Chapter 232: "A Pack of Dogs!"

Chapter 232: "A Pack of Dogs!"

"The Dao Sect is a major sect," the Heavenly Axe Sect Master introduced as they traveled on the flying ship. "Of course, it's not as powerful as the Heavenly Axe Sect. Although the Heavenly Axe Sect doesn't have a Body Fusion Stage expert, their sect's main array was personally laid down by a Body Fusion expert from the ancient Heavenly Axe Sect a hundred thousand years ago."

"A hundred thousand years ago, the Heavenly Axe Sect produced an extraordinary talent. At a time when almost everyone in the sect was a physique cultivator, this ancestor forcefully carved his path as an array cultivator. Before he left to wander the world, he left behind a mid-grade Body Fusion stage Mountain Defense Array for the Heavenly Axe Sect."

"It's precisely because of this array that the Heavenly Axe Sect has remained untouched for the past ten thousand years. Furthermore, they occupy Blooming City, which is the closest city to the Heavenly Palace. Many cultivators passing by will stop and rest here, making it one of the richer cities in the Mystic Heaven State."

As the Heavenly Axe Sect Master spoke about his sect's Mountain Defense Array, a hint of pride appeared on his face, but it quickly faded when he noticed the peculiar expression on the elder's face.

It is often said that the more one speaks, the more likely they are to make a mistake, and it seemed like he had just done so.

Boasting about one's wealth was a risky move, especially in front of an elder.

"As for the Dao Sect, their overall strength is not as strong as the Heavenly Axe Sect. The sect mainly focuses on array cultivation, making it a relatively pure array cultivation sect," the Heavenly Axe Sect Master quickly changed the topic, his scalp prickling.

"Their highest cultivation level is the Eighth Layer of Essence Refinement, held by the Supreme Elder, who has been in seclusion for hundreds of years. It's said that he's preparing to break through to the Body Fusion Stage. Now, he should be at the Ninth Layer of Essence Refinement or even the peak. The specific situation is unknown."

"This person, a thousand years ago, was also a renowned monster talent in the Mystic Heaven State. However, after so many years, aside from us old monsters, not many people remember his name."

As he spoke, the Heavenly Axe Sect Master couldn't help but sigh.

In his youth, he too was hailed as a monster talent, considered the most promising physique cultivator in the Mystic Heaven State with unmatched combat prowess.

However, as time passed, each cultivation session required decades, even close to a hundred years. Gradually, the Mystic Heaven State stopped mentioning his name and began discussing other monster talents.

Monster talents were extremely rare, but they seemed to appear as frequently as crucian carp in the river.

Later, these monster talents either died or got stuck at a certain cultivation level. Like most of them, he discovered that his cultivation was stuck at a certain point, making it difficult to break through. He then took up important positions in the sect and began nurturing the younger generation.

When looking at the new monster talents with their youthful vigor and self-importance, he couldn't help but sigh deeply. At that moment, they finally understood why their elders had looked at them with such complex eyes during their youthful, ambitious days.

Who hasn't been ambitious and full of vigor in their youth?

Who wasn't a monster talent in their younger days?

If not for Chen Qiu, the Heavenly Axe Sect Master would not hesitate to say that he was among the most powerful and influential group of people in the entire Mystic Heaven State. He felt that his path had been relatively smooth, but after meeting Chen Qiu, he realized the true meaning of the word 'gap'.

He understood what a true monster talent was.

"We're here."

The Heavenly Axe Sect Master, whose thoughts had drifted far away, suddenly snapped back to attention at the elder's voice. He looked down at the Dao Sect's mountain peak and reacted, "Ah? Oh, Elder, don't worry. I'll clear the way!"

As his words fell, Fat Dragon and the others shot down from the flying ship towards the Dao Sect below.

At this moment, the Dao Sect's Mountain Defense Array was fully activated. Additionally, four or five temporary arrays had been hastily set up around the sect. The Dao Sect's Sect Master stood on the highest platform at the peak, gazing up at Fat Dragon and his group suspended in the air. His face darkened as he shouted, "Our Dao Sect and the Mocking Heaven Sect have no past grudges or recent conflicts. Could it be that your sect truly intends to slaughter our entire Dao Sect without distinguishing right from wrong?!"

"It's common knowledge that array cultivators excel in fighting against higher-level opponents!"

"This is the Dao Sect's territory. There are six main arrays, not to mention countless smaller arrays, auxiliary arrays, linked arrays, illusion arrays, killing arrays, and sword arrays. You could say that every three steps, there's a small array, and every ten steps, there's a large array."

"Every step is filled with killing intent!"

"Do you think the Mocking Heaven Sect can handle the depth of our Dao Sect's foundation?!"

He had already received the news in advance.

The news of the Buddha Sect, Bai Family, and Maiden Sword Sect being annihilated had not spread throughout the Mystic Heaven State, but those of higher status, like him, had undoubtedly received the information first.

Especially since the Dao Sect was on the Mocking Heaven Sect's path! So, he had taken out all the spirit stones stored in the sect and continuously powered the main array. He also set up numerous arrays around and within the sect, which could be activated at any moment. Inside the sect, the elders and disciples were also demonstrating their abilities, setting up various small arrays.

At this moment, the Dao Sect could be described as heavily fortified.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it a forbidden zone; even a Peak Essence Refinement cultivator wouldn't dare to forcibly break in.

While the main arrays were powerful, sometimes the smaller arrays were also useful. They consumed less energy and were more concealed. These numerous small arrays now covered the entire Dao Sect like baby spiders.

The Dao Sect was a sect with a ten-thousand-year heritage in array cultivation, so they were naturally proficient in array techniques. If they didn't have some means, they wouldn't have lasted this long. Especially now, each person held an array plate, and once the battle started, these plates would be thrown out! Moreover, the Dao Sect possessed the permanent totem of the 'Instant Formation' domain, and every disciple had mastered this domain. Once the battle began, countless 'Instant Formation' domains would be activated, creating numerous large arrays.

"Hmm."

The Heavenly Axe Sect Master, suspended in the air, looked down at the Dao Sect's tightly guarded group and couldn't help but twitch his lips. To be honest, if he were alone, he wouldn't dare to step into the Dao Sect, even with his Peak Essence Refinement cultivation!

The overall strength of the Dao Sect was indeed weaker than that of the Heavenly Axe Sect.

In terms of home turf combat strength, the most powerful sect in the entire Mystic Heaven State is undoubtedly the Dao Sect, and it even ranks among the top sects in the vast continent of the Vast Continent.

A single Body Fusion Low-grade array serves as the sect's main array.

Five Ultimate Refinement Void-grade arrays act as auxiliary arrays to the main array, and together with various other arrays, the Dao Sect can now simultaneously activate a thousand large arrays.

Indeed, it is formidable.

However, he leaned in and whispered to Fat Dragon, "The Dao Sect is wealthy. Nearly three-tenths of the array plates in the entire Mystic Heaven State are made and circulated by the Dao Sect disciples. Moreover, the Dao Sect has more Spirit Stones than other forces."

"Many sects invite people from the Dao Sect to set up arrays."

"Unlike other sects, many Spirit Stones are used to purchase fixed assets for capital flow. The Dao Sect's business is mostly done by paying Spirit Stones first and then doing the work, so there's basically no capital flow pressure. Plus, all arrays require Spirit Stones to activate."

"You could say that Spirit Stones are the Array Cultivators' combat power."

"So the Dao Sect's treasure vault also stores a large number of Spirit Stones. Unlike other sects, the Dao Sect has been accumulating wealth for nearly ten thousand years. I'm not clear about the rest, but I know that they've built four treasure vaults just for storage."

"And that's just the ones we know about. Who knows how many more there are in secret."

"The Dao Sect has named the Spirit Stones in these treasure vaults 'Strategic Spirit Stones.' They are not used for sect expenses, nor are they distributed as sect stipends or used for purchasing and cultivating disciples. They are purely for activating arrays when the sect encounters a formidable enemy."

"That's a huge fortune!"

"We can ask for more, then."

"Like this."

Fat Dragon's smile almost reached his ears. He immediately suspended himself in the air and looked down at the Dao Sect's Sect Leader standing on the mountain platform below. He raised the fruit basket in his hand and said in an extremely gentle voice, "It seems there's been a misunderstanding. We're here for a visit."

"This fruit basket contains spiritual fruits from the Mocking Heaven Sect's mountain. They taste amazing. We brought them as a gift for you."

"Nonsense!"

The Sect Leader of the Dao Sect on the mountain platform, his face slightly filled with anger, said, "You're clearly..."

The next moment—

Without the slightest hesitation, Fat Dragon turned and looked up at the flying ship above him. He shouted, "Brother Qiu, this is an evil sect. I suggest we slaughter them all!"

Such a juicy opportunity.

It felt like it would be better to swallow it whole rather than just take a bite.

"Wait!"

At this moment, the Sect Leader of the Dao Sect's face turned slightly pale. He hurriedly shouted in a rushed voice, "Hold on! We'll take the fruit basket, and we've prepared a return gift!"

It wasn't surprising that he suddenly changed his tone.

Just now, the Sect Leader of the Heavenly Axe Sect had already transmitted a message to him, informing him of the situation. Accepting the fruit basket would be a civil visit, while refusing it would be a martial visit. In any case, they had to pay a visit today, and they couldn't return to the Mocking Heaven Sect empty-handed.

He and the Sect Leader of the Heavenly Axe Sect were old friends.

However, the Sect Leader of the Heavenly Axe Sect had just pretended not to recognize him, which made him wonder if the Sect Leader was planning to deliver a fatal blow to Chen Qiu at the start of the war, then work with him to lure the Mocking Heaven Sect into a deeper trap and eliminate them here.

So he also pretended not to recognize the Sect Leader of the Heavenly Axe Sect. But soon, he realized that the Sect Leader had no reason to pretend not to know him; he was simply afraid that Chen Qiu would misunderstand.

And the Sect Leader of the Heavenly Axe Sect had made his intentions clear.

If they didn't play along, the Dao Sect's name would truly disappear from the Mystic Heaven State.

Still feeling a bit unconvinced, he sent a message through divine sense, asking, "With so many arrays, can the Dao Sect really not stop Chen Qiu? Our sect has a Body Fusion Low-grade array!"

The Sect Leader of the Heavenly Axe Sect replied, "Our sect has a Body Fusion Mid-grade array."

"Huff!"

The Sect Leader of the Dao Sect took a deep breath and said in a low voice, "Please ask your sect's elder to come down for a chat."

A hundred breaths later.

". "

The Sect Leader of the Dao Sect looked expressionlessly at the nearly hundred brown bears in front of him. Each bear had a tray on its head, and on top of the trays were hundreds of Spirit Stones. After walking out of the sect's treasure vault, they headed straight for the flying ship parked not far away.

They split into two teams.

One team carried the Spirit Stones, while the other returned empty-handed.

It was a bustling scene, like ants moving their nest.

Seeing this, the Sect Leader of the Dao Sect's heart bled. He took a deep breath and turned to look at the Sect Leader of the Heavenly Axe Sect, who was standing by his side, "Why doesn't the Mocking Heaven Sect use storage rings?"

"Hey."

The Sect Leader of the Heavenly Axe Sect gave a dry laugh, "The Elder suddenly gave the order, saying that it would be more fun this way. He wants to record it with Memory Stones and enjoy it later. These brown bears are the Elder's pets. Their cultivation is not high, but they are all quite lovable."

"Pets?" The Sect Leader of the Dao Sect pointed expressionlessly at a brown bear in the distance, wearing a robe and walking in line, "A pet can play with a Superior Divination Transformation Spiritual Treasure Robe? Do you know how many Buddhist disciples would fight over this in the cultivation world? But in the Mocking Heaven Sect, it's just a toy for pets?"

"Well, even pets have owners. After all, they belong to the Elder, so it's understandable if they're a little richer."

"Then..."

Hearing this, the Sect Leader of the Dao Sect became slightly angry, and subconsciously raised his voice. But soon, he realized and lowered his voice, looking at the flying ship in the distance, "Since the Elder is so wealthy, why visit us?"

"Hey, how do you think the Elder became so rich?"

"But with so many good things, like the Superior Divination Transformation Spiritual Treasure Robe, why not sell them? That could also bring in a large amount of Spirit Stones!"

"Sell to whom?"

"Sell it to the Buddhist disciples. This is a treasure of the Buddhist sect!"

"..." The Zongzhu of the Heavenly Axe Sect, an old friend of many years, looked at him with a complicated expression and said, "The Buddhist sect has been wiped out, and the remaining high-ranking members who escaped are being hunted down. Which Buddhist disciple would buy this now?"

"Then, can we sell other unnecessary heavenly treasures and resources?"

"You mean, the Mocking Heaven Sect gives you some things, and you give them spirit stones?"

"Yes!" The Dao Sect Leader nodded seriously, "After all, the Mocking Heaven Sect, not to mention the Bai Family and Maiden Sword Sect, must have obtained numerous heavenly treasures and resources. They can definitely turn these into spirit stones through legal means."

"Alright."

The Zongzhu of the Heavenly Axe Sect pointed to the fruit basket on the ground beside him, "This is the model you mentioned. I've given you the goods, now it's your turn to give me the spirit stones."

"No!!!

The Dao Sect Leader's voice was almost on the verge of a mental breakdown as he lowered his voice and roared, "Do you understand what I mean? I mean the Mocking Heaven Sect can obtain a large amount of spirit stones through legal means, there's no need for this."

"Is this illegal? Where's the law?"

"It's not illegal, but it's not considerate."

"You're not being considerate even after I gave you the fruit basket? If you truly don't care about our friendship, your Dao Sect should be flowing with blood by now."

"But the Mocking Heaven Sect can give us some valuable heavenly treasures and resources. That way, we won't be at a loss either!"

"Isn't this valuable?"

The Zongzhu of the Heavenly Axe Sect casually took a spiritual fruit from the fruit basket on the ground and took a big bite, "Juicy and sweet. This is produced in the Mocking Heaven Sect's backyard, a one-of-a-kind treasure."

"Moreover, if you don't lose, it means the Mocking Heaven Sect will. And if they lose, it means someone will die."

"I definitely won't die, and neither will the senior. Guess who will?"

"..."

The Dao Sect Leader stood there in disbelief, then turned to look at the Zongzhu of the Heavenly Axe Sect and muttered, "What kind of messy thoughts are these? You were the one who, based on the 'Three Heaven-Splitting Axes,' a superior Divine Transformation-grade spell, created the fourth axe, directly breaking through to the ultimate Essence Condensation-grade spell. You were once a renowned figure in the Mystic Heaven State, but what happened to you now?"

"Now I have the fifth axe, which is much more powerful than the fourth."

The Zongzhu of the Heavenly Axe Sect smiled and stuffed the half-eaten spiritual fruit into his old friend's mouth, saying meaningfully, "That's why, among those who besieged Chen Qiu, only I survived, and my sect remained unscathed."

"I've realized something."

"What does it mean to go with the flow? It's never standing in the way of the tide. When the tide brings rolling waves, whether it's an Essence Condensation peak cultivator or a Body Fusion powerhouse, they'll all be crushed beneath the waves."

"I've always accompanied you because I know you tend to overthink and get stuck on problems, then impulsively activate the array."

"I really don't want to see you end up like this. It's just a few spirit stones; if they're gone, earn them again. I know that for your Dao Sect, these aren't a big deal."

"Trust me."

"I won't harm you."

"If I were you, I'd go find the Great Elder of the Mocking Heaven Sect and try to strike up a conversation. He's a talkative person, and from my observations these days, he's also a confidant of Chen Qiu. In this interest group, his position isn't low, and he's also well-respected by the Dragon Clan. The Dragon Clan highly recognizes him as the Great Elder of the Mocking Heaven Sect."

"Although his cultivation is a bit low, only at the initial stage of Divine Transformation."

"But his authority is substantial. You're at the sixth layer of Essence Condensation, so lower your stance and say some nice words, offer some benefits secretly. If that Fat Dragon Elder speaks well of you in the future, you'll reap great benefits."

The Zongzhu of the Heavenly Axe Sect lowered his voice, "There's also the Second Elder of the Mocking Heaven Sect, the Elder Scholar. According to my observations, although he presides over the Punishment Hall, his actual power is limited."

"Including the Third Elder, whose name I still don't know. If you want to interact with these two, just do it normally, don't say too much to avoid problems."

"There's no need for these two to help you. Just ensure that they don't feel neglected by you and hold a grudge, then they won't speak ill of you to the senior in the future."

"There's one more person..."

"The Outer Elder of the Mocking Heaven Sect, Elder Qu Gui. This person is quite slippery. From what I've heard, he's one of the old-timers in the Mocking Heaven Sect and can speak up in front of the senior. He's at the eighth rank of Divine Transformation Domain and is not weak."

"You can communicate more with this person."

"..."

The Dao Sect Leader looked at his old friend with a complicated expression, "It's only been a few days, and you've observed so thoroughly?"

"Hey."

The Zongzhu of the Heavenly Axe Sect couldn't help but smile, "I created the fourth axe. Do you think creating a spell doesn't require brainpower? If you're going to integrate into this interest group, you must observe its power structure and factional struggles, so you don't accidentally join the wrong side."

"Currently, the Mocking Heaven Sect has no factions; it's a one-man show by the senior."

"The senior doesn't have a wife, so there's no wife pulling strings behind the scenes."

In the early days of a sect, it was usually a one-man show, with the founder having absolute authority and power.

But if this founder had a wife who had been by his side since the beginning, there's a chance that the wife would feel that her contributions to the sect's success were significant.

Unwilling to stay behind the scenes, she might start to divide the sect, and factional struggles would ensue.

This isn't common, but it's not rare either.

Such situations are often tricky because, even if the founder is aware, they usually turn a blind eye. Few people have the heart to take action against their partner, and with the leaders setting this tone, the lower-ranked members naturally become confused.

Over time, the problem grew bigger.

Take Chen Xiu, for example.

With no wife, no internal divisions, no factions, and possessing the strongest strength within his sect, this interest group was as pure as it gets. All he needed to do was perform well, and he would gain Chen Xiu's attention, leading to more opportunities in the future.

Many sects require a Young Sect Leader like this to stabilize the hearts of the people, just in case the Sect Leader suddenly passes away, leaving the sect without a leader. But in the case of Mock Heaven Sect, there was no need to worry.

Because the core of Mock Heaven Sect was Chen Xiu.

If Chen Xiu were to suddenly die, the Mock Heaven Sect would disband immediately.

There was no need to consider the issue of a Young Sect Leader.

".

The Dao Sect's Sect Leader remained silent for a long time before whispering, "I understand."

Finally, he compromised.

At this moment—

The man's back seemed to hunch slightly, and several strands of hair appeared on his head, instantly aging him several times over. His stubborn mindset, which had persisted for many years, was finally crushed in this instant!

It seemed that as long as one was strong enough, they didn't need to care about any rules or consider anything else.

A fruit basket was the greatest and only favor.

Then, they saw the Dao Sect's Sect Leader pick up a spirit fruit from the fruit basket beside him, take a deep breath, and run towards the nearby Fat Dragon, who was directing the others. His voice was filled with excitement and joy, "Elder Fat, this spirit fruit is absolutely delicious! Are there more?"

"The Dao Sect is willing to purchase them at a high price!"

"Eh?"

The Sect Leader of the Heavenly Axe Sect, who was still sighing for his old friend, stood in place and was slightly startled. A trace of bewilderment flashed in his eyes. Was he changing his mind so quickly? Was he so familiar with this?

Half an hour later.

The group from the Mock Heaven Sect left the Dao Sect, satisfied. The Dao Sect's Sect Leader led the others, waving farewell with a red handkerchief in hand as they stood on the platform of the Dao Sect's mountain peak, their faces filled with reluctance.

Regardless of what they thought in their hearts, they had done a good job on the surface.

Not to mention anything else.

Could you bear to kill someone who was all smiles and trying to please you? How cruel would that be!

After seeing off the group from the Mock Heaven Sect, the Dao Sect's Sect Leader turned to look at a chessboard in his hand. This was given to him by Chen Xiu after learning that he was good at chess.

He also received a jade slip.

This jade slip contained information about a treasure.

-

"Treasure Name": Heaven's Chess.

"Acquisition Source": Gift from Heavenly Dao.

"Usage Effect":

1. Play Heaven's Chess. If it's a draw or you win by one stone, you will obtain a random Spiritual Treasure. The higher the number of stones you win by, the better the grade of the Spiritual Treasure. This is a one-time opportunity.

-

It was unclear what grade of treasure it was or what grade of Spiritual Treasure it could produce.

Winning by one stone would grant a random Spiritual Treasure.

In Go, the maximum number of stones one can win by is usually two. It's about winning stones, not capturing them, so he could only obtain two random Spiritual Treasures at most.

Of course, this was assuming he could win.

For a moment, he wasn't sure of its value.

"It's not bad."

The Dao Sect's Sect Leader smirked, his smile almost fading, not because he thought the treasure was valuable, but perhaps because he had performed well, and the Sect Leader of the Mock Heaven Sect had promised him something.

He said that he would destroy all the arrays of the nearby sects as he passed by.

This way,

these sects would have to come to the Dao Sect again to set up arrays, which would be a big order. In their line of work, the prices for setting up arrays for sects were usually very high, not because the costs were particularly expensive.

Rather, once an array was set up, it would often be a long time before any issues arose, and they would only need to be maintained every ten years, earning them a meager profit.

To put it bluntly, it was a one-time deal.

There was no repurchase or subsequent income.

But if these arrays were destroyed, the result would be different. The repurchase would be guaranteed, and he would have never dared to do such a thing before. This was breaking the rules, and if it were exposed, their reputation would be completely ruined.

But now.

He felt that the Mock Heaven Sect's approach was very farsighted, and it wasn't them who took action, so the blame couldn't fall on them.

A win-win situation!

Furthermore, they left behind a "Mock Heaven Sect" token, saying that in the future, the Dao Sect would enjoy the protection of the Mock Heaven Sect, and anyone who opposed the Dao Sect would be the enemy of the Mock Heaven Sect!

On the flying ship.

".

The Sect Leader of the Heavenly Axe Sect stood silently on the deck, not saying a word. He felt as if he had been deceived by his old friend. His old friend didn't seem as stubborn and old-fashioned as he had imagined, but rather slippery and frighteningly crazy! Especially when he learned from Fat Dragon that this was Chen Xiu's first formal visit to a sect, and he had given a fruit basket, one of his treasures, and a promise, and even a token of the Mock Heaven Sect!

This was the very first time.

It made the elders feel that a fruit basket was not enough, and one could imagine how crazy his old friend was.

"Huff"

Standing on the deck, Chen Xiu looked at the large bag of storage rings in his arms, took a deep breath, and calmed his emotions. He frowned and looked at Fat Dragon and the others around him, "Think about it, how else can we help the Dao Sect?"

He had made many formal visits like this before.

Even when he was in the Profound Heaven Continent, it had become a regular occurrence.

But this time, he felt a bit overwhelmed.

Fat Dragon asked for 200,000 medium-grade spirit stones as a return gift, a rather exaggerated number. The Bai family's extermination only yielded 400,000 spirit stones.

The Dao Sect agreed.

Originally, this would have been the end of it, but the Dao Sect's Sect Leader took the initiative to approach and said that the spirit fruit was delicious, and he wanted to purchase them at a high price.

He intended to buy them at a rate of 1,000 spirit stones per spirit fruit.

Not many.

Just 1,500 fruits.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end