A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 199 Lanruo Exterminates Evil
Outside Lanruo Temple, Yan Hongye looked at the ghostly aura and sneered. She reached out and took out several black energy beads. With a burst of magic power, they were instantly wrapped in lightning and flew into the temple with great momentum. In an instant, they struck the formation.

This item is called the "Fierce Thunder Pearl," which is made by collecting the power of heavenly thunder and the fire of earth's yang energy. It is extremely powerful; just a few pearls are enough to uproot mountains and destroy rivers. This item is a newly added demon-slaying weapon in the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect, and it has always been invincible.

Previously, the Qishan snake demons had retreated into hiding, so the Xuanxin Zhengzong sect used the Gang Pearls in turn to cut off a section of them, and none of the snake demons inside escaped.

Just as the "Blazing Thunder Pearl" fell, the wooden ghost lady in Lanruo Temple suddenly changed her expression and exclaimed, "This is bad! This thing is extremely threatening! Everyone, do not be stingy with your magic power, you must block it, otherwise once the formation is broken, we will have nowhere to hide."

As he spoke, the ghostwood staff in his hand shone brightly with emerald light, and rings of emerald light patterns suddenly rose up and poured into the spiked black wood. The entire formation suddenly became more solid. Seeing this, the other demons also exerted their strength. The skull and the yin fire merged into one, weaving a green curtain barrier, which, together with the spiked ghostwood, covered Lanruo Temple firmly.

Just after the formation was reinforced, the "Fierce Thunder Pearl" fell down and struck the emerald curtain. Instantly, a loud explosion occurred, and a dazzling pillar of light suddenly appeared. Then, the remaining thunder pearls passed through the emerald curtain and struck the thorny ghost tree.

A series of shocking explosions occurred one after another. In less than half a moment, dazzling beams of light appeared one after another, illuminating the entire Lanruo Temple as if it were daytime. Yan Hongye squinted at the scene before her. Of the five lightning beads that had been thrown, two had broken through the formation, and the remaining three had landed inside. There must have been many casualties among those demons.

Just as Yan Hongye had predicted, the three thunder pearls rushed into the inner circle without any hindrance and exploded with a deafening roar. Some low-level demons were powerless to stop them and were blown to pieces by the blazing thunder. Ninety percent of the demons in Lanruo Temple were wiped out in an instant, with only a few with decent cultivation still barely clinging to life.

"Hun You, what powerful figure have you provoked?!"

Lady Wood Ghost looked disheveled, her protective robe was tattered, and a large part of her hair had been burned off. At this moment, she was staring at Hun You with a sinister look in her eyes and questioning him.

The other demons also looked over with hostile expressions. If it weren't for the fact that this was the wrong time, they would have already rushed forward and torn Hunyou to shreds to vent their hatred.

The series of explosions just now turned their years of accumulation into ashes. How could they accept this? Having lost their power, they were now all alone. Even if they managed to escape, if they didn't want to be besieged by the Xuanxin Sect, they would have no choice but to live under someone else's roof and depend on their whims.

Hunyou Demon Spirit felt a chill run down his spine as he was stared at by the demons. He knew they wouldn't let him off the hook unless he came up with a good reason. Meeting their gazes, Hunyou said in a deep voice, "I don't know who came, but a crimson halo flew by earlier, its yang energy extremely strong. I withdrew because I was afraid of it. Lady Wood Ghost, do you know the origin of this magic weapon?"

Upon hearing this, all the demons were startled. This demon spirit possessed a fierce and malevolent aura and was quite powerful among the demons. What he feared was also a great threat to the others. However, upon hearing this, the demons' expressions temporarily eased.

Upon hearing the crimson halo, Lady Wood Ghost was startled, and her face immediately turned grim.

Upon seeing this, the woman in palace attire asked in a sweet voice, "Madam, do you know the origin of that thing?"

Upon hearing this, all the other demons turned their gazes toward them. Seeing this, Lady Wood Ghost remained silent for a long time before saying in a strained voice, "If it really is that thing, you should all escape as soon as possible. Even if the higher-ups find out, they won't pursue the matter further."

"Madam, what is that person's background that makes you so afraid?"

The woman in palace attire, Hu Tianxiang, had never seen Madam Mu Gui look like this before. It seemed that the person who came must be a famous person. If she didn't find out, she could be prepared if she really encountered her later.

"If I'm not mistaken, that crimson halo should be the 'Crimson Sun Heavenly Wheel' crafted by Yan Chixia. This item has already fallen into the hands of his daughter, Yan Hongye. If it is indeed this woman who comes, then we really have no chance of winning at all."

The other demons trembled upon hearing this. They knew a lot about Yan Chixia from their elders. He was truly infamous for killing. The number of demon giants who died at his hands was far more than two palms' worth. It was rumored that the Six Paths Saint King of the Yin Moon Dynasty also died at his hands.

Although he has left the Xuanxin Sect, his daughter has returned to the sect. Yan Hongye is one of the Seven Talents of Xuanxin. How could they dare to face such a person? Not to mention his Taoist skills and supernatural powers, they were powerless to resist those few lightning beads just now.

Seeing the horror on their faces, Lady Wood Ghost sighed deeply, took a deep breath, and said in a deep voice, "Everyone, while the dust has not yet settled, let's scatter and escape. If anyone manages to escape, please go to Drum Hill and tell the envoy about what happened today."

As soon as Lady Wood Ghost finished speaking, a flash of light appeared in her hand, and Hu Tianxiang and the other demons suddenly had a wooden plaque in their hands. The front of the plaque had a locust tree carved on it, and the back had the three characters "Lanruo Temple" carved on it.

"Go to Drum Hill Mountain, take out this wooden plaque, infuse it with magic, and someone will come. Take care, everyone."

Upon hearing this, all the demons put away their wooden plaques, took out pills and swallowed them, hoping to recover some of their magical power and have a better chance of survival when the smoke and dust cleared.

Half an hour later, Yan Hongye took out the array-controlling artifact in her hand. With a burst of magic power, a red pillar of light suddenly rose around Lanruo Temple. The four pillars were connected, the red light stretched across, and the runes shone, sealing Lanruo Temple inside.

Yan Hongye had long planned to wipe out all the demons here. When the Thunder Pearl exploded, she had already set down the Four Symbols Spirit Locking Flag given to her by her mother, sealing off the area within a mile radius of Lanruo Temple. A tight net was formed between heaven and earth, and as long as the demons inside were not at the Profound Realm, they would not be able to escape.

Just as the demons inside recovered some of their magic power and prepared to scatter and escape, the Spirit-Locking Net was already spread out. A heavy suppressive force pressed down on them, causing their blood and qi to churn and their bodies to tremble uncontrollably. The Hunyou Demon Spirit was even more overwhelmed. It was already severely damaged and could not withstand such profound power. Under the horrified gazes of the demons, it let out a miserable howl and exploded into a sky full of spiritual light.

"Madam, it's a formation! What should we do now?" Hu Tianxiang's body had already partially transformed into its true form, a snow-white fox with a layer of pink spiritual light constantly flashing around it. Her face was pale as she spoke weakly.

Lady Wood Ghost's condition is slightly better at the moment, but her body is still hunched over, and the green light emanating from her wooden staff is constantly shrinking inward under the suppressing force. In another half a moment, it will shrink to within a zhang (approximately 3.3 meters), at which point they will truly be trapped like turtles in a jar.

"I possess a magical artifact called the Void-Piercing Needle, which can briefly disrupt the formation, but it requires immense magical power. If you all trust me, then let's all pour our magical power into it to create a momentary opening. Who can escape then will be entirely up to fate!"

Lady Wood Ghost took out a six-inch-long, blackish-red thorn, about the thickness of a finger, gleaming with a ghostly light. The moment she took it out, it exuded a sinister aura.

"Everyone, time is running out. If the formation gathers and presses down, we may not be able to break this treasure."

Upon hearing this, Hu Tianxiang and the other demons exchanged glances and then agreed. Taking advantage of the formation's activation, they poured all their magical power into the Void-Piercing Needle.

Several streams of different colored magic power poured into the Void-Piercing Needle, causing the treasure to tremble and pulsate. Rings of black energy surged out continuously. Just after Hu Tianxiang and the other demons had poured in most of their magic power, Madam Wood Ghost's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and she shouted, "Everyone, you can withdraw now. In three breaths, I will unleash this treasure. Seize the opportunity!"

Hu Tianxiang looked at Madam Mu Gui and secretly pondered, "This old woman said it was three breaths, but this thing belongs to her, there must be something fishy going on. But it's good this way, with those idiots in front of me, I'll have a better chance of survival."

Three breaths passed in the blink of an eye. Just as the power of the Spirit-Locking Array was about to be unleashed, the Wood Demon Lady's Void-Piercing Needle shot out from the air at incredible speed. Upon seeing this, all the demons transformed into ghostly lights and followed behind. However, Hu Tianxiang and a blue-faced ghost remained unmoved. The two demons exchanged a glance, then looked at the Wood Demon Lady, who chuckled softly.

Just as the demons followed the Void-Piercing Needle, they suddenly discovered that the needle vanished abruptly upon hitting the crimson light barrier. Caught off guard, the demons crashed into the barrier with a loud thud.

Several screams rang out, and the ghostly light in Lady Wooden Ghost's hand reappeared, shooting in the opposite direction. At this moment, Hu Tianxiang and the Green-Faced Ghost followed Lady Wooden Ghost and flew up.

"Madam is very shrewd; I admire her. No wonder the envoy trusts her so much."

The blue-faced ghost looked at the portal opened by the Void-Piercing Needle not far ahead, and then looked at the wooden ghost lady beside him with apprehension.

It knew perfectly well that the Wood Demon Lady was using the lives of those demons to pave the way for them. Those demons were not weak, and it was not impossible for them to entangle with the formation for a while. In this way, their chances of survival increased, since Yan Hongye would not choose the more distant option.

Hu Tianxiang looked at Madam Mu Gui with a charming smile and said coquettishly, "Why didn't you tell me in advance, Madam? It would have allowed me and Brother Qingmian to put on a good show. Who knows, it might even have allowed those guys to make good use of their talents."

Lady Wood Ghost sneered inwardly upon hearing this. After passing through the light barrier, she flew forward without stopping and saying a word. What was the use of saying these things now? Although she had successfully escaped, the Lanruo Temple, which she had built up over many years, had been lost, and the loss was considerable.

"Madam Hu, Green Face, do you want to fend for yourselves or go to Drum Hill Mountain?"

Lady Wood Demon watched the Lanruo Temple recede into the distance, feeling a sense of relief, and asked the two demons beside her.

"Of course I'll follow you, Madam. I'm just a weak woman with no one to rely on. If I stayed outside, I'd be killed by those righteous people. It's much more reliable to stay with you, Madam. I'm sticking with you!"

Lady Wood Ghost remained noncommittal upon hearing this. This fox spirit was indeed pragmatic. However, this was for the best. It would be unwise for her to enter the Yin Moon Dynasty without having any capable people at her disposal.

This Hu Tianxiang's cultivation level is average, but she possesses remarkable charm skills, which might help me quickly gain access to the Yin Yue Dynasty.

"Qingmian, what are your plans?" Compared to Hu Tianxiang, Madam Mugui valued Qingmian more. This demon had an extraordinary background, and his cultivation was second only to her among all the demons. If he joined, her strength would be considerable, and she would have more options once she entered the Yinyue Dynasty.

"Madam is wise and resourceful, while Qingmian is only strong. Naturally, he would like to follow a smart person. As long as Madam does not mind that the young man is dull-witted, that will be fine."

Hu Tianxiang pursed her lips at the flattering words from the green-faced man. This green-faced man looked honest on the surface, but he was actually quite cunning. There was no need for her to argue with him.

“Alright, then let’s go to Guqiu Mountain. Once we meet the envoy, our future will no longer be limited to the city of Jinhua.”

Three beams of light moved from south to north, heading towards Guqiu Mountain.

Just as the three demons were fleeing, Yan Hongye had already retrieved the array flags. After examining them, she sneered, "As expected, this air-piercing weapon could not have been crafted by such remote demons. It seems that the Yin Yue Dynasty is backing them. Well, killing a few minor demons is nothing. If I can kill a heavyweight figure from the Yin Yue Dynasty, perhaps the sect leader will allow me to enter the Xuan Guan for cultivation."

After putting away the array flags, Yan Hongye took out a bronze compass from her Qiankun pouch. This was the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect's "Positioning Compass," which was made in imitation of the "Heavenly Fighting Spirit Pointing Compass."

Yan Hongye channeled the remaining energy from the formation into it. As soon as the pointer moved, a crimson ray of light was emitted from within, pointing far to the north.

“The area north of Jinhua City is a hilly region with complex terrain, and few people go there. These three demons certainly know how to choose a place to escape to.”

Yan Hongye reached out and produced a talisman, chanting an incantation. The talisman burned out, and a white light enveloped her entire body. Yan Hongye felt the air around her rushing around, as if she were in a strange space.

"This 'Thousand Miles Travel Talisman' is indeed wondrous, but unfortunately, it is too difficult to refine."

With the finger compass pointing remotely and the divine talisman assisting, Yan Hongye was already standing on a mountain in less than half a moment. With a focused look, three faint lights appeared in her eyes three miles ahead.

"found it!"

Yan Hongye put away the finger disc, her figure flashed, and she chased after the direction of the ghostly light.

Meanwhile, Madam Mu Gui felt inexplicably irritated. Just then, Hu Tianxiang exclaimed with delight, "Madam, look, we've arrived at Guqiu Mountain!"

Upon hearing this, Lady Mu Gui's heart stirred. She looked up and saw a flat hill in front of her. The middle of the hill was flat and round, and the narrow ridges on both sides resembled two drumsticks, hence the name Drum Hill. At this moment, the night had not yet fallen, and the bright moon shone in the sky. Drum Hill seemed to be covered with a layer of silver gauze, and it was very bright. It stood out among the surrounding mountains, which is why Hu Tianxiang saw it clearly at a glance.

"Hurry up and get there!"

Lady Wood Ghost gave a shout, and the three demons immediately sped up, landing on the flat mountain in no time.

"Madam, didn't you say that someone would come to meet us when we arrived here? Why is it so quiet?"

Hu Tianxiang scanned her surroundings and saw no other living creatures besides some nocturnal animals.

Lady Wood Ghost remained silent upon hearing this. After carefully observing her surroundings, she made up her mind, reached out and took out the wooden plaque. With a surge of her magic, the wooden plaque rose into the air, and a phantom of a giant locust tree soared through the sky, instantly stirring the surrounding air currents.

Hu Tianxiang and Qingmian's expressions changed slightly upon seeing this. This aura was both unfamiliar and familiar. It seemed that this old man had not revealed his true abilities before and had hidden them very well.

Lady Wood Ghost kept activating the wooden plaque. After a while, the plaque glowed slightly, and the illusory image of the locust tree became more solid. Lady Wood Ghost couldn't help but show joy on her face. It seemed that the envoy had arrived.

"Madam Hu, Green Face, the envoy will arrive shortly. Do not say anything more, and follow my instructions."

Hu Tianxiang and Qingmian both responded and came down. They were not familiar with the newcomer, and it would be bad if they offended someone.

"Wood Demon, why are you in such a hurry to inform me?"

A rough voice suddenly echoed in the air, startling Hu Tianxiang and Qingmian. They looked around but found nothing.

"Greetings, Your Excellency. Please allow me to give you a brief report." Upon hearing this voice, Lady Wood Ghost finally relaxed, put away the wooden plaque, and bowed in a certain direction.

"explain."

Upon hearing this, Lady Wood Ghost recounted the events that had transpired. Just as she finished her last sentence, the envoy hidden in the darkness let out a furious shout.

"Fools! Everyone else followed you here, and you didn't even know!"

"what!"

Lady Wood Ghost and the other two exclaimed in surprise, as if they had sensed something. The three of them turned around at the same time and saw a red figure with a sword coming from afar, landing gracefully a few feet away from them.

"You three demons have truly lived up to my expectations! You cowards hiding yourselves, get out here now!"

With a sharp shout, a blazing sword light suddenly surged and slashed towards a certain point in the void. The hidden envoy felt the intense heat of the sword light and his mind tightened. He disregarded everything else and dodged the sword light in a flash, but in doing so, he was forced to reveal his true appearance.

The so-called envoy turned out to be a beautiful woman dressed in flowing robes, holding a jade flute. She had long, slender eyebrows and eyes that were as still as water, revealing no emotion. Her icy demeanor made people hesitate to approach her.

Upon seeing this, Lady Wood Ghost and the other two flew into the air and stood behind the woman, seemingly waiting for her instructions.

"State your name! Yan Hongye does not kill nameless nobodies!"

Yan Hongye pointed her longsword diagonally, a flash of red light appeared on the sword, and the tip of the sword suddenly shone brightly, as if a fierce and fiery force swept out instantly.

"What a powerful sword spirit."

Lady Mu Gui and her two companions were both shocked and frightened to see that Yan Hongye's probing move was so powerful. Fortunately, the envoy was there in front of them, otherwise they would have had no choice but to scatter and flee.

"I am Cui Xin, one of the four envoys under the Empress Dowager of the Yin Yue Dynasty."

With a cold voice, Cui Xin waved her jade flute, and a clear, rippling water appeared out of thin air, blocking the outer perimeter. The scorching fire energy could not get close for a while, and the two sides were clearly separated by green and red.

"So you are a high-ranking figure from the Yin Yue Dynasty. Very good, your importance is sufficient."

Upon hearing Cui Xin's words, Yan Hongye's eyes flashed with a sharp light. Impatient with the rest, the Fire Sparrow Sword in her hand shone brightly with a crimson light. With a deep shout, a three-zhang-long fire-feathered sparrow cried out, spread its wings, and flew high, accompanied by raging flames, attacking the four of them.

The void along the way was scorched by flames, causing a momentary distortion.

Firefeather Sparrow was incredibly fast, but Emerald Heart on the other side was no slouch either. Holding her jade flute horizontally, she straightened her face, raised her hand, and the clear blue waves instantly transformed into transparent water curtains, blocking the four of them.

(End of this chapter)