Chongming Xianzong

Chapter 489 Killing Golden Core Cultivators
"Is Yang Yongcheng really that generous?" Master Kang muttered to himself, thinking to himself that he was not the son of this Golden Core cultivator, so he dared not accept the gift. He bowed and replied, "This junior has not accomplished anything, and dares not accept the senior's generous gift."

Yang Yongcheng nodded and smiled, and said softly, "Young friend, what are you saying?" He paused halfway through his sentence, looked around, and then continued, "I have something that I need your help with, my esteemed brothers."

"Huh?" Kang Dabao was startled, suddenly feeling that the ivy in his hand was a little too hot to handle.

------

Fei Shuhe came out to say a few words, but while the face of a noblewoman from the Fei family might be valuable in other places, it had no effect in front of Yang Yongcheng, who had cultivated a golden elixir for many years.

The latter only offered a few perfunctory polite words, and finally said, "After this matter is over, I, Yang, will definitely go to apologize to the Marquis of Gucheng."

Having said all that, Fei Shuhe knew that it was no use for her to beg. After exchanging a few words with Master Kang, she led her worried wives and children back on the Kui Xing Shuttle.

Kang Dabao was also pragmatic; this Yang Yongcheng was not a newly promoted Golden Core cultivator like the Daoist disciple of the Chixin Sect. What this advanced cultivator was going to do was none of Kang Dabao's business, so he could only bury his head and obey.

As for whether or not to complain to the Fei family later, that's a matter for later. We must not upset Jin Dan at this time.

After calming down and thinking it over carefully, the anxiety in their hearts subsided considerably. Although the Yang family of Yezhou, as local cultivators, had close ties with the local forces of Wu Lao Mountain within the Qin State Duke's Mansion, their relationship with the Fei family was not bad. There was no reason for them to harm the two of them without a cause.

Even if one were to use people to refine blood and ointment, there are plenty of innocent Foundation Establishment cultivators in this world who have no foundation and are easily manipulated. There's no need to get involved with Master Kang, who has been seen by many superior cultivators.

Sure enough, not long after Fei Shuhe and his party left, Yang Baoshan and his nephew invited Kang and Jiang onto the flying boat.

Yang Yongcheng, maintaining his Golden Core posture, settled down briefly before closing his eyes and remaining silent. Finally, Yang Wuwei stepped forward, cupped his hands, and apologized: "There has been a sudden mishap. My uncle has a matter that requires your assistance. It is of great importance and cannot be delayed. Therefore, I have acted expediently due to the urgency of the matter. I hope you two will not take offense if I have offended you."

Yang Wuwei always handled things in a respectable manner. As he spoke, he handed Kang Dabao a storage bag that was at least twenty or thirty cubic meters in size.
"I offer this as an apology, and I earnestly hope that my esteemed brothers will not take offense!"

Kang Dabao accepted the storage bag without any change in expression. He scanned it with his divine sense and saw that in addition to the large space filled with resources, there was a small empty space where a jade pill bottle was placed.

"Foundation Pill?!"

Headmaster Kang silently murmured to himself, feeling both delighted and deeply troubled. Although the storage bag Yang Wuwei handed over was small, the spiritual items inside were equivalent to what Chongming Sect had gained in the past two years.

"First came the ivy, then the Foundation Establishment Pill. With such a grand scheme, what kind of crazy business are they trying to do?!"

But now Yang Yongcheng wouldn't even say what he wanted the two of them to do, which suddenly made Kang Dabao feel uneasy again.

Yang Wuwei was tight-lipped, and after several attempts to probe him, he still knew nothing. Just as Headmaster Kang was getting anxious, the speeding flying boat had already sailed out of Tengwen Prefecture and suddenly stopped in a thick cloud.

A slender, tall figure stood amidst the thick clouds. Master Kang, with his sharp eyesight, felt he had seen him before at the auction, but he didn't know his background or name.

"Greetings, Senior Huang Li."

Yang Wuwei, bowing respectfully, cleared up the doubts of Sect Leader Kang. As he followed suit, he thought to himself, "So it was him."

This senior Huang Li is also a rare rogue cultivator and Golden Core cultivator in Shannan Dao. Kang Dabao had heard of his name in his early years, but because Huang Li often traveled to Bozhou, which is the home of the Xianyu family, one of the three provinces, and is far away from Yunjiao Prefecture, the sect leader Kang only knew his name and had no idea what else he knew.

Only a few rogue cultivators could maintain a respectable demeanor in front of their juniors. Huang Li, the upper cultivator, bypassed the true cultivators who were bowing before him and spoke to Yang Yongcheng, who was still meditating with his eyes closed:

“Fellow Daoist Yang, didn’t you say you would invite another fellow Daoist to come along? Why are there only a group of juniors here? In that case, you paid too low a price for this assignment today. We need to discuss it further.”

The displeasure in Yang Yongcheng's eyes vanished in an instant. He dispelled his hand seal, stood up, and said with a smile, "Fellow Daoist Huang, please don't be anxious. I understand."

With a flick of his sleeve, he appeared somewhat elegant and natural, a movement that alone overshadowed Huang Li's imposing aura. Then, Yang Yongcheng spoke calmly and unhurriedly:
"I had originally found a fellow Daoist who was interested in Wanbao Trading Company, but after the auction, I changed my mind and can't find anyone for the time being."

Upon hearing this, Huang Lishangxiu suddenly sneered and said angrily, "So you just picked a few Foundation Establishment cultivators to make up the numbers?! Should I remind you just who your adversary really is?!"

"Fellow Daoist, do not worry, let me explain," Yang Yongcheng said, pointing to the three of them. He said in a low voice, "Young friends Kang and Jiang fought against Golden Core cultivators at Mugen Mountain in Fazhou. When they joined forces, they not only gained the upper hand, but also forced the Golden Core cultivator Gu Chengsen of the Chixin Sect to retreat. They cannot be regarded as ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators."

My nephew is fearless and has already received the fundamental techniques of the Yang family of Yezhou. He is comparable to a fake elixir cultivator, so he will definitely not be a burden on this trip. Therefore, even though we have one less person than initially planned, we are still confident of victory.”

Huang Lishang glanced at the three men with some skepticism. He was about to test them out, but then he remembered that this matter concerned the fundamental affairs of the Yang family in Yezhou, and Yang Yongcheng would certainly not joke about such a thing.

The story of Kang Dabao and others forcing Gu Chengsen to retreat in France is widely known. Huang Lishangxiu had also heard about it. Outsiders could only sigh that the Fei family of Yingzhou had a really good eye for choosing a son-in-law.

Within the Great Weixian Dynasty, how many families are capable of cultivating a penniless peddler to such a level?
However, when the news of Kang Dabao and others forcing the Golden Core cultivators to retreat reached his ears, it was embellished to an unknown degree, and Huang Li, the upper cultivator, could hardly know the truth.

But since Yang Yongcheng had said so, he would listen for now. In any case, if things didn't go well, many of the Yang family's belongings would still be lost.

After Huang Lishang thought it through, he stopped looking gloomy and said in a deep voice, "Since you have thought things through, let's hurry on our way. Let's meet up with you first and finish this matter quickly, so as to avoid any unforeseen complications."

After the two Golden Core cultivators finished arguing, Kang Dabao and Jiang Qing remained confused. However, just by looking at Huang Li's elaborate formation, they knew that this journey would be extremely dangerous.

Unfortunately, Yang Wuwei remained tight-lipped. The two cultivators also seemed unapproachable, so Headmaster Kang had no choice but to travel with Jiang Qing, completely bewildered, for several more days on the flying boat.

When the flying boat stopped again, Kang Dabao realized that they seemed to have arrived at a place with abundant water and grass, and cattle and sheep everywhere.

"Is this Fuzhou?" Headmaster Kang asked Yang Wuwei beside him in a low voice.

"Yes, Brother Dao is right, this place does indeed belong to Fuzhou." Since the Yang family was involved in such important matters, they dared not reveal even a trace of it; as for other matters, Yang Wuwei had no need to hide anything.

Kang Dabao had a general idea in his mind: Fuzhou was a lower-level prefecture near Yezhou, much poorer than Jingnan Prefecture and Puzhou, with only seven counties under its jurisdiction, and was under the jurisdiction of Yunshui Sect.

There are one or two fake alchemy sects in the state, whose strength is not even comparable to that of the Yue family of Hancheng, which are divided into separate factions. They can only isolate themselves and remain closed off. Even the Chongming Sect, in terms of strength, is probably not much worse than them, but there is nothing surprising about it.

"What could possibly require the combined efforts of two senior cultivators from the Yang family, and the assistance of powerful reinforcements, to feel at ease in such a place?!"

His question went unanswered. He and Jiang Qing stared at each other for a while, but still couldn't figure it out, so they gave up for the time being and closed their eyes to regulate their breathing.

Whatever the matter, we must take action now, so we should prepare properly beforehand, lest we make a mistake.

Yang Baoshan, with his burly frame, also rushed over on a flying magic weapon. Upon seeing the group, he frowned and asked, "Yongcheng, what's going on?"

Although the two senior cultivators of the Yang family are of similar cultivation level, Yang Baoshan has much more seniority. As a Golden Core cultivator, Yang Baoshan can even be said to have been cultivated by the former, so he is qualified to ask questions.

Upon hearing the question, Yang Yongcheng, without moving his lips, secretly explained the matter to Yang Baoshan. The latter's tightly furrowed brows relaxed slightly. With outsiders present, he couldn't reveal his concerns, and could only mutter to himself for a moment:
"But if that's the case, tsk, things might get a bit dangerous. If I had known that it would be difficult to invite all the top cultivators in the Duke's mansion, I should have at least called Yue Lin and Yuan Buwen over to be on the safe side."

He wasn't as rough and tough as he appeared on the surface; he also felt a headache after seeing the two strong men captured by Yang Yongcheng.

One is Fei Nanying's highly regarded nephew-in-law, and the other is a sword cultivator who can have a private talk with Fei Tianqin. If there are any losses in this matter, there will probably be a lot of trouble to deal with later.

Compared to the two mentioned above, Yang Wuwei could be considered the most outstanding junior in the clan, but if he were injured or crippled, Yang Baoshan would be easier to deal with.

"Ahem, fellow Daoists Yang?"

Huang Li, a cultivator who was used to being cautious due to his background as a rogue cultivator, coughed lightly. After all, he was currently under the jurisdiction of the Xianyu family with the people from the Duke of Qin's mansion.

Although this first family of Shannan Dao is much weaker than Liangyi Sect, its strength should not be underestimated because most of its disciples practice swordsmanship.

If they stay too long, and the Golden Core cultivators of the Xianyu family come looking for them, the two senior cultivators of the Yang family might not be so loyal and might have to abandon their fellow rogue cultivators to save their own lives.

Yang Yongcheng came out to comfort him, saying, "Well, Fellow Daoist Huang Li, don't worry. We know we can't stay here any longer. The longer we stay, the more things might go wrong. If we kill the traitors as soon as possible, we can return to Yezhou safely."

"Kill them?!" Kang Dabao gradually realized something. If his guess was correct, then it was understandable that the Yang family cultivators had taken such a great risk and given such a generous reward.

The group of cultivators traveled stealthily and secretly, passing through vast green fields, until they arrived at an unnamed valley.

Normally, places like this have very little spiritual energy, and only a few lucky Qi Refining cultivators would settle here. But the fact that three advanced cultivators came together this time must mean that this place has something special about it.

As soon as Sect Leader Kang arrived at the location, he became cautious. He immediately led Jiang Qing to stand next to Yang Wuwei. This fellow was the Golden Core seed of the Yang family in Yezhou. The two senior cultivators of the Yang family would not be willing to leave him unattended.

Yang Yongcheng only needed a quick glance to understand Kang Dabao's ulterior motives.

He didn't feel any displeasure. Someone from a humble background could climb to such a position step by step. If he said it was all thanks to his wife's family, only a fool would believe that.

It's perfectly normal to have some trivial cleverness. Yang Yongcheng glanced at it briefly and then looked away. He channeled his spiritual energy into his eyes and then clearly saw the direction of the surrounding mountain range and spiritual veins.

At the same time, Sect Leader Kang thought to himself, "What a brilliant illusion array."

After he cultivated his Eyes of Illusion to perfection, not only was the power of his golden light even greater, but what was most astonishing was his ability to break illusions. To be honest, in terms of just the ability to "break illusions," Headmaster Kang was probably no less skilled than a Golden Core cultivator who was not proficient in this art.

Therefore, while Jiang Qing and Yang Wuwei were still completely confused, Kang Dabao had already figured it out. "So that's how it is,"

When Master Kang spoke, his voice was barely audible, but Yang Wuwei, who was standing to the side, still heard it clearly. Just as the latter was about to ask a question, he saw Yang Baoshan take out a crescent-shaped Zen staff and slash it sharply towards the low hill.

The low hill was neatly sliced ​​apart by the crescent-shaped arc of light, and a vast expanse of spiritual energy suddenly flowed freely from the hill, irrigating the flowers and plants in the nameless valley so much that they almost fainted from the unprecedented abundance of spiritual energy.

The spiritual essence within these mountains didn't arise spontaneously; it must have been lured here using sophisticated Taoist techniques, taking advantage of the mountain's terrain. The surrounding cultivators, lacking high cultivation levels, even if they sensed it and brought in fake pills to examine it, couldn't discern anything of interest.

Along with Linghua emerged a middle-aged cultivator dressed in brocade robes, whose attire bore a striking resemblance to the two senior cultivators of the Yang family.

Now even Jiang Qing knew the purpose of this trip: "So it turns out that the superior cultivator from the Yang family's collateral branch is hiding in these mountains!"

At this moment, Yang Wuwei finally spoke up, saying, "Fellow Daoists, rest assured, Yang Baofeng will be dealt with by my elders and the cultivator Huang Li. His injuries have not healed for a long time, and he is already on the verge of death. The three elders should be able to handle him without breaking a sweat. We only need to block Yang Baofeng's way when he tries to escape."

Yang Wuwei spoke casually, but how could Kang Dabao and Jiang Qing dare to relax even a little? This Yang Baofeng was a genuine mid-stage Golden Core cultivator. Back when the Immortal Dynasty was still in power, the direct line of the Yang family in Yezhou was only able to achieve a draw in the battle between the collateral branches thanks to their profound foundation and numerous magical treasures.

Yang Baofeng was virtually unstoppable, but in the end, it was only after the direct line of the Yang family spent a large sum of money to invite Chu Yanran and Wufeng Shangxiu, two close Golden Core cultivators, to join forces and defeat Yang Baofeng, who was regarded as a pawn by the Liangyi Sect.

This mid-stage cultivator preferred to remain hidden in a remote border region to recuperate, rather than seek help from the Liangyi Sect, all because of this matter.

The Liangyi Sect has done a lot of secret things over the years. Now that this has been going on for so long, no matter how well it is monitored, some rumors will inevitably leak out.

Fearing that he might be skinned alive and used as food if he went to the Liangyi Sect, Yang Baofeng had no choice but to carefully find an inconspicuous remote place to hide and recuperate.

For safety, he would change locations every now and then. He was willing to go through any trouble to save his life, but unexpectedly, he was still found by two scoundrels from the direct line of the Yang family!

Both sides came from the same clan and surname, but the deep-seated hatred between them was already well-documented. They had been fighting for nearly a century, and the tombstones of their clansmen would probably be as high as a mountain if they were stacked together. They no longer cared about whether the reputation of so-called brothers fighting each other was unpleasant.

Once his concealment was removed, Yang Baofeng didn't utter a single unnecessary word. He picked up a mixed-gold whip and struck at Yang Baoshan, each move aimed at taking the latter's life.

If Yang Baofeng were at his peak, Yang Baoshan would certainly be no match for him. However, when the former fled from Yezhou, he was already severely injured and unlikely to recover. Even though he has been hiding and recuperating for some years, he is far from fully recovered.

Over the years, Yang Baoshan has gone through many battles with the Duke of Qin's mansion, losing a number of his sons, but also gaining considerable benefits.

This crescent-shaped staff was obtained by him through battle and exchanged with a cultivator on Mount Wumu. It is already extremely close to a mid-grade magic weapon, and is probably even more powerful than the Mixed Gold Whip in Yang Baofeng's hands.

Therefore, when Yang Baoshan wielded his crescent-shaped staff to meet the challenge, he suppressed Yang Baofeng's fierce aura after only a few exchanges.

Yang Yongcheng and Huang Lishangxiu each used their magical treasures to assist, making it easy for the once-in-a-millennium prodigy of the Yang family's illegitimate lineage to fall into a disadvantageous position and difficult to turn the tide.

Upon seeing this, Sect Leader Kang felt much relieved, thinking to himself, "It seems that what Yang Wuwei said is true. Yang Baofeng's injuries were not fully healed to begin with. Yang Yongcheng's efforts to gather Golden Core cultivators to help him were only due to time constraints and the need for caution. Otherwise, the two direct descendants of the Yang family could have defeated this fellow with just a little effort!"

Simply by following along and watching the battle, one can obtain a Foundation Establishment Pill and a section of Evergreen Vine. This is a deal that Headmaster Kang is naturally willing to make.

However, Kang Dabao was still on edge. This was a major battle involving several high-level cultivators, and life and death could be decided in a very short moment. How could a mere true cultivator like him afford to be careless?

He stood side by side with Chiang Kai-shek and Yang Hucheng, his eyes fixed on the battle situation before him.

Just now, all the senior cultivators clearly stated that we should fight quickly and decisively, so this action was also without any room for maneuver. However, after such a battle, the light of the Dharma was scattered and the sound was booming. How could such a commotion be small?
Both sides seemed to be fighting with real intensity. Yang Baofeng, desperate to survive, cared little for anything else. The two senior cultivators of the Yang family's direct lineage had searched for him for many years and finally found his whereabouts. How could they possibly let him go easily?!

Only Huang Li remained remarkably clear-headed, unaffected by the fervor of both sides. He remained calm and collected when making his move, hovering at a distance, afraid of drawing Yang Baofeng to his side.

Unfortunately, he was the weakest in cultivation and had the worst magic weapon among the four, making it difficult for him to break free.

Although his mind was still clear, he was struggling greatly. He felt as if he were walking on a tightrope, teetering on the brink of collapse, and at any moment he would be smashed into mincemeat by Yang Baofeng's Golden Whip.

Under these circumstances, Yang Baofeng, who had already lost all his trump cards and was still recovering from his injuries, struggled to break the deadlock. Meanwhile, the direct descendants of the Yang family were having such a smooth run that they didn't even need to send a few of their younger relatives to join the encirclement. It was clear that Yang Baofeng was already showing signs of weakness, and his strength had increased considerably as he hoped to kill his enemy as soon as possible.

Huang Lishangxiu's greatest fear was precisely what happened to him.

Eager to achieve merit, Yang Yongcheng was blinded by anger and disregarded Yang Baofeng's injuries, exchanging blows and vomiting blood as he retreated, thus creating a gap in the encirclement of the three.

"Not good!!" Before Yang Baoshan could even turn his magic weapon around, he saw Yang Baofeng, who was covered in blood, turn his mixed gold whip towards Huang Li, the weakest of the three cultivators.

"Die!!"

It's true that Huang Li's cultivation methods are weaker than the other three at the same level. But for a rogue cultivator to achieve a genuine Golden Core, it would be a joke if he didn't possess some ruthlessness!
Seeing the Mixed Gold Whip, wrapped in a large burst of spiritual light, smashing towards him, Huang Li, the upper cultivator, did not retreat. Instead, he used the Grinding Mountain Shield in his hand to its fullest extent to block in front of him.

The two magical treasures, one gold and one black, only made contact in the air for a brief moment. However, Huang Li Shangxiu's skills were still insufficient, and the middle of the Grinding Mountain Shield was dented by the impact. In addition, stone chips were scattered out, cutting Huang Li Shangxiu's square face behind him, leaving him with bloody cuts and looking extremely disheveled.

"Where do you think you're going?!" Yang Baoshan roared, his crescent-shaped staff shining so brightly that even Golden Core cultivators had to turn their heads slightly. A sharp arc of light slashed down, and Yang Baofeng snorted coldly, turning his back and shooting out his newly acquired Mixed Gold Whip to block it, but he was no match for it.

Using the force of that push, he was able to retreat swiftly and brush past Huang Lishangxiu.

"Fellow Taoist, be careful!"

Shouting was useless. Yang Baoshan watched helplessly as Huang Lishangxiu was sent flying by Yang Baofeng's mace. He was anxious and thought, "I shouldn't have listened to Yongcheng's rash words. This guy is fierce. I should choose another trustworthy comrade to help me."

But it's too late to regret now. If Yang Baofeng breaks free, the entire direct line of the Yang family in Yezhou will be in turmoil again!
"Fearless!"

In fact, Yang Wuwei didn't even need Yang Baoshan to urge him; he quickly led Kang and Jiang to their positions to block them.

Yang Baofeng was then entangled from behind by Yang Baoshan. At this moment, Yang Yongcheng and Huang Lishangxiu also arrived. As long as the three of them could withstand the most dangerous first blow, Yang Baofeng would have no chance of escaping today!

Is a sudden attack from a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator really that easy to withstand?!

Yang Wuwei, having taken on this important task, naturally had new protective talismans in hand, which he had long ago prepared for this purpose!

A golden bell phantom appeared before him in an instant, but was shattered to pieces by Yang Baofeng's mixed-gold whip in the same instant.

This family scion is truly loyal, not retreating even at this moment. Yang Wuwei's face was full of determination, his hand gripping the Crimson Scale Wave-Chasing Spear tightly. When the firelight shone on him, his body was covered with patches of green scales, truly showing a willingness to sacrifice his life.

Despite his imposing appearance, if he were to be struck by the powerful Mixed Gold Whip, he might only die a slightly more gruesome death.

As an outsider, Sect Leader Kang would not risk his life like Yang Wuwei, but he was unwilling to see the latter die or be reprimanded by the upper echelons of the Yang family.

Moreover, Yang Wuwei could be considered a good friend, and Kang Dabao couldn't bear to watch him perish here. Thinking of this, two golden rays, long held in place, shot out from his eyes.

The sect leader, Kang, spared no effort this time, and ended up with blood streaming from his eyes. Even the several high-level cultivators who were fighting nearby were slightly surprised when they saw this.

Even so, the Chaotic Golden Whip was only slowed down for a few breaths before breaking through the golden light, intending to smash Yang Wuwei's body, which had been practicing the "Azure Scale Mountain-Carrying Skill" for nearly a hundred years, into pieces.

Jiang Qing's expression turned cold. He summoned his outer core, which had become much more refined, and his top-grade flying sword shone brightly. Together with Yang Wuwei, who was wielding the Crimson Scale Wave-Chasing Spear, he slashed down at the Mixed Gold Whip.

Even with their combined strength, they could only hold out for a moment before being sent flying.

Yang Wuwei's spear shattered, and his green scales, along with his flesh and blood, fell off, turning him into a blood-soaked figure. It was unclear whether he was still alive.

Jiang Qing was a little further away when the spiritual light on his external elixir dimmed, and then the flying sword in his hand was smashed in two, causing him severe pain in his internal organs, and he immediately vomited blood.

Kang Dabao was anxious and was about to risk coming to his rescue, but in just a short while, the three Golden Core cultivators behind Yang Baofeng caught up and surrounded him again.

After that, there's not much more to say. Yang Baofeng, who fought desperately, lost his last chance. After a fierce battle, Yang Baoshan and the other two Golden Core cultivators finally took the life of their century-old nemesis!

However, these matters had little to do with Sect Leader Kang, and he declined the invitations from the two senior cultivators of the Yang family. Having just suffered a pyrrhic victory, the two were unwilling to offer further advice, also fearing that the Xianyu family would hear of the commotion and send people over, only to be caught in the crossfire.

The group immediately boarded a flying boat and left Fuzhou. Sect Leader Kang led the injured Jiang Qing back to Yunjiaozhou.

————Yehu Mountain
With red eyes, Zhou Yixiu carefully dripped the specially prepared spiritual liquid onto each of the newly selected spiritual seeds. This was a delicate task, and although it was hard work, the old cultivator didn't trust anyone else to do it.

After working tirelessly for quite some time, he could no longer hold on and coughed lightly several times.

"Sigh, I am indeed getting old. It's a pity that this seed, tainted by impurities, is no longer viable. I'm afraid my senior brother would be heartbroken to see it."

Zhou Yixiu suddenly felt a sense of melancholy, like a hero past his prime, but then he smiled nonchalantly. When he turned his gaze back to the spirit seed, he realized that his senior brother, the sect leader, had already entered the room.

The old man was overjoyed and greeted him repeatedly, "Senior Brother, what brings you here today? Please sit down, please sit down. Junior Brother has some good wine here, perhaps some ivy?!"

(End of this chapter)