Chapter 120: Moon Elder Demon

Puff!

The sword flash passed, and Xiao Zhangqing ended the bald vulture elder's sinful life.

The three women beside them showed no emotion at the bald vulture elder's death; such a calamity cultivator deserved to die.

But Ruan Qingzhu was deeply shocked by Xiao Zhangqing's method of forced confession.

The bald vulture elder was, after all, a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator, and unwittingly spilled all his secrets. One moment he stubbornly refused to die, the next he silently fell into an illusion.

Such a mind‑spirit secret technique was truly terrifying.

I dare not imagine what fate would befall anyone on whom this mind‑spirit secret technique were used.

It is even more frightening than outright killing and scattering one's soul! Thus, in Ruan Qingzhu's gaze toward Xiao Zhangqing, reverence grew a few more degrees.

The Lin sisters, by contrast, remained much calmer.

It was not their first time seeing the Lord demonstrate such wondrous divine technique; back at Nanshan Fang, the head of the Cao family, Cao Hao, had already 'performed' it once.

"Lord, shall we go to Clear Stream Fang?"

Lin Zixi asked again.

Earlier, while on the flying boat, Xiao Zhangqing had the crew cross the Cloud Mist Mountain Range directly, leaving the Southwest Region.

But now, after the bald vulture elder incident, if they wish to try slaying the other members of the Cloud Mist Seven Fiends, they must make a trip to Clear Stream Fang.

Xiao Zhangqing tipped the storage bag in his hand, which contained treasure worth fifty thousand Low‑grade Spirit Stones.

The bald vulture elder alone possessed over forty thousand Low‑grade Spirit Stones, and the loot taken from the burly man and the woman in the pink robe together amounted to nearly ten thousand Low‑grade Spirit Stones.

"Let's go. We'll try our luck, and it won't take long."

Xiao Zhangqing ultimately decided to make the trip.

Detesting these calamity cultivators is one thing; another is that they are truly 'fat'!

If he doesn't 'rob' them, Xiao Zhangqing would feel uneasy.

Now Xiao Zhangqing isn't short on money, but after reaching Character: Liyang Immortal City, places to spend Spirit Stones are abundant.

After all, Character: Liyang Immortal City is not a remote backwater like Nanshan Fang; its prosperity is more than ten times greater.

He had long heard how difficult it is to live in the great immortal cities.

Just as back then Nanshan Fang had six major Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators; some couldn't abandon their families, but most found it hard to establish themselves after moving to a large immortal city. Living in an immortal city is no easy feat! Preparing more Spirit Stones is always wise.

According to the bald vulture elder, of the remaining four of the Cloud Mist Seven Fiends, two are no poorer than him, and the other two are far richer! "Ruan shopkeeper, will you go to Clear Stream Fang with us, or part ways here?" Xiao Zhangqing asked, turning aside.

Ruan Qingzhu immediately replied, "I want to go to Clear Stream Fang together with Symbol Master Xiao."

The Cloud Mist Mountain Range was not far away; although the biggest roadblock, the Cloud Ridge Seven Fiends, had one eliminated, it would still be dangerous for her to cross the range alone.

After Xiao Zhangqing finishes at Clear Stream Fang, crossing the Cloud Mist Mountain Range together before parting will guarantee 100% safety.

Moreover.

Ruan Qingzhu indeed also wanted to make a trip to Clear Stream Fang!

For her, there are now two most important goals.

One is to go to Giant Wood City to find her son Ruan Bufan; the other is to obtain Foundation‑establishment Pills and break through the Foundation Establishment Realm.

Clear Stream Fang, as a hub for caravans and unknown cultivators, has many rare treasures that are hard to find in the great immortal cities, but are common here.

She has already gathered nearly half of the ingredients for Foundation‑establishment Pills; a trip to Clear Stream Fang might let her complete the rest! Once she reaches Giant Wood City, she can arrange for a second‑tier Pill Master to forge the pills! While on the flying boat earlier, she already wanted to go to Clear Stream Fang.

But Xiao Zhangqing didn't speak up, and she felt embarrassed to bring it up.

Now that there's a chance, she certainly wouldn't refuse.

"Alright, then let's set out together."

The few of them returned to the flying boat, made a turn, and flew toward Clear Stream Fang.

……

……

Clear Stream Fang is not small in scale; it is more than twice the size of Nanshan Fang.

Although Nanshan Fang lies in a remote area near the edge of the Da Yu Cultivation World, almost bordering the Southern Wilderness, its scale within the Southwest Region of Da Yu is actually medium.

One can imagine that at its peak, Clear Stream Fang would rank among the top cultivation markets in the Da Yu Cultivation World.

Clear Stream Fang was not chaotic from the start; it began as a disorderly place.

Initially, it indeed ranked among the top few cultivation markets in the Southwest Region of Da Yu.

With tens of thousands of cultivators, the number of Foundation Establishment cultivators residing there exceeds double digits, and occasionally there are late‑stage Pill‑forming cultivators!

But since more than a hundred years ago, Clear Stream Fang suffered a horrific 'spiritual anomaly' event, like a plague in the mortal world, causing over a third of its tens of thousands of cultivators to die in a single night.

Whether low‑tier Qi Refining Realm Scattered Cultivators or Foundation Establishment cultivators, all died indiscriminately.

Such massive unknown terror made the surviving cultivators flee quickly, and in a short time Clear Stream Fang became a ghost town.

According to rumors, even those who survived that night, after fleeing thousands of miles and crossing the Cloud Mist Mountain Range to reach the central cities of Da Yu, still saw a large portion perish from torment.

In the end, the Luoxia Sect, then at its zenith, stepped in to seal Clear Stream Fang and investigate the cause.

The specific results were not announced publicly; it is known that after the investigation, the Luoxia Sect's sect leader, then at mid‑stage Pill formation and poised to break into the later stage, died shortly thereafter.

The Luoxia Sect has since declined from prosperity to decay.

Although its lineage was never broken and it still retained its status as a Pill‑forming sect, it fell from being a first‑tier Pill sect—second only to the two major Nascent Soul forces in Da Yu—to a second‑tier sect now.

Even in the remote Southwest of Da Yu, it is now dwarfed by Baihua Valley.

After the Luoxia Sect completed its investigation that year, the danger in Clear Stream Fang was eliminated.

Yet because it was too ominous, the unknown terror left this geographically advantageous cultivation market deserted, with no one daring to go, rendering it completely barren.

It wasn't until several decades later, as the original rumors and terror faded, and cultivators continually entered the Cloud Mist Mountain Range seeking opportunities, that many travelers passed through, prompting cultivators to attempt re‑entering Clear Stream Fang.

Nevertheless, regardless of how much time has passed, even if no danger ever occurs again, Clear Stream Fang is still regarded as an ill‑omened place; though trade flourishes now, no cultivation families or sects establish long‑term bases here.

Thus.

Qingjian Fang thus became the "Land of Disorder".

Feizhou landed in front of Qingjian Fang's mountain gate.

After entering the market, Ruan Qingzhu and the three Lin sisters, after some disguise, formed a group to wander around and buy things.

While Xiao Zhangqing was alone.

Ruan Qingzhu went to look for the herbs to forge Foundation Establishment Pills, while Xiao Zhangqing intended to see if he could capture the other members of the Cloud Mist Seven Villains in one net.

They split up.

They agreed to meet at the market's mountain gate after five days.

Xiao Zhangqing also gave the three a transmission talisman; if an emergency arose, they could contact him immediately, and he would arrive in the shortest possible time.

……

At this moment, Xiao Zhangqing was dressed in a black robe, his appearance completely altered into that of an elderly man with sparse hair and a grim, fierce face—the exact likeness of the Bald Vulture. Not only his looks, but also his temperament, stature, and even the aura of his magical power and Soul Transformation were identical to the elder's; even a cultivator most familiar with the Bald Vulture could not tell the difference.

This is naturally the effect of the third‑rank Soul Dao treasure, the "Thousand Illusion Mask".

By taking any common item from the Bald Vulture, the Thousand Illusion Mask can replicate everything about him.

Xiao Zhangqing walked through this market that seemed abandoned; most of the shops lining the streets were deserted and shut, with only a few, after being tidied by cultivators, half‑concealed and selling mysterious items.

Whether customers or patrons, everyone moved hurriedly, their eyes all bearing a wary look.

If the scattered‑cultivator bazaar of Nanshan Fang is rife with scams, one must keep eyes sharp and haggle when buying, lest they be cheated.

In Qingjian Fang, a single slip could mean you fail to buy anything and lose your life! Or you might sell something, not only get a "zero‑yuan purchase", but also die a gruesome death on the spot.

There is no rule or order here at all.

"Senior, please come upstairs!"

Drunken Moon Pavilion.

It is currently Qingjian Fang's premier "Gold‑selling Den", combining Spirit Food, Spirit Wine, and a pleasure venue into one, essentially a one‑stop for dining, bathing, and entertainment.

If placed in other cultivation markets or even immortal cities, such a place would not exist.

But those who come and go in Qingjian Fang are hardly virtuous; most are risk‑taking rogues. They earn many Spirit Stones, and besides cultivation, they naturally indulge in enjoyment.

Especially some cultivators over sixty, already past the hope of Foundation Establishment, in the Late Stage of Lian Qi, after earning Spirit Stones, need a place to unwind.

Otherwise, when they die with Spirit Stones unspent, they'd become a dupe.

Thus, Drunken Moon Pavilion has become the most bustling and prosperous spot in the now desolate Qingjian Fang.

He went upstairs and entered a private room.

The Late Stage of Lian Qi female cultivator who earlier wore an old‑goose's face lost her courteous, enthusiastic smile, gave Xiao Zhangqing a seductive glare and scolded, "What wind blew you here? Have you run into a fat sheep again?"

"Hmm. Send a message to Yue Laomo and Bai Ju, tell them to set aside their tasks and come see me as soon as possible," Xiao Zhangqing said calmly.

Although it was his first time meeting the female cultivator, he had already learned her true identity from the Bald Vulture.

The woman is named Ren Hongdan, hailing from the central region of the Da Yu Cultivation World, not a Southwest Region cultivator, just like the most notorious of the Cloud Mist Seven Villains, Yue Laomo and Bai Ju.

Among them, Yue Laomo and the female cultivator are lovers.

Normally, the Bald Vulture and other Cloud Mist villains, when they encounter an unmanageable fat sheep and want Old Demon Tian Yuan's help, come to this Drunken Moon Pavilion to find the female cultivator.

Under normal circumstances, barring accidents, Old Demon or Tian Yuan would arrive within three days.

"All of them? What kind of fat sheep needs such a big show?" the old goose Ren Hongdan exclaimed in surprise.

"A near‑complete opportunity to obtain a Condensed True Pill, is that big enough?" Xiao Zhangqing said.

Wow! Ren Hongdan's eyes widened, asking, "Really?"

Seeing that Xiao Zhangqing didn't intend to lie, and there was no need to deceive her, he hurriedly said, "I'll inform them at once."

If the Foundation Establishment Pill is the dream of countless scattered cultivators, the Condensed True Pill drives the elite core of many sects' prodigy disciples and millennial cultivation families to madness!

Why do her lover "Yue Laomo" and another formidable figure Bai Ju, who possess Late Stage of Foundation Establishment cultivation, even comparable to a fully completed Foundation, still practice rogue cultivation in the Cloud Mist Mountain Range?

With their strength, even in major Pill‑forming sects or immortal cities, they could become elders or high officials, enjoy offerings, and live comfortably.

Why take such risks? The main reason is simply to seize the opportunity for a Condensed True Pill!

Late‑stage Foundation cultivators can join major Pill‑forming sects; other conditions aside, they can never obtain a Condensed True Pill.

Only core disciples nurtured from youth by a sect, with aptitude above the Earth‑Spirit Root level, have a decent chance at a share of the sect's Condensed True Pill.

"By the way, we've recently added two female cultivators skilled in enchantment, their looks as stunning as national beauties. Bald Vulture, would you like to try a session?" Before pushing the door open, the old goose Ren Hongdan turned back and asked seductively.

"No need. This old bone of mine can't endure the torment of those fox‑like enchantresses," Xiao Zhangqing coldly declined.

As for the Kun Cultivators of these pleasure venues, Xiao Zhangqing still feels ungrateful and inept.

The Lin sisters have continuously improved over the years and can now satisfy all his various experiences, serving him comfortably.

Moreover, with his current strength and cultivation, if he has such inclinations, what kind of female cultivator could he not obtain?

There's no need to greedily occupy public resources.

"You're a senior who has built foundations for years, still afraid of these little sprites?" Ren Hongdan laughed.

Xiao Zhangqing scanned her with his gaze and said, "If Manager Ren herself takes the field, I would gladly risk my life to accompany a beauty."

Ren Hongdan muttered under her breath, stopped urging, and turned to leave.

She, though also from this line of work, has not taken clients personally since following Yue Laomo.

She herself actually doesn't mind, but Yue Laomo has a strong possessiveness and forbids her from taking clients.

If it were discovered, she would inevitably endure a painful torment.

……

Things proceeded more smoothly than Xiao Zhangqing had imagined.

Or perhaps the allure of the Condensed True Pill is greater than imagined.

He stayed at Drunken Moon Pavilion only one night; the next day, Yue Laomo, one of the two strongest among the Cloud Mist Seven Villains, came to his door.

Yue Laomo wore a fiery red robe; for reasons unknown—perhaps a special cultivation technique—his hair also turned fiery red, his beard standing upright, giving him an unusually imposing appearance.

After entering, he first let his formless divine consciousness sweep over Xiao Zhangqing, confirming Xiao Zhangqing showed no abnormality; only after the true form of the Bald Vulture was verified did he speak hurriedly: "Bald Vulture, where is the chance to forge the Condensing True Pill? Don't lie to me. If I find you've deceived me, you'll die a terrible death!"

Xiao Zhangqing's divine consciousness also swept back over the other, but he did not employ the divine consciousness of the Core Formation level, keeping it at the Foundation Establishment Initial Stage.

Even so, he noticed that the leader of the Yunling Seven Evils, one of the heads before him, had something odd about him.

It seemed he was using some kind of illusion technique to hide his true appearance and identity.

Yet he did not wield a strong enough divine consciousness, so he could not be certain; the truth and falsehood remained unclear.

Still, it was not surprising that this person used illusion to conceal his real identity.

After all, mixing among the world, being a calamity cultivator despised by heaven and man, his nature was no different from a Demon Sect Evil Cultivator; in the Da Yu Cultivation World he was a target everyone shouted to strike down.

If he had ties, or belonged to a sect or family, he would naturally have to hide his original face.

"Where is Bai Ju? Isn't he here yet? When he arrives, I'll speak together," Xiao Zhangqing said.

The Moon Elder Demon waved impatiently, domineeringly saying: "Wait for what? Tell me the situation now! I alone am enough. As long as the Condensing True Pill chance is real, even if the other side has reached Foundation Establishment Great Perfection, I can swallow it! Just the two of us, the Spirit Stones you receive will be more!"

Xiao Zhangqing blinked.

It seemed this Moon Elder Demon wanted to monopolize the Condensing True Pill chance by himself.

He told the news to Ren Hongdan, who immediately told the Moon Elder Demon; the Moon Elder Demon then intercepted the news and never informed Bai Ju.

"That's not very good. I think inviting Bai Ju would be safer…"

Xiao Zhangqing frowned and said, looking unwilling.

(End of chapter)