Chapter 160: with translation of chapter title

Maintaining distance.

The Red-ringed gold-spotted hornets could, by relying on their scent, trail far behind that group.

And Yunhe could, using the method of the 'Thousand Insects Myriad Bugs Technique,' remotely control several Red-ringed gold-spotted hornets from a distance.

The distance between them was so great that not only could their divine sense not detect Yunhe, it was unlikely they could even detect the Red-ringed gold-spotted hornets.

Such tailing continued for a full two days.

A group led by He Xinyi and the Wood Flood Daoist arrived at an island under the jurisdiction of Flood Dragon Island, near Horn Stream Island.

This is a cloud island even smaller and more inconspicuous than Horn Field Island.

Near this island there is a deep ravine in the cloud sea, where occasionally some relatively powerful cloud beasts appear; this cloud island thus got its name.

The group stopped outside Horn Stream Island.

"Everyone, act according to the plan."

He Xinyi looked at the people around the lake and spoke slowly.

Besides him and the Wood Flood Daoist, the remaining seven companions had Cultivation Base mostly at late Foundation Establishment or even Foundation Establishment peak, obviously also recruited by the Cloud Merchant Pavilion with promises of great profit.

Upon hearing that, the seven Foundation Establishment cultivators did not hesitate; each took a dark blue small flag and flew toward the different directions of Horn Stream Island.

After everyone reached their positions, He Xinyi then looked at the Wood Flood Daoist, likewise took out a small flag from his bosom, and said in a deep voice:

"Next, it's up to you, Fellow Daoist Mu Jiao."

"That's only natural."

The Wood Flood Daoist, who looked middle-aged and wore a green robe, gave a light laugh, drew the black ruler from his waist, and flew to directly above Horn Stream Island.

Suddenly.

His black ruler burst forth with splendid light; including He Xinyi, this Golden Core cultivator, eight cultivators in total, the dark blue small flags they held also rustled loudly in response.

"Eight Flood Dragon Trapping Dragon Formation, activate!"

Hum—

A faint trembling sound.

Centering on the Wood Flood Daoist, a formation spread out, actually enveloping the entirety of Horn Stream Island.

You must know.

Even if Horn Stream Island were smaller, it is still a cloud island; such a formation.

Whoosh—

Suddenly, as if finally noticing the change, a figure flew out from Horn Stream Island, looked around, and then this person's expression turned extremely grim.

Could not help but let out a cold laugh:

"What a grand gesture. How could I, of such meager virtue and ability, cause two Golden Core cultivators plus seven Foundation Establishment cultivators to simultaneously act and set up this formation?"

Her gaze was icy cold, and the heavy sword in her hand actually emitted a clear 'humming' sound.

If Yunhe were here, he would surely recognize her.

The person trapped by the formation, this descendant of the 'Hanging Mirror Lake Firewood Cutter,' was actually the female cultivator who, when he first came to the Silver Flood Dragon Market, explained the origin of the Silver Flood Dragon's head to him, making him faintly sense danger—Mu Haitang!

In fact.

After the formation was activated, Yunhe indeed also drew closer to them, hiding in the cloud sea and observing from afar.

Their magical power was all poured into the vast formation, and their divine sense was firmly locked onto Mu Haitang inside the formation; even if the Red-ringed gold-spotted hornets approached to a certain distance, they did not attract any notice.

Of course, he himself remained outside the range where their divine sense could possibly sweep.

Only his faintly glowing eyes allowed him to see several blurry figures from afar.

Spiritual Eyes!

"Really, two Golden Core cultivators plus seven Foundation Establishment cultivators to deal with just one Foundation Establishment cultivator? Such a huge fuss?"

Just as he was secretly pondering, Mu Haitang, trapped in the formation, seemed to ignore those present and snorted coldly, saying:

"Senior Brother, how long are you going to hide?"

Suddenly.

He Xinyi and the Wood Flood Daoist both had slightly solemn expressions, while the other seven Foundation Establishment cultivators straightened their faces.

The next moment.

Suddenly, a jet-black ink-like yin wind rolled up from the cloud sea, and in an instant it dyed nearly a hundred zhang of the cloud surface, together with a small part of the formation, a pitch-black color.

"Yin Corpse Killer Qi!"

He Xinyi and the Wood Flood Daoist exchanged glances, obviously understanding what this aura was, but they took no action, for they had long known of this person's existence.

More accurately, He Xinyi indeed did not deceive Yunhe; their presence was merely to divert the formation, while the real attacker was someone else.

The black wind gradually ceased; under everyone's gaze, the 'Yin Corpse Killer Qi' spiraled upward in a helical shape, then suddenly dispersed, revealing the figures of one man and four women.

The man had a handsome appearance, a tall and slender build, a deathly pale complexion, and an evil aura; he had his arms around four voluptuous and gorgeous women, and he too was a Golden Core cultivator.

The four female cultivators had relatively good looks, their Cultivation Base mostly ranging from early to mid Foundation Establishment, clinging closely to the man's side, appearing like concubines.

"Young Sect Master, we have already sealed this place according to your wishes; the rest."

He Xinyi looked at the appearing man and said solemnly.

This person is none other than the Young Sect Master of the Corpse Killer Sect, Corpse Puppet!

"Not bad." Corpse Puppet nodded satisfiedly, looked at Mu Haitang in the formation, and gave an evil laugh, saying:

"Junior Sister, it's truly not easy to catch you; as long as you sense even a hint of 'Yin Corpse Killer Qi,' you'll run off without end, and I have no choice but to order cultivators unrelated to my Corpse Killer Sect to act, which is really troublesome for my elder brother."

He lightly licked his lips, released the four women at his side, and sized up Mu Haitang inside the formation from head to toe.

"Junior Sister, will you hand over the thing yourself, or shall I, as your elder brother, take it myself?"

Within the formation, Mu Haitang looked at the appearing Corpse Puppet, her expression tense.

But suddenly, she smiled charmingly and retorted:

Senior brother, is the old demon about to leave seclusion? If he finds out the things are lost, what will you face, senior brother?

As soon as those words were spoken,

The smile on the corpse puppet's face gradually faded, revealing a sinister expression.

And the bystanders were also startled, especially He Xin Yi and Mu Jiao Daoist.

They were well aware that the 'old demon' Mu Haitang spoke of was none other than the leader of the Corpse Slaughter Sect, a bona fide Yuan Ying Cultivator!

In the distance.

Although he couldn't hear what they were saying, nor even clearly see the cultivators on Jiao Jian Island, he distinctly sensed the thick yin-sha qi.

'Corpse Slaughter Sect people? He Xin Yi, Mu Jiao Daoist, and those cultivators—are they all serving this person? Who could command a Golden Core cultivator?'

The opposing side's forces are growing larger.

He also had to grow increasingly cautious, pulling back the distance he had previously closed.

Even if he only half-understood the situation, he needed to explore while ensuring his own safety.

Moreover

What made him feel strange was:

Whether it was the descendant of the besieged 'Xuanjing Lake Woodcutter' or the appearing Corpse Slaughter Sect cultivator, both gave him an inexplicable sense of familiarity.

'Looks like I, elder brother, will have to take it myself.' The corpse puppet, wearing a grim face, gave a feral smile and slowly stepped into the formation.

But Mu Haitang's next words made him stop his movement.

'Since senior brother wants it, I'll give it to you.'

Mu Haitang hoisted the huge sword onto his shoulder, and despite the situation, he actually showed a smile.

However, that smile looked somewhat strange.

The corpse puppet's heart suddenly lurched.

But it was already too late.

Then Mu Haitang's other hand repeatedly slapped his storage bag, and he tossed it into the air; the drifting gray-white powder hovered in midair, revealing a long string of characters.

'Don't look!!' the corpse puppet shouted angrily.

However.

Too late.

The cultivators who had already focused all their attention on this woman undoubtedly took in all the characters she displayed.

Each one's face showed shock.

It was actually a cultivation technique!

Although it appeared to be only a part of that technique,

'Sinful Buddha Corpse Classic.' A Foundation Establishment cultivator maintaining the formation muttered softly.

But he was suddenly startled, quickly realizing he had seen something he shouldn't have.

Likewise, He Xin Yi and Mu Jiao Daoist also had grim expressions.

This woman actually made the cultivation technique public?!

Those present, whether they had seen it or not,

The next moment.

Just as the crowd was astonished, bewildered, and terrified, a massive sword suddenly slammed heavily onto the faintly glowing green formation.

Thud!!

The tremendous roar, accompanied by the formation's trembling, woke everyone from their daze.

'Golden, Golden Core?!'

That Mu Haitang actually concealed his cultivation base; he was not a Foundation Establishment cultivator but a Golden Core cultivator!

Regarding this, He Xin Yi and Mu Jiao Daoist were not surprised, for they had previously suspected as much, which is why He Xin Yi invited Yunhe's Heavenly Capital Gu Corpse to join.

But at this moment, Mu Haitang's cultivation base is no longer important.

What matters is that they all saw what they shouldn't have.

Then came Mu Haitang's hearty laugh, his long hair fluttering like silver snakes in the air, and the heavy sword in his hand resonated with a 'yin yin' sound.

'Fellow Daoists, whether you saw it or not, you have all offended the Corpse Slaughter Sect; if you don't flee now, when will you?!'

She glanced around the circle.

'Don't listen to her nonsense! Although this technique is not bad, it is not our sect's most important technique; fellow cultivators, guard the great formation, and once this corpse slays this wretch, I will surely reward you handsomely!'

The corpse puppet immediately spoke to reassure them, and without hesitation stepped into the formation.

And became entangled in battle with Mu Haitang.

But while dealing with the corpse puppet, Mu Haitang continued:

'Is that so? Why would the Corpse Slaughter Sect mobilize forces to hunt me? Fellow Daoists, you know the answer in your hearts; with me entangling this person, how much longer must you wait?'

Upon hearing his words, the cultivators present each had their faces continually changing.

The more unsightly it became, the more unsightly it looked.

It was obvious they also knew in their hearts.

The corpse puppet's words may not be feasible; after dealing with this woman, he might very well settle scores with them.

'Nonsense! This corpse swears an oath to never harm your lives, fellow Daoists!'

'Right, not harming lives, but can turn them into living corpses, or take them as dogs.'

At this, someone finally could no longer restrain themselves.

One thing they could be certain of: the corpse puppet was indeed entangled with Mu Haitang and could not disengage.

'Sorry, I will not intervene at this moment; I have not even seen that technique, farewell!'

The words fell.

One Foundation Establishment cultivator let go of the battle flag in his hand, turned without hesitation and fled.

The corpse puppet's complexion was dark and somewhat unsightly.

He really hadn't expected Mu Haitang to actually make that cultivation method public—although it was only a part, and only the oral formula, with no other secrets—but it indeed shouldn't be shown to others.

So he had originally planned to first pacify the crowd, then after dealing with Mu Haitang, deal with them; but Mu Haitang kept stirring things up again and again, and someone still couldn't help but flee.

One person began to flee, and the rest couldn't help but follow.

And the formation, lacking personnel, dispersed.

"Mu Jiao, kill them all!"

At the same time the corpse puppet's cold, grim voice rang out, he swept his wide sleeve, and two refined corpses chased after those fleeing Foundation Establishment cultivators.

As a Golden Core cultivator and an elder of the Yun Shang Pavilion, He Xinyi, whose status was rather special, had still been hesitating whether to leave, but upon hearing those words, his heart gave a sudden jolt, and he warily looked toward Daoist Mu Jiao.

Seeing He Xinyi looking at him, Daoist Mu Jiao revealed an extremely unsightly bitter smile.

He Xinyi immediately, without a word, transformed into an azure streak and fled desperately.

"Ah."

Daoist Mu Jiao let out a light sigh, then also formed a seal and pursued straight away.

"Senior Brother, are you sure two refined corpses can handle those Foundation Establishment cultivators? What if one or two of them have exceptionally strong life-saving abilities?"

Mu Haitang, who had fallen to the downwind, swung his giant sword to block while speaking.

"As long as I kill you, the others are nothing to worry about!"

Bang!!

The violent clash of mana brought waves of rumbling.

And at this moment.

Yunhe, silently hiding in the distance, watched the unfolding scenes, secretly startled.

"Good fellow."

Yunhe silently exclaimed 'Good fellow' in his heart.

If he had accepted He Xinyi's invitation, he would likely be in the same predicament as him, being pursued by Daoist Mu Jiao.

Although he didn't quite understand what exactly had happened, and couldn't see what information the descendants of the 'Xuanjing Lake Woodcutter' had spread in the air, but it was enough to make people have no choice but to flee.

"Probably it's the cultivation method," he guessed in his heart.

He somewhat admired this person's decisiveness.

"This person has concealed his cultivation base, no wonder he's causing such a big commotion. How is Daoist Mu Jiao related to the Corpse Evil Sect cultivators? Isn't Daoist Mu Jiao one of the island masters selected by the Cloud Upper Palace? And..."

Although he grew increasingly curious, he also knew this was not something he could get involved in.

Fortunately, he did not get involved.

He sank further into the cloud sea for a distance, then recalled the red-ring gold-spotted bees.

He decided to wait until Daoist Mu Jiao and those Foundation Establishment cultivators had fled far away before seeking an opportunity to leave.

"Fortunately, I escaped the calamity."

(End of chapter)