Chapter 185: The Turmoil at Xunmei Mountain – Xiao Chen's Thoughts Clarify

Chapter 185: The Turmoil at Xunmei Mountain – Xiao Chen’s Thoughts Clarify

“Sigh, last night Xu Master’s position at Xunmei Mountain suddenly became critical, and Qichen and the others were all Reassigned there for reinforcement.”

“As for the rest of us, with rumors spreading everywhere now, who has time to come to the bazaar?”

“Right now, everyone’s spreading rumors about the Yu Sha Cultivator from Sihai Sect… Never mind, I won’t ramble on about these rumors anymore, lest they mislead Cultivator Xiao.”

Qiu Clan Elder paused mid-sentence, his expression tightening as he swallowed the rest of his words.

The bazaar currently buzzed with rumors claiming the Yu Sha Cultivator had perished.

Xiao Chen had already overheard similar discussions on his way to Qiu Mansion.

But these were just cultivators gossiping without solid evidence—classic tales starting with “A friend of mine said…” Nothing worth taking seriously.

“Thank you, Fellow Cultivator Qiu. I’ll take my leave now.”

Xiao Chen bowed and turned, speeding toward Xunmei Mountain on his Flying Sword.

He needed to find reliable allies to understand the current situation.

Passing Qingyang County midway, he found chaos reigning.

Looking down from his Flying Sword, he saw groups of cultivators fleeing westward in droves.

The last invasion by the Divine Flame Cult had left Qingyang County relatively unscathed, but other regions suffered catastrophic devastation.

Though Xiao Chen had swiftly eliminated the demonic cultivators who breached the county, many innocent solitary cultivators and commoners still perished.

Now, hearing rumors of the demonic cultivators’ return, Qingyang’s solitary cultivators had decided to flee early.

Some even brought their servants and families, triggering widespread panic that spread like ants evacuating their nest.

In such turmoil, those without the strength to protect themselves could only drift with the tide, leaving their fate to heaven’s mercy.

Xiao Chen silently accelerated his Flying Sword, avoiding the crowds.

From Qingyang to Xunmei Mountain, he needed to pass through an important outpost—Wangyan Mountain.

As he approached, he spotted it from over thirty kilometers away.

Sword beams crisscrossed the sky, and colorful auras flickered, revealing many female cultivators from Wan Hua Valley.

Earlier, he’d heard that several Foundation-Building cultivators from Wan Hua Valley had retreated to Yuan Ci Peak with the Spirit Origin Sect.

Now, they seemed to have taken over Wangyan Mountain, replacing the original defenders.

Recalling how even the Qiu Family had been completely Reassigned the previous night, the frontlines must be in dire straits.

This proved true.

Still over 150 kilometers from Xunmei Mountain, Xiao Chen saw forty-nine towering light pillars forming the legendary Ninefold Linked Immortal Trapping Formation.

Even from afar, waves of surging spiritual energy rippled continuously.

Clearly, a fierce battle raged within the formation.

Closer inspection revealed groups of three demonic cultivators each carrying formation flags around the mountain’s base.

Some clashed with the orthodox Dao Foundation-Building cultivators guarding the mountain, engaging in one-on-one duels.

Others drove their formation flags into the ground at the mountain’s foot before retreating to fetch more.

Each flag released thick, crimson demonic qi, disrupting the defensive formations.

Any cultivator approaching would trigger the demonic qi, igniting explosive bursts of hellish flames.

The flames’ power far surpassed the demonic fire Xiao Chen had once controlled in the Qiu Mansion’s private chamber. Even Foundation-Building cultivators needed defensive magic artifacts to withstand them.

They also had to guard against ambushes by lurking demonic cultivators.

Yet if left unchecked, the accumulating formation flags would destabilize the Ninefold Linked Immortal Trapping Formation.

In short, the frontline cultivators’ role was to protect their own formations or sabotage the enemy’s.

As for the Golden Core Zhenren on both sides, they remained hidden, unwilling to reveal themselves.

Xiao Chen hovered at the outskirts, waiting for a lull in the battle.

Without formation flags for cover, entering the defensive formation recklessly would mark him as an enemy.

Half a watch later, as the Divine Flame Cult paused their assault, an orthodox Dao cultivator finally noticed him and rushed out to greet him.

“Cultivator Xiao, how did you get here?”

The speaker was Solo Sword Liu Feng, who had remained at Xunmei Mountain all along.

After leaving the Yellow Spring Palace, he’d returned to the frontline immediately.

Xiao Chen bowed. “After escaping the palace, I heard about the chaos and came to investigate. I thought I might lend a hand.”

Besides gathering intelligence, his true motive was to earn merit points to exchange for the Ascension Spirit Pill.

Now that he’d unexpectedly obtained the Five-Color Jade Coral, even without a complete pair of malevolent qi, he saw hope for forming his Golden Core.

By killing demonic cultivators to accumulate points, then returning to Li Hua Sect for the Golden Core Formation’s secret technique, he’d have a 99% chance of success.

The 1% uncertainty was simply a matter of caution.

“Cultivator Xiao, you’ve come at the perfect time! With your help, we’ll have it much easier.”

Liu Feng smiled, handing him a specially crafted jade token. “This is the entry token. Wear it on your person—don’t store it in your storage bag.”

“The formation’s stability is frequently disrupted. Storing it might trigger a misidentification.”

Xiao Chen accepted the token, carefully securing it to the inner lining of his magic robe.

As they walked inward, he asked, “Fellow Cultivator Liu, after escaping the palace, I pursued a demonic cultivator and missed joining everyone.”

“I’ve heard many rumors since. Could you update me on the current situation?”

“Is Zhenren Yao Hua safe?”

Hearing this, Liu Feng instinctively glanced around, confirming they were alone.

He lowered his voice. “You don’t know? The demonic sects deployed a Demon Head named Nie Jing at the Yellow Spring Palace, using secret techniques. The Zhenren were caught off guard.”

“To escape, Zhenren Yao Hua self-destructed her spiritual artifact—the Jin Cu Wan Hua Basket.”

“I heard this secondhand,” he added, voice dropping further. “That artifact wasn’t just a legacy spiritual treasure of Wan Hua Valley—it was her life-bound artifact.”

Liu Feng stopped, giving Xiao Chen a meaningful look.

No more needed to be said.

A life-bound artifact was a cultivator’s very lifeline. Even minor damage could severely weaken their cultivation, while major damage risked regression.

Forcing herself to destroy her artifact meant Zhenren Yao Hua had faced extreme danger.

Still, as long as she survived, that was good news.

Wan Hua Valley had a long history—its legacy artifacts were surely more than one.

Yao Hua Zhenren wouldn't see his combat effectiveness plummet like a solitary cultivator who loses their spiritual artifact. As long as he takes the time to consume the healing Holy Pill, he should quickly regain his strength. Once that happens, the three-way stalemate will remain unchanged, as if nothing ever happened.

Despite the fact that many Foundation Building cultivators were killed inside the Yellow Spring Palace this time, the Divine Flame Cult also suffered heavy losses of elite forces. The overall situation shouldn't change drastically. For Xiao Chen at this moment, stability was the best possible outcome.

Entering Xunmei Mountain, one could immediately see numerous cultivators sitting cross-legged in meditation, seizing the opportunity to rest. A few injured cultivators were even busily tending to their wounds and purging residual enemy mana. Xiao Chen noticed that Qiu Qichen was sitting in a miniature Spirit Gathering Formation not far away, harmonizing his energy with other Qiu family members. Mana overflowed from his body, clearly indicating he had just emerged from a fierce battle, his internal energy still unsettled. He was currently sitting with eyes closed and mind focused, meticulously regulating his energy.

As family cultivators, they could not only utilize the Spirit Gathering Formation but also rely on specialized large-scale auxiliary magic artifacts to nurture the magic artifacts they wielded. They ensured they could unleash maximum power in the next round of battle. The majority of other cultivators were also actively preparing for battle, with little time for interaction between them. Only a few cultivators with other duties moved about, along with top-tier cultivators like Liu Feng or the Black and White Sage, who still had the capacity to patrol the surroundings.

At this moment, they couldn't afford to relax completely. Frequently, small groups of demonic cultivators would take advantage of the current situation to quietly circle around to the formation's rear or completely bypass the frontline to infiltrate the rear. However, this was also an excellent opportunity to hunt them down and earn points. During formal battles, enemies surrounded them from all sides, and formation flags created interference. If one displayed excessive strength, they'd be surrounded and attacked by multiple opponents, leaving little room for maneuver. In contrast, the current situation allowed them to target isolated enemies.

After gaining a general understanding of the situation, Xiao Chen and Liu Feng each chose a direction to begin patrolling around the mountain's base. Unfortunately, after carefully searching for an hour, they encountered no demonic cultivators. Fortunately, the Divine Flame Cult soon launched a new offensive, interrupting his patrol and providing him with a chance for direct confrontation.

Xiao Chen initially remained cautious, testing the intensity of those infernal flames. Needless to say, they were indeed formidable. Even hiding behind a top-grade magic shield, he could feel the intense heat threatening to penetrate through. However, he quickly realized this was merely second-tier infernal flames, which could still be absorbed by the Treasure Gourd of Hidden Flame. Since that was the case, Xiao Chen had one less concern.

He immediately grabbed his massive hammer, charging into the crowd and swinging wildly, striking down anyone in sight. Sure enough, demonic cultivators quickly reacted, with three nearby launching simultaneous attacks to suppress him. However, four top-grade defensive magic artifacts surrounded Xiao Chen's body, and the Treasure Gourd of Hidden Flame hovered above his head, embodying invulnerability to blades and bullets, fire and water. He endured the surrounding magic artifacts' attacks, directly closing the distance with the demonic cultivators.

His speed was incredible; ordinary demonic cultivators couldn't even begin to retreat before a golden light technique flashed before their eyes, revealing a wheel-sized hammer hurtling toward their faces. In the next moment, they either perished instantly or were sent crashing to the ground by an immense force. Immediately afterward, Radiant Golden Light Pearls, Lotus Jade Ruyi, or Returning Yang Vajra Bracelets descended from the heavens to finish off the wounded. Ordinary demonic cultivators couldn't withstand this onslaught. For the rare few with life-saving techniques, there were still the Golden Bamboo Hairpin, Hua She Bone Spear, and Wind-Thunder Pair Swords to greet them.

With the assistance of this massive group of top-grade magic artifacts, Xiao Chen's killing efficiency was astonishingly high. Demonic cultivators couldn't even form an effective encirclement before being picked off one by one. In just a quarter of an hour, an entire squad of nine demonic cultivators had fallen by his hand. This immediately caused the surrounding attacks to falter, with distant demonic cultivators retreating and refusing to approach again. The surrounding Orthodox Dao cultivators were all stunned, their eyes wide with shock, and the sound of gasps filled the air.

Liu Feng watched the massive array of top-grade magic artifacts soaring through the air, his eye twitching slightly. The Black and White Sage's eyes revealed envy; he envied not only Xiao Chen's abundant mana but also his ability to gather so many top-grade magic artifacts. At this moment, it had been less than two years since they first met at the Su Family's All-Fish Banquet. Even dedicating all his time to cultivation felt insufficient; he couldn't imagine where Xiao Chen had gathered so many top-grade magic artifacts. This wasn't something that could be achieved with mere spirit stones; others had to be willing to sell. The number of top-grade magic artifacts that had appeared on the market was extremely limited. Yet for Xiao Chen, it was as if he were a wholesaler, displaying magic artifacts of different forms and designs. More than half of them were unrecognizable to the Black and White Sage, clearly not originating from those famous auctions. As for the Treasure Gourd of Hidden Flame, which he could recognize, it was even more absurd—it was something he remembered belonging to Su Laoye.

"Good courage!" At this moment, a sharp cry rang out. Just hearing this voice caused everyone to feel their spiritual energy stagnate within their bodies. Immediately afterward, the clouds above Xunmei Mountain suddenly split apart, revealing a colossal hand several meters in diameter descending toward Xiao Chen. Calling it a hand was somewhat inaccurate; upon closer inspection, it was covered in purple-gold scales. Each fingernail was approximately three meters long, with barbed tips resembling the claws of a ferocious beast. Accompanying it was an exceptionally powerful aura pressure, as if an ancient ferocious beast had descended. Cultivators with lower cultivation levels, whether Orthodox or demonic, felt an instinctive fear rising from the depths of their bloodline.

The Ninefold Linked Immortal Trapping Formation was immediately activated, with the nearest nine light pillars instantly unleashing eighty-one Thunderbeams to block the colossal claw. Each Thunderbeam concentrated the formation's power, rivaling the full-strength attack of a Foundation Building Peak cultivator. However, the surging Thunderbeams struck the claw and instantly shattered into chaotic arcs of electricity. They were utterly powerless to stop it, as if the scattered electricity was part of the claw's innate spell effect.

Song Jingyi, watching from a distance, felt a jolt of alarm. This was clearly a result of Xiao Chen's overwhelming performance, prompting a Demonic Dao Golden Core cultivator to finally intervene. Fortunately, the defensive formation slowed the opponent's attack, making the claw's descent appear relatively slow.

"Disciple Xiao, quickly evade!" Qiu Qichen, seeing Xiao Chen motionless, urgently shouted a warning. "What's wrong with you, Disciple Xiao?" Liu Feng noticed something amiss but was powerless to intervene. In reality, it wasn't that Xiao Chen didn't want to move, but powerful mana had already bound him in place, leaving him standing helplessly as the claw descended. This wasn't some magical control effect but a brute-force mana compression. It was as if the surrounding heavenly qi had suddenly transformed into six walls, trapping him inside. Faced with this tangible spiritual energy barrier, even the Divine Veil was ineffective. This was the true power potency carried by that colossal claw. Any cultivator unable to break through the spiritual energy barrier could only stand their ground and accept the blow.

Fortunately, at this moment, another light shout rang out: "Cease!" As the voice rang out, a silver light immediately shot forth from Xunmei Mountain. Within that silver light, stars faintly shimmered, with various constellations floating within, creating a breathtaking spectacle. However, the more beautiful something appeared, the more dangerous it likely was; being struck by this silver light would certainly bring no good fortune. Yet at the exact moment the silver light appeared, a white light simultaneously shot forth from the Foot of the Mountain. All cultivators present instantly felt as if they had been transported into an icy, frigid world.

A brilliant white light erupted, followed by the sudden appearance of a towering ice pillar.

Thick frost had spontaneously formed across the soil, trees, and rocks along the path, as if winter had arrived in an instant.

The white light surged forward, colliding head-on with the silver glow.

Only now could observers discern two intertwined spiritual artifacts within the radiance, locked in a fierce struggle neither could gain the upper hand.

Xiao Chen remained trapped beneath the spiritual energy barrier, unable to move, though he showed no panic. Instead, he ceased resisting and watched the spiritual artifact duel with keen interest, eager to expand his knowledge.

"Ghost Jiao, is it beneath your dignity to strike down a junior cultivator like this?"

Another voice rang out as a verdant bamboo pole suddenly shot forth from Xunmei Mountain, piercing through the clouds as if attempting a pincer maneuver. Though it appeared ordinary at first glance, its bold intervention marked it as a spiritual artifact.

The monstrous claw, however, continued descending slowly, unshaken.

From the clouds emerged a colorful sash that coiled around the bamboo pole. A sultry female voice followed: "This style of spiritual artifact isn't from Hezhou. Could this be Fellow Cultivator Qianzhu from Qianzhu Bazaar?"

As she spoke, a ravishing face appeared. Yaoshang Zhenren wore a brocade sash over a gauzy robe, her alluring figure tantalizingly visible through the sheer fabric.

Her seductive arts radiated naturally, igniting a fiery sensation in the lower abdomen of all who gazed upon her, their minds swarming with impure thoughts.

With her interference, Qianzhu Zhenren could no longer directly attack Guijiao Zhenren.

The claw remained unhurried, its target seemingly not Xiao Chen alone but rather a ploy to force the Orthodox Dao Golden Core Zhenren into action.

Yet under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the claw descended completely.

Three full heartbeats passed with no new Golden Core Zhenren emerging from Xunmei Mountain.

"Crack!"

The claw snapped shut, leaving not even a speck of flesh amid the horrified cries of the Foundation Building cultivators.

Hmm?

Gujiao Zhenren felt something amiss—the sensation of grasping at empty air. But he dismissed it. After all, the Foundation Building cultivator had been trapped in his Heaven-Sealing Claw. Escape was impossible.

Following the plan, a colossal form thirty meters long descended from the clouds, charging toward the Ninefold Linked Immortal Trapping Formation.

Events unfolded exactly as predicted.

Xiao Chen's apparent demise without intervention confirmed Spirit Origin Sect's likely inability to defend Xunmei Mountain adequately.

Back in the Yellow Spring Palace, that accursed Sword-Bearer Zhenren had recklessly charged into the underground palace. Though the enemy had seized the Yellow Spring Path legacy during that lapse, their counterattack had wounded the Sword-Bearer Zhenren, creating a temporary advantage in high-level combat power.

With numerical superiority, they could now breach Xunmei Mountain's defenses despite the third-tier formation.

Indeed, as Xiao Chen's "demise" chilled the hearts of Orthodox Dao Foundation Builders, doubt crept in. If their formation couldn't guarantee safety, why risk their lives for Spirit Origin Sect?

Many solitary cultivators began plotting self-preservation. Figures like Liu Feng and the Black and White Sage hesitated to fight fiercely against the demonic cultivators, fearing attention from the Demonic Dao Golden Core Zhenren.

Their reluctance allowed demonic cultivators to plant formation flags at the mountain's base. Xunmei Mountain's defenses teetered on collapse.

Xiao Chen, however, had no time to monitor the battle. The moment Night's Blade activated, freeing him, he activated his escape technique.

Though he'd escaped, frustration gnawed at him. So many witnesses, including Golden Core Zhenren, had seen his "demise." Reappearing publicly without a plausible explanation would invite dangerous scrutiny.

Yet he had no way to explain it.

He decided against testing his sect's Golden Core Zhenren for resolve. A wrong guess could spell disaster.

His plan to earn points for the Ascension Spirit Pill now seemed doomed.

Cursed Divine Flame Cult, ganging up on a Foundation Building cultivator with so many experts!

"Troublesome. What now?"

He fled hundreds of li, donned the Cloak of Hidden Tracks, and headed southwest while contemplating his next move.

He already possessed a False Core, two strands of malevolent qi, and the Five-Color Jade Coral—providing 60% formation success odds. With extreme measures like the Yellow Spring Sovereign's World Salvation and Punishment Secret Manual's Golden Core Formation technique, he could add another 20%.

The manual contained three such techniques, though each required heinous acts—far worse than his sect's methods.

But could he trust Mingyan Zhenren? If it were Su Lao Ye, Elder Chen, or even Spirit Medicine Garden's Elder Liu, he might attempt it after Night's Blade recharged.

Mingyan Zhenren, however, seemed untrustworthy.

Lost in thought, he reached Heiyan Mountains.

"Perhaps I should seek more malevolent qi first?"

His eyes sharpened. "A matched pair could push my success rate to 80%."

Paired malevolent qi added another 10% chance.

"But I'd still lack 20%... Any other ways to improve odds?"

"Hmph! Actually, yes!"

Cultivating the Yin-Yang Synergy Manual had already boosted his Golden Core Formation chances, thanks to Zilian and Guanyu's help. His grasp of yin-yang principles added roughly 10%, bringing him to 90%.

"If I pursue the Wood Dao Golden Core Formation, refining a Great Golden-Thread Nanmu branch might add another 5%."

"Plus my own spirit root's 5%... If needed, I'll use the Linglong Xishui Pearl."

"Water nourishes Wood, compensating for my rushed breakthrough's instability."

Combining these resources, success seemed feasible.

Though the Great Golden-Thread Nanmu branch and Linglong Xishui Pearl were rare treasures among third-tier spirit herbs, necessity demanded their use.

Xiao Chen's plan crystallized.

Now that he'd obtained the Yin Fire and Yang Water Seals, he could proceed.

Target: Qingxiao Sect. Departure imminent!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end