I'm in Yellow Maple Valley, and I have one equipment slot!

Chapter 346 A Challenge to Old Monster Feng! The Qualification for Equal Dialogue!

"Oh, right, there's one more thing I need to tell you."

Xiang Zhili seemed to suddenly remember something, put down the jade slip in his hand, looked at Zhou Yuan, and spoke with a hint of amusement and apology in his tone.

"Fellow Daoist Feng sent me a message via flying sword some time ago, instructing me to inform him of your whereabouts if I happen to encounter you."

"I figured there was no point in hiding this, so three days ago I sent a message to Fellow Daoist Feng, telling him that you were here. Judging by his speed, I estimate he should be able to arrive in Huayun Prefecture in about five days."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuan's brows furrowed slightly on his previously calm face.

He looked at Xiang Zhili with a hint of scrutiny and incomprehension in his eyes.

What exactly is the purpose of this gift?

He was just reminding him that Old Monster Feng might cause him trouble, and then he turned around and betrayed his whereabouts?

Is this a setup to see him get cornered by Old Monster Feng?

"Fellow Daoist Xiang, what is the meaning of this?"

Zhou Yuan's voice remained calm, but his tone had taken on a hint of coldness.

Seeing that Zhou Yuan seemed to have misunderstood, Xiang Zhili quickly waved his hand and explained with a smile, "Fellow Daoist Zhou, please don't misunderstand!"

"I don't want to see you and Fellow Daoist Feng fight to the death. On the contrary, I want to act as a peacemaker and help you and Fellow Daoist Feng resolve this feud!"

He sighed and continued, "Think about it, Fellow Daoist Feng's direct descendant died at your hands. This grudge could be big or small, and he will come looking for you sooner or later. Although you possess extraordinary abilities, you haven't yet reached the Nascent Soul stage. It wouldn't be good to fight a Nascent Soul cultivator to the death."

"Why don't I personally arrange for the two of you to meet and talk things out face-to-face? Although Fellow Daoist Feng has an eccentric temper, he is not an unreasonable person. If you can show enough sincerity or offer some compensation, it's not impossible to turn hostility into friendship. Isn't that much better than fighting to the death?"

After listening to Xiang Zhili's explanation, Zhou Yuan remained silent for a moment.

The argument that Xiang Zhili should be respected does have some merit.

Although he was not afraid to fight Feng Laoguai, as Xiang Zhili said, fighting to the death with a Nascent Soul cultivator was too risky and unpredictable.

He has made many enemies now, and if he were to antagonize another Nascent Soul stage monster, he would inevitably face obstacles at every turn.

If this feud can be resolved through Xiang Zhili's mediation, it would be a good option.

"Alright."

Zhou Yuan nodded. "Since Fellow Daoist Xiang is willing to act as the middleman, then I will give you face. I will be there on time in five days. You can choose the location."

"Great! That's awesome!"

Xiang Zhili clapped his hands and laughed, "Then it's settled! Five days from now, meet me at the summit of Mount Jimie, a million miles away from here! I will be there to await your arrival!"

After saying that, he cupped his hands in greeting to Zhou Yuan, and his figure blurred like a bubble before disappearing quietly, leaving the Heavenly Talisman Sect.

Zhou Yuan watched Xiang Zhili leave, a deep light flashing in his eyes.

He didn't completely trust Munenori, but he was confident in his own abilities.

Today, he is no longer the ant who could only look up to a Nascent Soul cultivator.

His own cultivation had reached the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm. Combined with the Great Geng Sword Formation composed of seventy-two Green Bamboo Bee Cloud Swords infused with Geng essence, its power was enough to threaten even a Nascent Soul cultivator.

He also possesses top-tier defensive talismans such as the Six Ding Heavenly Armor Talisman, as well as a Spirit-Subduing Talisman crafted from the essence of the tenth-level demon beast, the Azure Feather Spirit Roc. Once activated, his combat power can surge dramatically in a short period of time.

With the addition of the Heavenly Treasure Void Cauldron and the powerful weapon, the Immortal Extinction Pearl, which he had seized from Old Demon Qian, he was confident that he could fight even a Nascent Soul cultivator head-on!

Even if he is truly outmatched, he still has two Thousand-Mile Traction Talismans as his last trump card, enough to allow him to instantly escape thousands of miles away and get away with ease.

Moreover, in the human realm where spiritual energy is scarce, every time a Nascent Soul cultivator goes all out, they inevitably deplete their own vital energy, affecting their already limited lifespan.

Unless there is deep-seated hatred or the benefits are so great that they are tempted, no Nascent Soul cultivator would easily risk their life for someone.

This is also the source of Zhou Yuan's confidence to face Feng Laoguai directly.

He stopped thinking about it and turned to walk out of the library.

Outside the pavilion, Sect Leader Yue Zhen and Elder Wen were waiting anxiously.

Upon seeing Zhou Yuan emerge, the two hurriedly went to greet him, their faces beaming with respectful smiles.

"Senior Zhou, have you finished reading?"

Yue Zhen asked cautiously.

Zhou Yuan nodded and was about to take his leave when Old Man Wen preemptively exchanged a glance with Yue Zhen, then mustered his courage, bowed to Zhou Yuan, and said, "Senior Zhou, I have a request. I wonder if you would be so kind as to grant it?"

"Oh? What is it? Please speak freely." Zhou Yuan looked at the two of them.

Old Man Wen took a deep breath and said, "As you know, Senior, my Heavenly Talisman Sect is now in decline. Even the Spirit Wind Sect dares to ride roughshod over us, trying to seize the Three Elements Market, on which my sect depends for survival. Although my sect has received the Spirit-Subduing Talisman inheritance returned by you, it's a distant solution to an immediate problem. Who knows when it will be possible to cultivate powerful disciples again? Therefore—I wish to use one of my sect's treasured possessions, accumulated over many years, to exchange for your assistance in deterring the surrounding villains and ensuring my sect's peace for a hundred years!"

"A treasured possession kept for many years?" Zhou Yuan raised an eyebrow, showing some interest.

Old Man Wen hurriedly and carefully took out a rectangular wooden box, pale yellow in color and carved from ten-thousand-year-old warm jade, from his bosom, and respectfully presented it to Zhou Yuan with both hands: "This is a Spirit Transformation Talisman personally refined by the founder of our Heavenly Talisman Sect—True Man Heavenly Talisman!"

"A spirit-transforming talisman?!"

Zhou Yuan's heart skipped a beat!

One of his biggest goals in coming to Tianfu Sect was to obtain the Spirit Transformation Talisman!

Unexpectedly, the Tianfu Sect actually gave away this finished product left behind by the sect's founder!

He took the wooden box and gently ran his fingers over the seal on its surface.

Although the restriction was exquisite, it was as fragile as paper in the face of Zhou Yuan's powerful divine sense and magic power, and was wiped out in an instant.

He gently opened the box.

Inside the wooden box lay a talisman, about the size of a palm, with a warm, cyan color, seemingly composed of countless layers of fine runes, radiating a soft spiritual light.

On the surface of the talisman, there was a faint shimmering light, emanating a mysterious yet peaceful aura.

"Wood attribute————"

Zhou Yuan was overjoyed! The attributes of this Spirit Transformation Talisman perfectly matched those of the Azure Origin Sword Technique, which he cultivated!

In this way, he only needs to cultivate the talisman with his own true essence for several decades to completely refine it and make it one with his mind and spirit.

At that time, this Spirit Transformation Talisman will become his ultimate trump card for survival!

This is much easier and faster than him starting from scratch, collecting materials, researching refining methods, and then personally cultivating a spirit-transforming talisman!

After all, that Tianfu Zhenren was a great cultivator in the late Nascent Soul stage back then, and the quality of the Spirit Transformation Talisman he personally refined was absolutely guaranteed!

"Alright! I'll take this deal!" Zhou Yuan carefully put away the Spirit Transformation Talisman, nodded to Old Man Wen and Yue Zhen, "Don't worry, I will take action once to resolve the Lingfeng Sect and the trouble behind it for you. However, in order to avoid causing more unnecessary trouble for your Tianfu Sect, I will not act under my real identity."

Upon hearing this, Old Man Wen and Yue Zhen were overjoyed and thanked him repeatedly!

One day later.

Outside the gate of the Shayang Sect.

A figure, shrouded in dense spiritual light, descended like a ghost. He made no attempt to conceal his cultivation, merely suppressing his aura to the mid-Nascent Soul stage. He spoke in a clear, deep, and authoritative voice: "Fellow Daoists of the Sha Yang Sect, listen! I've heard your sect has recently shown great favor to the Tian Fu Sect." I've been entrusted to come and seek your guidance! May I ask which of your fellow Daoists would be willing to spar with me?

Inside the Shayang Sect, the only Nascent Soul early-stage elder sensed the undisguised mid-Nascent Soul aura outside the door, and his expression immediately turned extremely ugly.

He gritted his teeth and flew out of the mountain gate, engaging the mysterious man in a fierce battle for dozens of rounds. The result was predictable; the mysterious man didn't even use his true killing move, but easily defeated the elder of the Sha Yang Sect with his exquisite fire magic, dispersing most of his protective aura.

"Fellow Daoist's abilities are astonishing; I concede defeat! May I ask your esteemed name? And what grudge do you hold against my Sha Yang Sect?"

The elder of the Shayang Sect asked in surprise and fear.

"Who I am is unimportant. Just remember, from now on, keep your people in check and don't mess with the Heavenly Talisman Sect again. Otherwise, next time you come to spar, you won't be as easy to talk to as I am." The mysterious man coldly uttered these words, then turned into a streak of fire and disappeared into the horizon.

The elder of the Shayang Sect turned pale and then red, and finally could only sigh helplessly, ordering the sect disciples to withdraw all actions against the Tianfu Sect.

The mysterious man's methods were enough to instill fear in him.

It's not worth offending a mysterious expert who is suspected to be in the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm or even stronger, just for the sake of the mere Sanyuanfang Market.

From then on, all the sects in the vicinity knew that Tianfu Sect seemed to have a mysterious powerful figure backing them up, and they no longer dared to provoke them easily.

As a result, Tianfu Sect gained a precious respite, allowing it to develop steadily for a century.

Five days later, at Mount Silent Extinction.

This mountain range spans tens of thousands of miles, desolate and barren, with not a blade of grass growing. Only a solitary black peak rises straight into the clouds, exuding an aura of loneliness and desolation.

As agreed, Zhou Yuan arrived at the summit of Mount Silent Extinction on time.

At the top of the mountain is a relatively flat and open area.

Two figures were already there, waiting before him.

One of them was the little old man, Xiang Zhili.

The other person was an old man with a gray robe, a withered face, high cheekbones, and a long horse-like face. He was none other than the old monster Feng Laoguai, who was at the Nascent Soul stage!

"Zhou Yuan? I didn't expect you to actually dare to come to the appointment!" Old Monster Feng's gaze swept over Zhou Yuan like lightning, his voice hoarse and cold, carrying a hint of scrutiny and pressure.

Zhou Yuan met Feng Laoguai's gaze calmly and respectfully bowed, saying, "Why wouldn't I dare? Fellow Daoist Feng invited me; how could I not come?"

"Hmph! Smooth talker!"

Old Man Feng snorted coldly, but a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

He hadn't expected that Zhou Yuan could be so calm and composed in front of him, a Nascent Soul cultivator, as if he were facing just another cultivator of the same level.

"Gentlemen, gentlemen! What grudges do you have? Why not settle them here today? Why must you resort to violence?" Xiang Zhili quickly stepped forward to smooth things over, saying with a smile, "Fellow Daoist Feng, Fellow Daoist Zhou, please give me some face and talk things out, okay?"

Feng Laoguai ignored Xiang Zhili's attempt to smooth things over. He stared intently at Zhou Yuan, his voice filled with suppressed anger.

"Zhou Yuan! You killed my only remaining direct descendant in this world! Today, you must give me an explanation!"

Before he could finish speaking, and without even waiting for Zhou Yuan's reply, he raised his hand directly!

A vast and terrifying pressure belonging to a Nascent Soul cultivator descended like a mountain!

A gigantic handprint, as large as a house and entirely yellowish-brown, formed from pure magical power, appeared out of thin air and slammed down on Zhou Yuan with a heavy aura that seemed capable of suppressing the earth!

"Old man! How dare you attack me so suddenly!"

Xiang Zhili showed a hint of helplessness on his face, but he did not stop them. Instead, he moved away to a distance, clearly intending to check the situation first.

He also wanted to use Old Monster Feng to test Zhou Yuan's strength and see if this rising star, who had recently gained popularity, was qualified to have an equal dialogue with him, an old monster who had reached the Nascent Soul stage.

Upon seeing this, Zhou Yuan's lips curled into a smile.

He had long anticipated that this meeting to "resolve grievances" would probably not go so smoothly.

Since Old Monster Feng wants to test his strength, then he'll show him what he's got!

He took a deep breath, and the immense magical power within his body surged like a river! He did not dodge, but instead pointed his fingers like a sword at the yellow handprint that descended from the sky!

"call out-!!!"

A golden light sword, refined to its fullest extent and dazzlingly bright, poured forth from his fingertips, carrying an invincible sharpness, and soared into the sky!

"Sizzle—!"

A piercing tearing sound rang out! The golden light sword actually cleaved the incredibly powerful yellow handprint that Old Monster Feng had condensed in half from the middle!

The split handprint transformed into two bursts of violent spiritual energy, radiating outwards to both sides and shattering a large section of the rocks on the mountaintop!

"Hmm? Not bad!" A hint of surprise flashed in Old Monster Feng's eyes, but he immediately snorted coldly, "However, this is merely the level expected of someone at the peak of the late Nascent Soul stage! You're still too green to stop me with this much skill!"

He no longer acted arrogantly. With a flick of his wrist, a three-foot-long flying sword, entirely silver-white, seemingly formed from moonlight and radiating a chilling aura, appeared in his hand!

He flicked his finger, and the silver flying sword emitted a crisp sword sound, transforming into a silver lightning bolt that shot towards Zhou Yuan at a speed almost imperceptible to the naked eye!

Its speed is so fast that it can be described as arriving in an instant.

Zhou Yuan's pupils constricted slightly!

The Nascent Soul cultivator's move was indeed extraordinary! The speed and power of this sword strike far surpassed any Nascent Soul cultivator he had ever encountered before!

But he was prepared!

"Crackling sound—!!!"

A crisp, thunderous sound rang out!

Behind Zhou Yuan, wind and thunder wings instantly appeared, intertwining and flashing with azure light and silver lightning!

His figure left a faint afterimage in place, and the next moment, he appeared nearly three hundred feet away!

The silver flying sword grazed past his afterimage, struck the air, and flattened half of a small hill in the distance!

"Such incredible speed!"

This time, not only Feng Laoguai, but even Xiang Zhili, who was watching from the sidelines, couldn't help but show a look of shock!

The lightning speed that Zhou Yuan just displayed was actually no less than that of these two Nascent Soul cultivators!

After dodging Old Monster Feng's attack, Zhou Yuan did not continue to dodge. He knew that if he wanted Old Monster Feng to truly take him seriously, he had to demonstrate strength that would make Old Monster Feng wary of him!

He took a deep breath, and his magical power exploded without reservation!

"Clang clang clang clang—!!!"

Seventy-two gleaming golden swords, with faint silver lightning arcs dancing within their blades, emerged from his body like a peacock spreading its tail, instantly forming a three-dimensional sword array covering a hundred feet in radius in front of him, dazzling with golden light and crisscrossed with sword energy!

Each flying sword exudes a chilling sharpness and the majestic power of the exorcising divine thunder!

"Great Geng Sword Formation—Activate!"

With a low shout from Zhou Yuan, the seventy-two golden flying swords flickered and transformed into thousands of identical, dazzling sword lights!

With a slight movement, these sword lights instantly transformed into patches of golden light, while the deafening clang of the swords echoed across the sky!

A terrifying sword intent, seemingly capable of annihilating everything, soared into the sky, enveloping both Old Monster Feng and Xiang Zhili!

Seeing this, Old Monster Feng's expression finally became completely serious!

He could sense that the power of this sword formation was enough to pose a real threat to him, a Nascent Soul cultivator!

A hint of seriousness flashed in his eyes as he prepared to unleash an even stronger treasure to have a proper contest with Zhou Yuan!

Just then, Xiang Zhili suddenly swayed and stepped between the two, shouting loudly, "Old man, that's enough! Let's stop here! That's enough!"

As he shouted, he repeatedly winked at Old Monster Feng: "Look at the power of Fellow Daoist Zhou's sword formation, and that escape technique just now, how could he be an ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator?"

Xiang Zhili was worried that if the two continued fighting like this, they might actually come to blows.

That would be difficult to resolve.