Shushan Earthly Immortal

Chapter 317 Exorcising Demons and Stopping Evil, Establishing a Side Sect

"Gao Ming, where exactly is this secret realm you mentioned? Why haven't we arrived yet?"

A silver-scaled flying python and a green-backed herring flew out of Wuliang Mountain and headed southwest.

The speaker was an old demon sitting on the green-backed herring beetle.

Sitting atop the silver-scaled flying python was none other than Wan Gaoming, who chuckled.

"Please wait a moment, Master. We'll be there soon. It's just south of the mountain. However, judging from the restrictions on that secret realm, it's probably been there for one or two thousand years. I wonder if anything will still be left."

When the cult leader is not present, Wan Gaoming always addresses the vice cult leader as "cult leader".

Pan Tianzhuo, the vice leader of Wuliang Mountain, smiled upon hearing this and said,
"Whatever, if there's nothing left, then we'll just consider it a trip to clear our heads. If there is something, then we'll follow the old rule and take one item each, I'll go first?"

Pan Tianzhuo did indeed want to go out and clear his head. Ever since that old codger broke the seal, the situation in the mountains had changed drastically, and his authority was not as great as before. Moreover, that old codger was going to start a new operation in Zhuanxu Dragon Cave and transferred all the young and elite soldiers of the sect there. Now, only some old codgers were left in the sect as watchdogs.

I am the oldest dog.

Pan Tianzhuo felt a little helpless, but thankfully, there were still a few old dogs in the mountains willing to play with him. Among them, the one he liked the most was undoubtedly the one-eyed dog in front of him, which made his promotion to the position of Third Elder worthwhile.

So, Pan Tianzhuo felt quite relaxed as he walked out of the mountain gate, and smiled kindly at Wan Gaoming, though a hint of disdain lurked beneath that smile. Perhaps, Pan Tianzhuo hadn't even intended to hide it.

Pan Tianzhuo, who was able to rise to the position of vice leader of the Demonic Sect, was naturally no pushover. If an ordinary person invited him to explore some secret realm, he would just laugh it off and wouldn't even budge.

But this Wan Gaoming is different. This one-eyed dog is notoriously timid. He is rarely seen going out alone. Whether he goes out to catch insects or explore secrets, he always needs someone to accompany him. He would rather share the benefits than take any risks. This kind of person should not have joined the demonic sect.

However, precisely because he was timid yet willing to share the spoils, he almost always managed to bring his men back safely after going out, thus earning him a good reputation and making many friends. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been so easy for me to appoint him as the Third Elder.

Although he didn't go out with him often, he still received a considerable share of the spoils, and the tributes he received within the sect were varied and numerous. It was precisely because of this that this person, who was not suited to stay in the demonic sect, thrived there—a testament to the one-eyed old dog's skill.

"Of course! With the sect leader coming out of seclusion, that secret realm should be more discerning and hide more things so that I can share in the sect leader's good fortune."

Wan Gaoming responded with a smile.

He was an extremely shrewd man; even though he was blind in one eye, he could clearly see the disdain on Pan Tianzhuo's lips.

However, Wan Gaoming didn't care at all. He didn't mind suffering losses many times, as long as he succeeded just once, he would get everything back.

The First Elder and Second Elder's items have already been retrieved; now it's the Vice Leader's turn.

Pan Tianzhuo laughed heartily upon hearing this. There were many people in the mountains who wanted to flatter him, but he preferred the straightforwardness of this one-eyed old dog.

Before long, the two had completely left the foothills of Wuliang Mountain. Pan Tianzhuo's face showed slight impatience. Wuliang Mountain was very large, and after leaving Wuliang Mountain, they would be heading to the southern border of Yunnan.

"The leader is right there!"

Wan Gaoming pointed to a forest in front of them and said...

"That place is very secluded. It looks like a forest, but it's actually an illusion created by a mountain mist barrier. I only found it after chasing a poisonous snake into it."

Wan Gaoming's words are true, and the restriction is real; this is where he obtained the Poison Scripture and the Earthly Fiends.

The two mounts landed and each collected the insects. Pan Tianzhuo cautiously looked around the outer edge of the secret realm, his expression gradually changing from serious to delighted.

"It is indeed a restriction from over a thousand years ago!"

he shouted.

"The Master has keen insight!"

Wan Gaoming responded with a smile.

Pan Tianzhuo felt much more relaxed. Setting up a trap was simple, but the duration of the restriction's operation couldn't be faked. It was clear that this was indeed an ancient secret realm, and although the restriction was old, it was well-preserved, with no signs of human damage. Over a thousand years had passed, which was just right. The restriction's power was no longer what it once was, and the relics inside shouldn't have completely decayed.

Pan Tianzhu smiled at Wan Gaoming with satisfaction. This was indeed a good opportunity. He said,
"Such a secret treasure, it's rare that you still think of this old man."

Wan Gaoming then returned.
"Of course, besides, without the sect leader's intervention, how could I possibly get in?"

Pan Tianzhuo laughed loudly. This restriction has been around for thousands of years, how could it be so difficult to break? This old dog just wants to curry favor with him.

Although Pan Tianzhuo was fully aware of the situation, he still found it very helpful.

"You should stay away and watch me cast the spell to break the seal. The backlash from the seal should not harm you."

"Yes!"

Wan Gaoming jogged a few steps away, keeping his distance. The old man was worried that he would take the opportunity to launch a sneak attack. Wan Gaoming knew this perfectly well, but he pretended not to know.

He stood at a distance, watching Pan Tianzhuo lift the restrictions, feeling a little regretful. This valley secret realm was surrounded by restrictions on all four sides. He had lifted one side when he first entered, and a few days ago he tricked the First Elder and Second Elder into coming here to lift two more. Now, the last one was about to be lifted, and he would no longer be able to use this place to trick people in the future.

Sigh, I guess I won't need to lie anymore, right?
Wan Gaoming was lost in thought for a moment.

"Gao Ming! It's done!"

Before long, a shout woke Wan Gaoming.

"The Lord's divine might!"

Without much thought, Wan Gaoming, having regained his senses, first offered a flattering compliment, then jogged over. By then, the mountain mists on the outskirts had dissipated, revealing a forest path.

"Master, let me go first."

Wan Gaoming spoke first.

That was exactly what Pan Tianzhuo meant. He didn't want to entrust his back to anyone else, especially since it was a newly discovered secret realm, and he didn't know if there were any traps ahead. At this moment, he feigned hesitation for a moment before nodding.

"Alright, then I will be the rear guard for Gao Ming."

Wan Gaoming smiled and went in first. Although he was already very familiar with the place, he still pretended to be cautious and explore the way.

"Gao Ming, slow down!"

At this moment, Pan Tianzhuo suddenly spoke up.

"Look, poisonous miasma is drifting in."

Pan Tianzhuo pointed ahead and saw a colorful cloud drifting over.

Wan Gaoming stopped in his tracks, looking horrified, and quickly scattered several white moths. The moths spun around in the colorful clouds and flew back unharmed.

Seeing this, Wan Gaoming relaxed and turned to Pan Tianzhuo,
"Master, it's just mortal miasma. This place is low-lying and sealed off by ancient barriers, so it's perfectly normal for it to generate miasma due to its damp and hot climate. There's nothing to worry about."

Pan Tianzhuo nodded.

"Then continue."

So Wan Gaoming continued forward, and soon he entered the colorful clouds.

Pan Tianzhuo followed closely behind Wan Gaoming and went inside, but after only a few steps, the figure in front of him slowly disappeared. "Gaoming, slow down! The miasma is too thick!"

No one responded.

Pan Tianzhuo's heart sank, but he didn't panic. He had been to many dangerous secret realms before, so he wouldn't be frightened by a mere illusion.

He released two insects, a purple cicada and a dragonfly. The purple cicada chirped loudly, its voice carrying far and wide; he was confident that as long as Wan Gaoming was still in the valley, he would hear it. The dragonfly, on the other hand, flew to the top of his head, its eyes gleaming with two beams of blue light as it scanned the miasma.

At the same time, he also summoned the Five Poison Armor and stopped moving.

The cicadas chirped, but no one responded; the dragonflies couldn't see anything at all.

He suddenly turned around, wanting to retreat, but when he looked back, the path he had come from was already submerged in the colorful clouds.

Is this a genuine restriction, or is Wan Gaoming just playing tricks?

Pan Tianzhuo frowned, then shook his robes, releasing countless small insects that scattered in all directions. At the same time, a green-backed rhinoceros worm crawled out of his sleeve, transforming into the size of a water buffalo upon landing. Pan Tianzhuo mounted it, and the worm took flight.

“Oh—oh—oh——”

Just then, a rooster crowed suddenly from within the illusion. The rooster crowed three times, and the green-backed beetle let out a mournful cry before falling from the sky.

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On the other side of the valley's secret realm.

Wan Gaoming covered his ears tightly. The rooster's crow was like a death curse. Even though it wasn't directed at him, it still made him feel terrified.

He strained his primordial spirit to suppress the insects in his eyes, fearing that if he wasn't careful, the insects he had raised from a young age would break free and escape. In his primordial sea, the natal insect cup trembled, and the insects inside seemed to want to overturn the lid and run away. Wan Gaoming had no choice but to circulate his magic power and press his golden core onto the lid, barely managing to suppress the commotion.

He stared in horror at the towering Pleiades Star Lord's image and the blazing Yang Sword in the mist not far away, and couldn't help but wonder if this abbot was truly the chosen one who was coming to take over Wuliang Mountain.

The massive commotion of the battle didn't last long. After about half an hour, Wan Gaoming heard a voice coming from within the mist.
"Alright, come here now."

Wan Gaoming felt a chill run down his spine. The Second Elder was at the Fourth Level of the Washing Realm, yet it didn't take long to capture him alive. The First Elder was at the Fifth Level of the Washing Realm, and it didn't take long to capture him either. The current Vice Sect Leader was at the Sixth Level of the Washing Realm, yet it only took him a quarter of an hour. Just what level of cultivation did this person possess?
"coming!"

Wan Gaoming responded in unison.

Upon entering the maze, Wan Gaoming saw Pan Tianzhuo slumped on the ground, with the Supreme Yang Flying Sword resting between his eyebrows.

The moment Pan Tianzhuo saw Wan Gaoming enter, his eyes widened in fury, and he shouted,
"It really is you! Wan Gaoming! I have treated you well!"

Wan Gaoming chuckled upon hearing this, but was too lazy to refute it. He placed his hand on Pan Tianzhuo's body, and a small black snake crawled out from under his skin, climbed to Pan Tianzhuo's neck, and bit him.

Pan Tianzhuo's body trembled and immediately stiffened.

"The greatest villain appears as a loyal minister! The greatest villain appears as a loyal minister! The greatest villain appears as..."

Pan Tianzhuo cursed, but after only a few words, his tongue became stiff and he couldn't move it.

Wan Gaoming then presented it to Cheng Xinzhan as if it were a treasure.
"Master, this is a Blood-Suppressing Serpent, so it can't do anything sneaky."

Then, he released three tiny spiders, each the size of a mung bean, and threw them into Pan Tianzhuo's mouth.

"Master, these are the Listening Spider, the Sound-Monitoring Spider, and the Divine-Spinning Spider. They have spun webs in this official's heart, throat, and Niwan Palace respectively, ensuring that he cannot reveal his secrets."

"This is a puppet gu. It can make him move when you want him to move, and make him lift his foot when you want him to lift his foot."

"This is the Gold-Eating Centipede, which is lying on his Yuan Pearl. It can seal his magic power at any time and is not afraid of him self-destructing his Yuan Pearl."

"This is……"

"Alright, alright, do it yourself. I trust your skills."

Listening to Wan Gaoming reciting a menu of insects as he pulled them out, Cheng Xinzhan was too lazy to find out. He put away his flying sword and went to wait on the side.

After waiting for quite a while, Wan Gaoming, who knows how many insects he had put on Pan Tianzhuo, finally came running over to find Cheng Xinzhan, his face beaming with joy, his voice trembling slightly.
"Abbot, it's done."

Wan Gaoming never imagined that one day, the most influential people in Wuliang Mountain would be under his control.

“Master, these are two Earthly Fiends that were taken from Pan Tianzhuo.”

Wan Gaoming presented two lead bottles. He knew that this abbot had very high standards and only cared about the Heavenly Stars and Earthly Fiends, looking down on everything else.

However, Wuliang Mountain was indeed barren. Even the vice-leaders and high-ranking elders, despite their high positions and power, didn't possess a single celestial aura. The second elder was even worse off, lacking not a single extra evil aura.

Fortunately, the Grand Elder had one aura on him, and the Vice Sect Leader had two; otherwise, Wan Gaoming himself would have felt somewhat embarrassed. He could use, and enjoyed using, the poisonous insects and magical treasures he had seized from these people, but he hadn't actually contributed to their use.

Cheng Xinzhan put away the evil spirit. He didn't care much about how much he had seized, because he hadn't eliminated the demon for money.

"Master, I have one more thing to offer!"

Wan Gaoming then handed Cheng Xinzhan an amber-like object.

Cheng Xinzhan glanced at it and saw that there was an insect sealed inside the amber, so she shook her head.
"I'm not interested in these things, you can keep them for yourself."

Wan Gaoming had anticipated Cheng Xinzhan's response and immediately offered an explanation.

“Master, this is no ordinary poisonous insect. It is an ancient and wondrous insect, the Sleepy Insect.”

"Sleepyhead?"

Cheng Xinzhan became interested.

"Yes, Abbot. I don't know where this person got it from, but he hid it very well, placing it in the Neiguan acupoint. However, my insects still managed to find it. After asking, I learned that it was a sleep insect. He dared not melt the amber, fearing that the insect would fly out and he would fall asleep. According to him, holding this amber on a daily basis can calm the mind and relieve palpitations. It is very effective."

Cheng Xinzhan accepted the amber.

"Okay, then I'll accept it."

Then, Cheng Xinzhan asked again,
"Now that you control Wuliang Mountain, what difficulties do you still face?"

Wan Gaoming immediately knelt down and said,

"The Abbot has paved the way for me to this point, so what difficulties could there be? I will certainly not disappoint the Abbot!"

Cheng Xinzhan nodded.

"Once this matter is settled, I will return to northern Yunnan to cause trouble for Lie Xingye. You should manage Wuliang Mountain well in the rear. After Lie Xingye dies, don't forget our agreement."

Wan Gaoming was startled and blurted out,

"Abandon darkness and embrace light, reform evil and return to righteousness, eliminate demons and stop wickedness, and then establish a heretical sect!"

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(End of this chapter)