Scourge Messenger

Chapter 402 Negotiation, Flame Princess Tanuki
Yan Qing's spiritual energy dried up instantly. He clearly felt that he had less than 6 units of spiritual energy left and exclaimed in his heart, "Thank goodness!"

In order to imprison the three great immortals of Qi in the [Epitaph], he just consumed 244 units of spiritual energy, averaging 81 units per person. This was even on the premise that Yan Qing removed the healing effect of the [Epitaph] and reduced the consumption of supernatural power!
Fortunately, Yan Qing's foundation at level 39 was solid enough, and he had also switched to a rare gold-tier profession. In addition, his initial mastery of spiritual energy was relatively high, so his spiritual energy limit was barely enough to support this burst of power.

Seeing that the three great beings of Qi Kingdom were still unable to break free from the [Epitaph], Yan Qing finally felt relieved and quickly replenished his spiritual energy with Qianzhen in his hand.

【Fire in the Pupil】only has the advantage of casting distance, it is not a sure hit. There are many tokens in this world that can block vision. If it weren't for 'First Encounter Kill', and the other party was even slightly on guard, Yan Qing might not have been able to lock them up.

In his plan, unexpectedly imprisoning the three great masters of Qi was a crucial step, potentially determining the success or failure of the mission. Judging from the depletion of their spiritual energy, the three great masters of Qi were likely all powerful Foundation Establishment cultivators at the fourth stage of cultivation, possessing all necessary tokens. If he had been short of spiritual energy and given them a chance to react, the situation would likely be very different now.

With the example of Master Suolong before him, Yan Qing dared not underestimate these veteran Foundation Establishment cultivators who had studied supernatural abilities for over a century. Heaven knows what unbelievable trump cards they might pull out. Yan Qing had no intention of experiencing any thrilling life-or-death battles. Why risk his life against them when he could complete the mission peacefully? If he were to fight, he would do it with an alternate account.

Thieves do not stand under a crumbling wall.

However, the behavior of the three great masters of Qi Kingdom made Yan Qing somewhat uneasy. They were merely surprised to be bound by an unknown supernatural power, and Yan Qing could not detect any worry on their faces. But there was no time to think about it now. Yan Qing's figure flashed and he had already passed the three great masters of Qi Kingdom. His "Horizontal Autumn Sword" pierced towards the glass barrier that enveloped the entire altar!
There was no collision, no wear, no resistance; the tactile feedback from the sword didn't pierce anything at all, and the glass barrier didn't ripple at all. It was practically like... an invisible wall!

Instead, a faint connection appeared between the three great masters of Qi Kingdom, who had been imprisoned in the illusory coffin, and the Glazed Barrier—it wasn't about sharing the damage, because Yan Qing couldn't hurt the barrier at all—although he couldn't see any system explanation, Yan Qing could clearly sense through his Dao Foundation that if he didn't deal with them first, he wouldn't be able to cause any damage to the Glazed Barrier!

"We will live or die for the city."

Ying Rushi's voice was calm and solemn, as firm as a hammer striking an anvil: "In the third year of Shenwu, Emperor Taizu of Liang, Shao Taibai, led his army north. Duan Xiaoxian deployed his troops at Hongyang Military Town. Facing more than five Foundation Establishment True Immortals, he successfully held out for thirty-six days until Emperor Shenwu came to his aid. Emperor Taizu of Liang was forced to lift the siege and could never cross the Tianhe River again. This battle is known as the Battle of Hongyang. Duan Xiaoxian's victory shook the Central Plains, and he was revered by the world as... the Invincible Iron Wall!"

"Supernatural power: [The mountains and rivers remain.] As long as people live, the mountains and rivers remain!"

“I didn’t expect,” the white-haired old general said calmly, “that there are still young people who remember me. But those are all old stories from the past. We are just old people clinging to life. The future will eventually belong to you young people. If you are willing to serve the Qi Kingdom and follow His Majesty, you will surely be able to leave behind an unparalleled legacy like the five great foundation-building ministers and seven great meritorious ministers under Emperor Zhaolie.

Shang Xinlei found it strange: "You're actually recruiting us now?"

"Back then, I was recruited by the Divine Martial Emperor on the battlefield, but I immediately defected and betrayed my former master." Hou Gujing, a burly middle-aged man with a scar on his face, stroked his chin and laughed, "Now that I think about it, it's been almost 150 years."

“You are members of a family of thieves, and you already have immense opportunities. You are young and have already reached the Foundation Establishment stage. Even in chaotic times, you would be first-rate heroes. Why should we be your enemies?” Duan Xiaoxian said calmly. “Even if you do not intend to serve His Majesty, there is no need for us to fight. What is your goal? We can pay you to avoid trouble.”

The Foundation Establishment cultivator's pragmatism was astonishing, much to the surprise of the thieves. This was the first time a victim had willingly admitted defeat. However, upon reflection, they understood: the attackers had no real confidence in taking them down. The reason the first three cases had been so desperate was because the victims had powerful nations behind them; they had only been ambushed by the thieves. They only needed to hold out until the state apparatus reacted, at which point countless reinforcements would crush these petty thieves.

However, this time the thieves were only slightly stronger than the Qi Kingdom's Foundation Establishment group. Foundation Establishment cultivators weren't just demons who only knew how to fight; they realized they couldn't even break through the ethereal coffin, so they calmed down and started talking about human relationships.

What kind of priceless treasure would be worth fighting to the death with an unfathomable Foundation Establishment messenger? Treasures aren't non-renewable resources; once they're given away, they can always go back and fight their way back in the secret realm.

But Yan Qing's trip this time wasn't just about a mission; it was also about settling old scores. If he just left like this—

"The Crystal Dream Pearl".

Ying Rushi stepped forward, exchanged a glance with Yan Qing, and calmly said, "As long as you hand over the Glazed Dream Pearl, we will leave immediately."

The expressions of the three great masters of Qi changed slightly. Huli Ming, who had been sitting silently cross-legged, slowly stood up and drew two giant golden swords from his back. He was the only Foundation Establishment cultivator wearing full armor and was a full nine feet tall. The giant swords that ordinary strong men would need to hold with both hands were almost as good as ordinary one-handed swords in his hands!
If Duan Xiaoxian was the 'military' of Qi, and Hou Gujing was the 'fierce' of Qi, then he was undoubtedly the 'martial' of Qi!
Duan Xiaoxian sighed deeply, gripped his spear tightly, and raised his shield; Hou Gujing clenched his fists, his eyes flashing with a ferocious light. No words were needed; their actions spoke volumes.

Even though they were imprisoned in the illusory coffin, the thieves felt a chill run down their spines, as if they could sense the approaching mountains of corpses and seas of blood. Only now did the thieves truly realize that their enemies were the three great generals of Qi, the most terrifying warriors under the command of the Divine Martial Emperor, who had led ruthless lives of bloodshed, forcing Zhou to retreat westward and Liang to defend the south. Even after a century of silence, the majesty they displayed when conquering the world had not been diminished by time.

They are history straight out of the dusty archives! "This is my last piece of advice," Duan Xiaoxian said calmly, "Even if we die, you will not be able to interfere with His Majesty's sacrificial ceremony... This great formation was not set up by us, but was left behind by the Divine Martial Emperor. Only those with the Divine Martial bloodline can pass through it. It is a masterpiece based on the barrier of the mortal world, and cannot be broken by ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators!"

The legacy of Emperor Shenwu should have stirred something within him.

Thunder rumbled from below, growing louder and closer, as if lightning were blasting through the palace. Yan Qing and his companions looked into the distance and saw eight hundred cavalrymen wearing demon masks break through the Taiji Gate. They mercilessly trampled any palace servants or soldiers in their path, smashing through gates and walls, just like Yan Qing and his group, taking the shortest route and rushing towards the altar at top speed!

Babe no Konoe!

The real Bai Bao Guards are not the fake ones we encountered along the way!

Ying Le had actually regrouped eight hundred people in such a short time, and Yan Qing could sense that these hundred guards were not merely faking Foundation Establishment. Although they were weak and superficial, they had indeed crossed the level 40 threshold and possessed a trace of Foundation Establishment rank. When they gathered together, their Foundation Establishments resonated with each other, and they actually possessed the power of a fourth-stage Foundation Establishment!

Yan Qing gasped for breath.

While they were making great strides forward, Ying Le did not stop there; she also took another step forward!
Without killing the three great masters of Qi, one cannot enter the altar; without entering the altar, one cannot kill Ying Le; without killing Ying Le, one must deal with the eight hundred Foundation Establishment Guardians!

The situation reversed instantly, but none of the thieves were alarmed.

Even in the worst-case scenario, they would simply abandon their mission and leave the palace; the three Heavenly Kings and the Hundred Guards of Qi would have no power to pursue them. Moreover, this was far from a hopeless situation; Yan Qing and his group had more than just the [Epitaph] as their trump card!
"Yellow dog."

Ying Rushi's voice was clear and ethereal, as crisp as raindrops. Yan Qing noticed that although she was also gazing into the distance, she wasn't looking at the Imperial Guards, but rather at something much farther away, beyond the palace.

"Leave it to me." Ying Ru looked at Yan Qing. This wasn't a notification, but a question. She wouldn't go if Yan Qing didn't agree. Making a request was already the limit of her willingness; she couldn't hold back any longer.

"This seems to be the first time you've asked me for a favor." Yan Qing gently patted Ying Rushi's shoulder and said calmly, "Then I'll leave it to you."

Ying Rushi nodded slightly, and with a flash, rushed to the glass barrier. The three great masters of Qi Kingdom paid no attention; as long as they lived, no one could cross the barrier.

However, the next second, they saw the thief White Fox cross the barrier and enter the altar. The three of them were stunned, and then realized what was happening. Hou Gujing burst into laughter, while Duan Xiaoxian sighed deeply, his wrinkles deepening.

Yan Qing and his two companions rushed toward the three great masters of Qi Kingdom. Even though the Glazed Barrier was difficult to break, they had to race against time to deal with these three Foundation Establishment cultivators!
"what!"

Suddenly, Duan Xiaoxian let out a shout, and the ground beneath Yan Qing and the others immediately exploded, revealing a ferocious maw that lunged at the three of them, its throat spewing blue flames!

With the intuitive bonus of a base dodge rate, the thieves dodged effortlessly. As soon as Yan Qing landed, a giant blue flame claw slammed down. While dodging, he drew his Bingzi Pepper Forest sword and slashed the claw, leaving a bloody gash!
With the combined skills of a master swordsman and a master of footwork, Yan Qing is fearless in close combat against any enemy!

Only then did they realize that what had just jumped out was actually a giant blue flame cat. It stood guard in front of the glass barrier, breathing fire at Yan Qing and the others. Its eyes were a strange crimson, with vertical pupils that were ferocious and eerie. It was none other than the [Red Dust Eye] that Ying Rushi had shown!
This demon king has been controlled by the [Eye of Mortal Dust]!

"The demon king Yanfeili, left behind by the Divine Martial Emperor, will bleed to the last drop to protect the altar," Duan Xiaoxian said. "If you can also banish Yanfeili from this world, we..."

"You're just going to surrender?" Yan Qing raised an eyebrow.

"No, but we will think you are very capable."

(End of this chapter)