Immortality and cultivation begin with full comprehension.

Chapter 488 Hongmen Banquet

"Hahaha! Fellow Daoists, I've come to invite you all to have a meal together!"

Nangong Yuan smiled and explained his purpose.

"Ok?"

Li Yunjing raised an eyebrow and hesitated, "Isn't this a bad idea? Wouldn't that be troubling Brother Nangong?"

"Ugh!"

Nangong Yuan waved his hand in dissatisfaction and laughed, "You are my friends, and you have come to visit my Nangong family. You are honored guests. If there is not even a welcome banquet, how will my fellow cultivators in the cultivation world view my Nangong family?"

"Let's go! My wife has prepared a banquet!"

Finally, Nangong Yuan gestured for everyone to follow him.

"Hehe! Alright then! Thank you for your trouble, Brother Nangong."

Li Yunjing couldn't find a reason to refuse, so he could only wink at Yu Yunyi, Lü Ruoxi, and Fu Chao before leaving.

Nangong Yuan's home is not far from this guest house.

Soon, the group arrived at Nangong Yuan's house and, under Huang Yun's enthusiastic guidance, came to a spacious pavilion in the courtyard.

A sumptuous feast had already been set out inside the pavilion.

Light gauze curtains fluttered in the wind around the pavilions, complementing the exotic flowers and plants around them, creating a scene resembling a fairyland.

The banquet was filled with all sorts of delicacies.

A roasted deer, golden and crispy, with an enticing sheen of oil on its skin and an irresistible aroma.

"Everyone, please take your seats! This is a second-tier high-grade spirit deer that my family has raised for many years. It has been feeding on spirit plants since it was a cub, and its meat is delicate and contains spiritual energy. It is a very nourishing food!"

Nangong Yuan enthusiastically introduced, "There is also a plate of crystal-clear spirit shrimp. The shrimp meat is delicious and it is also a top-quality ingredient. Everyone should try it."

There were a total of eighteen dishes, all made with ingredients of level two or higher. It can be said that Nangong Yuan spared no expense and showed great sincerity.

Even the well-informed Li Yunjing, Yu Yunyi, Lü Ruoxi, and Fu Chao nodded in approval upon seeing the table full of delicious food, showing great satisfaction with Nangong Yuan's hospitality.

"Brother Li, fellow Daoists, it is truly my good fortune to meet you all today."

Nangong Yuan raised the wine pot and said with a smile, "This small meal is just a token of my appreciation. I hope you won't find it offensive."

As he spoke, he personally picked up the wine pot and poured wine for everyone.

The wine is as clear as amber, and when poured into a glass, it releases a rich aroma.

"Hehe! Brother Nangong! Fairy Huang is too kind!"

Li Yunjing and the other three expressed their gratitude.

Meanwhile, Yu Yunyi, Lü Ruoxi, and Fu Chao secretly used their divine senses to ask Li Yunjing, "Is there anything wrong with this wine? Is it safe to drink?"

"no problem!"

Li Yunjing responded calmly, "We are from the 'Ten Thousand Poisons Sect,' so I doubt Nangong Yuan would dare to use poisoned wine to harm us!"

"Let me toast everyone!"

Nangong Yuan said with a smile.

"Brother Li, I've heard that the 'Ten Thousand Poisons Sect' is shrouded in mystery, with countless experts who are skilled in using poisons."

After a few rounds of drinks, Nangong Yuan casually asked, "Brother Li, what are your main responsibilities within the sect?"

As he spoke, he subtly observed the reactions of Li Yunjing and the others.

Li Yunjing felt a chill run down his spine, knowing that this was the beginning of a test.

"Brother Nangong, you flatter me!"

He still had a smile on his face, picked up his wine glass, took a sip, and slowly said, "In the 'Ten Thousand Poisons Sect,' I am just a cultivation fanatic. I often go out to train and collect all kinds of poisons and spiritual plants to refine poisons and pills."

He knew he had said that. Li Yunjing knew some things about the "Ten Thousand Poisons Sect" through the relics of its disciples, but he knew nothing about its current internal situation, so he dared not speak recklessly.

"So, Brother Li, your trip to the 'Endless Mountains' is also to search for some special poisons or spiritual plants, right?"

Nangong Yuan nodded slightly, then asked, "The 'Endless Mountains' are fraught with danger. Brother Li, are you absolutely certain of success?"

“Brother Nangong, my senior brother is very powerful. He will surely gain something from this trip to the ‘Endless Mountains’.”

Fu Chao couldn't help but interject, "Moreover, the four of us work together seamlessly, so ordinary dangers can't faze us."

"Fellow Daoist Wang has so much confidence in Brother Li, he must have received a lot of help from Brother Li in the past."

Nangong Yuan smiled and looked at Fu Chao. His gaze swept across everyone's faces, trying to find a flaw in their expressions and words.

However, Li Yunjing and the others handled the situation with ease, showing no signs of suspicion.

The four had anticipated these situations and had rehearsed them in their minds many times, so they answered fluently without revealing the slightest flaw.

Nangong Yuan's smile remained unchanged, but he became increasingly wary in his heart. He poured himself and everyone else another glass of wine.

"Brother Li, I've heard that the poison techniques of the 'Ten Thousand Poisons Sect' are unpredictable and bizarre. Could you tell me if there are any special considerations when cultivating these poison techniques?"

Nangong Yuan asked casually, his gaze fixed on Li Yunjing, wanting to see Li Yunjing's true expression.

This was a further test of Li Yunjing's understanding of the "Ten Thousand Poisons Sect".

If someone doesn't even understand the poison techniques of the "Ten Thousand Poisons Sect," then they must be a fake!

"The cultivation of this poison technique emphasizes the word 'comprehension'."

Li Yunjing sneered inwardly, his expression unchanged. "Different poisons have different toxicities and properties. To master them and integrate them into one's own cultivation technique requires a very deep understanding of poisons."

"When cultivating poison techniques, one's mental state is extremely important; the slightest carelessness could lead to a backlash from the poison..."

As Li Yunjing spoke, he observed Nangong Yuan's reaction.

He spoke eloquently about the cultivation methods of the "Ten Thousand Poisons Sect".

"I see. Brother Li's insights into poison techniques have broadened my horizons."

Nangong Yuan nodded slightly, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes. "But this poison technique is so profound. Brother Li is so young, yet he has such skill. He must be exceptionally talented!"

"Brother Nangong, you flatter me. I just spent a little more time and effort than others."

Li Yunjing waved his hand modestly, appearing unconcerned.

“Brother Nangong, to be honest, the four of us are in a hurry to get to the ‘Endless Mountains’, and time is of the essence.”

At this moment, Li Yunjing suddenly had a thought and felt that the time was right. He put down his wine cup and said sincerely, "I wonder if Brother Nangong could arrange for us to use the family's teleportation array as soon as possible?"

"We will always remember Brother Nangong's kindness."

Finally, Li Yunjing added one more sentence.

Upon hearing this, Nangong Yuan was startled. He hadn't expected Li Yunjing to request the use of the teleportation array so quickly.

He still had a smile on his face, but there was a hint of hesitation in his eyes.

"Brother Li, this teleportation array has been used frequently recently and has developed some minor malfunctions. The family is working hard to repair it, but it will probably take a few more days."

Nangong Yuan suppressed his smile and, following his uncle's request, found a reason: "Why don't you all stay at my Nangong family for a few more days and enjoy the splendor of my family? Once the teleportation array is repaired, I will arrange for you to set off immediately."

Nangong Yuan is deliberately delaying!
Li Yunjing and the other three immediately understood what was going on!
This infuriated the four of them!

However, Nangong Yuan did not directly refuse, and since they were on the Nangong family's territory, the four of them could not directly cause trouble.

"Brother Nangong, we are indeed pressed for time, and we are afraid we cannot wait these next few days."

Li Yunjing frowned slightly and said, "I wonder if Brother Nangong has any other way to help us reach the 'Endless Mountains' as soon as possible?"

"There's really no other way! I can only ask the family's array masters to work overtime and try to complete the repairs in three to five days."

Nangong Yuan inwardly groaned. He had to follow his uncle's instructions to find out the details of Li Yunjing and the others, but he couldn't let them realize that he was deliberately delaying.

"OK then!"

Li Yunjing's face darkened; he was dissatisfied.

The banquet ended hastily in a slightly awkward atmosphere. Li Yunjing and his three companions returned to their lodgings, filled with anger, having saved a thankless wretch.

Originally, they planned to use the Nangong family's teleportation array to travel, but unexpectedly, they were not allowed to use it!

If I had known, I would have killed Nangong Yuan on the way and plundered the Nangong family's wealth!
For the next three days, Li Yunjing and his group stayed in the small courtyard. Usually, they would cultivate or stroll around the courtyard, but in reality, they were always paying attention to the surrounding movements and observing the restrictions and formations of the Nangong family.

Li Yunjing, in particular, is the "First Steward" of the "Seven Star Palace" and has already reached the third level in the art of array formation.

Even ordinary Golden Core Realm array masters don't have as much knowledge as Li Yunjing!

He is the successor of the "Seven Star Peak" who has cultivated the "Seven Star Dao Canon"!

Over three days, Li Yunjing slipped out of the small courtyard several times to investigate the secrets of the Nangong family.

Those restrictions were completely ineffective against him.

As long as the Nangong family doesn't activate their protective mountain formation, Li Yunjing can move freely here as if walking on flat ground.

In three days, Li Yunjing figured out the function of the Nangong family's buildings, the location of the teleportation array, and even the location of the Nangong family's treasure vault.

Even ordinary cultivators, including those at the Golden Core stage, couldn't detect Li Yunjing's aura, let alone ordinary Foundation Establishment stage cultivators.

Having thoroughly investigated the background of the Nangong family, Li Yunjing was somewhat puzzled.

On "Yuanmo Mountain", there are only three Golden Core cultivators?
Among them, two auras were as calm as still water, seemingly unmoved for many years; these were clearly elders who had been in seclusion for a long time.

The only sign of life was the old man he had met when he first arrived.

The prestigious Nangong family has so few experts?
This is rather unusual!

The emptiness of the Nangong family even made Li Yunjing think about whether to give the Nangong family a ruthless blow by forcibly breaking through the teleportation array, changing the coordinates, and leaving directly.

If we also plunder the Nangong family along the way, wouldn't we make a fortune?

With this idea in mind, Li Yunjing immediately returned to the courtyard, summoned Yu Yunyi, Lü Ruoxi, and Fu Chao to his room, and set up layers of restrictions outside the room.

With this restriction in place, no Golden Core cultivator could possibly detect the movements of the person inside!
Unless the person who comes has the strength of a top-level Grandmaster of Array Formation!

Or perhaps a high-level Nascent Soul cultivator!

Otherwise, you'll have nothing to worry about!
“I’ve been investigating the Nangong family these past few days, and the situation is more complicated than we imagined.”

Li Yunjing's expression was solemn as he said in a deep voice, "Their family has very few experts, only three at the Golden Core stage. Two of them are in seclusion year-round. The only one who can truly take charge is the old man we met at the beginning."

"Moreover, I have already figured out the location of the teleportation array and the treasure vault."

Fu Chao's eyes lit up, and he said excitedly, "Old Li, you mean we should just rob the treasure vault and then force our way through the teleportation array to leave? That would be so exciting!"

"But even if the Nangong family doesn't have many experts, it is still a family with a long history and profound foundation. Can we act rashly?"

Yu Yunyi frowned and said with concern.

"Yes! The three of us probably don't have much to help you! It's already difficult enough to ensure our own safety."

Lü Ruoxi nodded solemnly.

"Although there are risks, this is also an excellent opportunity."

Li Yunjing smiled and analyzed, "I have already observed their restrictions and formations; they are not unbreakable."

"I can use my knowledge of formations to break some of the restrictions and use them for our own purposes!"

Li Yunjing continued.

"Great! Since you're so confident, Yun Jing, we'll definitely support you!"

Yu Yunyi nodded solemnly, a ruthless glint flashing in her phoenix eyes. She said coldly, "We came to the Nangong family to use the teleportation array to go to the 'Endless Mountains.' Now that they have become suspicious of us, we cannot sit idly by and wait for our doom."

"Loot the treasure vault, then teleport away! Let's do it!"

"Yes! Let's do it!"

Lü Ruoxi and Fu Chao echoed in agreement.

With Li Yunjing around, everyone felt they had a powerful backer, and the mere Nangong family was no match for them.

Li Yunjing's performance was so impressive that the three of them admired him immensely. Even in the enemy's stronghold, they believed there would be no problem.

After much discussion, the group gradually came up with a detailed plan.

The others continued to pretend to be doing nothing, staying in the courtyard and not going out.

Li Yunjing, meanwhile, sneaked around the treasure vault and teleportation array at night and began to work on the restrictions there.

He was one step closer to the Nascent Soul stage, the ultimate goal of his cultivation.

On the fourth night, Li Yunjing appeared at the back wall of the treasure vault.

A patrol team passes by here almost every fifteen minutes, while a group of people stand guard at the entrance of the treasure vault.

It can be said that the security was extremely tight.

With the assistance of restrictions and formations, even a top-tier Golden Core cultivator would not be able to break into the treasure vault in a short time.

But these things meant nothing to Li Yunjing. He used the "Heavenly Thunder Emperor Seal" to unleash the power of thunder and activate the "Creation God's Eye".

Those vertical eyes, filled with displeasure at the lightning, were incredibly sharp.

Faced with this restriction, Li Yunjing became extremely serious. He pushed the Divine Firmament Forging Heavenly Secrets Technique to its limit, and the secrets of the various restrictions were clearly visible to him.

Over the years, Li Yunjing has come into contact with countless methods of prohibition.

In Li Yunjing's view, the restrictions imposed by a mere family were full of flaws, and he had many ways to break them.

However, Li Yunjing did not come to break the restriction this time.

Instead, they were secretly altering the restrictions to make them work for them!
While using it for their own purposes, they won't alert the patrols or the guards of the treasury!
This is where the difficulty lies.

In the corner of the western wall of the square treasure vault, Li Yunjing would expend a lot of energy each time he changed the restrictions during the patrol's breaks.

Li Yunjing was mentally calculating every step he took.

Extensive simulations and a steady, methodical approach are employed. As long as these altered parts are not triggered by Li Yunjing, no changes will occur.

When Li Yunjing needs them, these restrictions can be used by him, becoming completely ineffective, and can even be used to counterattack others.

Without the barrier, this wall is made of second-tier materials.

It was almost impossible to stop Li Yunjing for even a moment, thus creating a breach that allowed easy access to the treasure vault.

Having completed this task, the following night, Li Yunjing arrived near the teleportation array and secretly created a safe passage.

Furthermore, Li Yunjing had also set up some hidden restrictions and formations around the area.

As soon as Li Yunjing and his group enter the teleportation array, these restrictions and formations will be activated by Li Yunjing, immediately unleashing their power to block the Nangong family's pursuit.

Five days after drinking with Nangong Yuan, Li Yunjing and his three companions were all ready and waiting to launch their operation on the sixth night.

Meanwhile, Nangong Yuan never relaxed his surveillance of Li Yunjing and the others.

However, Li Yunjing's cultivation level was too high, and the people responsible for monitoring him could not detect his movements at all. They could only see Yu Yunyi, Lü Ruoxi, and Fu Chao staying in the courtyard every day.

This put Nangong Yuan at ease.

Meanwhile, the Nangong family's intelligence agents also received a message from the family and began to use the power of the "Netherworld Ghost Sect" to contact the "Ten Thousand Poisons Sect" in preparation for inquiring about Li Wutian and his companions.

Soon, in the front-line area, the people of the "Netherworld Ghost Sect" made contact with a Golden Core cultivator from the "Ten Thousand Poisons Sect".

Through conversation, it was learned that the "Ten Thousand Poisons Sect" did not have a Foundation Establishment Realm Ninth Level expert named Li Wutian at all!
The people from the Netherworld Ghost Sect and the Nangong family were immediately stunned.

The Nangong family immediately realized that Li Wutian and his companions were fake, and were spies who had infiltrated Yuanmo Mountain with malicious intent!

The front line was too far from "Yuanmo Mountain" for the "Ten Thousand Mile Communication Talisman" to be of any use. The message was quickly relayed to the Golden Core cultivator of the Nangong family at the front line.

Three experts at the Golden Core Realm activated the teleportation array and began their journey towards "Yuanmo Mountain".

Just then, Li Yunjing arranged for four "puppet mechanical beasts" to disguise themselves as Li Yunjing, Yu Yunyi, Lü Ruoxi, and Fu Chao, and they stayed in the courtyard to cultivate.

As for the four people, they have already left the courtyard!
Li Yunjing had already figured out "Yuanmo Mountain". He chose an extremely hidden route and led Yu Yunyi, Lü Ruoxi and Fu Chao towards the treasure vault.

Before long, the four of them arrived at the northwest corner of the treasure vault!

"Everyone be careful! I'll activate the barrier immediately, break through the wall, and get into the treasure vault as soon as possible! We have fifteen minutes; after that, a patrol will appear outside!"

Li Yunjing gave his final instructions, saying, "When the patrol arrives, I'll kill them immediately, which will buy me less than fifteen minutes!"

(End of this chapter)