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Chapter 461 You win

“What you said…” Xu Yuan stepped out of his observer's mind, stood with his hands behind his back in front of Wei Jinyuan, nodded and smiled, “I believe you.”

Huh?! Wei Jinyuan was stunned. I said those words subconsciously, and even I don't believe them.

I'll use my "ice needle technique" to stab you in the back of the head!

That needle is so long, what else could it be but trying to kill you?
On the other side, the one that finally emerged from the vermilion gate of the ancient temple was the real two-horned serpent.

The one in front was just to cooperate with Wei Jinyuan and Uncle Xi in their acting.

But at this moment, the two-horned serpent was covered with a dense array of characters.

Like a shadow, it kept slipping across the scales as the two-horned python struggled.

The words tell a story.

It was written by Xu Yuan just now.

Bound by this "story," the two-horned python could not break free.

It tried its best to get closer to the ancient temple behind it, only to find to its astonishment that the temple's vermilion gates were tightly closed.

It has a new owner and is no longer welcome!

The new owner of this temple is Xu Yuan.

"Lingxiao" represents three different destinies: the ghostly self, the net self, and the supreme self.

After that, Xu Yuan created the "Bookish Self".

The book corresponds to my destiny as: a thief of fate.

This destiny can also be interpreted as: finding and seizing certain opportunities.

Some opportunities are fleeting and extremely difficult to seize.

This time, Xu Yuan seized the opportunity.

I stole from the book "Lingxiao" and occupied the ancient temple.

The two-horned python has no way to escape!
With a wave of his hand, Xu Yuan's two Dragon-Slaying Swords pierced its head and tail with two sharp sounds, pinning it to the ground!

The Dragon Slayer Sword is indeed naturally effective against this evil spirit.

Its level was clearly much higher than that of the Dragon Slayer Sword, yet it still couldn't defend against the Dragon Slayer Sword.

Then, Xu Yuan raised his hand again, and the bell-shaped spikes fell down.

From the seventh inch mark, the head of a two-horned python was severed.

"laugh--"

A spurting sound came from the severed neck wound, but instead of blood, there was a dense aura of yin energy.

Xu Yuan's slaying of the evil spirit caused Wei Jinyuan, who was standing nearby, to tremble. Wei Jinyuan hurriedly flattered Xu Yuan, saying, "Lord Xu, the Dragon Mouth Fire is inside the mouth of the Dragon God statue in the ancient temple."

He almost got it.

Xu Yuan nodded, his gaze fixed intently on Wei Jinyuan, seemingly considering how to deal with him.

Wei Jinyuan felt a chill run down his spine.

I have a feeling that, given Lord Xu's temperament, he might retaliate in kind by getting an ice pick and stabbing it into the back of my head from below.

Although he claimed to be the legitimate son of a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, Wei Jinyuan genuinely felt that this identity might not be enough to save his life.

"I...I..." Wei Jinyuan stammered, almost biting his tongue, "I still owe Lord Xu a few treasures. I swear on my father's honor that I will send them over as soon as possible."

Wei Jinyuan is trying his best to save himself!
Xu Yuan's eyes remained deep and unfathomable, and Wei Jinyuan's words did not cause the slightest ripple in them.

Wei Jinyuan was in complete disarray!
That's it, this guy can't swallow this insult. He's willing to give up all those benefits and bear my father's revenge to kill me!

Wei Jinyuan couldn't understand it: Why bother?
I only attacked you within that "illusion," so you didn't suffer any real loss.

If you kill me, all the benefits I promised you will vanish.

My dad will try every means to kill you.

Wei Jinyuan felt that anyone with a modicum of rationality would not target him—but right now he had this feeling that Xu Yuan wanted to kill him!

Once this "thought" appeared in his mind, it became incredibly firm.

Therefore, he developed a great fear.

This "thought" was, of course, secretly planted into Wei Jinyuan's mind by Xu Yuan using "Lingxiao".

Uncle Xi suddenly stood up from the side: "Lord Xu, we really did feel a sudden surge of malice just now for no reason."

I absolutely do not intend to harm you!

Uncle Xi was, after all, a fourth-rate person. If he just recalled the whole process, he could have discovered the abnormality.

Xu Yuan turned to look at him and asked, "Whether it's inexplicable or not, it's all due to your subconscious mind!"

"I saved your lives and went to great lengths to dispel your infection, so why do you still harbor such strong hostility towards me subconsciously!"

Uncle Xi couldn't explain it either.

He sensed something was amiss, but since he didn't understand "Lingxiao," he couldn't see through its true mystery.

But Uncle Xi had already guessed Xu Yuan's motives, so he took out an ancient book and said, "This is my most precious thing. I'm giving you the cultivation method of 'Gu Body' from my sect."

"These two martial arts practitioners under your command are exceptionally talented. If they can cultivate the Gu Body, they will be even more formidable."

Xu Yuan took it, but then said, "I can forgive you, but what about him?"

Xu Yuan pointed at Wei Jinyuan.

Uncle Xi had a headache. After thinking for a moment, he asked his young master, "Young master, may we give the Heavenly Star Stone to Lord Xu?"

Wei Jinyuan was so frightened by that "thought" that he was completely flustered and nodded repeatedly, saying, "Of course."

Uncle Xi turned to Xu Yuan: "Is Lord Xu satisfied?"

The Heavenly Star Stone auspicious object had just suppressed the two-horned serpent. Although it was a fake, it was enough to demonstrate its power.

"Okay." Xu Yuan nodded.

Then, Xu Yuan quietly removed the "thought" from Wei Jinyuan's mind.

Wei Jinyuan let out a long breath, finally feeling that he could see the sun rise tomorrow.

This battle was very fruitful!
The "dream come true" achievement deserves immense credit.

The stepmother did not tame "dreams come true" or make her obedient.

In fact, due to time constraints, Lang Xiaoba went back yesterday, and his stepmother rushed to complete the improvement of the "Dreams Come True" function.

We haven't had time to train its personality yet.

First of all, the story of "Dreams Come True" originally needed to be written in advance, placed in the center of the stage, and then it could only be performed according to this story.

But the stepmother felt it was too rigid and should be more flexible.

Thus, the improved "Dreams Come True" was transformed from a single article into a series that could be serialized.

In other words, it can be revised while being performed.

The subsequent plot is determined based on the reactions of the "characters" and the development of the situation during the performance.

However, since it is a serialized story, the author needs to be given time to create each story.

During this process, Wei Jinyuan repeatedly "observed from the sidelines," which were actually breaks in the entire "performance."

Xu Yuan is writing the sequel based on the previous developments.

After finishing writing, the "performance" continued, and Wei Jinyuan "suddenly" had a new idea—Lord Xu had arranged a new plot for him.

Secondly, the "dreams come true" scheme requires multiple performances to entice the holder to create their own dream with themselves as the protagonist.

Only after achieving the ultimate experience will one's soul be absorbed into this item.

The stepmother felt that he was too slow and inefficient.

After the improvements, it became possible to choose a character to form a "bond" in each performance.

Those who are not up to par will have their souls absorbed directly.

Even highly skilled monsters, such as the two-horned python, can be bound by this prop and unable to break free for a time.

Finally, of course, Xu Yuan can take out the "notebook".

It is more flexible to use.

After receiving the brand-new version of "Dreams Come True", Xu Yuan chose Wei Jinyuan as the protagonist to carry out this performance, which was a plan he had thought of yesterday.

Xu Yuan was absolutely certain that Wei Jinyuan and the others had been harboring evil thoughts in their subconscious.

When Xu Yuan rescued them from the ancient temple the day before yesterday, he was very certain of this.

There shouldn't be such strong contamination in the ancient temple.

Xu Yuan's "fire in the abdomen" can burn away the taint on their bodies, but it cannot burn away the taint in their souls.

However, if the evil spirits only target the body, then once the physical infection is resolved, the infection on the soul will gradually dissipate on its own.

Unless the evil spirits specifically target the soul.

Then other methods will be needed to remove the contamination from the soul.

Do the evil spirits in ancient temples lack the means to corrupt souls?

Xu Yuan didn't believe it.

The evil spirits in the ancient temple are hidden in "Lingxiao," so they must have methods at the Lingxiao level.

Xu Yuan judged others by his own standards: If it were me, I would definitely take the opportunity to plant evil thoughts in the minds of these people.

Then the evil spirit must be worse than me... ugh! It must be more cunning than me...

Oh well, that's basically the gist of it.

Therefore, these people must have subconscious problems.

Wei Jinyuan said that he "did not actually want to kill" Xu Yuan, and Xu Yuan also said that he believed him. Wei Jinyuan thought that Xu Yuan was being sarcastic and saying the opposite of what he meant, but in fact Xu Yuan was a man of integrity.

They were telling the truth.

Xu Yuan would at least believe half of it, because the evil thoughts that Wei Jinyuan and the others had towards Xu Yuan were precisely because they were lured by the opportunity created by Xu Yuan. The two-horned serpent secretly saw the opportunity and, under its urging, ignited their thoughts.

Wei Jinyuan and Uncle Xi joined forces with the two-horned serpent to launch a fierce attack on Xu Yuan!

They might have some dissatisfaction with Xu Yuan, but it's certainly not to the point that they would join forces with evil spirits to carry out an assassination.

Wei Jinyuan had just experienced a "dream come true" and enjoyed the ultimate pleasure, but now he has paid the price with his protective amulet.

Wei Jinyuan was extremely distressed.

This price... is even more expensive than the most beautiful courtesans from both the north and south in the hutongs of Beijing!
The courtesans were fragrant and soft, and you could see and touch them.

It can give you a mouthful of fragrance.

It can also give you a world where every household can enjoy the same day.

They possess exceptional skills and have clearly stated their prices.

Wei Jinyuan spent a lot of money to learn a lesson: Stop daydreaming all day.

The free ones are the most expensive.

Xu Yuan put away Uncle Xi's inheritance and Wei Jinyuan's auspicious celestial stone, and then stood in front of the ancient temple with anticipation.

Ancient temples are extremely rare treasures that can connect the "mortal world" and the "spirit realm".

At this point, I had already closed the passage to the Lingxiao level.

So that the Monkey King wouldn't come looking for it again by following the scent.

With a thought, Xu Yuan noticed the vermilion temple door creaking open slowly.

It was as if a foul, dusty aura was emanating from the temple.

Xu Yuan waited for a moment, then stepped inside.

Lang Xiaoba and Mu Han warned almost simultaneously, "Be careful, sir."

The two were unaware that the treasure had already become Xu Yuan's property.

Xu Yuan turned around, smiled, and waved. After he went inside, Lang Xiaoba and Mu Han followed him in.

Wei Jinyuan only dared to peek out from outside the door.
Everything in the temple was just as they had seen before.

Above the shrine, on the statue of the two-headed dragon god, a flame was being swallowed from the mouth of the second dragon head.

Unfortunately, it ultimately fell into Xu Yuan's hands, leaving Wei Jinyuan with deep regret.

Xu Yuan stepped forward, stepped onto the broken offering table, stretched out his hands, and grasped the ball of "Dragon's Mouth Fire." Wei Jinyuan still remembered that when he was picking this Dragon's Mouth Fire, he suddenly felt dizzy and then transformed into a snake.

Xu Yuan also used both hands to pull the fire out of the dragon's mouth with a soft "click".

Wei Jinyuan's eyelids twitched, and he found that everything around him was normal, without any unexpected changes like last time.

"call--"

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Lord Xu had obtained the Dragon Mouth Fire, which meant that the operation in Pingli County had been a complete success.

Xu Yuan held the Dragon Mouth Fire and slowly retreated.

Suddenly, the offering table beneath their feet shattered with a crack.

Lang Xiaoba and Mu Han instinctively stepped forward to help him up: "My lord..."

On the larger main head of the dragon god statue, black flames suddenly ignited in the bulging, angry dragon eyes.

A terrifying invasion instantly filled the entire ancient temple.

The side of its head also came to life, and with a twist, it transformed into the shape of the two-horned serpent from before.

It suddenly leaped out of the dragon god statue and opened its mouth to bite Lord Xu!

But it saw a mocking look rising from Xu Yuan's eyes.

Suddenly, a three-headed demon emerged menacingly from the shadows beneath Xu Yuan's feet.

Raising their three heads high, they bit down on Mu Han together!

Mu Han's eyes had changed into the shape of snake pupils, and a ring of raised scales had grown on his neck, resembling a mane.

But before he could fully transform into a snake, he was pounced on by the three-headed demon and entangled in it.

Xu Yuan flicked his finger, and the auspicious celestial stone slammed into the forehead of the two-horned serpent with a thud.

It struck so hard that its mind went blank, buzzing and rattling.

Xu Yuan held the "Dreams Come True" notebook in one hand, and with a shake in the air, words appeared on the body of the two-horned python, like countless Gu worms floating by.

With the other hand raised, the tiger-head guillotine crashed down into the small temple.

"Start the guillotine!" Xu Yuan shouted, gripping the guillotine blade and raising it sharply.

A gleaming blade swept across the ancient temple, and a tremendous force rushed in from outside the temple gate, capturing the two-horned serpent and about to escort it to the guillotine.

Xu Yuan still had some free time, so he kicked Lang Xiaoba away.

The three-headed demons, having received Lord Xu's orders, flew away with Mu Han.

Lang Xiaoba, even in the ancient temple, could not withstand the influence of the dragon god statue and showed signs of strange changes.

The two-horned python, bound by the "dream come true" and captured by the tiger-head guillotine, still fought back with all its might.

It created two clones, which greatly depleted its own strength. Relying solely on its own power, it was no match for Xu Yuan.

What it pinned its hopes on was the dragon god statue!
Dark flames burned fiercely in those glaring dragon eyes.

It quickly spread to the rest of the area.

The influence emanating from the dragon god statue is becoming increasingly strong.

Wei Jinyuan and Uncle Xi, who were standing outside the door, were already feeling the strain and retreated.

They were quite certain that the contamination in the ancient temple was now much stronger than when they had been transformed into snakes the last time.

Lang Xiaoba was kicked out by the adults, fell to the ground and rolled and twisted a few times, but couldn't get up for a while!

It wasn't that he was injured, but rather that the infection on his body made him vaguely feel like a snake, wanting to crawl along the ground.

The influence of the dragon god statue grew stronger and stronger, leaking out from the temple gate, further intensifying his strange transformations.

Liu Hu and the others were too afraid to step forward.

Suddenly a large hand reached out, grabbed Lang Xiaoba, and dragged him backward quickly.

It is Ji Shuangqiu.

As soon as she approached the temple gate, Ji Shuangqiu felt an unbearable itch on her skin, as if scales were about to grow out.

Ji Shuangqiu scratched and fidgeted like a monkey, restless and agitated: "If you weren't so tough and could give me some pointers, I wouldn't have saved you..."

The contamination leaking out from outside the temple gate was already so terrible; one can only imagine what the situation inside the temple must have been like.

The two-horned serpent struggled, knowing better than anyone how terrible the dragon god statue's corruption was.

The longer you persevere, the greater your chances of winning.

As long as Xu Yuan can't withstand this corruption and the monster turns into an evil spirit, then I'll have won!
Not only could it survive, but it could also devour Xu Yuan inside the temple and everyone outside the temple, causing its strength to increase dramatically!
Further steps would allow them to assimilate the dragon god statue.

Xu Yuan suddenly opened his mouth and spat out the tendon pill.

With a whoosh, the animal sinew rope lashed out, closing the temple door like a tentacle.

"court death!"

When the temple gates are opened, some of the contamination will leak out.

When the temple doors are closed, all the contamination is contained within the temple!
But after the two-horned python shouted, it suddenly realized something was wrong: Xu Yuan didn't seem to have changed at all!
With such a strong infection, why haven't you changed your ways yet?!
There wasn't even a trace of hyperplasia or abnormality on Xu Yuan's body.

Xu Yuan stepped forward: "You're very cunning."

"They are also very good at keeping their composure."

The two-horned python was also full of doubts. While struggling and resisting, it hissed and asked, "How do you know it's Mu Han?"

His voice still carried a hint of immaturity.

"Among my men, besides myself, only he has ever touched your snake eggs."

There was another Chen Yang, but Chen Yang had already been executed.

"Now that I know you have Lingxiao's methods, how could I not be wary of Mu Han?"

Anyone who comes into contact with the two-horned python may have some kind of thought planted in their subconscious by it.

For example, the villagers in the village.

They had a special idea planted in their subconscious.

When their children go missing, these thoughts overshadow their original thoughts, making them forget that they even have children.

However, the "things" that Mu Han came into contact with were snake eggs, while the "things" that the villagers came into contact with were snake-like children.

Xu Yuan had already arrived beside the two-horned python and continued, "The day before yesterday, I rescued Wei Jinyuan from your temple. You must know that I also have the methods of Lingxiao."

So, Wei Jinyuan and Uncle Xi were the flaws you deliberately created for me!

The two-horned python twisted its body, struggling, but was pulled even closer to the tiger-head guillotine.

"That's right, I deliberately made your dream come true. Only when you feel like you've won can I have the opportunity to use Mu Han to unleash my real killing move!"

Xu Yuan then laughed: "So I deliberately made you feel that you won, that's why you'd bring this thing..."

Xu Yuan pointed at the dragon god statue: "Appear in front of me."

Otherwise, if you hide in the heavens, how will I find you?

The two-horned python stiffened visibly, somewhat bewildered: "You...you're looking for it?"

Xu Yuan nodded: "If you are not the source of contamination in this ancient temple, then there must be another one."

As Xu Yuan spoke, he could no longer contain himself, and a bright, happy smile bloomed on his face.

Immediately, Pilong emerged from behind him, emerging like a pupa.

The two-horned python exclaimed in surprise, "What is this thing?!"

"Eat your food!"

Once the Dragon Transformation Technique was activated, the skin dragon transformed into a two-horned monstrous python!

"I have searched and searched, but I cannot find any high-quality dragon-related evil spirits to feed my great dragon."

Unexpectedly, the search for fire in Pingli County yielded another great discovery.

Thank you for coming to my door!

The two-horned python, bound by "Dreams Come True" and captured by the Tiger-Head Guillotine, was powerless to fight against the Pied Dragon.

Watching helplessly as the leather dragon opened its massive jaws and lunged at it, the two-horned serpent roared in despair, "What kind of monster are you?!"

"You practiced the Dragon Transformation Technique but dared not let anyone know!"

"You are clearly a cultivator, yet you are not affected by the corruption..."

Xu Yuan did not answer its question.

It's just food; there's no need to know so much about it.

Pilong had already swallowed the two-horned serpent, but Xu Yuan raised his head and looked at the Dragon God statue!
This is a large portion!

Xu Yuan used the "Book of Self" to seize the ancient temple from Lingxiao.

The two-horned serpent hid in the temple with the statue of the dragon god.

It thought it was the "old master" and hid very cleverly, so Xu Yuan wouldn't find it.

Actually, Xu Yuan didn't deliberately search for it.

Why bother looking for it? Just wait for it to appear on its own.

The ancient temple has fallen into the mortal realm, thus cutting off their path to the "spirit heavens."

They can't escape; they're all my Da Long's delicacies.

After Pilong devoured the two-horned python, Xu Yuan also learned about the ancient temple and the origins of these two evil spirits.

This dragon statue almost successfully ascended to the status of a true dragon!

Ultimately, it is what is commonly known as the "Well Dragon King".

It cultivated itself beneath that ancient well, and because it was not connected to the river, it had always escaped the watchful eye of the Grand Canal Dragon King.

But when the time comes for a real promotion, it's ultimately unavoidable.

Thus, his efforts were in vain, and he quickly degenerated into a terrible evil spirit, turning the entire Gangtou Village into a strange and eerie place.

Before it was about to be promoted, it seized the local temple and took it for itself.

This temple has quite a history. Before evil spirits filled the land, it was the most efficacious local earth god temple within a radius of hundreds of miles.

There really is a grass-headed deity in the temple.

They later disappeared without a trace.

It occupied the temple and managed to forge a treasure that could communicate with the "Lingxiao" (the heavens).

This serves as their "escape route".

If the promotion fails and the Dragon King of the Grand Canal takes notice, then one must retreat to the Heavenly Palace to hide.

But the power of the canal dragon king far exceeded its expectations.

Failed to ascend, he transformed directly into an evil spirit, with no chance to hide in the "Lingxiao" (a high-ranking official residence).

But the fact that it was able to secretly cultivate itself to the level of promotion under the current circumstances certainly shows that it has real ability.

Before transforming into an evil spirit and going completely mad, it left a mark on its body.

This arrangement, like a seed after a great fire, took decades to finally grow.

It was this two-horned serpent.

It can be considered its offspring, or its incarnation.

The two-horned serpents can draw power from each other and absorb the dragon's energy from their bodies through their connection.

In some ways, the two-horned serpent is a juvenile dragon.

The evil spirit of the Well Dragon King loved to eat children, so the two-horned python devised a way to control the village children and feed them to it.

After each offering, the evil spirit of the Well Dragon King would be quiet for a moment.

This is the perfect time for the two-horned python to draw upon its power.

The reason why the snake-like children in the village can knock on the door in the middle of the night without being driven away by the door gods is because the power that triggered their snake transformation is actually dragon energy.

They are not real evil spirits.

In the eyes of the door gods, these children are descendants of dragons.

Xu Yuan stroked his chin, staring at the dragon god statue: "The contamination is indeed severe. If I eat it... I'm afraid I'll have to shed another layer of skin."

(End of this chapter)