A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 193 Demon Mine
Inside a house in Anle Village

Master Tianyun bowed to Gu Xuxing, saying, "I do not know your name, but I, Tianyun, am honored to greet you."

Upon hearing this, Gu Xu rose and returned the greeting. After the two sat down, Gu Xu said in a low voice, "I am Gu Xu. I have heard of Fellow Daoist Tianyun. May I ask what brings you here, True Immortal?"

Upon hearing Gu Xu's words, Master Tianyun knew that the other party was someone who disliked beating around the bush, and immediately revealed his purpose.

"Fellow Daoist Gu Xu, to be honest, I saw you kill the Golden Centipede Venerable from afar. I have a favor to ask of you, and I hope you will grant it."

"Fellow Taoist, please tell me."

Gu Xu looked calmly at Tianyun Zhenren and said in a low voice.

"The elixir within the body of the Golden Centipede has countless uses, and a treasure I recently crafted happens to require it. Therefore, I humbly request that you part with it. I am willing to exchange it for something of equal value. What do you say?"

True Master Tianyun was certain that, apart from Miaoyunque, it was absolutely impossible for anyone else to make full use of this pill. Even if Gu Xu had extraordinary cultivation, he might not be able to surpass Miaoyunque's accumulated knowledge in the art of weapon crafting.

"I agree to this matter. May I ask what you intend to offer in exchange?"

The Golden Centipede's pill is filled with demonic energy. Even if it is refined, it will only be another high-grade magic weapon. It would be better to focus on cultivating disciples instead of refining it. What the Xuanxin Sect lacks now is not magic weapons, but disciples. Only with people can there be a future. Otherwise, no matter how many magic weapons there are, they are just a pile of broken pieces if no one uses them.

As for what Tianyun Zhenren might be plotting, Gu Xu didn't care. As long as Xuanxin Zhengzong continued to develop, he didn't care about a small Miaoyun Que.

"Then thank you very much, fellow Daoist. I will come again in seven days and will make sure you are satisfied."

Master Tianyun was surprised that Gu Xu was so easy to talk to and agreed without hesitation, but at the same time he also developed a deep sense of apprehension towards Gu Xu.

"This person is completely indifferent to such a treasure. Either he can't see its value, or he disdains it. He doesn't seem to be the former at all. Alas, the Xuanxin Sect has gained three points of good fortune because of this person."

Although Master Tianyun had many thoughts on his mind, he always wore a smile on his face. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Master Tianyun took his leave.

After Tianyun left, Gu Xu stood up, waved his hand, and a light screen appeared in front of him. Soon after, a golden figure appeared inside.

"Senior brother, what is it?"

Jin Guang was currently reading the letter left by Zhuge Qingtian when he received a message from Gu Xu.

"Tianyun of Miaoyunque wants the pill inside the Golden Centipede's body and is willing to exchange it for something of equal value. I have already agreed."

"So that's what it is. Senior Brother, you can make all the decisions. The pill will be delivered soon."

Jin Guang didn't ask about the specifics. Gu Xu must have his reasons for doing so. He only needed to keep an eye on the general direction of the sect's development. Moreover, he believed that Senior Brother Gu Xu would not harm the sect's interests.

Gu Xu nodded upon hearing this, and after saying a few more words, he removed the light screen.

Inside the Xuanxin Sect, Jin Guang put down the letter in his hand, took out the "Eight Jade Golden Rings" from his sleeve, and threw it towards the hall. In a flash of spiritual light, a ferocious golden centipede corpse several meters long lay across his face.

Knowing that the golden centipede's body was tough and that ordinary divine weapons could not harm it, Jin Guang reached out and summoned the ancient, black-sheathed longsword beside him.

Slowly drawing the sword, a faint blue light illuminated half the room, and two ancient seal characters were engraved on the pommel – “Gan Jiang”.

The sword is three feet six and a half inches long, radiating blue light. Both sides of the sword are covered with mysterious runes, which light up one by one as magic power is poured in, and a sharp and powerful force gathers continuously.

A moment later, the sword was covered in deep blue light. With a deep shout, Jin Guang unleashed a sword beam that slashed towards the head of the golden centipede's corpse.

The incredibly hard golden centipede corpse was like a block of tofu, which was neatly sliced ​​open. A thin crack appeared in its head, from which a cloud of black energy rushed out. Before it could take shape, it was dissolved by the righteous power within the hall and vanished in no time.

After sheathing his sword, Jin Guang reached out and grabbed a black pill the size of an egg from the head of the golden centipede. The pill struggled slightly when it landed in his hand, but after Jin Guang cast a few hand seals, it became still.

After placing it in a jade box and sealing it, the golden light sent it to the Valley Void via a teleportation array.

"The Yin Moon Dynasty has undergone a strange transformation; what is the origin of this unfamiliar demonic energy?"

Jin Guang frowned deeply after reading the letter.

In Anle Village, after a short while, Gu Xu and the others flashed. A burst of spiritual light appeared outside, and a deep passage appeared before them. A jade box floated out from inside. After Gu Xu received the jade box, the passage quickly disappeared.

Meanwhile, on the other side, True Person Tianyun returned to Miaoyun Palace and caught up with the disciples on the way. After returning to the sect together, True Person Tianyun summoned a group of elders to discuss matters.

"Sect Leader, what would you like to offer in exchange for the Golden Centipede Pill from the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect?" the red-browed elder asked.

Upon hearing this, the others all turned their gazes to Master Tianyun. Master Tianyun pondered for a moment and said, "That Fellow Daoist Gu Xu's cultivation is unfathomable, and he doesn't seem to care much about the Golden Centipede Pill. However, we cannot exchange it for something of low quality. Miaoyun Que cannot afford to lose face like that."

Upon hearing Master Tianyun's words, two elders looked somewhat uneasy. They had originally planned to exchange some flashy but impractical items, but now, judging from the sect leader's words, this strategy was not going to work.

"Elder Chiyun, how many Sky-Bearing Stones are left in the sect?"

Upon hearing this, True Man Chiyun was slightly taken aback, and then said, "Besides the six that have been used, there are still four left. Does the Sect Leader intend to exchange them with these treasures? That would be appropriate, but with only four, I'm afraid the Xuanxin Sect will not agree."

This "Stone of Supporting the Void" is a unique item of the Misty Cloud Palace. Just one stone is enough to support immense power. The Misty Cloud Palace's mountain gate is suspended in the sky and relies heavily on this item. However, although this item is precious, the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect may not necessarily value it.

"That's fine. Besides the Cheng Kong Stone, I also have three five-hundred-year-old Vermilion Fruits. Exchanging these two items will be enough."

Upon hearing this, Master Chiyun stood up in surprise and objected, "Sect Leader, this is a matter of the sect. How can you do it all by yourself? These Vermilion Fruits are hard to come by. Taking out three at once will definitely be detrimental to your future cultivation."

After Master Chiyun finished speaking, a Taoist in white robes beside him nodded and said in a deep voice, "Sect Leader, what Senior Brother Chiyun said makes sense. Although the Golden Centipede Pill is rare, the Vermilion Fruit is also extremely precious. If we gain one and lose the other, it is not something we should do. I have a suggestion that may be feasible."

“Junior Brother Suyun, please speak frankly. If it is acceptable, we will all agree,” said True Person Chiyun, looking at True Person Suyun in a deep voice.

Upon hearing this, Master Tianyun, who was sitting at the head of the table, nodded to him. If there was a way to achieve both goals, he would not abandon it.

"Sect Leader, Elders, instead of offering the Vermilion Fruit, why not offer the rare mineral from our sect in exchange?"

"What you're talking about, Junior Brother, is the Heavenly Demon Ore, but this thing is extremely evil, and I'm afraid the Xuanxin Sect might not agree to it."

Upon hearing this, True Man Chiyun frowned. This Heavenly Demon Ore was obtained by the Ancestor from a pit. Although it was extremely hard, it was full of demonic energy. Not to mention forging divine weapons, even getting close to it would cause one to be tainted by the demonic energy.

When the patriarch first obtained this item, he was almost injured by the demonic energy. However, he couldn't bear to discard it, so he sealed it in the forbidden area of ​​Miaoyun Palace and slowly refined it with the vast spiritual energy. But after hundreds of years, the demonic energy in this Heavenly Demon Mine has not weakened but has instead become increasingly abundant.

Especially half a year ago, the demon mine almost broke through the seal. If it hadn't been stopped in time, Miaoyunque would have suffered another calamity.

“I think Junior Brother Suyun’s method is good. We don’t need to hide it from the Xuanxin Sect. Let’s just tell them the pros and cons. If they agree, that’s best. If they don’t agree, we can exchange it for Vermilion Fruit. Sect Leader, what do you think?”

The Qingyun Master on the right agreed with the idea. It would be best to send this hot potato away. Keeping it here would only be a disaster, and it would take up a lot of energy to take care of it.

The others nodded in agreement. Seeing this, True Man Chiyun said no more and looked at True Man Tianyun. After a moment of contemplation, the latter made the final decision.

"It's decided then. I will take the Sky-Bearing Stone and the Heavenly Demon Ore to exchange for them. If they don't agree, then we'll change our minds and exchange them for the Vermilion Fruit."

"We will follow the sect leader's instructions."

Seeing that the sect leader had no further instructions, everyone bowed and left one by one. However, Master Suyun heard Master Tianyun's voice transmission and slowed down. After waiting outside the hall for a short while, a boy came over and bowed to him.

"Master, the sect leader invites you in."

Master Suyun nodded and returned to the hall, where he saw Master Tianyun sitting on the cloud platform, his face expressionless.

"Master Brother."

"Junior Brother Suyun, sit down and let's talk."

After Su Yun Zhenren took his seat, he looked at the person in the head of the table and asked, "Senior Brother Sect Leader, did you keep me here because of the Heavenly Demon Mine?" "That's right, Junior Brother. You've always acted calmly, but this move seems rather radical. May I ask why?"

Master Suyun seemed to have anticipated this. He first stood up and bowed to Master Tianyun, then said solemnly, "Sect Leader, the Xuanxin Sect should be at its weakest right now. If we don't take this opportunity to make a move, Miaoyun Que will really have no chance at all. Just as Senior Brother said, Gu Xu's cultivation is unpredictable. This Heavenly Demon Mine is perfect to give to him, so as to tie down some of his energy."

Upon hearing this, Master Tianyun's expression changed, and he said in a deep voice, "Junior brother, this move is too radical. What will you do if Gu Xu does not accept the exchange?"

"No, someone with his extraordinary talent must have a certain arrogance. He would definitely be interested in such an unfathomable wonder, but the vermilion fruit might not be able to attract his attention."

Seeing the certain look on Su Yun Zhenren's face, Tian Yun Zhenren sighed but didn't say anything more. After a long silence, Tian Yun Zhenren straightened up and said solemnly, "I will take care of this matter. You will go to Qingxin Pavilion for three years of seclusion and are not allowed to go out without orders."

"I will obey the sect leader's orders."

Upon hearing this, Master Suyun felt reassured. After giving a respectful bow, she slowly withdrew.

After Master Suyun left, Master Tianyun flashed with cloud light and reappeared in a cloud pavilion. The guards and disciples all bowed respectfully when they saw their sect leader arrive.

Tianyun nodded to them, took out the sect leader's decree and shone it on the stone door in front of him. The two stone doors split open to the sides, revealing a passage. It was pitch black inside, and the specific situation could not be seen.

After Master Tianyun entered, the stone gate slammed shut again, and the interior became brightly lit. A long stone bridge connected the two places, with a bottomless abyss below.

After a while, Master Tianyun finally reached the other side, where he saw a white jade altar several meters high, with cloud patterns and some mysterious runes carved around it. As Tianyun approached, the runes suddenly lit up, illuminating the altar.

Clouds rose from beneath Tianyun Zhenren's feet, carrying him to the top. There, at the very top of the altar, stood a four-foot-long bronze box with cloud patterns. Even though it was bound by a restrictive formation, the terrifying demonic energy was still rampant.

"The demonic energy is becoming increasingly difficult to suppress. Perhaps giving it to the Xuanxin Sect would be a good choice. With Fellow Daoist Gu Xu's cultivation level and the Xuanxin Sect's foundation, suppressing this thing should not be a difficult task."

With a flick of his sleeve, a white cloud of light shone on the bronze box, which was then put away. The moment the bronze box disappeared, the spiritual light on the altar dimmed, and with a few soft cracking sounds, several cracks appeared on the altar.

Master Tianyun glanced at it, then turned and left. Seven days later, he brought the treasure to Anle Village.

The once desolate and deserted Anle Village has now regained its vitality. After Xuanxin Zhengzong submitted his memorial, the imperial court ordered the local government to draw manpower from nearby areas. In just a few days, the village has gained several hundred more people.

Meanwhile, in a valley outside the village, Xuanxin Zhengzong and his group were preparing to set off.

"Master Uncle, everything is ready and we can set off at any time."

"Alright, we'll return to the Xuanxin Sect in an hour. You may leave now."

Upon hearing this, Fu Yunzi agreed, bowed, and turned to leave. Just then, Gu Xu's mind stirred, a bright light shone from his body, and his figure landed on a distant peak.

After a while, a cloud descended from the distant horizon, revealing the figure of True Man Tianyun. Upon seeing Gu Xu there, he immediately bowed in greeting.

"I apologize for waiting, fellow Daoist. I am late."

"Fellow Daoist, your timing is perfect. The Golden Centipede Pill is here. I wonder what you can offer in exchange?"

Gu Xu stretched out his hand, and the black pill floated between the two of them. When Tianyun Zhenren saw this, his eyes flashed with a sharp light. He waved his jade ruler, and four "Cheng Kong Stones" and a bronze box containing the Heavenly Demon Ore landed in front of Gu Xu.

As soon as the five items appeared, Gu Xu looked at the bronze box. With his cultivation level, he would not ignore something that exuded strong demonic energy.

"Fellow Daoist, this is a rare and evil artifact in my sect's collection. It is called the Heavenly Demon Ore and is used to forge divine weapons. If you are not willing, I can exchange it for something else. What do you say?"

Seeing Gu Xu's eyes fixed on the Heavenly Demon Ore, Master Tianyun felt a little nervous. But Gu Xu looked up at him and said meaningfully, "Fellow Daoist is very thoughtful. The Cheng Kong Stone is fine, but this Heavenly Demon Ore is a rare treasure. Are you really willing to part with it?"

"I know my cultivation is insufficient to bear the blessings of this item. Fellow Daoist's cultivation is extraordinary, so obtaining this item is not an insult to it. I have no complaints whatsoever."

"In that case, please take this Golden Centipede Pill. I have other matters to attend to, so I will take my leave now."

Gu Xu pushed the cinnabar bead with his hand, and with a flick of his sleeve, the Cheng Kong Stone and the bronze box fell into his sleeve. He bowed again, and with a flash of clear light, he disappeared.

Seeing him leave, Master Tianyun put away the Golden Centipede Pill, stood quietly for a moment, and then also turned into light and left.

"Uncle."

When Fu Yunzi and the others saw Gu Xu appear, they all bowed respectfully.

"Get on the road."

After three days, the group finally returned to Xuanxin Sect. Fuyun and the others compiled the case into a book, had Jin Guang review it, made some minor revisions, and then submitted it to the imperial court. After the court stamped the document, it was sealed and archived.

Two days later, in the Xuanxin Hall, Jin Guang handed the letter left by Zhuge Qingtian to Gu Xu, who read it and then put it aside.

"I also have something to tell the sect leader, which is somewhat coincidental with what Zhuge Qingtian said in his letter."

"Oh, please go ahead, senior brother."

Jin Guang's expression tightened instantly. Seeing Gu Xu's solemn look, Jin Guang dared not be careless.

"The demonic energy that exists within the Yin Moon Dynasty may be the Moon Demon."

"Moon Demon?"

Jin Guang frowned, realizing he hadn't seen that name in the secret records.

"The Moon Demon is a special existence within the Yin Moon Dynasty. It can be said to be the embodiment of the Yin Moon Dynasty's supreme treasure, the Nine Yin Moon. This demon is inextricably linked to the Yin Moon Dynasty and will descend whenever a demonic calamity arrives."

"Several months ago, when the Heavenly Demon attacked the Seven Fiends, the Moon Demon appeared in the capital and fought with me briefly before retreating. The incident involving the Golden Centipede Master a few days ago was also orchestrated by this demon."

Upon hearing this, Jin Guang was shocked. He knew his senior brother Gu Xu's abilities. The fact that the Moon Demon could escape from his grasp was enough to prove its extraordinary strength. In this light, it must be even more difficult for the Demon Lord Liu Dao to deal with.

"Senior brother, is there any way to deal with it?"

"The Moon Demon is invisible, and it is difficult to harm her using ordinary methods. Although righteous energy is the nemesis of demonic energy, it may not be enough to deal with a demon like her."

Seeing Jin Guang's slightly worried expression, Gu Xu chuckled and took out the bronze box from his sleeve. As soon as the item was taken out, several beams of spiritual light descended from the sky above the Xuanxin Hall, and the surrounding restrictions were activated at the same time, quickly suppressing the bronze box.

"Senior brother, what is this?"

Jin Guang's expression changed drastically. This intense demonic energy had actually triggered the formation within the hall. What was its origin?

"Heavenly Demon Mine!"

"what!"

Upon hearing this, Jin Guang could no longer maintain his composure. Others might not know the origin of this thing, but the Xuanxin Zhengzong knew it perfectly well. Moreover, the Xuanxin Zhengzong possessed a divine weapon forged from the Heavenly Demon Ore.

"Senior brother, where did this come from?"

"Miaoyun Que Tianyun used this item to exchange for the Golden Centipede Pill, which has done us a great favor this time."

"Senior brother, are you planning to use this to deal with the Moon Demon?" Jin Guang asked doubtfully.

"It is feasible to overcome evil with righteousness, and it is not necessarily impossible to overcome evil with evil."

"Use demon to defeat demon."

As Jin Guang muttered these four words, a glint of light appeared in his eyes.

(End of this chapter)