yu Zhao; does Xuan Yang Mountain not consider this as well?
"This is indeed an opportunity." Ao Xun stroked his long beard with his withered fingers, a chilling killing intent emanating from his spine, like a jackal eyeing a wild rabbit in a desolate forest.
"It's not just two Golden Core cultivators!"
If things are taken to extremes, even that Earth Pig Beast at the sixth level of Core Formation can be outmaneuvered.
Only then can one gain Luo Yuzhou's utmost favor.
"I still need my uncle's help!" Ao Peng was overjoyed.
Ao Peng, having grown old and frail, had no hope of breaking through to the next level, so he settled down in his cave to live out his days and teach the younger generation.
However, in terms of cultivation level, he has reached the sixth level of Core Formation.
He rose, lifted his long robe, and strode towards the reception hall with the air of a dragon and the gait of a tiger.
"Everything is ready, so let's have you and your nephew properly entertain these younger generation members."
Before the Jade Marrow Cave, the vermilion gate slowly opened to both sides, and the hazy mist dissipated.
A young servant dressed in a gray robe and wearing a blue cap bowed slightly.
"Esteemed sirs, please follow me."
Qin Yu and Li Heng exchanged a glance and nodded slightly to each other.
"go!"
"Thank you for showing me the way, young friend."
Fifteen minutes later, passing through the porch, fiery red maple trees came into view.
"Red-leaved Purple-veined Maple?"
Feeling the refreshing spiritual mist, Qin Yu's eyes lit up as he looked at the maple tree.
The spiritual leaves of the Purple Vein Maple are superior talisman paper for drawing talismans. After a little refinement, they can be handed over to a talisman master to make talismans.
The tree trunk and seventeen maple leaves were clearly nurtured using secret methods, making them high-grade third-tier spiritual objects.
'nice one!'
Qin Yu silently brushed the Azure Blood Bodhi Branch from his sleeve. If he could obtain the main trunk of the Purple Vein Maple, it would be enough to further enhance the magic weapon and refine it to a mid-grade level.
'Unfortunately, the ancient city belongs to the Four Seas Merchant Alliance; even with Master's help, it cannot be forcibly taken.'
Li Heng, who was half a step behind, focused his gaze on a spiritual spring surrounded by the roots of the purple maple.
The spiritual spring belonging to the Ren water category is ranked as a superior grade in the third tier.
If one can once again cultivate in seclusion, the progress in mastering the [Sea Scripture] will be at least 50% faster.
The silver-white beast in the spirit pet pouch locked its aura, sniffing lightly, and a fragrant scent of spiritual soil entered its nasal cavity.
"A high-grade, third-tier spirit field."
As expected of one of only six top-grade cave dwellings in Huitong Ancient City, it possesses a very rich cultural heritage.
Unfortunately, Old Master Fang was in seclusion cultivating his techniques, and under the laws of the Four Seas Merchant Alliance, he could not forcibly seize it.
Qi Jie muttered, "If we were in the middle of nowhere, how could the Ao family, with only a sect leader-level True Person, possibly protect such a vast empire?"
"What brings this young man from Xuanyang Mountain here?"
Ao Peng stood with his hands behind his back, a purple flame palace lantern floating behind him. Accompanied by muffled thunder, he spoke.
"Greetings, Master Ao." Qin Yu bowed respectfully, his eyes sparkling.
Li Heng stepped forward, carrying the brocade box.
"Crack!"
The brocade box slowly opened, revealing a crimson spirit pendant that gleamed with a warm, jade-like light, and two crimson treasure seals that breathed in and out spiritual energy, their calming Daoist rhymes flowing freely.
"Um?
"A treasure to calm the mind and neutralize the fire evil?" Ao Peng understood; this was Xuan Yang Mountain's way of bribing him.
A gentle smile spread across his face.
"This is a magical artifact of the Divine Soul Dao; young friend Qin Yu must have put in a lot of effort."
"It's just a small token of my appreciation. I hope Brother Ao Peng is satisfied," Qin Yu said politely, wearing a jade crown, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, and cupping his hands in greeting.
"I, Qin, have a matter to discuss with you, fellow Daoist. Once it is accomplished, Xuan Yang Mountain will surely offer a generous reward."
Xie Qingtang brushed aside her dark hair, her heart filled with joy. This Crimson Heart Pendant was a treasure she used to suppress her mind and dispel the fire before she formed her core.
Offering it as a gift now would ensure that she would benefit the Ao family after winning them over.
"Is it about the cave dwelling?"
Ao Peng flicked his crimson-patterned black fire robe and slowly turned around, his eyes reflecting Qin Yu and Li Heng.
"He is not yet 150 years old, and he is only a step away from the third level of Core Formation."
His magical power is pure, free from any stagnant toxins, and his foundation is profound; this breakthrough was definitely not achieved through force. Fellow Daoist Fang Yi is truly blessed.”
His eyes were slightly closed, concealing the sharp glint in them, and his demeanor was graceful and poised, like a noble young master from a prestigious family.
"I've made connections with the Zeng family of Xiaoshishan, the Wu family, and Hongliu Niangzi of Wushifang. If a powerful figure offers enough benefits, I naturally won't refuse."
Young friend Qin, as you know, the Ao family no longer has a Grand Master to oversee things, and there are some important figures whose intentions cannot be refused.”
'It went so smoothly!' Xie Qingtang was overjoyed amidst the large crowd.
"I have rendered meritorious service by presenting the Crimson Jade. After the negotiations are completed, I will use this merit to visit the sect leader, Master Fang Yi."
It's not difficult to exchange this for an Ice Soul Stone.
Qin Yu sensed something was amiss. Ao Peng's polite manner suggested that he had been waiting for Qin Yu's visit.
He pondered for a moment, then extended his divine sense like a thread, secretly scanning the courtyard.
Apart from the pure spiritual energy gathered from the maple wood, the spiritual spring, and the soil, there was nothing unusual about it.
Qin Yu patted his storage bag, and a bowl-shaped magical artifact flew out, containing a pale blue medicinal liquid with a wisp of fragrant aroma.
"A single dose of a mid-grade third-level spiritual medicine, Fire Elixir, can neutralize the damage caused by the backlash of fire poison to the internal organs."
Seeing that Ao Peng remained unmoved, he added, "This is just a spiritual medicine that I, Qin, have refined."
After the matter of the cave dwelling is completed, I will ask my master to personally start the furnace and refine medicine.
Brother Ao, you may not know, but my master obtained a Yuan Yu Furnace from the Jade Seal Grand Master of the Jade Palace and the Spirit Formulas refined from it are among the best of the third-tier high-grade.”
"Yuan Yulu?
The Soul-Devouring Child of the [Yuan Kong Mansion] had been plotting this for a long time, and yet he actually gave the jade seal to True Person Fang!
Ao Peng looked astonished, feeling the purple flames of the palace lanterns slightly increase in light, and then said regretfully, "I should have accepted Xuan Yang Mountain's sincerity."
"Unfortunately, I cannot afford to offend that important figure. For the sake of my cultivation, Fellow Daoist Qin, I apologize."
"not good!"
"It's a trap!" Qin Yu's expression changed drastically. Even with Qi Jie backing him up, he did not hesitate at all.
"Snapped!"
The Blood-Red Bodhi Branch, like a venomous snake emerging from its hole, lashed down towards Ao Peng's head, not seeking to harm the enemy, but only to buy time.
He then waved his sleeve, and a dark blue spiritual light swept up his four fellow disciples, causing them to flee outside the Jade Marrow Garden.
Just as the escape light was about to leap out of the cave, a crimson glow rose from all directions, entangling the dark blue escape light like a swamp.
Ao Xun held a screen covered with cloud patterns, from which continuous rays of light surged and the patterns flowed.
"Roar!"
A streak of silver light leaped out, and Qi Jie spat out the Earth Treasure Gourd, spewing out yellow sand. The flying sand and stones collided fiercely with the crimson glow.
Looking at Ao Xun, whose hair and beard were all white, burning with blood essence, she said with apprehension:
"With the advantage of the terrain and by burning his blood essence, this cultivator is no weaker than the sect leader at the sixth level of the Core Formation stage..."
"Qin boy, Heng boy, watch out, we're in trouble!"
"Tread! Tread! Tread!"
Ao Peng held a purple-flame palace lantern in his hand and wore gold-embroidered white-soled boots. He looked at Qin Yu and his men, who were on guard and surrounded by two precious flags, one green and one blue.
"What a pity."
"If it weren't for the sake of the path to enlightenment, I truly wouldn't want to destroy your foundations."
"Whoosh!"
The purple flame palace lantern shone brightly, extremely dazzling, and real flames fell one by one.
"Ao Peng, you made a move in Huitong Ancient City, aren't you afraid of the wrath of Grand Master Yuzhao and his desire to take your life?!"
Qin Yu unleashed his magical power and joined forces with Li Heng.
Water nourishes wood, and beneath his feet, blue lotuses bloom, transforming into a magical realm.
Shen Che wore a purple bamboo crown and a black and white robe. His magic sword was drawn from its sheath at his waist, unleashing streaks of black and golden sword energy that extinguished several purple flames.
Su Yunni's expression was solemn. A wooden fish magic weapon flew out from her sleeve and struck it continuously, extinguishing a blue lotus flame.
"Clang!"
With a flash of light from Xie Qingtang's fingertips, the Sunflower Golden Needle shattered a streak of crimson and white spiritual flame.
The five Core Formation cultivators joined forces and used their respective methods to barely hold onto their small area under the oppressive power of the Purple Flame Palace Lantern.
"The lineage of those great monks in the Great Liang Kingdom?"
Unexpectedly, even in that remote and impoverished place of Dayun, a Buddhist cultivator had achieved the elixir of immortality.
Ao Peng looked at Su Yunni with great interest, then glanced at Xie Qingtang, and finally locked his aura around Qin Yu and Li Heng.
He brought his five fingers together and with a flick of his wrist, a cold light slashed down, severing the main branch of the red-leaved, purple-veined maple. Milky white sap, exuding a delicate fragrance, oozed from the cut surface.
"Qin Yu, you and Li Heng were tempted by wealth and stole the spiritual plants from Ao Family Town. Surrender now!"
"What a cunning scheme!" Qin Yu thought with regret. The connection between the Ao family and the Zoroastrianism was far greater than he had imagined.
"I was careless!"
I thought that with Uncle Seven Precepts in charge and no Great Master in the Ao family, protecting themselves wouldn't be a problem.
Ao Peng was willing to sacrifice a third-grade high-level spiritual plant to frame me; his scheme must be quite elaborate.”
"Even if I have to consider the Four Seas Merchant Alliance, as long as my junior brother Heng and I are safe, would Grandmaster Yuzhao really stand up for me?"
Ao Peng's eyes showed even more admiration: "Fellow Daoist Qin, rest assured, for the sake of Qingyangzi Fang Yi's reputation..."
"This is merely a minor punishment to serve as a warning; I will not take your or Li Heng's lives."
"Crack!" The jade pendant in Qin Yu's sleeve shattered, and invisible waves spread in all directions.
His face was ashen, and his fingertips moved in a series of magical hand gestures, the fragrance of medicine nourishing the souls of his fellow disciples and restoring their magical power.
'If we can hold out for even a quarter of an hour, Master will surely come by transmitting his voice through the Jade of Unity.'
Both being cultivators at the sixth level of the Core Formation stage, Ao Pengyuan was no match for his master, and he was also bound by the laws of the Four Seas Merchant Alliance; otherwise, he would have already taken his life.
"clang!"
A melodious sound of gold and jade clashing rang out as three Ao family immortals appeared: one held a golden bell in his palm, another held a magic bell, and the third held a bamboo flute.
The three magical treasures shimmered with light and vibrated with sound waves, shattering the Jade Heart Communication Token.
“Ao Xiu, Ao Yun, Ao Luan, the three of you hold these juniors back.”
"Hand over Qin Yu and Li Heng to me!"
Ao Peng, his face glowing, watched as the Azure Lotus Domain was severed, and Xie Qingtang, Shen Che, and Su Yunni were stopped by the True Persons of the Clan.
"Imperial decree!"
"Fire-devouring needles!"
With a flick of his fingers, a pair of fine needles, each wielding a wisp of spiritual light, shattered the magic domain in an instant.
"Tear it!"
The Azure Lotus Banner was torn apart.
Ao Peng's eyes were filled with excitement, as if he could already see the wonderful scene of Luo Yuzhou bestowing two small flames of light to help him advance to the Great True Person realm.
"It's time for you two to set off."
"Damn it!" Qi Jie's aura surged wildly, his heart filled with rage, and fierce demonic energy roared.
A tortoise shell-shaped treasure embryo, surrounded by turbid air, was thrown out and fell towards Qin Yu.
"Fellow Daoist, are you looking down on me?"
Ao Xun coughed out a stream of elixir, and the cloud-patterned screen in his hand shone brightly, with crimson rays of light cascading out like a waterfall to block the tortoise shell.
"It's done!"
Looking at the Fire-Devouring Needle, which was only three feet away from Qin Yu's dantian, Ao Peng channeled his magic power and withdrew it by three-tenths.
To ensure Qin Yu is injured but not killed, so as to avoid attracting the attention of the Four Seas Merchant Alliance.
"It's done?"
"Fellow Daoist Ao Peng, you're bullying the weak! Do you think you can disregard me?"
A hazy figure appeared, a slender jade hand reaching out, the five fingers wrapped in a thin veil, the index and index fingers lightly pinching.
"Buzz!"
The hair-like fire-eating needles trembled and struggled at my fingertips.
"Master!"
"Fang Yi?!"
Ao Peng's expression changed, and he said incredulously, "Impossible, I clearly knew that you were in seclusion at Jinbao Shipyard."
How could I be here again!
"Oh"
Fang Yi wore a jade crown, and his green jade robe swayed in the wind. He was as still as a deep pool and as imposing as a mountain, but his eyes were exceptionally cold.
"I only have two accomplished disciples. Fellow Daoist Ao, you have quite the audacity to destroy my disciples' foundations?!"
"Snapped!"
With a casual wave of his hand, the Bodhi branch, its crimson hue swaying in the wind, shattered the three communication talismans.
"You also want to notify the Four Seas Business Alliance?"
"Fellow Daoist, stop daydreaming!"
A sudden chill ran down Ao Peng's spine as Fang Yi appeared behind him without him noticing.
"when!
How could it be so silent and undetected? I am also at the sixth level of the Core Formation stage, yet I did not sense it at all.
Ao Peng's expression changed drastically. The purple flame lamp in his hand shone brightly, and three fierce fire dragons with prominent horns and scales emerged, pouncing towards Fang Yi.
"laugh!"
His slender fingers extended out seemingly slowly but actually swiftly, a wisp of silver rune flowing through them.
Fang Yi's lips curled into a mocking smile as he murmured softly.
"The Forty-Nine Mysterious Method: Locking Meridians and Circulating Qi Palm"
"Oh!"
A blur struck Ao Peng's dantian, and several scarlet seals—locking qi, sealing spirit, and suppressing law—evolved.
In an instant, Ao Peng's magical power was sealed, the Purple Flame Palace Lantern fell, and the three fire dragons transformed into three precious flames of purple, blue, and white.
Fang Yi unfolded a scroll of legal documents from his sleeve and spoke with a half-smile.
"Fellow Daoist Ao, please."
Looking at the gilded legal decree covered in tiny characters, Ao Peng's face darkened, and he resolutely said:
"Use Bishuiyuan as compensation?"
Fang Yi, don't even think about it!
"In this ancient city of Huitong, do you dare take my life?!"
"Even if the Jade Illumination Grand Master is lenient, you still killed someone in the ancient city, which is still killing a True Person from a third-tier cave dwelling."
He absolutely will not tolerate you!
"Noisy."
Looking at Ao Peng, who was ready to die, Fang Yi closed his eyes slightly. Ao Peng was wary of the Four Seas Merchant Alliance and dared not kill Qin Yu and Li Heng.
The same applies to Yang Xu and Luo Yuzhou of the Zoroastrian sect. To deal with the encirclement of Xuanyang Mountain, they still needed the help of the Ao family to avoid provoking the Jade Seal and the Jade Illumination Grand Master to take action.
Medicine King Valley was no exception; it never provoked Hu Yuzhao, as he himself had his own reservations.
With the grand trade fair approaching, Xuan Yang Mountain's development and cultivators' cultivation all require the ancient city's spiritual items and precious materials.
but.
A cruel smile curled at the corner of Fang Yi's mouth, his five fingers glowing with light, surrounded by the aura of decay and desolation.
"I will give you three breaths."
"three"
With his five fingers no more than three feet from his dantian, Ao Peng remained unfazed.
"Fang Yi, even if the energy is isolated, the battle within this cave cannot be hidden from the Four Seas Merchant Alliance."
"two!"
Fang Yi ignored him and pressed down another inch with his five fingers, the withered Daoist energy already touching his flesh and blood.
Ao Peng's eyes were deep and dark, with a hint of fear visible: "Fang Yi, aren't you going to consider Xuan Yang Mountain?"
If trouble is caused in the mall, affecting the reputation of the Four Seas Merchant Alliance, Grand Master Yuzhao will show no mercy.
"You managed to escape with your life, but could Qin Yu and Li Heng have done the same?"
"One!" The withered palm landed on the dantian, Fang Yi's magic power surged, and the withered Daoist charm attacked the precious pill.
"As you say, fellow Daoist!"
As a life-or-death crisis struck, Ao Peng let out a low roar, sensing a pause in the withered Daoist aura.
He was instantly drenched in sweat, his robes soaked through, and his chest heaved like a broken bellows.
More 1500
(End of this chapter)