Chapter 929
Fame Spreads Across Eight Directions, Tribulation Cultivators Gather
Chapter 929 Fame Spreads Far and Wide, Tribulation Cultivators Gather (5400+ words)
Flying Bird Pavilion.
Xu Zangze exhaled a breath of stale air, the bluish-purple light in his eyes receding, and he was overjoyed. "It's done!"
The young servant boy, with his red lips and white teeth, held a ruyi scepter and asked curiously, "What has happened that has made you so excited, sir?"
You've never felt this joy before when you broke through to a higher realm.
"The sect leader Qingyangzi schemed against Ao Peng, successfully seizing the ancestral land of the Ao family. Xuanyang Mountain established itself in the ancient city and made a name for itself."
It's only a step away from ranking among the top in the ancient city.
Xu Zangze lifted the hem of his shirt and leaned back comfortably in the rocking chair, humming a country tune.
"The ancient city is top-notch!" The boy exclaimed in astonishment, muttering to himself, "So fast?"
Sect Leader Fang Yi is only at the sixth level of the Core Formation stage!
Looking at his master's expression, the boy spoke:
"The master went to the Crimson Sky Flying Cloud Boat overnight, thus offending True Man Yan Huai."
now"
"Now we're just waiting for Yan Huai to come and apologize." Xu Zangze sneered. "He's only hoping to advance further; does he even deserve to be compared to Sect Leader Fang?"
In the western part of the city, deep within the Ziyuan Temple, a stone pavilion is surrounded by a babbling brook, where occasionally a golden koi carp leaps up, creating shimmering waves.
The beautiful scenery did not quell Ao Peng's anger.
Looking at the cave dwelling, which was nearly 70% smaller than the Jade Marrow Palace, his face was gloomy, his eyes were bloodshot, and blood vessels burst from his pupils.
"Fortunately, Uncle Yuzhou did not abandon the Ao family and lent a third-tier cave dwelling for the clan's cultivators to live in."
Otherwise, my Ao family will become like stray dogs!
Fang Yi!
"I will definitely avenge this grudge!" His eyes were dark and his malicious thoughts were swirling.
"How do you plan to take revenge?"
The sound of withered branches snapping underfoot rang out, and Luo Yuzhou stood with his hands behind his back beside the babbling spring. "With a cultivation level that couldn't withstand three breaths from Fang Yi?"
"Greetings, Uncle-Master Yuzhou!"
Looking at the old cultivator shrouded in decaying energy, Ao Peng's face flushed red. He thought of how he had been toyed with like a dead dog by Fang Yi.
He clenched his fists tightly, his fingertips digging into his palms, his heart filled with boundless hatred.
Cultivation level!
If I were the Great Master, the outcome would be completely different!
Even if Fang Yi had planned a surprise attack, he shouldn't have been defeated so easily!
"Why is Fellow Daoist Ao Peng so silent?" A mysterious light gleamed in Luo Yuzhou's turbid eyes, captivating all who beheld him.
His drooping skin was covered with age spots, as if he had one foot in the grave.
"Uncle-Master Yuzhou has misunderstood." Ao Peng dared not slacken in the slightest, his back bent and he bowed slightly.
The Ao family suffered a crushing defeat in their battle against Fang Yi. Not only was Ao Xun, another pillar of the clan, severely injured, but their ancestral land was also forcibly seized.
If we didn't rely on the Zoroastrianism and Luo Yuzhou's centuries-old reputation, countless wolves and tigers would have swarmed us.
His back bent even lower, like a wild dog with a broken spine, fawningly saying:
"Uncle-Master Yuzhou, please forgive me. It is not that Ao Peng lacks self-awareness and dares to fight Fang Yi."
The Ao family has been based in the ancient city for two hundred years, accumulating many valuable assets.
"Oh?" Luo Yuzhou's eyes lit up with interest as he asked, "What trump card?"
As you should know from the previous battle, Fang Yi is already a first-rate fighter.
Although limited by his cultivation level and lacking in magical power, he was still enough to make those old fogies wary.
Even though there was a Nascent Soul True Monarch in charge of Xuan Yang Mountain, Fang Yi was not taken seriously by those old monsters.
Kill the Great Master?
Is it that the perilla from Yaowang Valley is unsuitable, or that Yan Wuwo is incapable of doing it?
The Soul Devourer made a name for himself in a battle where he killed a great demon king while only at the fifth level of Core Formation.
Things are very different now!
Luo Yuzhou felt the conflict of fire energy caused by Ao Peng's practice of the [Burning Flame Technique], his eyes narrowed slightly, and a glint of light flashed in his eyes.
He warned in a low voice:
"Zisu from Medicine King Valley, the Soul-Devouring Old Demon from Yuan Kong Mansion, the Miao Barbarian Goddess from Golden Cicada Cave, and Yan Wuwo, the rogue cultivator who occupied Lijin Tower, all left behind decrees."
You should know what this means.
Fang Yi's journey, marked by his connection to the Ao family, has earned him the attention of the city's top cultivators, making him worthy of their consideration.
Once Fang Yi reaches the Great True Person realm and replenishes his lack of magical power, he will be able to enter the most elite circles of the ancient city.
Ao Peng was filled with resentment. The thing that Ao Rui, the patriarch of the Ao family, had been striving for since his death had been accomplished by Fang Yi with such ease.
His eyes hardened, and a murderous intent gathered, almost materializing into a tangible mist.
"Uncle-Master Yuzhou, in terms of combat skills and cultivation, the Ao family is inferior to Qingyangzi Fang Yi."
But the Ao family's ability to establish itself in the ancient city speaks volumes about its heritage!
"The grand trade fair organized by the Four Seas Business Alliance not only attracted cultivators from the Ice Plains."
Seven near-fourth-tier spiritual items—this is beyond the reach of spirit stones. Such an opportunity is rare, attracting many Grandmasters from beyond the icy plains.
"To be honest, Uncle-Master Yuzhou, the Ao family has connections with the Tribulation Cultivator Devouring Spirit Child and Old Monster Zheng."
"Swallowing Spirit Child, Old Monster Zheng?" Luo Yuzhou's eyes narrowed slightly, a rare look of solemnity appearing on his face.
"These two old monsters each have great opportunities, and they have been in the realm of Great True Person for over two decades. They are far superior to the likes of Mi Ku and Gao Shanfu."
If we can persuade these two, we might be able to hunt down Fang Yi.
Seeing Luo Yuzhou waver, Ao Peng added, "That's not all."
Old Master Zheng had previously asked the Ao family to send a message when they sold the spiritual items, saying that he was on good terms with a Grand Master of the Corpse Dao.
"The Great Master of the Corpse Path?" Luo Yuzhou's expression turned solemn. "What name should I use?"
But was it that red-haired monster who hunted down Medicine King Valley?
Luo Yuzhou shook his head in denial. "It wasn't that Corpse Dao giant, but a Crimson Bone Demon King who was proficient in the Way of Slaughter."
He said in a deep voice, "The combined strength of Devouring Spirit Child, Old Monster Zheng, and the Crimson Bone Corpse King is enough to take Fang Yi's life."
"That's not bad either." The dark light in Luo Yuzhou's eyes faded, his pupils returned to their cloudy state, and a white flame slipped from his sleeve.
"Junior Brother Yang Xu is practicing the Flame-Burning Technique. I must harmonize the fire for him to prevent it from corrupting his soul."
This small spark of light is bestowed upon you; do not disappoint this old man.
"Buzz!" A flash of crimson light, the lingering sound fading away, and Luo Yuzhou had vanished without a trace.
"Little Bright Flame!"
Ao Peng extended his five fingers, which transformed into afterimages, and snatched the precious flame with lightning speed.
"With this precious flame in hand, the [Flame-Burning Technique] can be further improved."
His gaze was sinister as he stared intently at the Jade Marrow Palace, which was only three hundred feet away, gritting his teeth.
"Fang Yi, we have a long future ahead of us."
Crimson Light Pavilion is surrounded by a forest of crimson maple trees, which appear as a vibrant, fiery red when viewed from afar.
Luo Yuzhou, dressed in hemp clothing, slowly stepped into the quiet room.
"Edict!"
With a flick of his finger, flames swirled around him, and a precious glass mirror rose up.
The murky mirror gradually blurred, reflecting Yang Xu, dressed in a robe of mysterious light and mist, sitting quietly on a futon, surrounded by black and ice-blue flames.
"With the assistance of my precious elixir and my insights into the Flame-Refining Technique, the sect will surely produce another top-tier Grand Master."
His hoarse voice gradually subsided, and a dark jade cauldron rose up. At the bottom of the cauldron, a mysterious flame transformed into a lotus flower, slowly refining a small seed of light.
"Junior Brother Yang, you'd better step up your game."
With the great cold wave approaching, not only is the sect making preparations, but Medicine King Valley and the Four Seas Merchant Alliance are also eager to act.
Even Xuan Yangshan, which was inherently deficient, wanted to be served.
Soul Devourer, Yan Wuwo, and Miao Man must have received the news and need the help of cultivators.
Otherwise, there would be no need to give Fang Yi, a mere Core Formation Stage 6 cultivator, such face.
"A great era of contention is approaching." Luo Yuzhou remained calm and still, like a towering volcano, yet his aura was deathly still.
"Having missed this opportunity, the Great Master, trapped in a bottleneck, has no hope of his Daoist temple undergoing a transformation or reaching a higher realm."
Bishui Mansion, Quiet Room.
The jade-paved ground was covered with cracks and trembled slightly. The wisps of spiritual energy fled in all directions, stirring up a gentle breeze.
"Congeal!"
Fang Yi wore a jade crown, his black hair flowed down his shoulders, and his blue robe fluttered in the wind.
"Buzz!"
He fought against the two great masters, Yang Xu and Luo Yuzhou, and his overwhelming magical power shook the spiritual veins.
The lingering problems have gradually subsided, and the dark cracks in the ground are no longer widening.
Feeling the subtle spying, he was displeased but made no move to cover himself.
"Even a Grandmaster in the late stage of Core Formation couldn't detect it by using the power of the formation to spy on it."
"That Hu Yuzhao has quite the leisure; ever since I left the Crimson Sky Flying Cloud Boat, he's been keeping a close eye on me."
He paused for a moment, then summoned his two disciples, whose spirits were low.
"Yu'er, Heng'er, after that you and Xiao Qi will clean up the ruins in the cave and set up an array."
One month from now, Xuan Yang Mountain should open its doors to guests, letting the cultivators of the ancient city know that we are based here.
A severe cold wave is approaching, and the Four Seas Business Alliance is preparing for a major trade fair. We should also make our own preparations.
"Disciples obey." Qin Yu and Li Heng bowed down, but their expressions were somewhat dazed.
Has the Ao family's Jade Marrow Garden been taken over?
Shen Che, who was standing to the side, hurriedly stepped forward and said respectfully, "Reporting to Master Uncle, Junior Sister Qingtang and I are also willing to lend a hand."
"Setting up the array pillars and stabilizing the spiritual veins must be completed within a month; this is a tough job."
Fang Yi said calmly, "Junior Brother Shen, Junior Sister Qing Tang, there will be no reward from the sect for this matter."
Are you all sure you want to do this hard labor?
"What reward is there for serving a true man!" Shen Che bowed deeply, his words earnest.
Before coming to Huitong Ancient City, he was still proud of the opportunity he had gained, believing that he might surpass Fang Yi in the future.
Now, this thought has been completely buried.
The difference between two Core Formation cultivators is greater than that between a human and a dog.
No matter how much he fantasized or deduced, he could not deceive himself; he defeated a True Immortal of the same level in three breaths.
"Therefore, Junior Brother Shen Che, with his superior-grade earth and metal dual-attribute spiritual roots, will be responsible for setting up the array pillars to suppress the spiritual veins."
Fang Yi nodded slightly, quite satisfied with Shen Che's pragmatism.
With a severe cold wave approaching, the assistance of your subordinates is indispensable if you wish to seize enough opportunities to discover spiritual plants and treasures, and collect the blood essence of demonic beasts.
The bright moon hung high in the night sky, and half a day had passed in the blink of an eye. All the eyes that had been secretly watching Bi Sui Yuan had retreated. Only Fang Yi remained, using the situation to suppress the Zoroastrianism, which became a topic of conversation in the ancient city.
In the southwest corner of the garden, green bamboo grows into a grove.
Amidst the jumbled rocks, a spring of spiritual water wafts forth, its azure ripples refreshing and invigorating.
"A third-grade high-quality spiritual spring has been obtained so easily. My master is terrifying and frightening."
With flowing sleeves, Li Heng's every move exuded the Daoist charm of water, driving down ancient, rustic stone pillars carved from yellow rock.
"Even the array formation stakes are ready. Master's initial targets were never the Wu family, the Zeng family, or even Lady Hongliu's mid-grade cave dwelling."
Instead, it's one of only six top-grade cave dwellings in the Huitong Mall.
In the North Courtyard, on the bluestone-paved plaza, three energy-stabilizing stakes struggled against the spiritual veins, struggling to be driven into the ground.
"call!"
Shen Che waved his sleeve to wipe the sweat from his temples. A Core Formation True Person should not be bothered by cold or heat, or by changes in temperature.
He was sweating profusely, his robes soaked through; this meditation stance was truly exhausting.
"Junior Sister Qingtang, once I've made a good impression on the Sect Leader, I'll ask him to help me obtain the Ice Soul Seed."
"Senior Brother Shen," Xie Qingtang blinked her clear, doe-like eyes, her heart filled with emotion.
Humans are made of flesh and blood, and she is not heartless; how could she not feel Shen Che's affection of more than 170 years?
but.
She activated the Sunflower Facing the Sun Book, concealing her already hidden primordial yang energy even more deeply.
East Courtyard.
"Oh!"
The jagged rocks collapsed, the artificial mountain crumbled, and dust flew everywhere.
As the blue lotus pattern spread, Qin Yu shattered the last barrier left by the Ao family.
The graceful red-leaved, purple-veined maple branches sway, casting a crimson and purple glow.
Qin Yu activated the palm-sized Azure Lotus Banner to suppress the overflowing spiritual energy, and even after half a day, he still found it incredible.
"The Ao family was deeply rooted and protected by the ancient city's rules, yet their ancestral land was seized by their master."
Qin Yu muttered to himself, "How could I have imagined this just a day ago?"
"What are you thinking about?" A clear voice rang out, tinged with amusement.
"Master?"
Qin Yu turned to look at Fang Yi, whose figure was tall and straight, like an ancient tree reaching for the sky, still steadfast and unyielding despite the changing seasons.
He bowed deeply. "Disciple greets Master!"
Moonlight streamed down as Fang Yi lifted his shirt and sat down on a broken rock.
Looking at his disciple, who was most like him, he chuckled softly.
"The Ao family has a history of two hundred years and a profound heritage. There are as many as five Core Formation True Persons in the family."
If one wants to seize his ancestral land, it would require a back-and-forth scheming and constant back-and-forth, day and night, until it takes more than ten or even several decades to completely devour the Ao family and force them out of Bishuiyuan.
"Yu'er, is that what you think?"
"How did Master know?" Qin Yu, dressed in a black brocade robe, looked puzzled in his starry eyes.
"Yu'er, there is nothing wrong with doing this within the rules of the ancient city."
By gradually weakening the Ao family's power, they were eventually forced to back down.
Bathed in the silvery moonlight, Fang Yi's expression grew even more sinister. "Why do you insist on following the rules of the ancient city?"
"because.
"It seemed as if a thunderbolt had struck the heavens; a ray of white light cleaved through his soul. Qin Yu's lips twitched several times, but in the end, he didn't know how to speak."
"Rules protect the weak, and naturally, they will gain the support of cultivators, who will praise those who abide by the rules."
Fang Yi murmured softly, like the whisper of a demon, stirring people's hearts.
"Rules bind the incompetent and represent the interests of those who make them; therefore, the imperial edict and imperial seal must be followed and implemented."
"But that is in the interests of the Four Seas Merchant Alliance, but it is not in the interests of me, nor in the interests of the Five Extremes Peak, or even the Xuan Yang Mountain."
Yu'er, we cultivators have struggled to find the path to immortality, enduring countless dangers.
You can refrain from bullying the weak and killing the innocent through self-discipline. But you must never act according to so-called rules, morals, or precepts.
I earnestly question your heart, what is it that you desire, and what is it that binds you to external things.”
"We cultivators walk alone, seeking our own Dao heart, rather than being bound by external things."
"In the end, one can only rely on oneself." The lingering words faded away, a flash of blue light appeared, and Fang Yi's figure disappeared.
Qin Yu was left only with a sense of loss, muttering to himself repeatedly.
"Can a person only rely on themselves?"
"You can only rely on yourself!"
"My senior brother has put in a lot of effort for this eldest disciple."
A stone pavilion a hundred feet away.
Xu Qingshe, clad in a crimson robe and holding the Heaven and Earth Furnace in his hands, gazed at Qin Yu as he murmured to himself. Qin Yu's eyes grew ever brighter, like a beautiful jade that had been polished and refined, displaying a dazzling and captivating brilliance.
"Establish a moral compass?!"
From within the worn bronze ring, the hoarse voice of 'Old Chen' entered the soul.
'Young Xu, everything before was a scheme, all to help Qin Yu establish his Dao heart.'
If one's Daoist heart is firm and one's spirit is clear, not only will one's thoughts be unobstructed, but one's resistance to illusions will also greatly increase. This will also be of great benefit in the future Nascent Soul stage demonic tribulation.
Fang Yi's methods are exquisite, his scale is impressive.
Fang Yi glanced at the bronze ring on Xu Qingshe's index finger, his demeanor gentle and refined, like that of a gentleman.
"It's just going with the flow."
Of my five disciples, Qin Yu is most like me. I can lend him a helping hand and make his path in the Dao smoother in the future.
As his master, I certainly wouldn't be stingy.
"Let's leave that aside for now. How much Yu'er gains depends on his comprehension and good fortune."
Fang Yi pointed to the quiet room in the courtyard and then said, "Junior Brother, take a look at this spiritual vein. Is it enough for you to break through in seclusion?"
Xu Qingshe's nostrils twitched slightly, and the fragrance-smelling technique flowed, allowing a wisp of spiritual energy to enter his nasal cavity.
That's enough!
This quiet room is located above the third-grade superior spiritual vein and spiritual aperture, with pure spiritual energy, making it several levels stronger than the expected mid-grade cave dwelling.
With the help of this blessed land, my junior brother will be able to reach the seventh level of Core Formation within half a year.”
"Senior brother will not disturb junior brother's seclusion. If you need any spiritual items, junior brother can send me a message."
Fang Yi's lips curled into a clear smile as he bid farewell to Xu Qingshe.
He also needs to go into seclusion to cultivate himself.
Chi Yin, posing as the Corpse Dao Grand Master, used the alias Chi Gu to collude with the Tribulation Cultivator Zheng Laoguai, bringing with him more than just a third-tier blood bead.
The gilded light surrounding the jade palace and the magnificent buildings has subsided.
Hu Yuzhao withdrew his divine sense, his five fingers caressing the Pixiu treasure basin, creating ripples.
"After a long period of planning, a single, decisive strike will be launched."
"This Qingyangzi Fang Yi truly lives up to his reputation as someone from the Great Yun; he's ruthless and decisive."
He channeled his magical power into his palm, no longer paying attention to the Jade Marrow Garden, which had been reduced to ruins.
With his cultivation at such a level, even if Fang Yi was wise and insightful, and their combat skills slightly exceeded expectations, that was all there was to it.
"The path to becoming a Nascent Soul True Monarch is as difficult as ascending to heaven; I hope this time my wish will be fulfilled."
As Hu Yuzhao sighed softly, the lower levels of the Jade Palace returned to silence once more.
Seven days later, the turmoil in the ancient city caused by the battle between the Great Immortals completely subsided.
Brownish light flowed across the spiritual land of Qing Sui Yuan, array patterns spread, and collapsed pavilions and towers rose up once again.
Ziyuan Temple.
A young man, cloaked, glared resentfully at Qing Sui Yuan before hurrying away from the ancient city without a sound.
Three days later.
Three thousand five hundred miles north of Huitong Ancient City, a biting wind howled, and hail mixed with heavy snow fell.
"This cold wave is getting more and more terrifying," the gray figure sighed softly, tightening his cloak.
"If this continues, let alone ordinary people, even Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment cultivators will find it difficult to traverse the icy plains."
A short while later.
Amidst the continuous ice valleys, a ghostly green aura transformed into a phantom, a strange, pure white aura devoured all directions, a sinister corpse aura evolved into a precious lotus, and the auras of three Great Immortals circulated.
The dark lotus blossoms, supporting the ancient blood coffin covered with strange patterns.
Inside the dark coffin, Chi Yin's youthful face held a strange expression as he watched the young man in a brown-gold robe and the burly man carrying a ghost-headed broadsword chatting.
"Old Master Zheng, is what you say true?"
"Severely injuring a Nascent Soul sect leader, are you not afraid of the wrath of True Monarch Crimson Eyebrows of Xuan Yang Mountain?"
Ao Xun, his body hunched over, looked warily at the blood-red coffin surrounded by resentment, yet he took a step forward.
"Not a serious injury, but a hunt."
"As long as Senior Chigu and Senior Zheng can kill Qingyangzi Fang Yi, my Ao family will surely repay them handsomely."
"A generous reward?" Chi Yin, from within the Blood Spring Coffin, let out a laugh like that of a night owl. "The Ao family's ancestral land, the Jade Marrow Courtyard, was seized by Qing Yangzi of Xuan Yang Mountain."
"What other reward could the Ao family possibly offer that could move my heart?"
“Fellow Daoist Chigu is right.” A wisp of pure white spiritual light flowed around the withered and thin Tunlingzi, who spoke.
"Even at its peak, the Ao family didn't have such resources, with three Grandmasters taking such a risk."
A smug look appeared on Ao Xun's lips as he carefully took out a crimson decree from his sleeve, which emitted a white glow.
"The Ao family certainly doesn't possess such a foundation. But I come today representing the Zoroastrian Church."
"The Little Brightness Token?" A surprised voice rang out, and Old Monster Zheng gave Ao Xun a deep look.
"This is a token that can only be bestowed upon the direct descendants of the Zoroastrian Church."
"Did Ao Xun defect to the Zoroastrian Church without Ao Peng's knowledge?"
Time has passed, and seven days have gone by.
In the Bishui Garden of Huitong Ancient City, Fang Yi spoke in a deep voice.
"Interesting. A seemingly insignificant move has yielded some results. The Ao family has actually found the source of the Red Yin."
"However, it's not wrong."
Among the rogue cultivators and raiders in the icy plains today, the three most infamous are the Corpse, Ghost, and Demon.
Corpse Fiend Crimson Bone True Man, Ghost Fiend Old Monster Zheng, Demon Fiend Devouring Spirit Child.”
(End of this chapter)