Reigning Supreme in countless worlds With Beast taming

Qin Feng extended his hand, and a gentle surge of True Yuan drew the Red Lotus Sword to him.

Because Chu Youhong's power was no longer supporting it, the Red Lotus Sword reverted to its original fist-sized form.

Qin Feng gazed at the Red Lotus Sword floating before him, as beautiful as its name suggested, resembling a vivid and lifelike red lotus.

Had it not been for the sharp and terrifying Sword Intent faintly radiating from it, people might not believe that it had once been an Immortal Sword, one that belonged to the renowned Sword Dao sect, Taiyi Mountain.

Even though the Red Lotus Immortal Sword had fallen in quality, its strength was substantial enough to prevent any notion of underestimation from arising in Qin Feng's heart.

In fact, far from underestimating it, he was growing increasingly tense.

Just as he was about to touch the beautiful Immortal Sword, a sense of resistance emanated from the blade.

When he tried to infuse his own True Yuan into it to probe the state of the internal prohibitions of the top-level Spiritual Treasure Flying Sword, the Red Lotus Sword suddenly broke free from his restraint. It shone brightly with Spirit Light, and its fierce Sword Intent forcefully pushed Qin Feng back more than a dozen feet.

Without waiting for Qin Feng to react, the Red Lotus Sword shot up towards the heavens, slashing through several layers of the Ghost-Faced Spider's webs above. While it only made a small tear, it was big enough to escape through.

Just as the Red Lotus Sword was about to flee, a greasy, large hand stretched out from the void and grabbed it firmly, preventing the even more intense Sword Qi from the sword to break free from its dry, claw-like grasp.

"Heh heh heh, such a good treasure, indeed a great treasure!"

Then, to Qin Feng's astonished gaze, an elderly figure with an aged appearance suddenly emerged from the void.

The elder looked at the squirming Red Lotus Sword in his hand, a flicker of delight in his eyes, "I did not expect this Immortal Sword to fall into my hands, heh heh, this is a huge loss for Taiyi Mountain."

As he spoke, his hand shined with Spirit Light, and prohibitions materialized out of thin air, firmly imprisoning the Red Lotus Sword, rendering it motionless.

The elder vanished in a flash, appearing before Qin Feng before he could even see the elder's movements. The elder, with his sharp eyes, scrutinized Qin Feng from head to toe, making Qin Feng's skin crawl.

"This... Elder, the junior is Qin Feng, a disciple of the Beast Taming Sect. My master is Ning Wuxu. I wonder if you might recognize him?"

Qin Feng was anxious and uncertain, not knowing who this powerful elder that had suddenly appeared was.

The fact that this person did not interfere in his fight to kill Chu Youhong but suddenly appeared and subdued the Red Lotus Sword, now observing him, left Qin Feng somewhat at a loss.

Thus, Qin Feng quickly mentioned his master's name, hoping that if the elder intended him any ill-will, he might be deterred by the reputation of the Beast Taming Sect or his master, Ning Wuxu, who was a formidable cultivator in the Primordial Spirit Realm.

"I know!"

The elder nodded.

"Ah?"

Qin Feng looked at the elder blankly. What do you know?

"I know you're Qin Feng, and I know you're that lad Ning Wuxu's disciple!"

The elder explained, "So you don't need to tell me these things."

Hearing this, a faint unease rippled through Qin Feng.

This old fellow seemed to be of a very high status, likely a senior who had cultivated for countless years, far older than his own master; otherwise, he would not address his master so casually.

However, Qin Feng, always one to take the opportunity, did not overthink but quickly went along with the elder's words, "So the elder is also acquainted with my master. Since that's the case, we're practically family. May I know how to address the elder, and at which famous mountain does the elder cultivate? So that when I return to my sect, I can inform my master, and perhaps one day have the chance to accompany my master to visit the elder at your daoist abode."

"No need for visits."

The elder replied, "I have been planning to travel and seek opportunities, and won't be at the mountain gate."

"Oh, I see."

Qin Feng showed a look of regret on his face but breathed a sigh of relief inside.

Since the elder said this, it seemed that he had no ill intent toward him.

"Here!"

As Qin Feng was pondering how to coax more information out of the elder, the elder extended his hand in front of Qin Feng.

"Uh..."

Qin Feng looked down at the dirty, greasy palm and the Red Lotus Sword cradled within, slightly stunned, "Elder, what is this?"

"You were able to defeat Chu Youhong with your own strength, which pleases me."

The elder said with a smile, "In this respect, you are stronger than I was, and much stronger than your master back in his days.

Your master, when he was in the Golden Core Realm, did not subdue a Demon Beast from the Purple Mansion Realm, nor could he handle a Sword Cultivator of Chu Youhong's caliber!

Since Chu Youhong was killed by you, this Red Lotus Sword is also your spoils of war. I wouldn't stoop to snatch treasures from the younger generation, and besides, it's not of much use to me; if I kept it, it would just be a Bright Pearl collecting dust. Better to leave it for you to handle.

Don't worry, I've bound this Red Lotus Sword. As long as you don't release the Prohibition, it won't escape."

"This... thank you, senior."

Although Qin Feng was still unsure of the other's identity, he certainly wouldn't refuse a windfall, especially since it was a treasure he had gone through great efforts to obtain.

So, he quickly reached out and took the Red Lotus Sword from the other's hand.

"What are you thanking me for? As an elder, it is only right for me to help you suppress a treasure. Besides, if we're talking about gratitude, it should be me thanking you."

"Ah, why would senior say that?"

Qin Feng was utterly baffled.

Thank me? What have I done for you? I don't remember.

"Oh, that's my fault!"

The elder slapped his forehead, leaving a black smear from the grease on his hand.

Unbothered, he continued speaking, "I got carried away talking to you and forgot to tell you who I am. I am Yu Hualong, and by seniority, you should be addressing me as Ancestor Martial Uncle."

Hearing the elder state his name, Qin Feng immediately relaxed, "So it's Ancestor Martial Uncle in person. You gave this disciple quite a scare. I thought it was some high-level expert from another sect who was drawn here by the fluctuations from the fight between me and Chu Youhong."

"Haha..."

Yu Hualong laughed, "Seeing you're not a timid person, you get scared too?"

"That's right, I had almost exhausted my strength just barely managing to handle a severely injured Purple Mansion Cultivator, and then you, a Great Cultivator with even more unfathomable Dao Cultivation, appeared. Anyone would be frightened in such a scenario."

Qin Feng followed up with a cheerful response.

This Yu Hualong was a Primordial Spirit Realm Great Cultivator of the Spiritual Snake Lineage, second only to Ning Wuxu, and of very high seniority—such that even Ning Wuxu would pay him respects with a formal greeting.

Just a few years ago, Qin Feng's master had mentioned that this elder had a short remaining Life Span and had long been in seclusion, focused on breaking through to achieve Longevity. It was unexpected to encounter him here.

"Ancestor Martial Uncle."

Qin Feng cautiously asked, "I heard from my master that you have been in seclusion for many years, meditating on the Dao. Now that you are here, does it mean that you have..."

"Not yet."

Yu Hualong sighed, "Achieving Longevity is not so easy. I have emerged from seclusion mainly because of you.

The Gui Ling Ancestor communicated to us several old timers who have been in dead-end seclusion without hope of advancing, revealing the Druid Transformation Technique to us. I see it as an opportunity. Although success is uncertain, it is worth a try, so I left seclusion, aiming to utilize the last hundred-odd years to experiment.

If I can find a Demon Beast that suits my cultivation path and draw insights from its Rule Power, perhaps there's a chance to achieve the Immortal Dao.

I had just emerged from seclusion and was discussing matters with the Sect Master and others, inquiring about changes within the Sect when the Dark Hall reported that someone from Taiyi Mountain intended to harm you. It just so happened I was going out, so I came over first to resolve your troubles, saving the Sect Master and the others the need for further discussion on who to send."

"I see."

Qin Feng nodded. It seemed that the Sect truly took his protection seriously—response was swift once they got the news, and they jumped into action on whether to dispatch an Inner Sect Elder to safeguard him. Having such a caring Sect made Qin Feng feel quite fortunate.

"Thank you for taking the trouble, Ancestor Martial Uncle."

Qin Feng gave a slight bow to Yu Hualong in gratitude.

"There's no trouble," Yu Hualong said. "I originally planned to deal with that old woman Chu Youhong for you, but to my surprise, you actually had so many tricks up your sleeve that you managed to kill her on your own, which truly exceeded my expectations.

Haha... it seems our Spiritual Snake Lineage has an exceptional True Disciple in this generation.

Young man, continue to cultivate diligently. I have high hopes for your future. With such capabilities already, advancing to the Purple Mansion Realm and comprehending the Heavenly Dao and the Principle Arcane may even take you further."

"Ancestor Martial Uncle flatters me, I will certainly do my best to not let the Sect down."

"Hehe, no need to be overly modest, it's better for young people to aim high."

Yu Hualong said with a chuckle, and then continued, "Originally, the Red Lotus Sword was a very famous Immortal Sword of Taiyi Mountain, and it is also the Inheritance Treasure of the Red Lotus Lineage. Not only is it powerful, but it also carries the inheritance of the 'Fiery Fire Red Lotus Sword Technique.' It was left behind by the Red Lotus Sword Immortal who created this technique, so it contains her understanding as well.

Therefore, this Immortal Sword not only represents the identity of the Red Lotus Sword Master; it is also a supreme treasure that aids successive Red Lotus Sword Masters in comprehending the Sword Dao.

Although it's rare for disciples of our Beast Taming Sect to practice the Sword Dao alongside the orthodox Beast Taming Techniques, you have also practiced the 'Azure Dragon Divine Technique,' a Body Refining Technique. It's unlikely you'll have the energy to cultivate sword techniques as well, but using it as a reference could be beneficial. At the very least, you could gain a better understanding of the methods of sword cultivators, so you can be well-prepared when dealing with them in the future.

However, even though the Red Lotus Immortal Sword has lost its Sword Spirit, over the years it has nourished a new Spiritual Nature and is hence very resistant to other forms of True Yuan.

Unless you can get hold of the introductory mnemonic of the 'Fiery Fire Red Lotus Sword Technique' and convert your True Yuan to refine the Red Lotus Sword, do not lightly attempt to perceive its internal inheritance. At the very least, wait until after reaching the Purple Mansion Realm when you have gained control of Rule Power, so you can imprison the Red Lotus Sword to prevent it from escaping."

"Thank you, Ancestor Martial Uncle, for the advice."

Qin Feng nodded and then asked, "Now that the Inheritance Treasure of the Red Lotus Lineage has fallen into my hands, does this mean their lineage's inheritance could be severed?"

"What are you thinking?"

Yu Hualong said helplessly, "This is merely their Inheritance Treasure, not their sole method of inheritance.

Just like our Beast Taming Sect, aside from leaving a copy of our Cultivation Techniques in the Preaching Hall and Book Collection Pavilion of the sect, there's also a copy in the Ten Thousand Demons Cave Heaven. Moreover, Elder Kongkong and Gui Ling Ancestor have also left contingency plans for the sect in secret places. Even if the sect faces a great catastrophe, we can ensure that the sect's inheritance will not be lost.

We have such measures in place, and naturally, Taiyi Mountain will not have only this single inheritance. So, they've only lost an already demoted Red Lotus Immortal Sword. It's not so easy for an entire lineage to lose its inheritance!

Besides, Chu Youhong definitely has other disciples cultivating in Taiyi Mountain. It's not that easy to break a lineage."

"I see."

Qin Feng nodded upon hearing this but was not too surprised.

"Alright then."

Yu Hualong said, "Now that you've slain Chu Youhong, I also need to seek opportunities, so I won't keep you here for idle chat.

However, before I leave, there's a little bug that still needs to be dealt with."

As he spoke, he waved his hand and made a grabbing motion in the air. Instantly, a palm-shaped phantom extended from the distant forest and captured a person: "This fellow has been following you, skulking in the shadows and spying. He must have a Spiritual Treasure that conceals his aura; otherwise, he wouldn't have escaped your perception.

Unfortunately, running into me, he's just out of luck!"

Feeling the immense power transferred from the hand that grasped him, the captured man immediately cried out, "Spare me, senior! Don't kill me, I'm one of us..."

"Hmm?"

Yu Hualong frowned, his old face showing a thick layer of confusion: "One of us? What do you mean 'one of us'? I have already sensed a familiar Sword Qi emanating from you, that's the aura of Taiyi Mountain cultivators. Are you trying to deceive me?"

As he spoke, his hand tightened, ready to crush the man.

The person he had captured from midair was none other than Zhuo Feifan.

Zhuo Feifan cursed his luck.

A few days ago, as he was wandering around the sect, he happened to encounter Jiang Yinghong.

At that time, Jiang Yinghong was preparing to come to Kun City to kill Qin Feng, thinking that Zhuo Feifan, being romantically involved with her niece, would have great animosity towards Qin Feng. So, she invited Zhuo Feifan to come along for revenge. Even if he didn't need to act personally, watching the man who loved his martial sister die before his eyes would surely be satisfying.

Zhuo Feifan had no way to explain himself, and under the circumstances, had no choice but to follow Jiang Yinghong to Kun City.

However, when Jiang Yinghong ordered everyone to massacre the Qin Family earlier, he dared not make a move.

Later, he felt even more fortunate for his inaction.

Because the abilities Qin Feng revealed had shocked him.

Both were true disciples, so why was there such a huge disparity between them?

He, a sword cultivator considered to have combat power far beyond his peers, possessed an Ancient Spirit Sword by sheer chance. Yet, at his Golden Core Early Stage strength, he could at best contend with an ordinary Golden Core Late Stage cultivator but stood no chance against a Purple Mansion Cultivator, let alone an old-fashioned Purple Mansion like Chu Youhong.

Qin Feng not only contended with Chu Youhong but also blew her up on the spot, even capturing the Red Lotus Sword.

Zhuo Feifan had secretly followed Qin Feng and Chu Youhong, initially just wanting to watch from the shadows, thinking it would be good if Qin Feng were killed by Chu Youhong. Little did he know, his presence had already been detected by Yu Hualong.

Now, sensing the killing intent in Yu Hualong's eyes and feeling the fictitious giant hand outside his body preparing to crush him, Zhuo Feifan was terrified and shouted loudly, "One of us, don't kill me.

Brother Qin, Brother Qin, it's me, Zhuo Feifan! Please tell this senior I'm still useful; don't kill me."

Feeling his bones creaking and his blood and Qi on the verge of being crushed, Zhuo Feifan's voice had grown shrill at this moment, clearly frightened by Yu Hualong's gesture, akin to casually crushing a bug.

Seeing that Zhuo Feifan was the one caught, Qin Feng couldn't help but feel somewhat speechless.

However, noticing his expression of fright, he knew there was no time to delay and hurriedly said to Yu Hualong, "Ancestor Martial Uncle, please show mercy. This person is still of use to our Sect, and indeed, he must not be killed!"

Yu Hualong looked at Qin Feng in surprise, asking with confusion, "What's the matter? I see this youngster's cultivation is quite substantial among his peers. If I'm not mistaken, he should be a True Disciple of Taiyi Mountain. Even if our Sect has planted some people in Taiyi Mountain, it wouldn't be possible to reach the level of a True Disciple, right?"

No Sect's spy could become a True Disciple of a rival Sect, not only because Sects are very strict in their selection of True Disciples, but also because talent and various other factors have too great an impact.

If there really is a person with supreme talent, the Sect would not be willing to waste such a gifted disciple by sending them to another Sect as a spy. It's better to keep them within the Sect for cultivation and nurture a cultivator with the potential for the Immortal Dao.

"Cough, this... Brother Zhuo indeed is not a spy planted by our Sect in Taiyi Mountain."

Qin Feng carefully considered his words before saying, "But Brother Zhuo has already abandoned darkness for light a few years ago, willing to cooperate with our Beast Taming Sect, and the cooperation over these years has been quite satisfactory. I believe that as Brother Zhuo's Dao Cultivation and status rise, there will be many more opportunities for cooperation in the future.

So, Ancestor Martial Uncle really cannot kill him. Otherwise, it would be a great loss for our Sect!"

"Oh?"

Yu Hualong paused for a moment before realizing that this young fellow named Zhuo Feifan must possess something valuable, or perhaps had some kind of leverage in the hands of the Sect, which forced him to betray Taiyi Mountain and help the Sect.

In that case, Zhuo Feifan could be considered a valuable asset, indeed not someone to be killed lightly.

Realizing this, he quickly released Zhuo Feifan and even reached out to emit a beam of Spirit Light, helping Zhuo Feifan recover from the internal injuries inflicted by his grasp.

Zhuo Feifan only felt lightness in his body, and after landing on the ground, his blood circulation rapidly returned to normal, and his previously reddened facial complexion also returned to normal.

"Many thanks to the senior for showing mercy."

Zhuo Feifan respectfully saluted Yu Hualong, knowing it was best to be respectful in the presence of a powerful Great Cultivator like him.

Yu Hualong nodded slightly, without speaking.

"Heh heh, Brother Zhuo."

Qin Feng chuckled, "It's been years since we last met, and Brother Zhuo has already formed his Golden Core, congratulations are in order, indeed!"

"Brother Qin jests."

Zhuo Feifan gave a wry smile, "I had some pride, but compared with Brother Qin's methods, I'm far behind.

To be honest, had I not witnessed it myself, I would not dare believe Brother Qin could improve so rapidly. Even Elder Chu, with the Red Lotus Sword, is no match for you.

In comparison, my advancement is hardly worth mentioning."

"Brother Zhuo, you're too modest."

Qin Feng replied with a smile, "The reason for my advancement is largely due to the care of the elders in my Sect. Without their help, how could I have achieved my current cultivation, let alone subdue such a powerful Spiritual Beast?

Brother Zhuo, it seems the support behind you as a True Disciple isn't strong enough. Or perhaps, even though you possess the title of a True Disciple, you haven't stood out as the others have and have not attracted the attention of the high-level Sect hierarchy. Otherwise, with your talent, you should be much stronger now, at least you should have one or two Top Level Spirit Swords in your possession.

Look at me, at the same Golden Core Realm, not only do I have the aid of the Sect that provided me two Purple Mansion Realm Spiritual Beasts, I myself can perform the Transformation Technique, becoming a Rock Giant with Purple Mansion Cultivator's strength.

It's only with powerful abilities that the Sect values you more. Otherwise, why would Ancestor Martial Uncle, a Primordial Spirit Realm Great Cultivator, personally protect me and become my Protecting Dao person? So, Brother Zhuo, you still have much to work on!"

He deliberately said this to stir up Zhuo Feifan's ambition.

Zhuo Feifan, proud and haughty, would inevitably think along these lines even though he knew Qin Feng was provoking him.

As a True Disciple, why should Qin Feng own Purple Mansion Realm Spiritual Beasts, why does he have a Primordial Spirit Realm Great Cultivator as a Protecting Dao person, while he himself only has an Ancient Spirit Sword as his trump card?

Speaking of Protecting Dao persons, not to mention Primordial Spirit Realm, because they had Chu Youhong this time, he didn't even have a Golden Core Peak Cultivator by his side.

Why such a disparity between True Disciples?

Although Qin Feng's instigation was not particularly subtle, and Zhuo Feifan was well aware of his intentions, deep down, Zhuo Feifan's longing for higher status and identity was indeed aroused.

He, too, wanted a higher position, access to more Treasures.

If Taiyi Mountain had assigned him a Primordial Spirit Realm Cultivator as his Protecting Dao person, he wouldn't have been in the earlier dangerous situation, nearly crushed to death.

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