Chongming Xianzong

Chapter 536 A strange combination of circumstances
—Within the barrier

Xiang Tianxing, who had already discussed the general matters with Zeng Zhangyao and was about to visit Yaowei, noticed the strange expression on Peng Daoren's face and asked, "What is it, Fellow Daoist Peng?"

The Taoist priest seemed to snap out of his reverie upon hearing the voice. Seeing the curiosity in Xiang Tianxing's eyes, he suppressed his anxiety and casually replied:

"To be honest, Sect Leader Xiang, I originally had a secluded cave in Huangpi Road, but it seems that some scoundrels discovered it and caused some trouble."

"Oh, is that so?" Xiang Tianxing's brows furrowed slightly in surprise, but considering that Peng Daoren had also made a contribution, he did not treat him harshly.

He simply took down another ink-black talisman, and flames erupted from his hand, scorching the talisman into ashes. He then dripped a few drops of foul-smelling liquid from his water pouch, placed them in an elegant vessel, and dissolved them together with the ashes of the talisman.

Then he pinched his fingers into a sword shape, dipped the sword finger into the indescribable paste, and was about to strike Peng Daoren.

"What does Sect Leader Xiang mean by this?!"

Peng Daoren's face immediately turned fierce. After all, he was a Golden Core Peak cultivator. Even though he was currently less than 30% capable, he would not allow Xiang Tianxing to bully him.

As he questioned, he exchanged a glance with Zeng Zhang, the demonic officer beside Xiang Tianxing. This two-faced serpent still had some connection with Peng Daoren; after a moment's hesitation, it stood up, its scales covering its body, moved to Xiang Tianxing's side, and whispered:
"Sect Leader Xiang, we have often heard that you and other human cultivators are the best at discarding your tools after they have served their purpose. At first, we thought it was just a false accusation, but now it seems that it is indeed true."

Xiang Tianxing smiled faintly, but cursed inwardly: "This stupid and ugly thing, though not yet in human form, has learned the sharp and sarcastic language of the enemy word for word!"

However, he had no intention of harming Peng Daoren in the first place. Hearing the words spoken by the man and the snake, Xiang Tianxing simply explained in a calm voice:
"Fellow Daoist Peng, please don't misunderstand. I don't intend to use any harmful methods on you. I'm simply following the instructions of the Master to leave a mark on you for future contact."

“Imprint. Connection?!” Peng Daoren repeated, though he still had many questions, the fierce look on his face softened.

Xiang Tianxing did not stop what he was doing, and explained again: "Fellow Daoist, have you forgotten what I said before? How much effort did my master spend to set you free?"

After this, if I, Xiang, am of inferior ability and can no longer find Fellow Daoist Peng, having this mark on you will at least ensure that my master can find you and will not be secretly worried about your safety.”

Upon hearing this, Master Peng looked troubled, but then said respectfully, "Sect Leader Xiang, please rest assured. After I have finished my personal business, I will definitely visit the Pavilion Master at Tengwen Mansion!"

Xiang Tianxing, however, did not believe his words. After all, the reputation of a heretical cultivator like Peng Daoren was well-known and not to be trusted. At this time, it was only natural to bring out Bai Canhong, a true master in the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm, to speak.

"This is something my master has repeatedly instructed me to do, which shows how much my master values ​​Fellow Daoist Peng. I hope you will not let him down."

Although Zeng Zhangyao had some acquaintance with this Taoist, he wouldn't risk the wrath of a Nascent Soul cultivator by standing up for him. After receiving Xiang Tianxing's promise, he moved to another place and gave up the spot so that the two could be alone.

"If we were to turn against this fellow now, I fear I would truly be doomed!" Peng Daoren's ability to assess the situation was not bad; his expression gradually improved, and a smile returned.
"I never imagined that I, a lowly person, would be so highly regarded by the Lord of the Star-Picking Pavilion. I also never expected that Sect Leader Xiang would be so earnest in his advice. Now that I think about it, if I were to refuse, I would be too ungrateful."

Xiang Tianxing didn't care whether Peng Daoren's words were insincere or just slander. He simply stretched out two fingers and pulled the latter in front of him. Then, he deftly pulled off the Taoist's robe, drew a strange rune on his body, and that was his job.

"That's good. If you still have things to do, you may leave now."

The satisfied look on Xiang Tianxing's face was extremely irritating to Peng Daoren's eyes. Being weaker than Xiang Tianxing, he dared not show it in the slightest. Only after receiving Xiang Tianxing's instructions did he dare to turn his back and ride the wind away.

—Sizhou, Chenjiang County
Recently, a sudden martial law was imposed in the territory of the Kang family in Chenjiang, which has made the surrounding families vigilant.

However, secrets don't stay hidden forever. People outside had already seen that when the Chen Jiang Kang family head and his party returned to their clan's territory, their faces were filled with fear and they were all injured. How could they not know that something terrible had happened?

In the past, if one saw the Kang family of Chenjiang acting strangely again, not only outsiders but even their subordinates would have some suspicious thoughts. But everyone knows that these shameless people have recently found a powerful ancestor in another region. Even if they know that the Kang family of Chenjiang may be causing trouble, ordinary people would not dare to take any action.

The newly promoted cultivator from the Fire Gang Sect mustered up his courage to take a look, but was immediately forced back by a sharp sword light.

According to what he told outsiders, among the people who returned with Kang Xiangyi, there should also be a seriously injured Golden Core sword cultivator. It is unknown what kind of relationship he has with the Chenjiang Kang family.

As soon as this news spread, and given that the eleventh hall master, the fat and burly Qishi, had gone missing for several days after sending the message, people from the Yunze Witch Lord Hall naturally came to investigate.

The cultivator who visited Chenjiang Kangshi this time was the third in line in the Yunze Witchcraft Hall, named You Song. Not only was he very high in the order of his rank, but his cultivation had also reached the late stage of the Golden Core realm, making him arguably the number one cultivator after the Hall Master Huang Mijia.

Accompanying him were the Sixth Palace Master Hou Mingfa and the Eleventh Palace Master Feng Buyao.

The former has been practicing the evil art of "Yinshan Edict" for hundreds of years and has long since grasped its true meaning. Although he is currently only an early-stage cultivator due to his limited aptitude, even ordinary mid-stage Golden Core cultivators may not be his match.

The latter was a glamorous woman dressed in revealing clothing. Her cultivation method was quite ordinary and unremarkable. Even her qualifications and cultivation level were the lowest. Among the eleven hall masters of the Yunze Witch Lord Hall, only her good looks stood out.

Rumors circulated that Feng Buyao had become lovers with Huang Mijia, thus stealing the opportunity for the Daoist to form his core in the hall. Anyone with discerning eyes could see that this rumor was highly dubious, yet many believed it, which was quite amusing.

As soon as the news of these important figures' impending arrival spread, not only the Chenjiang Kang clan, but also the entire Sizhou region became wary.

However, for Yu Yousong, Shangxiu, and the other two, the changes within Chenjiang Kangshi's family were not very important.

What truly deserves attention is the whereabouts of the fat, burly monk, for he is the chief disciple of Huangmi, a position far beyond that of ordinary people.

In addition, there is that legendary cave dwelling. If it really contains treasures, then the trip will truly be worthwhile.

Before leaving, You Songshangxiu sought out the most skilled diviner in the temple and asked him to deduce the location where the fat master had gone before his disappearance based on the last message from the fat master.

The temple master's skill was indeed profound; he had calculated the approximate result in just a few days.

You Songshangxiu led Hou and Feng to search according to the divination he had obtained, but instead of finding the fat master and his disciples, they saw the illusion array mentioned in his letter.

"Third Brother, Seventh Brother and a group of disciples have disappeared here without leaving a trace. They might have been lured into this formation by thieves. Let's go in and investigate first. Regardless of whether they are still inside, we can at least give an account when the Grand Master asks later."

Feng Buyao's tone was as soft and sweet as a zongzi (sticky rice dumpling) during a festival. You Songshangxiu didn't need to read her expression to know that she wasn't concerned about the safety of the fat master, but simply didn't want to miss the opportunity before her.

To be honest, it wasn't just Feng Buyao who felt the same way; wasn't he himself thinking the same thing? After all, what was the life or death of fellow disciples compared to one's own cultivation opportunities?

As for the formidable figure in the cave that the fat master had mentioned earlier, You Song Shangxiu wasn't particularly afraid. After all, even a weak, pseudo-core cultivator like Kang Xiangyi could escape from his clutches, so he couldn't be that powerful.

You Songshang glanced briefly at Hou Mingfa, who hadn't spoken for a while, and seeing that the latter also looked eager to try, he stroked his long beard and said calmly:
“Eleventh Sister is right. Seventh Brother may indeed have been dragged into this formation by villains. However, there are indeed dangers in this cave. Sixth Brother and Eleventh Sister should be extra careful to protect yourselves.”

However, before the three of them had even entered and begun their search, and had just separated, a scream rang out from inside. Startled, You Songshangxiu immediately dropped the clues he was holding and rushed to the scene to help.

(End of this chapter)