Hunyuan Immortal Sect

Chapter 438 Human nature
At this moment, the countless fireballs had shattered the giant black water sphere, and one after another they crashed down on the giant snake.

The serpent kept swinging its tail to meet the attack, colliding with the fireballs.

A series of rumbling sounds rang out. Even though the giant serpent had a powerful body, it was still being torn apart by the constant attacks of the fireballs.

Its magical power was far inferior to Song Xian's. After a short battle, the giant snake was already wounded in many places and bleeding profusely.

Song Xian was still using his Flame Meteor technique, constantly condensing fireballs.

Seeing that it was no match for the enemy, the giant snake roared and unleashed the black water ball once more. This time, however, it did not attack, but instead protected itself, rushing out of the sea of ​​fire and diving into the sea.

Song Xian, however, had no intention of letting it go. He followed it straight into the sea, clasped his hands together, and unleashed the Flaming Encirclement spell.

Several flames immediately appeared around the giant snake, transforming into a blazing wall of fire that enveloped it.

Immediately afterwards, numerous fireballs roared in, and Tani followed, clasping his hands together to condense a giant golden sword, which he then slashed down.

The giant serpent roared, and black waves condensed and broke through the constraints of the fiery wall, heading straight down.

The two followed behind, continuously unleashing magical attacks. The giant serpent had lost all will to fight and was only frantically fleeing.

The deeper Song Xian went into the ocean, the more constrained he felt. As the distance grew farther and farther, he could only watch helplessly as it receded into the distance.

The reason he was unusually persistent in chasing the giant snake was not because he was angered by it, but because the snake was guarding the Xuan Kong Tree. Without severely injuring or killing it, the two of them could not obtain the Xuan Kong Tree.

After more than two months of searching, the two finally found the Xuan Kong Tree. However, they did not expect that there was a sixth-order red-bellied blue-tailed snake nearby. Before they could take the Xuan Kong Tree, the snake attacked them. Since they were at the bottom of the sea, Song Xian could not fight freely, so he lured it into the air to fight.

Snake-like monsters are among the least intelligent of all monsters. When the giant snake saw the two people fleeing, it became possessed and chased them all the way out of the sea.

It must be said that the beast's hide was truly tough; it withstood so many fireballs and was only injured.

Seeing the giant snake disappear in a flash, the two exchanged a glance and headed together toward the location of the Mysterious Void Tree at the bottom of the sea.

If we don't take advantage of the injured red-bellied blue-tailed snake to pick the Xuan Kong Tree and leave now, it will probably be difficult to get it after it recovers.

As the saying goes, "once bitten, twice shy," the snake-like demon beast, though not as intelligent as other types of demon beasts, was still a sixth-tier demon beast. This time, it was careless and lured out of the sea by the two, thus sustaining its injuries.

Next time, if it doesn't leave the seabed and stays in front of the Xuan Kong Tree, fighting on its main battlefield, the two of them might not be able to defeat it.

The reason is that fighting underwater is extremely disadvantageous for Song Xian; this place is practically his nemesis.

Although Tani also has the fifth level of Foundation Establishment cultivation, his combat strength is mediocre. His main focus is on studying formations, and he is not good at cultivating spells and supernatural powers. The strongest move he has mastered is only a second-tier mid-grade spell with the metal attribute.

For the past two months, the two have been searching the seabed and have encountered Foundation Establishment level monsters more than once. If it weren't for Song Xian protecting them, they might have already become food for the monsters.

The two of them descended together and, after a while, reached the seabed.

In the distance, a large tree with gold and silver branches stands atop a crimson rock, its branches golden and leaves silver, exquisite and beautiful.

The giant snake was no longer in sight. Tani couldn't contain his joy as he approached the tree, gently stroking its branches and trunk with a gleam in his eyes, as if caressing the body of a stunningly beautiful woman.

Song Xian didn't have the leisure to appreciate the tree. With a flick of his wrist, he took out a sharp blade and slashed at the Xuan Kong Tree.

As he approached the Xuan Kong Tree with his magical artifact in hand, he felt an invisible pressure coming from all directions, as if preventing him from cutting down the tree.

This was certainly not because someone was actually hiding nearby and trying to stop him, but because of the inherent characteristics of the Xuan Kong Tree. It possesses spatial attributes, and its long-term growth has altered the surrounding spatial structure. The closer one is to it, the greater the spatial resistance becomes, which is also a form of self-protection.

Ordinary mortals, or even weaker Qi Refining cultivators, would not be able to get close to this tree. However, it is just a plant after all. Even though it has spatial attributes, it has neither self-awareness nor any means of escape.

Song Xian channeled his spiritual power into the sharp magical weapon in his hand, and easily 'dismembered' it.

After cutting the branches and trunk into eight pieces and putting them into storage bags, he carefully put each leaf into a box before leaving the seabed.

.........

Beneath the azure sky, on the reefs jutting out from the sea, two streaks of light descended, revealing two figures.

“Fellow Daoist Tani, now that we have obtained the Xuan Kong Tree, according to our agreement, you should refine the Chuan Kong Leaf and give it to me, right?” Song Xian flipped his hand and took out a box containing the Xuan Kong Leaf, handing it to him.

"Don't worry, my benefactor, I will definitely succeed in refining it." Tani solemnly accepted the box.

How long will it take you?

Tani scratched the back of his head somewhat awkwardly: "This... I don't know myself. I do know the method of refining the Transcendent Leaf, but I have never refined this item before, so I can't guarantee how long it will take to refine it successfully."

"No matter when you finish refining it, just bring it to me when you're done, okay?"

Tani immediately nodded: "No problem, but I don't know where my benefactor lives, so how should I deliver it to him?"

"Don't call me your benefactor. Let me tell you the truth! My name is Song Xian, and I am the head of the Hunyuan Sect in Bianxi City, Xijiang County, Qin State. You can find me at the Hunyuan Sect in Bianxi City when the time comes."

Song Xian originally did not want to reveal his identity, but now, in order to obtain the Chuan Kong Ye, he had no choice but to reveal his origins.

"Alright, I will send these Transcendent Leaves to my benefactor as soon as I have successfully refined them."

"I'll keep the branches of the Xuan Kong Tree with me for now. I'll give them to you once you bring the Chuan Kong Leaf."

Looking at his sincere expression, Song Xian felt a little ashamed and turned his head away.

After spending the past two months together, he had a good impression of Tani, who seemed to be a kind and honest person. However, when it came to his own interests, he could not act on his feelings.

Therefore, after obtaining the Xuan Kong Tree, he cut off the branches and trunk and put them all into his bag, in order to prevent Tani from running away and tricking him.

He knew that refining the Transcendent Leaf was definitely not a matter of a day or two; it could take anywhere from several months to several years, which was normal. He couldn't possibly follow along forever. The two had no prior interaction and no foundation of trust, so why should he believe that Tani, after obtaining the Profound Void Tree and refining the Transcendent Leaf, would obediently deliver it to his doorstep?

Was it because he saved his life, or because he accompanied him in his search for the Mysterious Void Tree? Was it because he felt that Tani was an honest and kind person?

These are all illusions. The cultivation world is full of selfish and self-serving people, as well as those who are good at pretending.

He had to keep the 'deposit', and the Xuan Kong Tree Spirit Wood was essentially the 'deposit' that Tani had paid.

He needs to study teleportation arrays and refine teleportation array flags, which are essential materials for him. In this way, there is no need to worry too much about him refining teleportation leaves and then taking them for himself.

“Alright. I will refine the Transmission Leaf as soon as possible and send it to my benefactor.” Tani showed no dissatisfaction on his face, but nodded even more sincerely.

He wasn't stupid. After Song Xian cut down the Xuan Kong Tree and put it into his storage bag, he guessed Song Xian's intention. Therefore, he wasn't surprised to hear him say this. Anyone would probably do the same; it's just human nature.

"Then let's part ways here! I have other matters to attend to, see you later." Song Xian didn't waste any more words, and after reaching a deal, he transformed into a streak of light and soared away.

…………

In the spacious and bright council hall of Bianxi City, Luoyun Mountain, Jiang Zichen sat in the main seat, while the other cabinet members sat on either side.

“There’s one last thing. Our disciples Ma Ming, Zhang Huaqing, and Liu Xinyue got into a fight with disciples of the Yuyuan Sect at the gambling den and killed someone. The Yuyuan Sect sent people to negotiate, demanding that our sect hand over these three. Junior Sister Xiao, you are the head of the External Affairs Hall, and the Tianshan Gambling Den is under your jurisdiction. The people from the Yuyuan Sect were also received by your External Affairs Hall. You know the situation best, so you should speak to them!” Jiang Zichen looked at Xiao Ling.

"Alright, I'll report the details to you fellow disciples." Xiao Ling nodded slightly and said slowly, "On July 19th, Ma Ming led a group of people to transport purple clay stones to Tianshan Market. That night, the three of them went to the VIP room of Tianshan Casino to have some fun."

"At the same table are Mo Ming and Zhang Yong, disciples of the Jade Abyss Sect, and Xu Haosen and Cheng Xuan, disciples of the Beast Taming Sect."

"Seven people were at one card table. Ma Ming and two others kept losing, while Mo Ming won the most, followed by Zhang Yong. As a result, the three of them became angry and accused the other two of cheating. A quarrel broke out between them and they almost came to blows. Finally, with the intervention of the disciples of the Beast Taming Sect and the staff of the gambling house, both sides left."

"Afterwards, the three of them went to the Yuanyang Pavilion for drinks. They didn't leave the pavilion until late at night, and coincidentally, they ran into Mo Ming and Zhang Yong on the road."

"The two sides got into another argument, which escalated into a fight. Mo Ming was killed on the spot. The gambling den's patrol team arrived in time to rescue the injured Zhang Yong."

"Because of this matter, the Jade Abyss Sect sent people to the sect to negotiate, demanding that the sect hand over Ma Ming and the other two and give them an explanation."

"Ma Ming and the other two have been apprehended and are currently in custody. That's roughly what happened."

Jiang Zichen's gaze swept over the group: "This matter is not just a simple conflict, but also involves the relationship between our sect and the Jade Abyss Sect. Now the Jade Abyss Sect has come to our door demanding an explanation. Everyone, please share your opinions on how to deal with these three people."

Yu Lian coughed slightly: "Let me first give my personal opinion. We absolutely cannot hand people over. Otherwise, not only will our sect lose face, but it will also discourage all the disciples. A sect must be able to protect its disciples in critical moments. Only then will the disciples be truly dedicated to serving the sect."

“The Jade Abyss Sect is no good either. They used to bully our disciples because of their power. This time, Ma Ming and the other two are teaching them a lesson and avenging their past grievances.”

"As for Ma Ming and the other two causing trouble at the gambling den, given that they were intoxicated and were first-time offenders, I propose a lenient punishment."

Before he could finish speaking, Xiao Ling retorted expressionlessly, "Giving them a lenient punishment would only encourage them to cause trouble outside. Today, our sect can still cover up the Jade Abyss Sect disciples they killed, but what if they kill Beast Taming Sect disciples or other major forces?"

"If such behavior is not severely punished, how can we restrain the disciples of the sect? Furthermore, their fighting with others at the Tianshan gambling house shows that they do not respect the sect's rules."

“That gambling den is sect territory, where fighting is strictly prohibited. Now that a disciple of our sect has killed someone in the gambling den, if he is not severely punished, who else will dare to go to the gambling den?”

After the two finished speaking, the hall fell silent. No one spoke again, and everyone had a different expression.

Jiang Zichen frowned slightly, Qi Ming sat like an old monk with his eyes slightly closed, Qi Xiaobai's gaze lingered on Xiao Ling and Yu Lian, while Huang Ye looked indifferent.

"Senior Brother Qi, you are the head of the Criminal Law Hall. In your opinion, how should this matter be handled?" Jiang Zichen glanced at him.

Qi Ming seemed to have just opened his eyes, and slowly said, "This matter not only violates the sect's rules, but also involves relations with the outer sect. I ask Junior Brother Jiang to make his own decision."

After saying that, he lowered his head slightly, just like before.

"Senior Brother Qi, Junior Brother Huang, what suggestions do you have?"

Huang Ye remained calm and said, "I think Junior Brother Yu and Junior Sister Xiao are both right. First of all, Ma Ming and the other two should not be handed over to the Jade Abyss Sect for punishment. Secondly, these three must be severely punished. We cannot allow our disciples to cause trouble outside. As for how to deal with them, I ask Senior Brother Jiang to make the decision himself."

Qi Xiaobai shrugged: "I have no objection. Junior Brother Jiang, you can handle it as you see fit!"

Jiang Zichen pondered for a moment and then made a decision: "Senior Brother Qi, immediately take the three of them to prison. The ringleader, Ma Ming, should be sentenced to fifty years in prison, and the accomplices, Zhang Huaqing and Liu Xinyue, should each be sentenced to thirty years in prison."

Yu Lian frowned slightly, but said nothing.

Instead, Huang Ye spoke up: "I have another suggestion. Take these three people to the gambling den, give them a hundred lashes as punishment, and then have the gambling den managers pronounce the sentence in public. This will give an explanation to the Jade Abyss Sect and appease the customers coming and going in the market, showing that the sect treats everyone equally."

Jiang Zichen glanced at Yu Lian, and seeing that the other party didn't react, he nodded: "Alright, then let's do as Junior Brother Huang wishes!"

As night fell, Lin Xingyu descended into the brightly lit house on his magical artifact. As soon as he returned to the mansion, the steward came forward to report, "Immortal Master Liu Fang has arrived and is waiting for you in the room."

Lin Xingyu nodded and went straight into the room, where a beautiful woman with a charming face was smiling at him.

"How did you get here?" Lin Xingyu frowned slightly.

"What? Are you afraid your father will find out about our relationship?" The woman chuckled softly, her voice clear and melodious.

"What am I afraid of? I just don't want to listen to their nagging." Lin Xingyu unconsciously puffed out his chest and strode up to her.

The woman chuckled and sat down in his lap, giggling, "Don't worry! I'm not here to ask for a title. I'm here to tell you something."

"what's up?"

"The sect has already made a decision, sentencing Ma Ming to fifty years in prison. It seems your influence won't work!"

(End of this chapter)