A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 310 Considered an Allied Force
Ni Qingfeng looked at the golden light on his fingertip, and his palm shimmered with a clear light. A solid ball of cyan light enveloped it. The dragon demon trembled first, then suddenly brightened, then dimmed. After repeating this seven times, the dragon demon gradually lost its luster, and finally turned grayish-white, turning into powder and falling down.

"This dragon pearl is pure yang, while the dragon's evil is extremely yin. Shangguan Yun is not a member of the Chamu tribe. By consuming the dragon pearl, he has already broken the balance of yin and yang. Soon after, the dragon's evil will surge and completely transform him into a monster. Time is running out for the Tianshan Sect."

Although the Tianshan Sect has greatly increased its strength, apart from the Seven Heroes of Tianshan, the rest of its members are still far inferior to those of the Zhongxin Hall. If Shangguan Yun were to use the Dragon Ball to create those immortal monsters again, the number of people in the Tianshan Sect who could truly deal with them would probably be no more than a palm strike's width.

With this in mind, Ni Qingfeng decided to first write a letter to his senior brother, the sect leader, and then contact the Black and White Duo.

After meditating for a while, Ni Qingfeng recovered most of his true energy. He got up and left the cave. After a moment's thought, he headed southeast. After walking for half an hour, Ni Qingfeng saw a clear mark outside a village. With a firm resolve, he went in. As soon as he entered the village, he saw two young men in blue robes walking towards him. After exchanging a glance, they quickly went to greet him. They bowed respectfully and said, "Greetings, Fourth Martial Uncle."

Ni Qingfeng nodded, then took out the token representing his identity and said to them, "Who's in charge here? I need to send a message back to Tianshan, and I need to be quick!"

Upon hearing this, the two men immediately became serious. One of them led Ni Qingfeng back into the village, while the other went outside the village to continue patrolling.

The disciple led Ni Qingfeng through several houses, turning left and right, until they arrived at a sizable farm. This was the secret branch of the Tianshan Sect, which had only been built in recent years. Because they were worried about being discovered by the Zhongxin Hall, they abandoned their previous overt practices and switched to a more pragmatic approach.

"Fourth Uncle, please wait a moment."

The disciple apologized to Ni Qingfeng, took a few steps forward, and knocked on the door with three long and two short knocks. After a while, the door opened, and a dark-skinned young man came out. Seeing the disciple in blue, he asked with a puzzled look, "Senior Brother Zhuo?"

Senior Brother Zhuo immediately stepped aside, revealing Ni Qingfeng's figure. The dark-skinned disciple was startled upon seeing Ni Qingfeng and hurriedly stepped forward to bow. Ni Qingfeng waved his hand, and the disciple, understanding the situation, immediately led Ni Qingfeng into the farm. Senior Brother Zhuo then bowed to Ni Qingfeng and quickly left.

"Elder Wang, Uncle Ni has arrived and says he has important business to discuss!"

As the dark-skinned disciple led Ni Qingfeng into the main hall, a lean, black-bearded middle-aged man was sipping tea and reading messages. This man was Wang Huan of the Tianshan Sect, whose martial arts skills were among the best of the elders. Otherwise, Xue Wanshan would not have sent him here to oversee the situation.

As he was reading the news about Zhongxin Hall, he heard shouts outside. He frowned immediately, but when he heard "Uncle Ni," his expression changed instantly. He hurriedly dropped the report in his hand, jumped up, and ran outside.

"Senior Brother Ni!"

Upon seeing Ni Qingfeng, Wang Huan excitedly went to greet him. Ni Qingfeng, upon recognizing Wang Huan, returned the greeting.

"So it's Junior Brother Wang here. It's been a long time. His martial arts have improved quite a bit."

Wang Huan was an acquaintance of Ni Qingfeng. When Ni Qingfeng was on the mountain, in addition to instructing the Seven Heroes of Tianshan and Gu Ming under his tutelage, other elders and disciples would also come to give him guidance from time to time. Elder Wang Huan was especially diligent in his visits and put in a lot of effort. Every time he went to ask for guidance, he would be more advanced than before. Therefore, Ni Qingfeng had a deep impression of this person.

"Without your guidance, senior brother, Wang Huan would not have achieved what he has today. Please come in for a chat and a cup of tea."

Wang Huan was very grateful to Ni Qingfeng. If it weren't for Ni Qingfeng's guidance, how could he have stood out from the elders and obtained such a lucrative position? Moreover, he was also thinking of getting on the good side of Ni Qingfeng, a powerful elder, to make his position in the Tianshan Sect more secure.

With a wave of his hand, Wang Huan dismissed the dark-skinned disciple and led Ni Qingfeng into the main hall. Ni Qingfeng glanced at the report on the table, drank a cup of tea, and then stopped Wang Huan from speaking.

"Junior Brother Wang, I need to write a letter and I need you to send someone back to Tianshan. Is there any way you can stop me from doing this?"

Ni Qingfeng knew that there were many things to handle at the branch headquarters and did not want to delay the normal operation of the branch headquarters, which is why he asked this question.

“It’s no trouble. The sect leader has already given the order that your matter is of paramount importance to the Tianshan Sect and cannot be delayed. Senior brother, here is some pen and ink. Call me when you’re done writing.”

Wang Huan pushed the writing brush and ink on the table to Ni Qingfeng, bowed, turned and left the hall, closing the door behind him, and quietly stood guard outside.

Ni Qingfeng wasted no time and immediately picked up his pen to write. He finished writing in no time and called out to the outside. Upon hearing this, Wang Huan immediately pushed open the door and came in.

"Be fast!"

Ni Qingfeng handed the sealed letter to Wang Huan, who looked solemn and said in a deep voice, "Don't worry, Senior Brother, I will definitely send this letter back to Tianshan as soon as possible!"

Ni Qingfeng nodded upon hearing this. "Zhongxintang may be planning something big recently. You must remain calm and not easily reveal your identities, otherwise most of the people in this village will not be able to survive."

Wang Huan was startled by these words, but remained calm on the surface. Seeing this, Ni Qingfeng did not say anything more and politely declined Wang Huan's invitation to the banquet. After exchanging a few pleasantries, Ni Qingfeng took his leave.

After Ni Qingfeng left, Wang Huan immediately summoned a capable disciple, handed him the letter, gave him repeated instructions, and then sent him to ride a swift steed to Tianshan.

After leaving the village, Ni Qingfeng returned to the vicinity of Zhongxin Hall. Seeing the increase in the number of patrols, Ni Qingfeng's eyes flashed slightly. Just then, a familiar figure appeared not far from Zhongxin Hall. It was Lu Yi.

After checking the area repeatedly, Lu Yi realized that the security was so tight that he would probably be discovered before he even entered. Thinking of his parents who were still recovering in the suburbs, Lu Yi quickly left. He bought some medicinal herbs and food from the pharmacy and headed towards the suburbs. Lu Yi was afraid of being discovered by the people from Zhongxin Hall, so he carefully observed his surroundings as he walked.

Once they reached the outskirts, Lu Yi realized he was unaccompanied. He used his lightness skill to leap into a grove of trees. Ni Qingfeng immediately followed. A moment later, Ni Qingfeng watched as Lu Yi stopped and walked into a makeshift tent.

Inside the tent, Lu Aotian and his wife were sitting cross-legged, silently healing their injuries. The power of that dragon pearl was extraordinary. If it weren't for Ni Qingfeng's help, they would have been reduced to ashes. Even so, their bodies were still injured by the dragon pearl's violent energy, and their meridians were damaged. Every time they tried to circulate their true energy, they felt a tightness in their chest and couldn't breathe.

"Mom and Dad, I'm back."

Lu Yi put down what he was holding and looked at his parents, whose faces were still pale. He couldn't help but feel very worried, but he regretted that his skills were not good enough and he couldn't help them much.

Lu Aotian and his wife had already sensed Lu Yi's appearance. They both gathered their inner energy, opened their eyes, and stood up.

"Yi'er, what's the situation outside?"

After leaving Ni Qingfeng, Lu Aotian and his wife turned back and took Lu Yi out while the people of Zhongxintang were not paying attention. However, Shangguan Feiyan still saw them before they left.

"Father, the people from Zhongxin Hall haven't launched a large-scale search, but the area in front of Zhongxin Hall is under martial law. We can't put our hopes on them; we have to leave here as soon as possible."

Lu Yi placed the medicinal herbs in a pot and slowly simmered them, then handed over the steamed buns he had bought.

Lu Aotian felt a little relieved upon hearing this. He took the steamed bun, looked at his son who looked distressed, and sighed, "Shangguan Yun is inhuman, but this matter has nothing to do with Feiyan. This is your business. There's no need to get entangled with the previous generation. When the time is right, you can rekindle your relationship with Feiyan."

Upon hearing this, Lü Fengming looked at Lu Yi and advised, "Yi'er, things are very complicated now. Zhongxin Hall's ambitions have been revealed, and sooner or later they will have a battle with Tianshan Sect. When that happens, there will inevitably be bloodshed. Although your father and I have some reputation, we can only barely protect ourselves in the battle between these two major sects. You must not do anything foolish, otherwise your father and mother will be worse off than dead."

Lu Fengming knew that his son was deeply in love with Shangguan Feiyan, but now was not the right time. If he offended Shangguan Yun, the couple would not be able to save Lu Yi's life.

"Father and Mother, don't worry. Your son knows the importance of this matter. I have my own plans for Feiyan and will not act rashly." Lu Yi assured her, but he had already made up his mind. If Zhongxin Hall really went to war with Tianshan Sect in the future, he could not save others, but he must protect Feiyan.

Lu Aotian and his wife were, after all, veterans of the martial arts world. Seeing their son's expression, they knew exactly what he was up to. They exchanged a glance but said nothing. As they were eating their steamed buns, Lu Aotian suddenly had a thought and paused in his eating. He secretly gave Lü Fengming a hand gesture, which the latter understood. He quietly moved his feet, pressed down on the long sword beside him, and prepared to strike.

With a whoosh, Lu Aotian threw the half-eaten bun in his hand out into the room. At the same time, Lü Fengming drew his long sword, a flash of cold light, and slashed hard in the direction the bun had been thrown. With a soft crack, a branch fell from the tree, and the half-eaten bun landed in someone's hand.

"Master Ni!"

Lu Aotian's face lit up with joy, and Lü Fengming also felt relieved. Lu Yi, who was standing to the side, was startled by this sudden change. He turned around and saw a handsome and refined Taoist standing tall under a large tree a few feet away from the tent.

Ni Qingfeng took a few quick steps, his movements swift and precise, and in the blink of an eye, he arrived in front of the tent, bowing to Lu Aotian and his wife.

"Please forgive me, gentlemen. I was rude."

Ni Qingfeng handed the steamed bun back to Lu Aotian, who took it and then asked, "Did you come here with Yi'er, Daoist Master?"

As he spoke, Lu Aotian turned and glanced at Lu Yi. Upon hearing this, Lu Yi blushed. He had been calling himself the son of the Black and White Heroes, yet he hadn't even noticed that someone was following him. It was truly shameful.

“It was my fault for following your son from afar, so you can’t blame him. Those people from Zhongxin Hall didn’t notice you two,” Ni Qingfeng said solemnly as he looked at the pale-faced Lu Aotian and his wife. “Your injuries are getting worse. If you don’t get treatment in time, I’m afraid it won’t be long before they devour your true energy and then deplete your life force.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Yi's expression changed drastically. However, seeing his parents' calm expressions, he felt a pang of unease. Could it be that his parents already knew about his situation and were only pretending to be nonchalant to put his mind at ease?

"Master Ni, please save my parents. I am willing to serve you like a slave."

As he spoke, Lu Yi knelt down before Ni Qingfeng without saying a word. However, as soon as he was half-kneeling, he felt an invisible force supporting him from below. No matter how hard he tried, he could not kneel down. He couldn't help but look up at Ni Qingfeng.

"Young Master Lu, please rise. Now that I am here, I have no intention of ignoring you. I will not mince words, for in all the world, I am the only one who can help you two."

A gust of wind gently lifted Lu Yi's body. The latter was greatly surprised. Having witnessed Ni Qingfeng's skills, Lu Yi's pride was completely suppressed, and he stood respectfully to the side.

Hearing this, Lu Aotian and his wife agreed wholeheartedly. However, since he had spoken so directly, it seemed he had another purpose. After exchanging a glance, Lu Aotian clasped his hands in a salute and said to Ni Qingfeng, "If Daoist Ni can cure the ailments of my wife and me, we will repay you by going to the bottom of the mountain and into the sea of ​​fire!"

"There's no need for you two to do this. I'm not without conditions for helping you, but let's wait until we eliminate that strange force. Young Master Lu, please keep watch outside and don't let anyone break in."

Lu Yi nodded upon hearing this and left the tent without saying a word.

"Gentlemen, the strange power within your bodies is what I call 'Dragon's Fiend.' This thing is extremely yin and evil, and true qi is its nourishment. To eradicate it, one way is to disperse the true qi within your bodies, so that Dragon's Fiend will become rootless water and no longer pose a threat. However, in this case, your martial arts will be completely ruined, and you will not be able to cultivate again in the future, otherwise you will suffer a backlash. The other way is to use your abundant pure yang true qi to refine Dragon's Fiend, cleanse your meridians, and eliminate the remaining poison. However, this process will be very painful."

Actually, Ni Qingfeng had another plan, but he knew that Lu Aotian and his wife would definitely not agree to it.

Just now, Ni Qingfeng had already noticed that Lu Yi already had the Dragon Pearl in his body. The Dragon Evil originated from the Dragon Pearl. Since it could be separated, it could also be absorbed. If he were to take action, he could use the power of the Dragon Pearl in Lu Yi's body to first absorb the Dragon Evil and then let Lu Yi slowly resolve it. However, this method would only transfer the pain to Lu Yi. How could the Black and White Heroes agree to that?

"Master Ni, please do your best. As martial arts practitioners, if we can't even endure a little pain, we would be disgracing the name of the Black and White Heroes."

Lu Aotian looked at Ni Qingfeng with a righteous expression, and Lü Fengming nodded slightly, clearly agreeing with her husband's statement.

"Alright, please sit cross-legged and slowly refine your true qi. Stop immediately when you feel a burning sensation in your dantian."

Upon hearing this, Lu Aotian and his wife immediately did as instructed. After only a short while, they both felt that familiar strange power appear. However, unlike before, this strange power began to surge from their limbs and bones towards their dantian. At this moment, their dantian was like a furnace, and the strange power continuously devoured the true qi that the two of them had refined, and then released it into their meridians. Remembering Ni Qingfeng's instructions, the two of them immediately stopped circulating their qi.

However, to their surprise, this strange force operated on its own and its speed of devouring true energy increased rapidly. The true energy that Lu Aotian and his wife had painstakingly refined was instantly absorbed by it. Without the true energy to devour, the strange force began to draw upon the vital energy within their bodies.

Seeing Lu Aotian and his wife's faces turn red and then black, Ni Qingfeng immediately reached out and supported their backs, channeling two streams of pure Yang energy into their bodies. As soon as these two streams of energy appeared, the Dragon Fiend Force paused for a moment, then, like a beast that had spotted its prey, began to devour the pure Yang energy. In just a few breaths, it had absorbed most of the pure Yang energy.

"Let's see how much you can absorb."

Ni Qingfeng sneered. With his true self backing him up, let's see how long it can hold out. After continuing to channel his true energy for half an hour, the speed at which the dragon's evil power devoured the energy suddenly slowed down, and it also became very sluggish, like a well-fed beast struggling to digest what it had gained. After Ni Qingfeng noticed this, a glint flashed in his eyes, and then a clear light flashed in his palm. Strands of pure yang true energy wrapped around the dragon's evil power, and in less than half a breath, it completely covered it.

The dragon's evil power had absorbed too much pure yang energy, and the situation had been reversed. With Ni Qingfeng's continuous absorption, streams of pure yang energy began to refine the dragon's evil energy hidden within, aided by external forces. The dragon's evil energy, as if touched in pain, began to resist violently, but it was neutralized one by one by the pure yang energy. Not only did it fail to break the seal, but it also consumed a lot of power and accelerated the refining speed of the pure yang energy.

After a short while, the dragon's aura finally succumbed to the refinement of the pure yang energy. With a few hissing sounds, it instantly vanished into nothingness. The remaining pure yang energy, under Ni Qingfeng's control, circulated through the meridians of Lu Aotian and his wife, repairing the damage, and finally returned to their dantian. It served as a catalyst for condensing true energy, slowly circulating the true energy. After an unknown amount of time, Lu Aotian and his wife felt a cool sensation in their dantian, followed by a feeling of mental and physical well-being, as if they had been cured of a chronic illness.

"Thank you, Taoist Master."

Lu Aotian opened his eyes, stood up and bowed respectfully to Ni Qingfeng, while Lü Fengming beside him looked grateful.

Ni Qingfeng slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, shook his head, and chuckled, "Please don't rush to express your gratitude. I have already said that this is conditional. Although you are both in good health, it is best not to use force lightly for the next half month."

Lu Aotian nodded upon hearing this and said solemnly, "I know, but what are the requirements for appearance?"

Although Ni Qingfeng hadn't mentioned any conditions before, Lu Aotian knew that the other party wasn't the kind of person who would take advantage of someone's kindness, and at least wouldn't ask the couple to do anything against chivalry.

"I hope that you two will visit Tianshan after you have recovered from your injuries. In the future, I will need your help to deal with Zhongxintang."

Upon hearing Ni Qingfeng's words, Lu Aotian and his wife were taken aback. They exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with surprise. They hadn't expected that the other party would help them so much by making such a simple request. Even if Ni Qingfeng hadn't said it, the couple would still have to deal with Zhongxintang in the future. Now that he had made this condition, it was actually in their favor.

"I understand what you mean, Master. Once my wife and I have recovered, we will definitely go up the mountain to meet with Sect Leader Xue."

Upon hearing this, Ni Qingfeng bowed respectfully and said solemnly, "Then this humble Taoist and the sect leader will await your arrival. I have other important matters to attend to, so please take your leave."

Lu Aotian and his wife bowed solemnly and watched Ni Qingfeng leave. After Ni Qingfeng left, Lu Yi walked in and was overjoyed to see that his parents' complexion had mostly recovered.

Meanwhile, in the secret chamber of Zhongxin Hall, Shangguan Yun had already swallowed the third Dragon Pearl. With the help of the Dragon Pearl, the injuries in Shangguan Yun's body were healing at a speed visible to the naked eye, and his aura was also surging, constantly moving towards the Innate Realm. After an unknown amount of time, Shangguan Yun let out a deep shout, and the room suddenly roared. Then, a beam of crimson-gold light illuminated the room, which lasted for several breaths before slowly receding.

(End of this chapter)