https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-12-Merit-Lottery-Soul-Stealing-Yin-Puppet/13499677/
Chapter 13: The Mantis Stalks the Cicada, Unaware of the Oriole Behind
Chapter 13: The Mantis Stalks the Cicada, Unaware of the Oriole Behind
Outside Heaven-Mending Peak, over a dozen Formal Disciples gathered, led by Zhao Xuhe, Qingchen Immortaless, and Scriptorium Elder Wang Borong. Among them, only these three had reached the Mid-Rank of Qi Refinement cultivation.
Zhao Xuhe stood at the forefront, his voice booming. "I’m deeply honored that you all accepted my invitation. Please, accept my gratitude in advance." He bowed deeply to the group.
"To be honest", he continued, "I discovered an ancient cultivation cave outside Heaven-Mending Peak, but its outer defenses are protected by a formation I cannot breach alone."
Qingchen Immortaless spoke next, her voice soft yet alluring. "That’s why I turned to you all, dear seniors and juniors. If we combine forces to break the formation, we’ll share the spoils equally. Zhao Senior is a member of the Three Rivers Association—everyone knows his reputation. He’d never let you down."
Zhao’s charisma was evident. With Qingchen’s charm and Wang Borong’s gruff support, the disorganized group quickly united. Moments later, they soared away on beams of light.
The Primordial Sacred Sect’s "Sky-Connecting Sea of Clouds" stretched endlessly. After a quarter-hour’s flight, they halted above a vast cloud ocean.
"This is the place", Zhao declared. With a flick of his spiritual energy, the clouds parted, revealing Coiling Dragon Isle—a majestic peak resembling a coiled dragon resting in slumber.
"This was once the cultivation cave of Patriarch Panlong, a True Transmission of our sect", Zhao explained. "The outer formation was originally a Foundation-Building-grade array, but centuries have drained its power. Now, it’s barely a tenth of its former strength."
"Follow me!" He led the charge into the isle.
Moments later, a lone figure materialized above the isle—Lv Yang. Smirking, he retrieved four black banners and began setting up a formation at the island’s edge.
"With my debt deadline approaching, I’ve little time left this life", he mused. "Might as well strike big!"
Yet he hesitated. The isle reeked of danger. Zhao’s group had numbers, but Lv Yang knew solo entry meant certain death. Instead, he’d wait.
"Zhao’s no saint", Lv Yang thought. "Even if he succeeds, devouring so many will crack his teeth. Better to ambush the survivors."
He’d traded his last 100 Contribution Points for a "Maze Pennant" formation—four banners to twist directions and trap escapees.
"Patience", he whispered. "Haste ruins all."
Inside the isle, chaos erupted.
"Zhao Xuhe! Why kill us!?" a disciple screamed. "The Holy Sect’s Fate Lamps will expose you!"
Blood splattered as the once-united disciples turned on each other. Amid the carnage, Zhao and Qingchen stood apart, their earlier camaraderie replaced by cold cruelty.
"Struggle all you want", Zhao sneered. "This Blood Demon Slaughter Soul Blade cost 3,000 Contribution Points. None leave here alive!"
A crimson blade flashed, draining victims dry. The survivors dwindled—only Wang Borong resisted, his energy waning under Zhao’s relentless assault.
"You fool", Zhao taunted. "Did you really think I’d let you live after buying your Soul-Stealing Yin Corpses? I’ll reclaim those Contribution Points from your corpse—free labor!"
With a final strike, the blade pierced Wang’s chest. He collapsed, his last breath a silent snarl of fury.
Qingchen wiped sweat, her voice trembling. "The blade’s power… is it enough to breach the inner seal?"
Zhao grinned. "Almost."
Before she could react, the blade plunged into her abdomen. Her body crumpled to dust.
"Now it’s perfect", Zhao murmured.
At the isle’s heart, he faced a sealed meditation chamber. With a roar, he slashed—the door shattered, revealing a jade case holding two scrolls: Nine Metamorphosis Dragon Art and Ten-Thousand Chariot Dragon Ascension Sutra.
His hands shook. "Third-tier true techniques! The path to Golden Core cultivation… my master wasn’t lying!"
"Three lifetimes of toil for Panlong’s merit… finally mine!" he exulted. "Once I rebuild my foundation with ‘True Dragon Qi’ and forge the ‘Ten-Thousand Chariot Dragon’ core, I’ll reclaim my true self and ascend beyond reincarnation!"
He pocketed the scrolls and fled the isle, heart racing.
But as he emerged, a thunderous boom split the air.
Zhao’s eyes widened—only time to glimpse a blinding sword light before it struck.
(End of Chapter)
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