Chongming Xianzong

Chapter 456 The Great Treasure Obtains the Map, Diligence Obtains the Pill
Headmaster Kang carried Daoist Peng and fled, not daring to rest for even a moment, for fear that the aftershocks of the battle between the three top cultivators beside and behind them would affect him, an insignificant little fish.

Before coming here, he never imagined that he, a mere cultivator, would be drawn into such a battle.

Looking back now, regardless of how terrifying Xiang Tianxing's spear light was, I myself would not have been able to deal with Huang Si Niang's red ribbon without Wu Feng Shang Xiu by my side. I'm afraid I would have been dead after more than ten rounds.

Some time ago, Master Kang was still somewhat proud of his ability to match a fake core cultivator, but after this experience, he realized that the difference between a Golden Core cultivator and a fake core cultivator, though seemingly only one word apart, is indeed worlds apart.

The few lashes from the red ribbon actually shattered the last vestiges of his arrogance, which could be considered a good thing.

Just as Kang Dabao was expressing his feelings, the faintly breathing Taoist Peng coughed lightly, causing the sect leader Kang to frown. He made a hand seal to prepare, and after probing the Taoist's body with his divine sense to see if the spiritual restriction had dissipated, he mustered his courage and moved over to check the situation.

Unexpectedly, as soon as he began to move, the originally weak Peng Daoren slowly sat up cross-legged. At this moment, he leaned against the ship wall and gasped for breath. His spiritual energy was very mixed. Even a third-level alchemist would have to frown upon seeing him: "Cough cough, thank you for giving me some healing pills, young friend. My injuries have flared up again. I'm afraid I can't hold on for much longer."

Sect Leader Kang did not respond. In his life, he had seen many evil cultivators and killed many of them, but this was the first time he had ever seen someone who could cultivate a Blood Dao Golden Core, a superior cultivation method.

God knows how these bastards managed to perfect their alchemical theories and overcome their inner demons.

Although this was the first time that Master Kang had met him, the legends about these evil cultivators' strange methods passed down through the ages had already deeply penetrated his mind and body. Master Kang dared not make any sudden moves, lest he fall into the trap of this Taoist Peng and become the latter's healing supplies.

Judging by the timeline, the first message talisman should have already reached Xuanwei City. Chu Yanran should already be on her way. When the time comes, all I need to do is hand her over, and that will be a great achievement. Why take any risk?

"Cough cough, young friend, if I die here, it will not do you any good. Please have mercy and save me!" After saying this, the evil cultivator coughed up blood again, looking extremely pitiful, just like an ordinary poor and sick old man, which aroused people's pity.

Upon hearing this, Master Kang's expression turned serious, and he thought to himself, "This Taoist priest is probably trying to fool me!"

Kang Dabao had witnessed countless tragic scenes of evil cultivators wreaking havoc in his life. Those were merely the murders committed by those who had cultivated Qi or established their foundation. Compared to the crimes committed by this Taoist Peng, they were probably not even a fraction of what he had done. After a moment of shock, he no longer responded to him. Instead, he changed his hand seals and urged the Kui Xing Shuttle toward Xuanwei City.

But how could that Taoist Peng give up? Seeing that Master Kang still ignored him, he squinted and said listlessly, "It is understandable that you are wary of me, but you have wasted a great opportunity."

"From what I see, you seem to have some connections, perhaps quite deeply entangled with the Fei family and the Yunjiao Prefecture court. Your pupil technique is also exceptional, rarely seen even among Golden Core cultivators; truly rare. If I'm not mistaken, young friend, you must be the Sect Leader Chongming Zongkang, who defeated Fu Neng that day?"

Seeing that this fellow had been rambling on for so long, Headmaster Kang didn't want to ask what kind of opportunity Peng Daoren was talking about. However, feeling embarrassed, he replied in a low voice, "Well, the pills I have are too inferior, and I'm afraid they might harm your noble body, Senior. Please save your energy; other seniors will come to greet you soon."

“Heh, I’m afraid I won’t survive then,” Peng Daoren grinned, seemingly indifferent to life and death. But then he added, “It’s a pity about my several villas. I’m afraid they’ll have to be hidden in the mountains, waiting for a destined person to discover them.”

"A separate residence?" Even though he knew that Master Peng was trying to lure him with benefits, Headmaster Kang still muttered to himself.

This was because he had gotten a good deal in Guanshan Cave back then, and considering that this Taoist was also a top-tier Golden Core cultivator like Guanyu Shangxiu, he probably had indeed collected quite a few treasures.

The hint of excitement in Kang Dabao's eyes was very faint, but it still did not escape Peng Daoren's notice. The latter smiled bitterly: "There are at least four or five separate residences, and even among the treasures, one or two are hidden in each one."

"I am not boasting, but the wealth I have accumulated over the years, even in a single villa, is enough to equal the entire fortune of an ordinary Golden Core cultivator. If someone were to acquire all of my treasures, it would be equivalent to the accumulated wealth of some Golden Core sects over a thousand years."

"Senior, you are not someone who can be easily fooled. Don't play games with me, and rest your energy."

Ordinary cultivators would be willing to sell their backsides for spirit stones to obtain the resources for their Golden Core. Even if they were lucky enough to succeed in forming the Golden Core, it would probably take them sixty years to pay off the debt.

Therefore, it is truly remarkable that Guan Yu, as a rogue cultivator, was able to establish such a reputation and accumulate such abundant resources.

Even if Peng Daoren was highly skilled, and he abandoned his identity as a rogue cultivator to live in the Liangyi Sect and be supported by others, it would still be highly unlikely that he could accumulate as much wealth as he claimed.

There's bound to be some exaggeration in this; just take it with a grain of salt.

Master Kang shook his head after understanding the situation. Although he was also very enthusiastic about the "separate residence" mentioned by Daoist Peng, he was not as blinded by greed as the latter had imagined.

However, Peng Daoren had clearly anticipated this scene. He immediately took out a piece of animal hide of extremely poor quality and quickly drew a map.

Even though Master Kang knew that Daoist Peng had ulterior motives, he was still attracted by the map. The latter generously pushed it forward and tried to shout louder: "This map shows the location of a villa I set up in Dingzhou. Regardless of whether you help me or not, I'm giving it to you."

"I cannot accept a reward without merit, senior, there is no need for such formality." Kang Dabao refused to accept it, but Peng Daoren seemed to have gained strength and insisted on giving it to him. Just as the two were locked in a stalemate, Chu Yanran's graceful figure appeared outside the flying boat.

"This junior pays respects to Lady Qi!" Seeing that he was finally going to hand over this hot potato, Headmaster Kang felt no regret for the so-called separate residence, but was overjoyed.

In stark contrast, Peng Daoren's face darkened. He had not expected that his usual methods would fail, and that Kang Dabao would be able to hold his breath like this.

The phrase "entice with profit" is indeed straightforward and simple, and even a child can explain the principle clearly. However, don't assume that simplicity means it's ineffective. At least 50% of the times Peng Daoren suffered defeats, he saved his life by relying on this tactic.

The methods that had always worked were utterly ineffective against a mere cultivator. The old man felt uneasy; looking up at Chu Yanran's exquisite face, he even felt a pang of nausea.

After boarding the Kui Xing Shuttle, Chu Yanran did not exchange pleasantries with Kang Dabao, but went straight to Peng Daoren, who was leaning against the ship's wall.

First, he ruthlessly verified that there was no problem with the spiritual restriction on the latter's body. Then, he added a bright yellow talisman to his body, turned around, and asked Kang Dabao, "How is the battle going?"

The latter replied respectfully: "The Liangyi Sect has lost a mid-stage upper cultivator. Upper cultivator Wufeng and junior Boyue are each holding back one. The Liangyi Sect's Grand Elder Pu Honggu and the General Affairs Manager of Zhaixing Tower, Xiang Tianxing, are working together to fight against Ancestor Tianqin. However, in my opinion, the battle situation on Ancestor's side is still the most stable."

"Senior Fei's skills are superb, far beyond what we juniors can compare to." Chu Yanran spoke with a hint of awe in her eyes. The beautiful woman nodded in return, then pointed her slender finger forward, and the rough animal hide that had fallen to the ground fell into her hand.

Lady Qi glanced at the map with her beautiful eyes and chuckled, "It's quite detailed, but it's hard to tell if it's real or fake." Lady Qi didn't recognize Peng Daoren, but the latter clearly remembered this strange woman. Even with an additional talisman on him, he still mustered his strength and spoke:
"Fellow Daoist Chu, you are mistaken. I am already imprisoned, and no one knows when I will die. Why would I bother to deceive this young friend?"

"That's good!" Chu Yanran didn't care whether what Peng Daoren said was true or false. She handed the animal skin in her hand to Headmaster Kang to put away, and then instructed, "You can go and take a look when you have time. Remember to invite your husband along too."

"I understand."

After giving her instructions, Chu Yanran turned her gaze back to Peng Daoren and said in a low voice, "Fellow Daoist, please rest for a moment. Xuanwei City is very close; we will arrive in the blink of an eye."

Peng Daoren seemed to have lost his spirit after Chu Yanran's words, so he sat cross-legged to regulate his breathing and closed his eyes without saying a word.

------

"Junior sister, let's go quickly!!"

After shouting wildly, Li Yun didn't even bother to see if Huang Si Niang responded. He used his robe to carry Fei Nan Ying's halberd and turned away.

At this moment, his eyes were filled with disbelief. Who would have thought that two prominent figures from Shannan Dao, who had lived for over sixty years and were below the level of a True Person, could actually be no match for that old bird from the Fei family when they joined forces?

Moreover, it was not as simple as being slightly at a disadvantage. Li Yun could see that Xiang Tianxing and Pu Honggu were fighting with their lives on the line, yet they were still completely overwhelmed by Fei Tianqin.

This situation is absolutely unacceptable. Otherwise, if the battle continues to the end, Xiang and Pu, being quite skilled, might be able to escape unscathed; but Huang Si Niang and I would have no chance of surviving the old bird's pursuit.

Xiang Tianxing watched Li Yun leave, then glared at Pu Honggu beside him with displeasure.

In truth, he also longed to leave. When cracks appeared on the dragon-headed spear, Xiang Tianxing began to consider retreating.

In retrospect, it was because he had become accustomed to flattery during his years as the head of general affairs at the Star-Picking Tower. Even though he often reflected on himself, he still couldn't help but develop some arrogance and overestimate his own abilities, which led him into such a predicament.

Even though he knew that his master had specifically instructed him before going into seclusion not to underestimate Fei Tianqin's abilities, he thought that with Pu Honggu's help, even if he was no match for him, he could still be somewhat composed.

But unexpectedly...
Despite knowing he shouldn't have fought so fiercely, Xiang Tianxing couldn't help but mutter to himself, "Rumors circulate that this old bird has served three dynasties, fought countless battles, and even met His Majesty the Great Ancestor. Perhaps it's all just hearsay. With such fighting prowess, where below the Nascent Soul stage can one find a match for him?!"

As Xiang Tianxing read this, he released his divine sense and discovered that Fei Nanying, who had lost his opponent, was not idle and quickly rushed to Wu Fengshangxiu's side, where Huang Siniang, who was already somewhat hysterical in battle, was fighting.

"This female Taoist priest is unlikely to survive today!"

As soon as he handed over the judgment to Huang Si Niang, Xiang Tianxing felt a burning sensation in his hand with the dragon-headed spear. He grimaced, swept the spear horizontally, and a shower of shimmering fire feathers flew into the air in front of him.

Fei Tianqin was clearly enraged this time and was determined to teach this Nascent Soul disciple a lesson. If it weren't for Pu Honggu's desperate rescue, Xiang Tianxing might have had to slink back to Zhaixing Tower to seek Bai Canhong's protection in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.

Although Pu Honggu was clearly weaker than Xiang Tianxing, he still had his junior brothers and sisters by his side. When he risked his life, he caused Fei Tianqin much more trouble than Xiang Tianxing.

But then he saw Li Yun turn away and leave without even saying goodbye, and his face darkened. To be fair, Li Yun's actions were perfectly rational, but Pu Honggu felt a mix of emotions.

Including the previous incident, after two rounds, among the six advanced cultivators of the Liangyi Sect, apart from Qiu Yunsheng who is still on the outside path, Mo and Wei are already seriously injured. If they are not properly recuperated, it may take them twenty or thirty years to recover. As for Li Yun, the severity of her injuries is unknown. It is likely that Fei Nanying's cultivation is still shallow, so he should not have any fatal injuries. But can he protect Huang Siniang, his only junior sister?
Unable to save his junior sister, and knowing that his junior brothers must already harbor resentment towards him, Pu Honggu still felt wronged.

"But I'm doing this for the sect's sake! It was the sect's order to send Daoist Peng to communicate with the demon school, and I dared not disobey. I've already obtained the Crimson Life-Extending Pill, but the method of refining it still needs to be refined. If I take it haphazardly, it will destroy most of the medicine's efficacy. How can I extend my life and become an infant?"
"If you don't reach the Nascent Soul stage, won't you be condemned generation after generation to be at the mercy of others, your very bones and blood drained for the Star-Picking Tower?! In the end, isn't it all because you're all unambitious, thinking you can slack off in your cultivation just because you have the sect's protection and the Nascent Soul stage is so hard to achieve?! The continuation of this sect's lineage still rests on my shoulders!"

Pu Honggu was angry, but the magical treasure that wasn't very handy still shone brightly, which made Fei Tianqin, who was standing in front of him, praise it in his heart.

However, after praising him, Fei Tianqin crossed his wings and slashed them heavily at Pu Honggu's magic weapon.

This old bird's physical body, cultivated and nurtured for a thousand years, was already comparable to a top-grade third-tier magic weapon. Even the Myriad Soul Banner in Peng Daoren's hand, which Pu Honggu often envied, was almost reduced to dust under such bombardment because it was not good at defense, let alone the magic weapon that Pu Honggu temporarily drew up for emergency use.

"Boom!" At the same time as the magic weapon exploded, it also completely destroyed the fighting spirit of Xiang Tianxing and Pu Honggu. Without thinking, they each used their own methods to retreat.

"Senior Brother, save me!! Save me!!!"

Fei Nanying's deliberately provoked Huang Si Niang's frantic cries for help failed to make the heartless Pu Honggu pause for even a moment; Fei Nanying's plan had indeed come to nothing.

Xiang and Pu were indeed top-tier figures below the level of a true master. They revealed their trump cards and were determined to leave, so even someone as strong as Fei Tianqin could not stop them.

Even if this veteran were to use his trump card and catch up with one of them, he wouldn't be able to kill him outright, which would only create unnecessary trouble.

However, if Pu Honggu didn't stay to rescue her, how could Huang Siniang, who was trapped in the encirclement, possibly survive? Having fought Wu Fengshangxiu for so long, she couldn't even handle Fei Nanying, who came to her aid from behind, so how could she be a match for Fei Tianqin?

After only three or five rounds, the Kun Dao's not-so-graceful body was pierced by the Thousand Feathers. Before the liquid covering her body could even splash out, it was dried into ashes by the fire feathers, leaving only a three-patterned golden pill hanging in mid-air.

The old bird still remembered the debt he owed, and readily accepted it. He then glanced past Wu Feng Shangxiu, who was busy rummaging through Huang Si Niang's storage bag for her natal magic weapon, and pondered:
“There must be something strange about that Taoist Peng. We need to interrogate him thoroughly. After this, the state court will have another handle to use against the Star-Picking Tower, and their bargaining power to force them to side with the Immortal Dynasty will be even stronger.”

"Ancestor, Kang has already sent Taoist Peng back to Xuanwei City."

"Okay, I'll head back now and pay the debt while I'm at it."

(End of this chapter)