Chapter 1261: Rock City's Peril

And after turning his back on Gu Xun'er, Lin Feng's eyes also flashed with a hint of excitement.

"Zhao Sister's ancestral set of heaven-rank high-level dual cultivation technique is indeed powerful; even if one only uses the fighting skill inside without cultivating the technique, the effect is still good, and after five months of testing on Gu Xun'er, no negative effects on the female side were seen. If one must speak of it, it's that the pleasant feeling between both parties will suddenly increase dozens of times, and if one's soul power quality is poor, they might possibly be directly driven insane by that pleasure."

"However, considering this is a heaven-rank high-level technique fighting skill, it makes sense. After all, such a level of technique fighting skill is not something just anyone can casually cultivate. It seems that during this operation to exterminate the Stone Clan, if there is a suitable target, I could try using it to boost my strength—although I usually don't like this method, but given how dangerous my situation is now, I can't worry about propriety."

Thinking of this, Lin Feng's eyes immediately flashed with a hint of resolve.

Under normal circumstances he would still talk about some morals, but faced with the imminent life-and-death crisis, he couldn't bother with so much; his family's lives are paramount.

And while he was thinking, Lin Feng's figure suddenly disappeared within Riverside City.

However, at the very moment Lin Feng left Riverside City, somewhere near the Thunder Clan's territory, a figure was sneaking about furtively in the deep forest.

After a moment, that person suddenly shot forth, his form hurtling toward another mountain peak.

And behind that mountain peak lay a city that, in the Central State region, was not large.

However, although this city is not particularly large, among the high-ranking powers of the Central State lands, it is well-known like thunder.

Because this city is none other than Wanlei City, one of the ancient six clans, the Thunder Clan's city.

At the same time, it is also the entrance to the Thunder Realm.

"Who dares to skulk about at the gate of my Thunder Realm?"

However, that figure up ahead who had just changed position and was just about to climb to the mountain peak's summit to monitor Wanlei City suddenly heard an explosive shout that burst forth in the sky like rolling heavenly thunder.

This caused the entire space to undulate at this moment.

And at the instant the sound rang out, a silver-colored figure suddenly burst forth from the void amidst the spatial undulations in the sky.

At the same time, lightning flashed in his hand, and as his figure shot forward, in the blink of an eye he reached above that furtive black shadow below, transforming into a silver-robed old man.

The former had just steadied his stance, whereupon the old man above stretched out both hands and pressed down fiercely; in an instant, the originally bright and sunny sky quickly began to stir with wind and clouds, and then lightning started to surge through the cloud layers like a serpent.

"Boom—rumble—rumble!"

The next moment, several bolts of silver lightning shot down from the clouds above, streaking straight downward.

"Ha!"

Facing that attack, the figure below let out a fierce shout, gripping a great iron hammer that emitted golden light; then he stomped his foot hard on the ground, and his powerful energy instantly destroyed the vegetation within a radius of several miles.

At the same time, that figure, under the effect of this recoil force, shot straight up from within the dense forest.

In the blink of an eye, the iron hammer emitting golden light collided with the lightning falling from the sky.

"Boom!"

The next moment, the powerful energy surge immediately spread outward; everywhere it passed, the space was shattered into fragments by vibrations that sounded like muffled thunder.

As for the figure wielding the iron hammer, after blocking those lightning attacks, his body was again driven back down to the ground by the tremendous impact.

However, immediately afterward, he promptly swung the iron hammer several times at the old man above, sending forth several hammer-shaped afterimages.

After that, the former immediately turned and ran, without the slightest hesitation.

"Where do you think you're going?!"

Seeing that person try to flee, the old man in the sky immediately let out a fierce shout and prepared to attack again.

However, just as he was preparing to forcibly detain that mysterious person, several hammer shadows from below, each emitting a "woo-woo" sound from the oppressive space, had likewise already arrived above the old man.

And when the old man saw those hammer shadows before him, his pupils suddenly contracted to the size of a sewing needle.

Then, without the slightest hesitation, he hastily blasted forth several thigh-thick bolts of lightning to disperse the hammer shadows.

However, after he had dealt with those hammer shadows, that black shadow likewise vanished without a trace.

"Damn it, who exactly is that person, daring to skulk about at the gate of my Thunder Realm?"

Seeing that black shadow disappear, the silver-robed old man instantly felt his anger surge to his head, wishing he could immediately seize that person and interrogate him thoroughly.

But that person had already fled without a trace, so he could only think about it.

However, what he did not know was that, shortly after that black shadow escaped the Thunder Clan's territory, an extremely powerful bolt of silver lightning suddenly appeared out of nowhere, then shot forth and struck precisely the fleeing black shadow.

"Bang!"

Afterward, only an explosive roar that lingered in the sky was heard; that black shadow also spat out a mouthful of blood under the tremendous lightning, and then his body smashed into a distant mountainside like a meteor.

Finally, accompanied by rising clouds of dust, the black shadow's vitality vanished instantly.

"Whoosh! Whoosh!"

And not long after that black shadow's death, two figures appeared promptly atop the deep pit where it had fallen, their gazes indifferent as they looked through the dust below at the corpse.

These two figures were two women, one older and one younger; the slightly older woman wore a green dress, and even her hair was the same green as the dress.

As for the other woman, who clearly looked much younger, she had a head of golden hair and wore a golden dress.

Upon closer inspection, their identities turned out to be none other than Qing Lin and Xiao Jiu.

However, Qing Lin's delicate oval face now inexplicably bore an unnatural pallor.

It appeared as if she had been injured.

"Hiss!"

However, not long after appearing, Qing Lin suddenly sucked in a breath of cold air, and then felt a sudden wave of tearing pain deep in her mind.

However, regarding this abrupt change, Qing Lin did not find it too strange, and she weakly said, "Again this soul-wrenching pain; it seems Sister Feng'er has also settled things on her end."

"Hum!"

However, just as the former's words fell, a sharp sound of air being torn rang out from far away, approaching from the distance in the sky.

Soon after, a cold woman wearing a seven-colored long dress suddenly appeared from that patch of sky where the black shadow had fled.

Immediately thereafter, that figure rapidly expanded; in the blink of an eye, the colorful-robed woman slowly descended from beside Qing Lin and Xiao Jiu, finally standing on the same horizontal line as them.

Of course, if one looks downward, one can see that the colorful-robed woman is also holding a corpse in her hand.

And judging by the corpse's appearance, it is precisely the silver-robed old man who had fought the black shadow earlier!

"Sister Feng'er, did the operation go smoothly?"

Seeing the colorful-robed woman arrive, Qing Lin immediately turned around and asked in a somewhat weak tone.

Besides Feng Qinger, who else could let Qing Lin have such a title?

At the same time, upon hearing Qing Lin's question, she immediately curled her lips slightly, and on that cool, pretty face, like melting ice and snow, she revealed a faint smile, saying: "Mm, thanks to your intel, I avoided the Thunder Clan's spies and successfully killed this guy. I think from the traces left on the scene, the Thunder Clan people will definitely be able to identify the killer as the Ancient Clan Battle Saint in this pit, the Golden Hammer Elder."

Saying this, Feng'er's eyes also couldn't help but flash a hint of astonishment.

At this moment, she finally understood why her man was frantically boosting Qing Lin's soul power.

The battle skill this girl developed in her hundred lifetimes of reincarnation is truly heaven-defying!

In the past six months, none of the sisters have been idle; aside from Ying'er and the others who rotate between the Tai Xu Ancient Dragon Clan, Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan, and Nine Netherworld Earth Python Clan to refine pills, along with Zhao Sister, the other sisters, as long as they aren't in closed-door cultivation, are all outside making various preparations.

Even Qing Lin, after advancing to five-star Battle Saint, was likewise outside searching for the traces of the elders of several other great ancient clans; during this time, she gradually came to control one elder each from the Thunder Clan and the Ancient Clan.

These two people are naturally the Thunder Clan elder in silver robes just mentioned, and the Ancient Clan elder in the pit below who favors using a hammer and bears the nickname "Golden Hammer".

Of course, some of the Ancient Clan's elders, because they often go to Linjiang City to negotiate with their men for the ransom to redeem their young lady, are thus easy to track down, allowing one to design control over them.

But since the Thunder Clan lacks such circumstances, Qing Lin expended considerable effort to finally gain control of a Thunder Clan elder.

After that, they also successfully obtained abundant internal information from both the Thunder Clan and the Ancient Clan, including the two clans' military strength, stockpiles, recent movements of allies, and their internal future policies—many secrets.

And this information also greatly aided their plan to exterminate the Stone Clan.

As for now, they continue to do certain things for the plan to exterminate the Stone Clan.

Seeing that Feng Qinger had not been discovered by the Thunder Clan's other experts, Qing Lin breathed a slight sigh of relief and then said, "Young Master should already have gone to the gathering point; Feng'er sister, let's go meet up with Young Master and them."

As she spoke, Qing Lin lightly waved her hand, immediately sucking up the corpse of the Ancient Clan elder below; after stripping off and discarding his storage ring, she then stored the corpse in her storage ring.

After all, any valuables and unmarked items had already been taken by her beforehand.

Now, this storage ring contains nothing of value.

Moreover, she still needs to use this storage ring to lure some people over, so she cannot take it away.

Okay.

Hearing this, Feng'er quickly agreed, and likewise stored the corpse in her hand into her storage ring.

After doing this, she casually waved her hand, and the space before her was suddenly torn by an unknown mighty force, ripping open a huge pitch-black crack.

Seeing the spatial crack stabilize, Feng'er then waved at Qing Lin and Xiao Jiu beside her, and her figure shot out first, swiftly disappearing into that pitch-black crack.

Seeing this, Qing Lin and Xiao Jiu also did not linger, hurriedly followed, and likewise vanished into the crack.

"Hum!"

After the few people entered, the spatial crack, resembling a giant abyssal mouth, automatically sealed shut in an instant and then vanished into the sky, as if it had never appeared.

Meanwhile, as Qing Lin, Feng'er, and the others were acting, Lin Feng also crossed space, arriving at the Rock Sect of the extreme north.

However, this stronghold of the Stone Clan's subordinate sect has a highest combat strength of only Half-Saint within the sect, yet at this moment its interior has gathered a large amount of top-tier combat power that even the Soul and Ancient clans would value.

Gazing outward, the Tai Xu Ancient Dragon Clan's great elder Chuhuo, the clan's current Dragon Emperor Zi Yan, the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan's clan head Huang Tian, Xiao Yixian, Yun Yun, and the Battle Saint experts of the other three major magical beast clans are all gathered here.

Of course, due to the need to guard the home, Cai Lin, the Three Beauties of Dan Ta, Zhao Ran, and others did not come.

As for the Nine Netherworld Earth Python Clan's Yao Ming, it's also because he just advanced to five-star Battle Saint and is still in the Stabilizing Realm, which is why he couldn't participate in this operation.

However, Yao Xiao Tian and the clan's great elder, the two of them, did come together this time.

Moreover, the strength of these two has now reached the peak of three-star.

"Lin Feng, you've finally come; I thought that fox spirit had bewitched you and made you forget the plan."

Upon seeing Lin Feng arrive, Zi Yan immediately crossed her arms, narrowed her eyes, and said sarcastically.

"This hateful girl."

Hearing this, Lin Feng's mouth twitched, and he then said irritably, "It's not that some girl is slow to level up; she only just broke through to the seven-star realm recently, otherwise I would have already begun executing the plan."

"Wah wah wah, hateful Lin Feng, you dare to sneer at me; after going back, I will surely join forces with Cai Lin sister and the others to make you beg for mercy in the void!"

Seeing him send that mocking message, Zi Yan instantly gritted her teeth in anger.

However, seeing that she still has many subordinates here, she had no choice but to swallow her anger for now.

But in her heart, she is already pondering how to take revenge.

"Ah, these two people."

Xiao Yixian and Yun Yun, seeing this scene, couldn't help but feel amused and shook their heads.

Since they met, they've been like this: when they get along, they're better than anyone, but as soon as they encounter any disagreement, they immediately start arguing.

As for the others, they simply ignored this scene.

Well, they only know to wait a bit and then work; as for the rest, it's none of my business.

However, after Lin Feng dealt with that talkative girl, he then swept his gaze across the venue.

Not being able to find Feng'er and her three companions, he then asked, "Have Feng'er and her three not arrived yet?"

"They went ahead to create a conflict between the Thunder Clan and the Ancient Clan; considering those two elders are Qing Lin's soul slaves, the process shouldn't take long, so they should be back soon."

Hearing her husband's doubt, Xiao Yixian immediately explained.

As soon as her words fell, Yun Yun promptly added: "Although the experts at the Thunder Realm's gate are numerous, Qing Lin and her group also need to act cautiously; it's normal for their speed to be slower, so husband, you need not worry too much."

Hearing his two wives' words, Lin Feng lightly nodded, then turned his gaze to the others present.

Immediately, he straightened his expression and declared loudly: "Everyone who came this time, I suppose the clan has already informed you of, or you already know, the purpose of this mission. Since this endeavor carries great risk, I won't let anyone labor in vain; now that we have time, I will first clarify the distribution of the spoils."

For this operation, Lin Feng naturally did not intend to monopolize the spoils himself, nor did he have the capability to do so. After all, to sever the Stone Realm from the outside world, he needs the aid of the Tai Xu Ancient Dragon Clan and Huang Tian.

If he doesn't share the benefits with others, then this matter of exterminating the Stone Clan will certainly be impossible for him to accomplish.

"Swish!"

Upon hearing this, the gazes of those present—including the Tai Xu Ancient Dragon Clan's great elder and the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan's clan head Huang Tian—all instantly narrowed and fixed on Lin Feng.

After all, the distribution of spoils is one of their top concerns; how could they not care?

Lin Feng scanned everyone's expressions, then continued: "As for this, let me speak for myself first. I don't want much—just three things: the recipes, the Stone Clan's clan-locking martial arts technique, and the authority over the disposal of all the Stone Clan members' corpses and souls. As for everything else, it will be divided among you three according to your contributions."

When the others heard what Lin Feng wanted to take, after a moment's thought, they raised no objection.

After all, the things he intends to take are of no use to them.

After all, the Stone Clan's clan-protection techniques and combat skills are all body-strengthening things; their magic beasts basically can't use them.

As for prescriptions, their magic beasts wouldn't even know how to concoct pills.

Although aside from the corpses and souls at the end, they can take out their techniques, combat skills, and prescriptions to trade.

But compared to that, they definitely care more about pills that can be used directly and various heavenly materials and earthly treasures.

Moreover, the Stone Clan's techniques, combat skills, and prescriptions cannot be taken out for trade immediately; they need to settle until the right moment before they can be used.

And this time, who knows how long it will be.

Therefore, who would bother with troublesome things when there are things that can be used directly?

"Since everyone has no problem, then the things mentioned earlier will belong to me. As for the remaining pills, various heavenly materials and earthly treasures, and other relatively general techniques and combat skills, they will be distributed according to the number and quality of the strong ones who came this time, in a six-three-one ratio. As for the things, I think Qinglin and them have also said this to everyone; that Stone Clan's warehouse, even if it contains top-tier heavenly materials and earthly treasures at the level of nine-rank golden pills, also exists."

Lin Feng saw that everyone had no objections, and immediately proceeded to explain the distribution plan for the remaining things once more.

As soon as his words fell, he then scanned the crowd with his gaze and said, "How is it, does anyone have any opinions on this distribution plan?"

"We have no objections."

Upon hearing that, the people present immediately glanced at each other, and finally all clasped their hands, indicating no objections.

Even the Nine Nether Ground Python Clan, which received only a tenth of the spoils, had no objections.

After all, in this operation, the Nine Nether Ground Python Clan contributed the least, having sent only two three-star peak Dou Saint experts.

As for the other parties, even the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan sent Huangtian, a high-level Dou Saint expert who recently broke through to seven stars with the aid of the Mysterious Pill.

These two three-star Dou Saints of theirs also feel embarrassed to ask for more spoils!

Moreover, this Stone Clan is an ancient race that has been passed down for nearly a hundred thousand years; although only a tenth, it is still a considerable fortune.

And Lin Feng, seeing that all parties had no objections, also nodded in satisfaction.

However, right after that, he added, "By the way, if you encounter any female Dou Saints during the operation, please try to spare their lives as much as possible; I have other uses for them."

Thinking about how hard it is to increase his strength now, Lin Feng also decided to give it his all; unless the Stone Clan's female Dou Saints this time are truly unbearable to look at, then this technique—the one Zhao Sister gave him, he will definitely use it!

"That works."

Upon hearing that, everyone exchanged strange glances, then glanced over at Xiao Yixian and Zi Yan beside them, after which the people present all agreed.

After all, since other people's wives have no objections, they don't mind either; anyway, it doesn't affect their interests.

As for Xiao Yixian at this moment, the corner of her mouth twitched slightly, but considering that the technique is indeed useful, she ultimately said nothing.

After all, compared to strength, these minor flaws can be tolerated for now.

"Hum!"

And just when the scene suddenly fell silent, the space not far from the crowd was violently torn open by a huge force, forming a void dozens of zhang in size.

Next, three figures swiftly flew out from it and landed in the sky not far from the crowd.

Lin Feng fixed his gaze and saw that the arrivals were precisely Qinglin, Feng'er, and Xiao Jiu.

And seeing that the three were safe and sound, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief and then smiled lightly, saying, "You guys have finally arrived; now we're just waiting for you."

Upon hearing that, Xiao Jiu, who had already mastered human language, immediately bowed and said, "Master, because there are many powerful beings at the entrance of the Thunder Realm, we had to act cautiously, which wasted a lot of time."

"Hehe, it's fine; as long as you return safely."

Seeing Xiao Jiu's earnest appearance, Lin Feng immediately smiled, walked forward, and reached out to pat her little head.

This girl is fine in every way, just too rigid; she's completely different from Xiao Ling, who is always scheming to slack off and play tricks.

After all, compared to strength, these minor flaws can be tolerated for now.

"Mm."

Upon hearing that, everyone else nodded heavily, their expressions becoming solemn.

As soon as his words fell, Lin Feng immediately reminded again: "Remember, this operation of ours must be swift and ruthless. We must quickly dismantle the Stone Clan's resistance while ensuring not a single person escapes; otherwise, it would be a huge trouble for us."

"Rest assured, with the four of us maintaining the formation with all our strength, unless the Stone Clan sends out an Eight-Star Dou Saint–level expert, they have absolutely no chance of escaping."

Seeing Lin Feng's extremely solemn expression, Elder Chuhuo stroked his beard and said in a tone from the passage.

After all, this time I myself am an Eight-Star Mid-Stage Dou Saint, plus Feng Qinger at Seven-Star Mid-Stage, and Zi Yan and Huangtian at Seven-Star Early Stage—four high-level Dou Saints who will do nothing else but focus on maintaining the formation.

Honestly speaking, even if an Early Nine-Star Dou Saint came here, they could delay for several tens of seconds.

Upon hearing that, Lin Feng didn't say anything further, but turned to the four and said, "Since that's the case, Elder Chuhuo, please lead the Phoenix Clan Lord Huangtian, Feng'er, and Zi Yan to begin deploying the formation to isolate the Stone Realm from the outside world."

Upon hearing the former's words, Elder Chuhuo looked at the other three; then the four exchanged glances, and almost simultaneously moved, disappearing from their original spots.

And at the same moment Elder Chuhuo and the others disappeared, Lin Feng solemnly faced the others and said, "Everyone, follow me; once this formation is complete, they will open the passage, and we will enter at the fastest speed the moment the passage opens. Then we will swiftly defeat the Stone Clan, retrieve their warehouse, and divide the spoils."

As soon as his words fell, he took the lead, moving his body and darting toward the northern entrance of the Stone Realm.

"Good!"

As soon as the former's words fell, the others shouted in unison.

Immediately afterward, they hurriedly flew out as well, closely following Lin Feng, who was intentionally controlling his speed.

This time, they were equally tense and excited.

After all, participating in such an event capable of shaking the entire Zhongzhou Continent, probably few people could keep a calm mindset.

Even Lin Feng, his heart at this moment was likewise filled with tension and stimulation.

This time, if he can successfully annihilate the Stone Clan, then he and his wife will be able to greatly increase their strength.

If he fails, then it will be a big trouble.

After all is said and done, this is a grand gamble!

And this gamble might be enough to determine the future direction of the Dou Qi Continent.

"Boom!"

Just as Lin Feng and the others reached the entrance of the Stone Realm, a boundless golden barrier suddenly descended from the heavens, enveloping the entire city at the Stone Realm entrance and all surrounding space.

"What... what is this?"

"Could it be that the Stone Clan is researching some formation or other defensive system?"

Eh, what this little brother said makes sense; I am one of the few eighth-rank alchemists on the continent, and with my soul power I have sensed no aggression on this.

Hehe, I happen to have nothing to do today, so let's see what the Stone Clan is up to.

Seeing the golden light curtain suddenly descending from the sky, in the rock city where the Stone Realm entrance is located, aside from a tiny few who secretly became wary, the vast majority stared at it with great curiosity, wondering what this curtain was.

And this cannot be blamed on them being too careless; it's simply that the ancient six clans' prestige on the Fighting Qi Continent is too great.

They never believed anyone could cause trouble at the Stone Realm's entrance, in the Stone Clan's core territory outside.

Bang!

However, while everyone was curious and puzzled, the golden light suddenly began to emit black flames that spread out.

Immediately, under the gradually astonished gazes of the crowd, those black flames rapidly expanded, in an instant almost covering the entire sky above the rock city.

This... this is bad, everyone run!

Seeing the black flames filling the sky, the people below realized this might not be simple; in an instant, shrill shouts echoed throughout the city's sky.

At this moment, the formerly orderly city instantly became extremely chaotic.

Cries, shouts, and the piercing screams of frightened infants almost filled the entire rock city.

At the same time, many who wanted to flee, after looking around, despaired: 'Damn it, there's no way out here—completely blocked by that golden light curtain and black flames.'

Quick, let's join forces and break that light curtain and black flames; then we can escape!

But soon, a clever guy stood up and shouted loudly: 'Besides, the Stone Clan people wouldn't just watch someone cause trouble on their turf; don't give up, I believe they'll come out soon to deal with the troublemakers!'

Upon hearing that, the suddenly awakened crowd hurriedly reminded those around: 'Quick, let's join forces and smash that golden light curtain and black flames; only then do we have a way out.'

Quick, quick look, up above!

However, while people around were reminding and encouraging each other, suddenly someone pointed at the sky and stammered out a shrill cry.

At this moment, that usually imposing Fighting Venerable expert seemed to have witnessed something horrifying, so frightened he could barely speak.

And when others heard that scream, they all suddenly looked up.

In an instant, everyone below saw a huge black fire cloud in the sky, now plummeting downward at great speed.

Then, in the blink of an eye, that fire cloud formed of countless black flames, mixed with tremendous force, slammed heavily onto the rock city.

Those innumerable black flames almost covered the surfaces of all buildings and other objects in the entire rock city.

Even the excess black flames, under pressure from other flames, scattered and seeped into the interior spaces of the buildings.

Then, under the horrified gazes of those inside the buildings, they swiftly devoured them.

And anything touched by the black flames—if it was a living being, or any medicinal herb or natural treasure containing energy—would vanish instantly, as if it had never existed.

However, the buildings themselves remained perfectly intact under the black flames, suffering no damage at all.

Hehe, although our strength is weak, these millions of people together also provide a lot of energy. Master, I've already refined these people's souls into soul essence for you; just let me know if you need anything else.

At the instant when millions of beings beneath the city vanished, a clear, bell-like laugh rang out suddenly above the rock city without any warning.

But not long after those words were spoken, a male voice soon came: 'Xiao Ling, hurry up and get ready; the formation is complete, it's time to enter the Stone Realm and deal with our main objective this time.'

From this conversation, it's clear that the speaker earlier was neither Xiao Ling nor Lin Feng.

Hum!

Just after Lin Feng had landed, a dark vortex suddenly formed in the space above the rear of the rock city, emitting astonishing spatial power.

Oh

Seeing him say that, Xiao Ling immediately stopped talking, pursed her lips, and with a thought, those black flames below flew back upward rapidly, finally returning to her body.

At that moment, Lin Feng and his companions' figures also silently appeared above the rear of the rock city.

He glanced at the black vortex, then turned to the people behind him and said: 'Let's go; victory or defeat will be decided in this one move.'

Having said that, Lin Feng led the way, his body flashing as he flew into the black vortex.

And the solemn Xiao Yixian, Yun Yun, Qing Lin, and Xiao Jiu, among others, closely followed him, disappearing into that spatial passage.

We're going.

The remaining members of the group, seeing this, then called out to their clansmen and flew into the black vortex one after another. (End of chapter)