Yellow Court Daoist

"Your Daoist nobility is profound."

Jing Feng, Zhang Guo, and other seven True Men looked towards Changqing Daoist with growing admiration.

They quickly bowed and retreated, leaving Impermanence Island.

They promptly settled down.

Looking towards the center.

They saw Changqing Daoist sitting cross-legged in the Void, surrounded by thunder that violently burst forth, enveloping the entire Impermanence Island for thousands of miles. The thunder was magnificent as it continuously refined the Evil Qi and dispelled the blood light.

This freshly developed Evil Qi was not yet deeply rooted. Even so, while it might be easy to dispel, refining it was difficult.

At this rate, it would take at least two to three months.

Jing Feng looked at Impermanence Island, which had turned into the Thunder Domain, then turned to Zhang Guo and the others, saying, "Fiery Fire Demon flaunted his power, and the ancestor along with Li Gou, Xuan Yan, and Fei Huo three True Men were all slain. We must quickly notify the other five True Men who are outside, and also send someone to deliver the message to Ten Thousand Beasts Immortal Mountain."

The Annihilation Divine Sect, backed by Ten Thousand Beasts Immortal Mountain, naturally had to report such a significant incident to Ten Thousand Beasts Immortal Mountain, also as a preparation against Fiery Fire Demon's possible resurgence.

Furthermore, Annihilation Divine Sect had a total of nine Golden Core Experts.

Ku Yuan Ancestor was guarding the Mountain Gate.

Li Gou, Xuan Yan, and Fei Huo were on Impermanence Island, partly to heal Fei Huo and partly to guard the gate.

However, all of them perished at the hands of Fiery Fire Demon.

Still, Annihilation Divine Sect had five other Golden Core Experts outside who must quickly return to manage the damaged situation and oversee the sect.

"As it should be!"

Zhang Guo and others nodded.

...

Three months later.

"Jing Zhan of Ten Thousand Beasts Immortal Mountain, here to pay respects to Elder Changqing!"

Outside and inside Impermanence Island, the thunder discharged, and a figure faintly emerged, appearing as if commanding the thunder itself. Jing Zhan landed outside Impermanence Island, feeling the endless thunder ahead and looking towards that figure, surprised inwardly while his voice clearly transmitted into the island.

Inside the island.

"Jing Zhan?"

A figure opened his eyes, a flash of light twinkling within, and the image of a young boy dressed in dark green robes with a clear face and a long flute on his waist appeared in his mind, displaying an extraordinary demeanor.

"It's an acquaintance."

Lu Qingfeng's light in his eyes faded as he stepped forward, "Let's go meet this person."

Outside.

Indeed, he had a youthful appearance, wore dark green robes, had a clear face, and a flute on his waist, showing extraordinary demeanor.

Seeing a Daoist casually walking out and landing in front of him.

"This must be Elder Changqing."

Jing Zhan observed the Daoist, who wore a Profound Green Daoist Robe, appeared resolute and handsome, with his aura concealed flawlessly, clearly practicing a top-tier Mysterious Skill.

"With my cultivation, I can't even perceive the depth."

"It seems the words from Annihilation Divine Sect were true."

"Indeed."

"Fiery Fire Wanderer so easily slays Golden Core Experts as if it were as simple as eating and drinking, and faced with the assault of Hundred Battle Daoist Soldiers and dozens of True Men, he still held the upper hand, his strength certainly reaches into the Primordial Spirit Realm. Since Elder Changqing managed to fight him to a standstill and even scared him away, his strength is undoubtedly not inferior to the Primordial Spirit True One."

Jing Zhan looked towards Lu Qingfeng who had a deeply concealed and profound aura.

And recalling the detailed description of the battle between this person and Fiery Fire Wanderer from Annihilation Divine Sect, he was certain.

Seeing Changqing Daoist, Jing Zhan only speculated for a moment, his expression unchanged.

He only looked towards Changqing Daoist, whose expression seemed slightly displeased. Seeing him initially surprised, but there was a slight revulsion in his eyes, Jing Zhan was puzzled, not knowing what had offended this Daoist.

He looked at Changqing Daoist hesitantly, "Guyue Valley's Xun Family ancestor Tianxing Zhenyi in Yellow Maple Gorge has perfected his cultivation and will soon ascend to the Upper Realm. Therefore, Guyue and Bing Yi, two Ancestor Masters from my sect, have gone to Yellow Maple Gorge to participate in the Ascension Ceremony and could not personally come. If the junior has caused any disturbance, I ask for the senior's patience—please do not take offense."

The displeasure must not be unfounded.

This Changqing Daoist is of the Primordial Spirit class, he, Jing Zhan, although a leading youth of Ten Thousand Beasts Immortal Mountain and an early ascender to the Golden Core Realm, even a Golden Core is separated by a vast chasm from the Primordial Spirit.

"Perhaps he thinks Ten Thousand Beasts Immortal Mountain is neglecting him."

Jing Zhan guessed in his heart.

He came with instructions from his two Ancestor Masters in his sect. He did not want to leave a bad impression on Changqing Daoist, nor did he want to leave a bad impression for no reason.

So he was not angry at being slighted; instead, he appeared vigilantly humble, lowering his stance, and also revealed the whereabouts of his sect's two Primordial Spirit ancestors.

"Xun Family's Tianxing Zhenyi?"

"Ascension Ceremony?"

Lu Qingfeng was not bothered by Jing Zhan's careful considerations, hearing 'ascension,' his interest piqued instantly.

Since he's a 'True One,' that means Primordial Spirit cultivation.

"If such cultivation can ascend, it seems my knowledge is correct, Three Mountains and Nine Waters have no Mahayana True Immortals."

Lu Qingfeng felt a sudden ease in his heart, immediately feeling much lighter.

He was inclined to ask more details, but he knew it wasn't the right time.

He suppressed the urge to inquire.

Lu Qingfeng's expression remained cold, not engaging with Jing Zhan's words, but instead lightly said, "I've heard that the Annihilation Divine Sect and Ten Thousand Beasts Immortal Mountain share some connections."

"Indeed."

"Ku Yuan Master of Annihilation Divine Sect, once guided by Guyue Ancestor Master from the middle generation, holds gratitude in his heart."

Jing Zhan looked at Changqing Daoist, unsure of his intentions.

Ku Yuan Ancestor had been guided by Guyue True One Ancestor Master of Ten Thousand Beasts Immortal Mountain, significantly advanced in cultivation, establishing top-tier strength among True Men, with hopes of reaching the Primordial Spirit Realm.

Ten Thousand Beasts Immortal Mountain held it in high regard.

Master Ku Yuan was also known to reciprocate favors and was very aware of the strength and foundation of Ten Thousand Beasts Immortal Mountain. For years, he aligned all his actions with the interests of Ten Thousand Beasts Immortal Mountain. Not only did he guard the northern boundary of Xia Guang Domain, but he also dispatched numerous disciples and even Golden Core Experts to be at the disposal of Ten Thousand Beasts Immortal Mountain.

Although this was not on par with the estates developed by the Jiedan True Men of Ten Thousand Beasts Immortal Mountain, it was still a very close relationship.

As such, when Annihilation Divine Sect met with disaster, two highly regarded individuals from Ten Thousand Beasts Immortal Mountain, Jing Zhan himself, came personally.

He even missed the Ascension Ceremony of Elder Tianxing Zhenyi from Xun Family, held at Qing Wood Valley, Yellow Maple Gorge.

Such a grand occasion, and what a pity to miss it this time.

Of course, much of this was due to the strength of Changqing Daoist and Fiery Fire Wanderer.

But he did not know why Changqing Daoist brought this matter up.

Jing Zhan was puzzled and turned his gaze to Lu Qingfeng in front of him.

With an unchanging expression, Lu Qingfeng spoke aloud, "Though Fiery Fire Wanderer cultivates the Overwhelming Demon Technique, he manages to keep his true nature in check. For nearly a hundred years, he has been secluded in the Illusion Wave Sea, engaging in Artifact Refining, Alchemy, and Cultivation without causing trouble. Annihilation Divine Sect coveted his 'Mingqing Spirit Water' formula. When they failed to purchase it, they attempted to seize it by force, even resorting to threats and violence."

"Sowing the seeds of evil."

"Fiery Fire Wanderer didn't show it then, but being of the Demon Dao, he naturally harbored resentment."

"Today, the evil fruits have ripened."

Lu Qingfeng looked at Jing Zhan, "Annihilation Divine Sect has unjust foundations and often acts tyrannically, killing and plundering at will. Ten Thousand Beasts Immortal Mountain also overlooked these faults!"

Jing Zhan finally understood after listening to Changqing Daoist speak all at once.

"What a Changqing Daoist!"

He couldn't help but praise inwardly, seeing the righteous aura around Changqing Daoist, even he felt a bit of admiration.

Before coming here, he specifically inquired and learned that this Daoist detested evil, having slain countless demons in White Bone Realm, which he had originally found strange. But three months ago, in Illusion Wave Sea, when Fiery Fire Wanderer revealed his true power, he then understood Changqing Daoist's painstaking efforts.

"He was in White Bone Realm, clearly to restrain Fiery Fire Wanderer, to prevent his demonic nature from erupting into a killing spree."

"He saw demons wreaking havoc in White Bone Realm and couldn't help but intervene and resolve it."

"And by provoking Fiery Fire Wanderer, Annihilation Divine Sect incited him into a killing spree. Changqing Daoist adheres to the upright, and quite disapproved of the actions of Annihilation Divine Sect. Though he repelled Fiery Fire Wanderer, he had no fondness for Annihilation Divine Sect."

"Annihilation Divine Sect relied on Ten Thousand Beasts Immortal Mountain."

"I've been 'misdirected anger' now!"

Connecting all dots, Jing Zhan roughly guessed the 'real situation', feeling somewhat amused yet also moved by Changqing Daoist's earnestness.

Just about to speak, suddenly,

Both Jing Zhan and Lu Qingfeng's expressions moved in unison, they both looked down beneath Impermanence Island together.

"What a peculiar aura, I wonder what strange creature it is."

"Let me, the junior, have a look!"

Jing Zhan moved first, floating into the air, revealing an octagonal copper mirror in his hand.

The mirror's shadow side faced upwards, densely engraved with all sorts of dragons, snakes, ghosts, beasts, insects, and fish, with a knot at the center giving it an extremely ancient look. Jing Zhan grasped it in his hand, high up, the reflected light from the mirror covered nearly half of Impermanence Island.

Lu Qingfeng glanced and saw that under the light from the mirror, whether it be rocky hills or sandy soils, there was no obstruction. The insects deep within the earth, layer upon layer, moved back and forth like swimming fish in clear water. When the light shone at places with trees, the roots appeared suspended in mid-air, intricately dispersed in countless strands—all distinctly visible.

The mirror light could penetrate deep into the ground, the higher the hand, the larger the illuminated area.

"What a treasure."

Lu Qingfeng glanced at the copper mirror in Jing Zhan's hand, a flicker of awe momentarily flashed in his eyes then quickly subsided. With this mirror in hand, many treasures hidden deep under the ground or within the trees, which even Divine Sense failed to detect, could be clearly seen as if they were patterns on one's hand, leaving nowhere to hide.

Immediately, he had the thought to borrow it for a closer look.

However, in the next moment,

Lu Qingfeng was attracted by something peculiar in the depths of Impermanence Island, as revealed by the mirror light.

Within the sand, about tens of miles deep, twelve centipedes swam through the earth like fish. Strands of Evil Qi seeped through the soil, absorbed into these twelve centipedes.

Lu Qingfeng saw that these twelve centipedes were about seven inches long each, with an iron line on their backs. Each centipede had varying lengths of iron line, the longest being about two inches, and the shortest less than an inch.

"Could this be—"

"Iron Wire Centipedes?!"

Lu Qingfeng's eyes brightened, instantly forgetting about the copper mirror in Jing Zhan's hand.

"Iron Wire Centipedes!"

"It's Iron Wire Centipedes!"

Recognizing the twelve centipedes, Jing Zhan in the sky also instantly identified them, his face showing delight as he called down to Lu Qingfeng, "Elder Changqing, these are Iron Wire Centipedes, a peculiar type of insect that thrives on blood. If left unchecked, they will surely cause disaster to all life around. Our Ten Thousand Beasts Immortal Mountain has a method of disciplining them, I ask for Elder's help in capturing these twelve Iron Wire Centipedes!"

Iron Wire Centipedes traveling through the earth, any disturbance would cause them to flee instantly, making them extremely difficult to capture.

Although Jing Zhan was a Golden Core Expert, he also had no certainty in capturing these twelve Iron Wire Centipedes, hence he sought Lu Qingfeng's help.

Looking down again,

he then saw an expression of delight also on the face of Changqing Daoist. Jing Zhan's heart sank, cursing silently, "Bad!"

Seeing his expression, it was clear Changqing Daoist also fancied the twelve Iron Wire Centipedes.

Outmatched,

how could he compete?

For a moment, he was torn and indecisive.

But Lu Qingfeng paid him no heed.

"Ha ha!"

"It's truly finding something without even searching for it!"

Laughing heartily to himself,

Lu Qingfeng paid no attention to Jing Zhan, and without hesitation, he stretched out his hand and a bamboo cane with golden patterns appeared in his grasp. Holding the Golden Pattern Bamboo Stick, he gently waved it, and immediately twelve breaths transformed into the shapes of dragons and tigers. Amidst the dragon's roar and tiger's howl, they plunged into the earth, heading straight for the twelve Iron Wire Centipedes.