Chapter 538: If You're Not Taking Money, Then I'll Have to Use Other Means

Chapter 538: If You're Not Taking Money, Then I'll Have to Use Other Means

"An Tingfeng's only daughter was abducted, and the young heir of the Liuli Qingfeng clan is missing... I initially suspected the work of the Wuliang Dao Huang Zong." A voice echoed in Lu Mingchuan's mind, a memory of his master's words. He continued, "After all, in the vast waters and lands of Xihong, even the Dragon Palace wouldn't dare to offend these two powerful demon clans simultaneously."

"Until Pan Boyang met his demise as well." Lu Mingchuan's face bore a faint smile as he led the way, but his thoughts were occupied by his master's words.

The Wanxiang Pavilion had spies everywhere in the Xihong region, striving to gather the most up-to-date information. This was the foundation of their success in securing a precious piece of land for cultivation and establishing themselves as a formidable sect in the chaotic Xihong region.

Pan Boyang's death was mysterious, and even more peculiar was the speed at which the news spread, which was downright exaggerated.

It was clear that someone was stirring the pot.

Perhaps there truly was an extremely powerful unknown force seeking to enter Xihong. After all, the Tian Yuan Illusory Thunder Ruler had been easily shattered, but the fact that they still resorted to such petty schemes indicated that they were not yet strong enough to directly challenge the Wuliang Dao Huang Sect.

The Wanxiang Pavilion had only recently become a revered sect, and their position was not yet firmly established. They urgently needed a powerful ally or, even better, a patron.

The original plan was to leverage their network of informants and ally themselves with this new and powerful force entering the region. After all, what a newly arrived force needed most was a competent spy.

However, as the Wanxiang Pavilion probed deeper, they discovered something odd about the situation.

Recently, if there was any major force involved in Xihong, it was undoubtedly the group from Nanhong.

Coincidentally, before An Tingfeng's daughter was abducted, there was someone from the Frosthelm White Tiger clan who had offended someone, and that person was An Tuxiao, who had gone to attend the Yushan Dragon Consort's birthday banquet.

According to the information received, An Tuxiao had offended a strange young cultivator who was accompanied by a Liuli Qingfeng.

It took the Wanxiang Pavilion a long time to trace the cause of the incident to a similarly unknown woman—Lin Yu, the disciple of the Bihai Sect, one of the Nanhong Seven.

Then, the Baoyue Grand Tomb encountered trouble.

Starting their investigation with the Liuli Qingfeng clan, the Wanxiang Pavilion discovered that someone had seen the young clan leader's son visiting the Di Ming You Mang clan, and this clan had been destroyed by the Banshan Sect.

Similarly, before the news of Pan Boyang's death spread, his last known location was also the Banshan Sect!

If their informant was correct, the Nanhong Seven had split into two groups, and the other group's goal for seeking aid seemed to be the Banshan Sect.

At this point, the whole matter seemed to be connected.

Even the Wanxiang Pavilion's grandmaster at the He Dao realm seemed somewhat agitated, as they seemed to have grasped the most valuable piece of information in Xihong at the moment.

The only thing left to consider was who to sell this information to.

After careful deliberation, the Wanxiang Pavilion decided to exclude the seemingly most formidable Wuliang Dao Huang Zong. After all, it was better to deal with the local power brokers than distant authorities. The ones who could truly protect their interests in Xihong were the local powers!

Moreover, not only the West Dragon Palace but even the young master of the Ke family from Nanhong had sent people to the Wanxiang Pavilion to inquire about the "Sect Master."

There couldn't be that many unknown forces, and they were all so arrogant and domineering?

The Nanhong Seven had indeed grown senile. They wanted to re-establish their presence but lacked the courage to do so directly, resorting to such ridiculous schemes instead.

No wonder they had been suppressed by the Nanhong Dragon Palace and had been unable to turn their situation around for a whole 100,000 years.

Now, they had finally given up their timid ways and decided to resist, but wasn't it a bit too late?

With their meager abilities, they still dared to seek aid? Tsk, they should just stay put and behave.

"Please follow me, everyone." Lu Mingchuan nodded politely and glanced at the silent girl in the black skirt. "May I ask who this young lady is?"

After all, these were the goods he would be selling, so he needed to know their value beforehand. That way, he could make a better case for his contribution when reporting back to the Dragon Palace.

"The daughter of an old friend. I'm taking care of her," Shen Yi replied with a nod, casually explaining.

As a young cultivator, it was indeed unusual for him to be traveling with a little girl who had no cultivation base.

But he had no choice. After offending so many powerful demons, especially after witnessing the terrifying means of the Frost Tiger Chieftain, he felt uneasy without a He Dao realm expert by his side.

"She's too young and lacks experience, so she's a bit shy." Shen Yi noticed the curious glances that Dai Jian Shu and Zhong Xiu kept stealing at the little girl. To make himself seem more normal, he casually ruffled the little one's hair as if he were an older cousin.

Unexpectedly, An Yi, who had been spacing out, instinctively nuzzled her head into Shen Yi's palm in response, before snapping back to reality and stiffening in place.

Shen Yi quietly withdrew his hand.

This action caused a hint of regret to flash in Lu Mingchuan's eyes. Her demeanor was so extraordinary, but she turned out to be an ordinary little girl who was still at an age where she enjoyed being playful and coy. It seemed that there wouldn't be any unexpected gains from her.

Dai Jian Shu and Zhong Xiu exchanged glances, confusion clouding their minds.

Others might not know, but how could they not be aware that Sect Master Shen had come from the Nanyang treasure land? When he left Nanhong, there were only eight of them. When did he make a friend in Xihong?

However, since Shen Yi was their sect master, and there were outsiders present, the two quietly followed behind him.

Led by Lu Mingchuan and the others, the group soon left Tengyunfang City and traveled through the vast sky and sea, away from civilization.

"Lu Daozi, sorry to trouble you." The burly Zhong Xiu suddenly called out to them, his amiable face still bearing a smile. "This doesn't seem to be the way to the Wanxiang Pavilion."

"..." Lu Mingchuan paused, not expecting these Nanhong barbarians to be so attentive to details.

However, he didn't show the slightest sign of panic and instead smiled, "We're just making a quick stop along the way to pick up some information. As you know, this is how we make our living. But if you're in a hurry, you can head back to your sect first."

If it were anyone else, they would feel obliged to the Wanxiang Pavilion for their help and wouldn't dare to refuse.

But Zhong Xiu, who had been considerate from the start, declined without any hesitation, "We're actually quite pressed for time. I hope you can understand, Lu Daozi."

"No problem.

Perhaps these barbarians from Nanhong had no idea of the true standing of the West Dragon Palace in the region of Xihong.

As long as they were on the water, it didn't really matter where they made their move. After all, no one dared to interfere with the affairs of the Dragon Palace.

It would just be a little more troublesome, that's all.

Setting a trap, cornering their prey? These people were overthinking it. The Wanxiang Pavilion was merely responsible for pointing the way for the Dragon Palace, nothing more.

In the past, the Wanxiang Pavilion would never have dared to easily involve themselves in such matters. But this time was different. Across from the Nanhong Seven were not just the two Dragon Palaces, but also countless other enemies, including the Liuli Qingfeng, Haoyue Frost Tiger, and even the Wuliang Dao Huang Sect.

This piece of information was so valuable that they could profit from it multiple times over.

Making enemies everywhere, they were truly seeking their own demise!

"Whoosh... We've arrived."

Lu Mingchuan suddenly came to a halt amidst the cloud and sea, nonchalantly taking out a conch shell.

He didn't address the group behind him, and more accurately, from the moment he spoke, he didn't spare them another glance.

This included the other Wanxiang Pavilion cultivators, who glanced indifferently at the two Nanhong cultivators. Neither did they make a move nor did they leave, simply hovering quietly in the air.

"You people are truly insane."

As the conch shell appeared, Dai Jian Shu sighed softly, and in the next moment, he vanished from his original spot, along with Zhong Xiu.

According to normal logic, no matter how they thought about it, they couldn't understand why the South Dragon Palace, which was trying to stand up against the Seven, had only sent one elder so far. Not only had they failed to injure the Seven, but even on paper, the Seven still had the upper hand over the South Dragon Palace.

With two tigers fighting, it was unclear which was stronger.

How dare these information peddlers take sides so quickly?

The two of them didn't need to discuss it and immediately sealed off all of Lu Mingchuan's escape routes. They didn't even need to summon their dao soldiers; the sheer might of their auras was enough to render him helpless.

The strength of a Three Cities cultivator might be considered ordinary among the demon race, who didn't need to cross the Tribulation, but among human cultivators, it was the pinnacle of geniuses. This was true whether in Nanhong or Beihong.

After all, that Tribulation of Death was not so easily overcome.

As for the gap in their cultivation techniques... Even a skinny camel is bigger than a horse. How dare a small sect like the Wanxiang Pavilion compare themselves to the Nanhong Seven's cultivators!

"...!"

Sensing the terrifying aura behind him, Lu Mingchuan didn't even turn around, and the other Wanxiang Pavilion cultivators remained unmoved as well, as if they weren't worried about their companion's safety at all.

Only those who were familiar with the power of the West Dragon Palace in the region of Xihong would understand just how formidable they truly were.

Just as Zhong Xiu's rough palm was about to touch Lu Mingchuan's shoulder, a translucent white jade canopy descended at an incredible speed, like an overturned wine cup. At the top was a depiction of nine lifelike golden dragons with their claws spread open.

That thin piece of white jade, after taking Zhong Xiu's full-force palm strike, didn't even crack. It didn't budge in the slightest.

Lu Mingchuan's shoulder was within arm's reach, but to the Lingyue Sect cultivator, it felt like an insurmountable chasm.

Dai Jian Shu also slammed into the jade canopy, his aura dissipating as his eyelids twitched uncontrollably, fear evident in his eyes.

This object exuded a subtle air of danger, something that a White Jade Capital cultivator couldn't possibly break!

"Tsk, the Nine Dragon White Jade Canopy, its reputation is well-deserved."

Lu Mingchuan's face showed admiration, and he bowed towards the water, "Lu Mingchuan of the Wanxiang Pavilion, along with my sect's cultivators, pays respect to Elder Qi!"

Hearing this name, Zhong Xiu slowly retracted his hand.

There was no need for guessing. There were seven dragon sons in the West Dragon Palace, all of whom were comparable to Combined Dao Realm demons.

Dai Jian Shu rubbed his shoulders and looked at Lu Mingchuan seriously, "Are you sure your Wanxiang Pavilion is ready to bear the wrath of our Nanhong Seven? Now send someone to inform our sect's leader. This matter can still be discussed, don't make a mistake."

The fury of six Combined Dao Realm sect leaders was something even the West Dragon Palace had to consider carefully.

"Pfft, still pretending..." Lu Mingchuan couldn't hold back his laughter. He straightened up and mocked, "You know very well how many powers you've offended. Don't play dumb with us."

Upon hearing this, Zhong Xiu and Dai Jian Shu exchanged a glance, confusion evident on their faces.

The answer to the question that had been puzzling them seemed to be hidden in Lu Mingchuan's words.

But the Nanhong Seven had always kept to themselves and had even maintained a neutral stance with the South Dragon Palace. If not for the sudden madness of the Ke family's young master, there wouldn't even have been this conflict. How could they have offended other powers?

"...!"

Shen Yi raised an eyebrow, remembering that the Wanxiang Pavilion was famous for its extensive information network. Suddenly, he didn't want them to continue speaking.

He glanced at the surrounding jade canopy and then raised his palm.

Rumble—

Figures emerged from the water, all of them old demon generals clad in scale armor. Some had a single horn, while others had long beards, but most of them possessed dragon bloodlines to varying degrees.

There were at least two dozen of them, and every one of them exuded an aura above the White Jade Capital realm!

For a single operation, they had brought out an array of power that could only be mustered by the entire Banshan Sect!

It was no less grand than when they had exterminated the Diming Youmang Clan.

"Oh? Where's Elder Qi?"

Lu Mingchuan and the other Wanxiang Pavilion cultivators quickly put on respectful expressions, but as they scanned the group of figures, confusion appeared on their faces.

After all, this matter involved many great clans of Xihong, including the Wuliang Dao Huang Sect.

Elder Qi should have come personally to oversee this matter.

"It's none of your business where Elder Qi is. This matter only requires our presence." The one who spoke was the demon general with the most prominent dragon bloodline among them. Aside from his hideous and ugly appearance, he had horns and scales, and his long beard fluttered in the wind.

He coldly glanced at the group from the Wanxiang Pavilion, "Elder Qi is temporarily occupied with another matter. We are enough to handle this."

"I see! I see!"

Lu Mingchuan forced a smile, but inside, he was seething with anger.

The Wanxiang Pavilion had risked their lives to assist the West Dragon Palace, but they didn't seem to care at all. They had promised... What could be more important than the information he had provided?

Elder Qi didn't show up, and none of these aquatic generals seemed to be in a position to make decisions.

Lu Mingchuan thought to himself, but he still maintained a polite demeanor as he said, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Generals, to take these people back to the Dragon Palace. If you have any questions during the interrogation, the Wanxiang Pavilion will be ready to assist at any time... If it's convenient, you can also set a time for us to pay a visit to the Seventh Elder."

"Tsk," The leading demon general smiled faintly and responded nonchalantly, "We'll see about that. Who knows if what you're saying is true or not."

After speaking, he turned his attention back to the Nine Dragon White Jade Canopy and the people trapped within it, smacking his lips as he said, "The Sect Master? This doesn't seem to be the case."

The people inside looked too young, and none of them matched the description provided by the South Dragon Palace.

Where was the arrogant turtle demon or the violent dragon demon?

If there was anything strange, it was that the youth in ink-colored robes seemed a bit too calm.

The words of the aquatic demons left Dai Jian Shu and Zhong Xiu confused.

However, as cultivators from Nanhong, they had enough courage to not show too much panic. Instead, they turned their gazes to Shen Yi behind them.

But he didn't seem inclined to reveal his identity, merely extending his hand with the long fingers slowly curling into a fist.

"What should we do now...?" Dai Jian Shu couldn't help but ask, feeling anxious. No matter what, they had to find a way to send a message out.

Zhong Xiu, on the other hand, furrowed her brows slightly, her ears twitching as she looked around with a puzzled expression.

Just as the long fingers curled into a tight fist, a crisp sound rang out, clear and distinct in everyone's ears.

Crack!

Countless thin pieces of jade flew in all directions, reflecting the dazzling sunlight and emitting a crystalline glow. The nine lifelike golden dragons seemed to have their spines broken by some heavy object, emitting mournful roars.

Then, they turned into a pile of broken debris, along with the countless jade fragments, and fell into the water with a loud splash.

"......"

The flattery on Lu Mingchuan's face gradually froze, and his hands, which had been raised in a respectful gesture, remained suspended in the air.

He stared blankly at the youth in ink-colored robes, but the latter only glanced at him casually before shifting his gaze away.

However, in that brief moment of eye contact, Lu Mingchuan's eyes reflected a dazzling array of stars.

He and the other Wanxiang Pavilion cultivators behind him stood there like wooden stakes, completely frozen.

With the perfect Heavenly Derivative Technique and the cultivation base of the Fourth City, Shen Yi didn't even bother to look back at them again.

Instead, he turned his gaze towards the group of aquatic generals.

"Huff."

Shen Yi adjusted his breathing slightly. The Town-Subduing Rare Art, having reached perfection, granted him power akin to that of a Combined Dao Realm expert. That was why he was able to shatter the jade canopy, but it also exhausted a significant amount of his energy.

As for the two dozen or so aquatic generals...

He lowered his hand and gently tapped the Yin-Yang Pendant at his waist with his finger. With An Yi always by his side, the fourth divine weapon consumed her foundation, so Shen Yi didn't bother to retrieve it.

In other words, he had been maintaining the enhancement of the Fourth City this whole time.

Ding.

The function of the Yin-Yang Pendant was quite simple.

White jade protects the body, black jade harms the soul.

That tiger's roar was a vicious technique aimed directly at the cultivators' souls!

"How dare you destroy the Seventh Elder's treasure!"

The death of the Wanxiang Pavilion cultivators seemed to startle the aquatic demon general for a moment, and in the next instant, he led the other demon generals in a furious charge towards the youth in ink-colored robes.

Their assault was even more terrifying than when the Banshan Sect had attacked earlier!

However, as the pendant swayed, a nearly tangible roar took the form of a gigantic tiger head, measuring hundreds of feet tall. Its sharp fangs glistened, and the group of aquatic demons was swallowed by the massive maw!

Roar! Roar! Roar!

The two dozen or so figures froze in mid-air, their faces still contorted with rage, but their eyes had lost their luster, devoid of any life or emotion.

They resembled stone statues as they fell one after another towards the water below.

Amidst this bizarre scene, Shen Yi casually flicked his sleeve, collecting the intact bodies of the demon generals into his ring.

After finishing this task, he turned to the two cultivators from Nanhong and asked, "Are you still going now?"

"......"

Zhong Xiu and Dai Jian Shu instinctively looked around, their eyes widening at the sight of the now-empty sea that had been filled with people just moments ago.

They swallowed hard, their throats dry, and finally, their gazes landed back on the person in front of them. Their voices trembled as they asked, "Sect... Sect Master Shen?"

Although the face was familiar, and the expression was similar to what they remembered, they were truly hesitant at this moment.

"If you don't want to go, then let's head back," Shen Yi suggested, tilting his head slightly.

He felt that using normal methods to extract information from the Wanxiang Pavilion members might not be effective, and these people seemed to know too much. However, if he were to use his own methods, bringing these two along would be a bit inconvenient.

"We'll follow your lead," Dai Jian Shu replied, no longer daring to voice any objections.

It was said that Su Hongxiu had a heavy killing intent, but compared to the young man before them, who had just taken the lives of nearly forty people without changing his expression or tone of voice, she seemed like an innocent young girl.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end