Mortal's Purple Sky Cave Heaven

Chapter 420 Mysterious Relationship
Seeing his hesitant expression, Yue Li spoke softly, a look of doubt appearing on her beautiful face:
"What can't be said frankly?"

Before Yuan could say anything, Yue Li suddenly flipped her hand, and a communication jade talisman appeared in her palm.

Jin Ling's anxious voice came from the jade talisman:

"Miss, something terrible has happened!"

Jin Ling quickly recounted everything that happened to Nie Zhaonan on Dragon Island, from buying spiritual medicine at the 'Precious Medicine Hall', meeting Xue Ming, taking out the Golden Thunder Bamboo, even the appearance of Tian Sheng Dao Ren, to finally going to Elder Zhu Huo's cave.

"It's one thing for this candle to ignore me, but how dare it so blatantly bully your disciple?" Yuan was puzzled after hearing this.

"I've been focused on refining weapons these past few days, and I've also been in seclusion for a few days, so I haven't had a chance to deal with the matter of taking on disciples yet," Yue Li said calmly.

"I see." Yuan nodded knowingly. "I think you're probably clueless, Yue Li, and hesitant to take the initiative. Let your second uncle help you."

Yue Li simply looked calmly at her smiling second uncle without replying.

Yuan's expression turned serious:

"Alright, I'll stop teasing you. Daoist Tiansheng is standing up for Nie Zhaonan so much, he probably has his eye on him and wants to take him as his disciple. We need to hurry over, or we'll be at a huge loss if Daoist Tiansheng snatches your disciple away."

"It was just defeating Zhu Wushang, why should Second Uncle care so much?" Yue Li said calmly, with a hint of curiosity.

“Yes, none of your peers in the clan are your match, so you naturally don’t need to worry about this, Yue Li.” Yuan said this without further explanation, and his magical power surged out without hesitation, enveloping Yue Li.

The next moment, the two figures disappeared under the Xuan Tian Hua tree.

After passing through several teleportation arrays, Nie Zhaonan and his two companions finally arrived at a strange black lake shrouded in a thin, gray mist.

Not only was the lake shrouded in mist, but its vast expanse also revealed an unusually turbulent appearance, with the water resembling flowing flames and radiating a scorching heat that made one's mouth dry.

This was a sea of ​​fire filled with black flames.

Nie Zhaonan, amidst the escaping light, released his divine sense to probe into the black lake, and was horrified to discover that the fire-attribute spiritual energy in the lake was overwhelming, with countless giant monster fish swimming endlessly in this black sea of ​​fire.

These fish were also incredibly powerful; even the weakest of them possessed the cultivation level of a Nascent Soul cultivator, and there were quite a few with even higher cultivation levels.

Nie Zhaonan was somewhat surprised, but after flying forward for tens of thousands of miles, a conspicuous island suddenly appeared above the sea of ​​fire.

What makes it so eye-catching is that the entire island is jet black and shiny, and on it stands a colossal palace built of an unknown black crystal, which occupies almost three-quarters of the island's area.

The remaining part was also planted with various exotic flowers and fruits, but they were all of the fire attribute.

"This is my father's residence. Please come with me." Upon seeing the island, Zhu Wushang said this to the two of them, then changed direction and disappeared downwards.

Tian Sheng Dao Ren and Nie Zhao Nan naturally followed suit, their escape lights also changing.

Thus, led by Zhu Wushang, Nie Zhaonan and Tiansheng Daoren descended towards the palace on the island and entered it.

A short while later, Daoist Tiansheng was sitting in an exceptionally spacious hall.

Nie Zhaonan sat respectfully beside him.

In the main seat of the hall, a middle-aged man with black horns on his head and wearing a long black robe with flame patterns sat calmly.

"Senior Tiansheng, I have made some mistakes in my cultivation recently, which is why I was a bit irritable before. Please forgive me." Zhu Huo, who was wearing a black patterned robe, suddenly spoke, but his words were meant to express his apology.

When facing Tian Sheng Dao Ren, whom even the Supreme Elder of the clan had to take seriously, he was merely a Nascent Soul cultivator. Even though he had lived for several times longer than Tian Sheng Dao Ren, his strength was far inferior.

"Hmm." Daoist Tiansheng nodded, not intending to pursue the matter further, and said calmly:
"You know why I'm here, it's for the 'Earth Divine Thunder'. So there's no need for further nonsense, just discuss your conditions and purpose directly with young friend Nie."

“Alright, senior, you’re so straightforward, I won’t hold back either. The ‘Earth Divine Thunder’ was something I found when I first achieved my ultimate form, while traveling through other realms. For cultivators who practice thunder-attribute techniques, it’s arguably the best choice for crafting their natal magic weapon. My purpose is simple: I want to exchange your fire spirit with you, young friend.” With a smile, Zhu Huo’s gaze fell on the silver firebird on Nie Zhaonan’s shoulder as he spoke frankly.

Nie Zhaonan thought to himself, "Just as I suspected." He had considered this possibility beforehand. After a moment's thought, he spoke:

"While the 'Earth Divine Thunder' is indeed rare, the 'Celestial Firebird' in my possession is equally hard-won, and its potential far surpasses that of the 'Earth Divine Thunder'."

“Young friend, you’re unwilling to exchange? You don’t cultivate fire-attribute techniques. The ‘Celestial Firebird’ you mentioned only enhances some of your abilities and doesn’t offer much benefit to your cultivation level. But ‘Earth Divine Thunder’ is different.” Upon hearing this, Candlelight’s face showed a hint of surprise.

It is obvious that for cultivators practicing lightning-attribute techniques, the importance of the Earth Divine Lightning far exceeds that of the Immortal Firebird.

Nie Zhaonan's answer was unexpected by Zhu Huo, and even Tian Sheng Dao Ren, who was standing to the side, looked somewhat surprised.

“How about this, I have a section of Golden Thunder Bamboo, which I can use to exchange for the Earth Divine Thunder in your possession, Elder? What do you think, Elder?” Nie Zhaonan said.

Although it is unknown why Zhu Huo took a liking to the Immortal Firebird, judging from the fact that he forcibly seized the Immortal Firebird in public, it is obvious that the Immortal Firebird must be of great use to him, and Nie Zhaonan will easily let him have his way.

"The renowned Golden Thunder Bamboo of the cultivation world is of no use to me. I only want the Immortal Firebird. If you are willing to give up the Earth Divine Thunder, I will naturally not force you. This transaction can be called off here." Candlelight's expression turned grim, and his face hardened.

"Alright then, besides the Golden Thunder Bamboo, young friend Nie, please offer some Golden Thunder Bamboo leaves in exchange. Fellow Daoist Candlelight, you will eventually have to undergo the Great Ascension Tribulation. The Vajra Demon-Slaying Divine Thunder refined from Golden Thunder Bamboo leaves is an excellent item for restraining extraterrestrial demons. Fellow Daoist should be satisfied with this." Seeing that Candlelight had no intention of making concessions, Daoist Tiansheng spoke up.

Having crafted so many Golden Thunder Bamboo Flying Swords, anyone with a modicum of knowledge could guess that Nie Zhaonan must possess a considerable number of Golden Thunder Bamboo Leaves.

“While the Vajra Demon-Slaying Divine Thunder is indeed powerful, it is not irreplaceable. How could my True Dragon Clan, so powerful, not have a way to restrain the extraterrestrial demons? If all else fails, we can borrow a Xuan Tian treasure from our clan to protect our minds from the invasion of extraterrestrial demons.” Candlelight’s expression shifted, but he quickly shook his head.

Seeing that Zhu Huo was determined to only exchange for the Celestial Firebird, Nie Zhaonan felt somewhat helpless.

The Earthly Divine Thunder is crucial to his success in achieving the unity of the Five Elements and advancing to the Void Refinement stage. Is handing over the Immortal Firebird the only option?
Nie Zhaonan's gaze fell on the silver firebird on his shoulder, and his heart was quite unsettled.

But the next moment, a man's voice suddenly echoed in the hall.

"Candlelight, come out and see me at once! How dare you bully my Yue Li's disciple! If you don't give me an explanation today, I will definitely demolish your cave!"

Nie Zhaonan's heart skipped a beat; it was Elder Yuan's voice.

"Since you're here, come in. Do you expect me to come out to greet you?" Completely unconcerned by Yuan's words, Zhu Huo spoke in a calm tone, his voice not loud, but it carried far and wide.

At this moment, a spiritual light appeared outside the main hall, and two streaks of light flashed and appeared in the hall. Then, the light faded, and the figures of Yuan and Yue Li were revealed.

As soon as Yuan Fang appeared, he didn't even glance at the expressionless candlelight on the main seat, and sat down in the seat next to Nie Zhaonan.

Yue Li also sat down next to him with a graceful figure.

"Fellow Daoist Yuan, Fairy Yue Li," Tian Sheng Daoist greeted her with a hint of unease.

"Senior Tiansheng," the two replied politely.

"I heard from Fellow Daoist Yuan that Young Friend Nie seems to be Fairy Yue Li's disciple. Is this true?" Daoist Tian Sheng asked uncertainly, his heart filled with unease.

“Of course. When we met by chance in the void outside the realm, Yue Li took a liking to Zhao Nan’s amazing talent, which is why she brought him back to this True Dragon Realm. Zhao Nan, really, you were bullied by Zhu Huo like this, and you didn’t even say that you were Yue Li’s disciple. Are you afraid of causing us trouble? Or do you think we can’t protect you?” Yuan said with a hint of reproach, his hand casually resting on Nie Zhao Nan’s shoulder, but his tone was unusually affectionate.

'Zhao Nan? Disciple?' Nie Zhao Nan was somewhat taken aback.

When did he become Fairy Yue Li's disciple? Even if he is Fairy Yue Li's disciple, Elder Yuan doesn't need to be so kind to me, even a little enthusiastic.

Just as he was filled with confusion, Yuan's voice echoed in his mind:

“After I first met you, Yue Li had already decided to take you as her disciple. However, it took some time to help you rebuild the Sky-Piercing Shuttle, which is why I didn’t tell you or formally accept you as my disciple. Now that Yue Li and I are standing up for you, we need a suitable identity.”

"I see, thank you for your kindness, Elder." Nie Zhaonan replied telepathically, agreeing.

Although it felt somewhat forced and a little inexplicable, he could certainly understand Yuan's good intentions.

At the same time, Fairy Yue Li is stunningly beautiful and the strongest among the younger generation of the True Dragon Clan. He would not object to her becoming his disciple.

After thinking it through, Nie Zhaonan stood up and bowed to Yue Li:
"Master."

"Mm." Yue Li nodded slightly, a rare faint smile appearing on her exquisite face.

"gorgeous!"

This smile, in Nie Zhaonan's eyes, was like a fairy flower blooming, and he couldn't help but feel a secret flutter in his heart, but on the surface, he remained calm and sat down again.

Seeing the two disciples being so respectful, and the master showing such affection for his disciples, Daoist Tiansheng froze in his seat, his heart bleeding.

The disciple he had his eye on, just like that, is gone?

No, a cultivator doesn't necessarily have only one master.
"Hmph, who gave you permission to take a human cultivator as your disciple?" At this moment, Zhu Huo looked at Yue Li with a strange smile and asked with ill intent.

He had previously intended to take Nie Zhaonan as a disciple, but only as a nominal disciple, which was already the limit that the clan could tolerate.

Moreover, given Yue Li's astonishing potential, let alone accepting Nie Zhaonan, even accepting his son Zhu Wushang would elicit numerous objections from the clan's Nascent Soul and Mahayana elders.

"Elder Candlelight need not worry about this matter. Elder Golden Dragon personally agreed to my taking Zhao Nan as my disciple, and also made an exception to allow my disciple to participate in the clan's grand competition three hundred years from now." Yue Li's lips parted slightly, her tone gentle.

"Elder Jinlong!" Zhu Huo's expression changed drastically. He gave Nie Zhaonan a meaningful look. For a moment, he couldn't see through this Nascent Soul stage human cultivator.

Upon hearing the name of Elder Jinlong, Daoist Tiansheng's lips twitched, and he completely abandoned his idea of ​​taking Nie Zhaonan as his disciple.

"Hahaha, Candlelight, do you have any more questions? If you think we're lying to you, you can go and ask Elder Golden Dragon yourself," Yuan said with a hearty laugh.

"Elder Jinlong is the pillar of our clan, how could I disturb him for such a trivial matter? Besides, I don't believe you would dare to act in the name of the Elder." Candlelight snorted coldly, no longer questioning him.

"You want to exchange the candlelight for this fire spirit?" Yuan's gaze shifted to the silver firebird. "It seems quite unusual. Zhao Nan, could you let me take a look?"

“Of course. This junior is weak and ignorant, and does not know much about this Celestial Firebird. I would like to ask Elder Yuan for guidance.” With a thought, Nie Zhaonan's Celestial Firebird spread its silver wings and landed in Yuan's hand in a flash.

Yuan didn't stand on ceremony and extended his divine sense into the body of the Immortal Firebird. Gradually, a look of surprise appeared on his face.

Seeing this, Zhu Huo's expression grew even more unpleasant, and he lowered his head.

"Tsk tsk tsk, anything that can pique Elder Candlelight's interest is truly extraordinary. This Celestial Firebird is actually formed by the fusion of two true spirit fires, the Solar Essence Fire and the Lunar True Fire. With the harmony of Yin and Yang, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it a Holy Spirit among Fires. As long as it devours enough powerful spiritual flames, it will only be a matter of time before it rivals a Mahayana cultivator." Yuan withdrew his divine sense and exclaimed in amazement.

At the same time, he slightly raised his hand, and the celestial firebird in his hand flew back to Nie Zhaonan's shoulder with great agility.

"Candlelight, you want to exchange this Celestial Firebird for Earth Divine Thunder? That's too much of a rip-off!" Yuan said bluntly to Candlelight, who was in the main seat.

"A transaction is about mutual benefit. In my opinion, the Earth Divine Thunder is no less effective than the Celestial Firebird for young friend Nie. At the same cultivation level, the power of a single divine thunder is enough to make most Nascent Soul cultivators wary. With the five elements of divine thunder combined, its power will more than double. I'm afraid that even Mahayana cultivators will have to retreat when the divine thunder is unleashed." Candlelight snorted coldly and said indifferently.

Nie Zhaonan remained silent and did not say anything.

(End of this chapter)