Lying Low While Cultivating Immortality in Two Worlds

High in the sky.

The elder of the Twin Jades of the Zeng Family, Zeng Yuchuan, was surrounded by surging cloud-flames. He moved with great agility through the air, his movements enhanced by the profundity of his Dao Foundation, [Stagnant Cloud Smoke].

Opposite him stood the Sect Master of the Kitchen God Sect.

Bare-chested with his belly exposed, his face carried a constant smile. With his shaved head and plump figure, he resembled a laughing Maitreya.

The battle between the Qi Ingestion cultivators below did not draw even a shred of attention from these two Dao Foundation cultivators.

“Fellow Daoist, now that you have attained Dao Foundation, you would be treated with honor wherever you go. Why come here and involve yourself in this matter?”

Zeng Yuchuan shifted positions midair, forming hand seals as he summoned a flame.

This flame was red on the outside and blue within, flickering unsteadily. It was not a natural spiritual flame, but a flame born of technique.

At first it was no more than a spark, yet in an instant it spread across the heavens, forming a vast sea of burning clouds.

In the past, Zeng Qingye had relied solely on this technique, without any Dao Foundation artifact, to burn a wood-aligned Dao Foundation cultivator alive.

Yet upon seeing this flame, the Kitchen God Sect Master burst into laughter and opened his mouth wide.

Whoosh!

A violent wind howled as vast swathes of the burning cloud were drawn in and swallowed into his plump, rounded belly.

He let out a satisfied belch. His entire body flushed red, and steam rose from his pores. His mana seemed to deepen by another layer.

Seeing this, a shadow passed over Zeng Yuchuan’s face.

‘We are both early Dao Foundation cultivators. I cultivate fire virtue, he cultivates earth virtue, yet we are evenly matched. His lineage is anything but ordinary.’

Although metal and fire were flourishing in this age, even cultivators of those attributes among rogue cultivators could not necessarily gain advantage over direct disciples of major sects who cultivated earth or wood.

Zeng Yuchuan had come under orders from the Wusheng Temple to suppress the “Vegetarian Demon Cult,” yet he had no intention of going all out. He had even left his younger brother, Zeng Yushan, behind to guard their clan.

Now that he saw the Kitchen God Sect Master’s Dao Foundation was extraordinary, unease crept into his heart.

“Hehe… since you ask, my Dao Foundation belongs to [Stomach Earth], named the [Primordial Refining Cauldron]. It can ‘use poison as nourishment and turn harm into benefit.’”

The Kitchen God Sect Master stroked his belly as he spoke.

“Under normal circumstances, I can swallow poisons directly to increase my mana without suffering any harm. In battle, I can even devour metal and consume fire. Water and flame alike pose no obstacle to me.”

“Is that so? Then I would like to see whether you can swallow this spear of mine, ‘Broken Feather.’”

A long spear appeared in Zeng Yuchuan’s hand. It was entirely crimson, radiating countless rays of firelight like spreading wings.

This was a Dao Foundation magical artifact.

Ordinary rogue cultivators at the Dao Foundation level might not even possess a single such artifact. But Zeng Yuchuan came from a cultivation clan. With a century of accumulated resources, assembling one Dao Foundation artifact was not difficult.

Although this spear, Broken Feather, had originally belonged to Zeng Qingye and was only passed down after his death.

The moment Zeng Yuchuan brought out his Dao Foundation artifact, the intensity of the battle rose sharply.

On the ground below, the Qi Ingestion cultivators of both sides were locked in fierce combat.

Fang Wuchen was experiencing such a large-scale battle for the first time. Despite his relatively high cultivation, he appeared flustered and unsure of himself.

Fortunately, Fang Yixin moved with ease. While fighting, he subtly guided his son across the battlefield, gradually closing in on Hu Quanan.

They had planned this in advance. They needed to contribute some effort and ambush a high-ranking member of the Kitchen God Sect, hoping to obtain cultivation techniques.

After careful selection, Hu Quanan targeted an elderly man in green robes. A strip of red silk was tied at his waist, and his cultivation had reached the seventh layer of Qi Ingestion, clearly marking him as someone of status.

“Now!”

He struck first. The single Qi Ingestion magical artifact in his hand flashed and smashed directly into the old man’s forehead, causing blood to flow instantly.

The artifact appeared to be nothing more than an ordinary stone. It was the item Hu Quanan and Fang Yixin had obtained together years ago while exploring a cave dwelling. They had named it the [God-Striking Stone].

Used for sneak attacks, it was nearly impossible to defend against. Even if blocked, anyone struck on the forehead would be dazed for a moment, creating the perfect opportunity to finish them off.

Fang Yixin had worked with Hu Quanan for many years. Their coordination was flawless.

The moment the God-Striking Stone was used, he had already lunged forward. His long blade flashed repeatedly.

The blade was imbued with a technique, making it incomparably sharp. Combined with mortal martial skill, the blade light erupted as it severed the old man’s head cleanly.

“Got it. Move!”

Fang Yixin performed a quick roll like a lazy donkey, snatching the old man’s storage bag in one motion before immediately retreating.

Bang bang!

Several nearby Kitchen God Sect followers saw their superior fall and instantly went mad, charging forward in a frenzy.

Fortunately, Fang Wuchen braced himself behind a large shield, holding the line and blocking their pursuit.

Seizing the opportunity, Hu Quanan recalled the “God-Striking Stone.” It flew back into his hand before he hurled it out again, knocking down another enemy.

The three of them fought as they retreated, gradually reaching the edge of the battlefield.

At that moment, an enraged roar thundered from the heavens. “Tie Kuangtu, how dare you!”

A vast sea of flames erupted violently, vaporizing the clouds and laying everything bare.

After the explosion, the flames rapidly condensed into a single point, like a lone fishing lantern upon a great river, flickering and elusive.

There stood Zeng Yuchuan, gripping his Broken Feather Spear, his entire body drenched in blood.

Opposite him, in addition to the original Kitchen God Sect Master, stood another Dao Foundation cultivator. Clad in black robes and wearing a dark iron mask, he was none other than the Tie Family’s Dao Foundation expert, Tie Kuangtu.

Recalling the earlier sneak attack, Zeng Yuchuan felt a surge of fury. Had it not been for the profundity of his Dao Foundation and his exceptional movement technique, he might already have fallen.

“You of the Tie Family dare to act like this? Are you not afraid that the Temple of Wusheng will wipe out your entire clan?”

“Haha… the Temple of Wusheng can barely protect itself. Today, we will first destroy your Zeng Family and sever one of its arms!”

Tie Kuangtu burst into laughter, clearly speaking deliberately. The Qi Ingestion cultivators below turned pale upon hearing his words.

“Tie, who exactly are you talking about?”

Suddenly, several streaks of light shot across the sky, revealing a group of Dharma Protectors. Leading them was Miaofeng Bright Son.

His expression was dark as he immediately began chanting. A phantom golden body manifested behind him, with four faces and eight arms, each holding a different magical implement as it struck toward Tie Kuangtu.

The other Dharma Protectors formed a formation and charged at the Kitchen God Sect leader.

After a fierce battle, the Tie Family and the Kitchen God Sect were forced into a miserable retreat, leaving behind a number of Qi Ingestion cultivators who could only await execution.

“Many thanks to Master Miaofeng for descending with your golden body. Such great kindness cannot be repaid. Our family can only offer our lives in service!”

Zeng Yuchuan wore a fawning smile, though inwardly he thought, ‘Has this Bright Son changed his nature? He actually came to provide support. I wonder how many spiritual resources he will extort from my family afterward…’

“There is no need for such courtesy, benefactor.”

Miaofeng Bright Son smiled warmly, his tone carrying a clear intent to win them over.

He sneered inwardly. ‘This monk is no fool. That Chu Zhaohuang is too difficult to deal with. It is better to make a show of effort and admit defeat early. Of course… it is also because I truly cannot beat him.’

‘But this monk suffered only light injuries and can immediately support other regions, stabilizing the overall situation in Xituo Commandery.’

This was also why Chu Zhaohuang had deliberately held back, unwilling to offend the Esoteric Hidden-Treasury Domain too deeply.

‘Now that offense and defense have reversed, we cannot treat these pigs and dogs below too harshly. Occasionally, we must show them a smile and toss them some feed. Only then will they use the lives of their Dao Foundation and Qi Ingestion cultivators to buy time for our temple.’

‘Although this monk cannot see the full board, I can only do my best.’

Unbeknownst to him, this change in attitude only made Zeng Yucheng grow suspicious.

Night fell.

Fang Yixin and his father hurried along with Hu Quanan, pressing on without rest. At last, they made it back to Zeng Family Town.

Having returned in triumph with minimal casualties, the entire town was filled with laughter and celebration.

“Hehe, you’re all back?”

A dwarf-like peddler wandered through the streets, hawking his wares. When he spotted the Fang father and son, he broke into a grin. “I heard your Zeng Family achieved a great victory this time. You must have gained quite a bit. If you plan to sell anything, don’t forget to give this old man some business.”

“Rest assured, Old Xu. Of course.”

Fang Yixin replied with a smile.

If he had once harbored doubts, after more than a decade of acquaintance, he was now certain that Xu Hei was nothing more than an ordinary peddler. At most, his cultivation was somewhat deeper than most.

Moreover, Xu Hei often managed to obtain rare spiritual materials. The Fang Family had long grown accustomed to trading with him.

“Father!”

Upon returning home, Fang Wujio and Yue Mingxue immediately came forward to greet them.

“Mm. Wuchen, go call your master over…”

Fang Yixin still had the spoils of war on his mind. He invited Hu Quanan into the rear courtyard, sealed the doors and windows, and only then carefully took out the storage bag belonging to a high-ranking member of the Kitchen God Sect.

Clatter.

One item after another was poured out. Spiritual materials meant for qi absorption shone with dazzling light. Several ancient books appeared as well, their calligraphy sharp and forceful, imbued with a faint Dao charm. At a glance, they were clearly extraordinary.

“Found it!”

Hu Quanan rummaged through the pile before suddenly breaking into a smile. He patted Fang Wuchen’s head. “You brat really are fortunate. This is the lower volume of the ‘Earth Treasure Returning Origin Art.’ It cultivates the Dao Foundation ‘Primordial Refining Cauldron.’ Truly profound.”

Fang Yixin’s face lit up with joy. “Haha… our family is about to produce a Dao Foundation cultivator.”

With all his usual steadiness and experience, he failed to notice anything amiss. Instead, he was filled with excitement. “I took a look today. Mingxue’s uncle died on the battlefield. Their ‘Azure Mulberry Date Tree’ will certainly be left unprotected. Why not have our family take it over? If we save up a bit more, we may not dare hope for a Dao Foundation Pill, but at least we can exchange for a [Stomach Earth] Dao Foundation spiritual item.”

On Taibai Island, Fang Qing occasionally watched the situation unfold while cultivating. At this moment, he let out a quiet sigh. He knew the Fang Family had truly stepped into the game.

‘Fortunately, my existence has not yet been exposed.’

‘As for that Miaofeng, he is truly loyal to Sangji. Of course, with his true spirit in another’s hands, loyalty is not exactly a choice.’

‘Still, without pressure, one would never realize he had such cunning schemes… Unfortunately, no matter how much he plots, he cannot compare to a single casual move from those above.’

Although Fang Qing could not see everything clearly, he understood that several forces were currently contending within Xituo Commandery.

The Wusheng Temple, and the [Stomach Earth] faction, were both involved.

‘The [Stomach Earth] side is complicated. There are too many threads tied into it.’

‘But on the Wusheng Temple side, even if someone were to raze the temple and slaughter Mingfeng, Mingshui, and the rest, they still would not dare take a single step into that underground mandala.’

‘Because that formation is linked to numerous Dharma Protectors of the Esoteric Hidden-Treasury Domain. If it were broken, it would be a direct slap to that domain’s face.’

‘Sangji can only rely on himself. Either he succeeds, or he fails. There is no need to worry about someone forcibly breaking through to kill him.’

As for the so-called Bright Son and Wisdom Consort, Fang Qing did not care in the slightest. Whether they lived or died made no difference to him. Instead, Miaofeng’s desperate struggle might further stir the situation into chaos. That, in turn, would make it easier for Fang Qing to place his own pieces on the board.

And that suited him perfectly.

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