‘Mm… this grand-nephew of mine is still fairly clear-headed.’
‘Otherwise, if he had fallen into that Purple Mansion grand array, I certainly would not have bothered saving him…’
High in the sky, Fang Qing casually swept his gaze downward before preparing to return to Xituo Commandery.
The Fang Family still had descendants alive. The life or death of a mere Fang Yixin was not something he cared much about, nor would he deliberately intervene to rescue him.
‘Though that Tian Jinchen… last time, he actually was not drawn into the Grotto Heaven?’
A thought stirred in his mind, and he immediately contacted the White Bone Dharma King Sangji.
“Reporting to the Venerable One. Tian Jinchen’s fate and destiny have already been completely stripped away. Instead, he is entangled in baleful karmic ties and doomed to a miserable old age. It is likely the scheme of the Purple Mansion cultivators on the cliff, intending for him to suffer through his later years. Most likely he offended a certain Spiritual Master with his words.”
Sangji’s response came swiftly. “As far as this humble monk knows, that sword ‘Xu Jinhuan’ has already been sent to the cliff above. That man is no different from dog filth. There is no need to concern yourself with him. If the Venerable One still feels displeased, you may casually erase him. There will be no consequences.”
“These Purple Mansion True Persons really are petty.”
Then he suddenly realized he had likely insulted Sangji along with them.
After all, once Sangji lost a Bright Son and suffered a slight loss of face, he immediately retaliated by destroying the mountain gate of Spiritual Master Xuantu. Of the Seven Sons of Xuantu, only one remained alive, while who knew how many disciples and bloodlines had already been converted.
When it came to narrow-mindedness, Sangji was no exception.
‘Since that is the case, there is no need to bother with Tian Jinchen anymore.’
Originally, Fang Qing had suspected Tian Jinchen was the source behind the [Stomach Earth] configuration.
But after experiencing the events within the Grotto Heaven and reasoning backward from the outcome, he finally understood that the Fang Family’s involvement had actually begun with Hu Quanan.
That man had been the one carrying destiny all along. Only someone like him could discover the cave dwelling, obtain the inheritance, and acquire that “God-Striking Stone”!
As for Tian Jinchen, he was the inheritor of Master Yanbo’s lineage and carried the destiny of the Yanbo Blessed Land. He also possessed a faint connection to [Stomach Earth], which was why he had been drawn into the affair.
‘In the end, it all comes down to lacking divine abilities to suppress fate, leaving one drifting with the current, unable to control one’s own destiny.’
‘I doubt he will truly die alone in old age. He will probably still leave descendants or pass on a legacy. Only that would suit someone being manipulated like this.’
Fang Qing flew all the way back to Wusheng Temple.
The temple now carried numerous treasures of [Nu Earth], granting it many wondrous functions. On the surrounding mountain peaks, mandala ritual arrays had also been established.
Combined together, the temple’s protective formation no longer lost to the Purple Mansion grand array of the Xuantu Sect. It could likewise sever the void itself.
‘Now that the situation looks excellent, I can travel the world and visit water-virtue immortal sects and clans such as the Bai Family of Eastern Waters and the Canghai Sect. Along the way, I can also gather information regarding Purple Mansion spiritual objects of [Ji Water].’
If Fang Qing still possessed perhaps one or two parts confidence in forming his Golden Core, then when it came to refining divine abilities and breaking through to Purple Mansion, he truly had no confidence whatsoever.
‘Fortunately, I am only at the mid-stage Dao Foundation realm. There is no rush. I can simply continue accumulating Dao attainment slowly.’
‘If all else fails, I can first advance my Qi Refining cultivation to Nascent Soul. With a thousand years of lifespan, surely I can eventually scheme my way into Purple Mansion, right?’
If Sangji had not already advanced to Dharma King and gained the support of the Esoteric Hidden-Treasury Domain, Fang Qing would not even dare speak of plotting for Purple Mansion spiritual objects.
And if he had abandoned Sangji earlier and fled with that piece of “Yin Earth Spirit Wall,” his fate likely would not have ended well either. Without a Purple Mansion backer, who would exchange Purple Mansion spiritual objects with him? They would simply rob him outright.
‘Rare to enjoy such leisure now. Better focus on increasing my strength first.’
‘At present, my Wrathful Sequence of the Horse-Headed Wisdom King has entered the introductory stage. I can also begin studying the Dragon-Elephant Golden Body Attainment Method’
His gaze landed upon a region in the west glowing with five-colored divine radiance. It was precisely where the “Peacock Dumu” resided.
A thought immediately arose in his heart.
‘Demoness… I require your assistance in my cultivation!’
…
Several years later.
Taibai Island.
Bei Lingshu held a sect decree in her hand, her face filled with hesitation.
Over the past few years, all kinds of unfavorable rumors regarding Taibai Island had spread throughout the sect. Although Fang Qing always ignored them, the entire island had gradually become uneasy.
Today, an official decree from the sect had finally arrived in her hands.
It was a transfer order!
“The Island Lord has guarded Taibai Island for many years. Throughout the sect, both Xiang Dahu and I are regarded as his subordinates. This move is clearly meant to strip away his wings.”
“However, the Island Lord still has people supporting him within the sect master’s faction, so they did not remove him from his position as island guardian. This is merely a warning.”
Bei Lingshu saw through the situation completely.
But was she truly one of Fang Qing’s wings?
She could only smile bitterly inwardly, while fear quietly took root in her heart.
After some thought, she mounted an unusual flower-shaped spiritual artifact and went to find Xiang Dahu.
Xiang Dahu was currently modifying a mountain peak, burying a number of strange artifacts beneath the earth.
At first glance, these artifacts radiated sinister demonic qi and a strong scent of blood. There were skin drums, prayer beads, bone staffs, bone bowls.
“Senior Brother Xiang… what exactly are you doing?”
Bei Lingshu asked curiously.
“By the Island Master’s orders, I’m making a few adjustments to the array…”
Xiang Dahu buried a yellow-covered scripture into the ground and said calmly, “The Island Master plans to erect high platforms at the four corners of Taibai Island, each enshrining a Buddhist ritual artifact.”
“Buddhist artifacts? Could it be a Buddhist inheritance?”
Bei Lingshu immediately understood somewhat. Xiang Dahu had always been in charge of array. This indeed fell under his duties.
Yet modifying the array at such a critical moment carried implications that made one shudder the more one thought about them.
‘Could it be that the Island Master truly intends to carve out his own territory? But… why? With the Island Master’s status and standing, even if he returned to the sect, he would still hold a position of great authority.’
‘Besides… unless a third-rank array is established immediately, the moment a Core Formation ancestor arrives, everything here will instantly turn to dust.’
Confusion filled Bei Lingshu’s heart, making her already pale complexion appear even paler.
“What, Junior Sister Bei, do you think we are preparing to betray the sect?”
Xiang Dahu burst into laughter. “This array is not meant to deal with Blue Sea Sect cultivators. It is arranged according to the Island Master’s instructions to defend against external enemies.”
‘External enemies? What external enemies are left? Could the Sea-Destroying Alliance possibly launch another sneak attack?’
Bei Lingshu felt speechless inwardly, but in the next moment she heard Xiang Dahu continue:
“With your temperament, Junior Sister, you dared to personally kill that senior sister who harmed fellow disciples back in the secret realm. If I truly betrayed the sect, what would you plan to do?”
‘He knows? He actually knows?’
Bei Lingshu was instantly horrified. She stood frozen in place, unable to move.
Seeing her reaction, Xiang Dahu merely smiled and continued adjusting and arranging the formation.
Inside the cave abode.
Fang Qing remained youthful and elegant as ever. He raised his hand and examined his palm. The former phenomena of golden radiance leaking outward and blood qi surging like a dragon had all vanished completely. His hand was now pale and flawless, like the finest jade carved by heaven itself.
His entire person likewise appeared utterly ordinary, without the slightest oppressive aura of blood qi.
Naturally, this did not mean his third-rank body refinement had been crippled. Rather, after years of tempering, although he had not achieved any major breakthroughs, he had already washed away all excess and returned to simplicity.
‘With my current strength, even if I fought Heiyuan True Personage head-on, I am confident I could defeat him.’
‘Still, even a lion hunting a rabbit must use its full strength. Better to arrange a third-rank array. The hidden treasury array arts excel at borrowing external power.’
‘The Minor Huan Sea is an unfamiliar environment, and there is far less external force available to borrow. Its power is reduced considerably, though it still retains quasi-third-rank might, and more importantly, the ability to sever space remains intact.’
‘For Purple Mansion formations in Ancient Shu, the first priority is sealing off the void. Otherwise they are unworthy of the name, and Purple Mansion cultivators may come and go freely.’
‘Judging by the timing, that fated person should be arriving soon.’
‘Only this fated person can resolve my current somewhat awkward situation.’
…
Half a month later.
Night.
Sea winds howled beneath a moon as round as a jade platter.
A snow-white figure rode the wind and waves into the sea region surrounding Taibai Island.
“It has already been, more than fifty years. Nearly a full sixty-year cycle.”
The newcomer possessed a head full of white hair and features that blurred the line between male and female.
It was none other than the former genius of the Zhong Family, Zhong Lingxiu!
Only now, the aura of his cultivation had unmistakably reached the early Core Formation stage!
This Core Formation seed of the Zhong Family had finally fulfilled all expectations and completely realized his potential. Upon returning, he had already formed his core!
“Blue Sea Sect!”
Zhong Lingxiu gazed toward the direction of the Blue Sea Sect, hatred filling his eyes.
Back when the Zhong Family was exterminated, he had escaped the Minor Huan Sea cultivation world through the Ten Thousand-Mile Sea Route, surviving only after countless brushes with death before finally reaching another sea region.
At the time, hatred had filled his heart. He had deliberately spread news of a ruin known only to the Zhong Family, hoping to lure several Core Formation cultivators into conflict. As for the outcome, he had never learned it.
But now it seemed the Blue Sea Sect remained perfectly unharmed. Perhaps they had even benefited from that ruin!
A flicker passed through Zhong Lingxiu’s eyes. Only after venturing beyond the Minor Huan Sea had he realized just how vast heaven and earth truly were. This return to his remote backwater homeland carried two purposes.
The first was revenge. The second was obtaining the opportunities within that secret realm ruin to aid his cultivation.
Only after reaching Core Formation had he discovered that among the countless geniuses of the wider world, he was merely one among many. His brilliance had gradually faded into the masses, and future cultivation had become increasingly difficult.
“The first step of my revenge, shall begin with reclaiming my Zhong Family’s Taibai Island.”
Naturally, he was no reckless fool. Before coming, he had captured several Qi Refining cultivators and interrogated them about the current situation in the Minor Huan Sea.
From them, he learned that Taibai Island was not highly valued by the Blue Sea Sect. The highest-ranking cultivator stationed there was merely at the mid Foundation Establishment stage… and there was no third-rank grand formation protecting the island.
In that case, what was there to fear?
Before long, Taibai Island came into view.
Blanketed in white snow, it gleamed faintly beneath the silent night.
Zhong Lingxiu swept the island with his divine sense and immediately laughed in amusement.
“The Four Extremes Dark Ice Formation. My Zhong Family did not even think highly of this back then.”
Without hesitation, he stepped into the formation alone.
“Roar! Roar!”
Streams of extreme frost qi gathered together, transforming into illusory ice spirit beasts in the shapes of birds, bears, and wolves, surrounding Zhong Lingxiu from every direction.
“A tiny spark dares compete with the brilliance of the moon?”
Zhong Lingxiu waved his hand casually.
A third-rank Ice Soul Profound Light shot forth.
Pale white radiance flickered and transformed into ice blades, effortlessly slicing through the illusory ice beasts.
The countless spirit beasts trembled, then collapsed like an avalanche of snow and ice, dissolving into freezing qi that was completely absorbed by the Ice Soul Profound Light.
Zhong Lingxiu shattered the formation with effortless ease. Not only had he expended no mana, his complexion even appeared rosier than before, as though he had consumed a supreme tonic pill.
“Who dares intrude upon the island?”
The destruction of the protective formation naturally alerted all the cultivators stationed there.
Bei Lingshu was the first to fly out.
Immediately, she felt an icy divine sense sweep across her body. In that instant, she felt as though she had reverted to an ordinary mortal standing before a venomous flood dragon.
‘A… Core Formation ancestor?’
‘Surely it cannot be one of the sect ancestors personally arriving to kill the Island Master? No… things have not escalated to that level.’
‘Then could it be Heiyuan True Personage attacking?’
For a moment, all hope vanished from Bei Lingshu’s heart.
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