Chapter 239: with translation of chapter title

Not being shortchanged?

Yunhe snorted inwardly.

Since Lingyin Old Ancestor afflicted me with the Soul-Eating Worm, Yunhe has had no trust whatsoever in that old monster who's been dead who knows how long.

The so-called 'not being shortchanged' might simply mean taking him as a servant afterward, or perhaps taking a liking to his Corpse Soul Gu, preparing to seize it for oneself.

However, the Pill-Conjoining Technique is now in hand, that Nascent Soul Pill is already Yunhe's in the bag, his goal in venturing into the Luotian Secret Realm this time has already been exceeded, and the Nascent Soul Pill's aid to cultivators in condensing a Nascent Soul far surpasses that of most Nascent Soul Treasured Items.

And now he no longer needs to be constrained by Lingyin Old Ancestor; his advance or retreat is up to him.

But Yunhe did not leave immediately.

First, Lingyin Old Ancestor is right beside him, and he doesn't know whether this old coot has any other tricks up his sleeve.

Second, he also wants to see how Lingyin Old Ancestor plans to deal with the Blood Kui; judging from the current state of the Blood Kui Old Ancestor, although he's being pressed and beaten by Feng Peng of the Cloud Upper Palace, he shows no sign of being in danger.

And there's a third point.

He is very curious about what relationship Mu Haitang has with Lingyin Old Ancestor; he feels Mu Haitang is not like a puppet that can be pushed around.

Having obtained the Splitting Pill Technique, Yunhe is no longer in a hurry; he follows Lingyin Old Ancestor and Mu Haitang, silently waiting in the secret passage to observe the situation.

Soon.

The situation on the platform changed once again.

It began with a tremendous roar.

"Muyazi's Wood Spirit Azure Jiao?!"

Wei Qiyuan's radiant aura retracted, he shot out two clusters of purple flame from his palms, then withdrew, creating distance from the three before him.

Only to see.

A jiao dragon lay horizontally between him and Wuxingzi, the Old Ghost Hag, and Xuannming Old Ancestor.

That jiao dragon is tens of zhang long, its head like a dragon's with two short wooden horns, its body like a python's, covered in fine emerald scales, its belly bearing two pairs of claws, four fingers strong and powerful, its tail like a snake's, long and hard, filled with dazzling light.

Its appearance was accompanied by faint green dots of light falling from midair, a scene brimming with vibrant life.

This jiao dragon bears the aura of a mid-stage Fourth Level cultivator, comparable to a mid Nascent Soul cultivator, so it's no wonder Wei Qiyuan acted somewhat out of sorts.

At the same time.

A hint of helplessness appeared on Wuxingzi's face as he hovered opposite it.

"Qian King, this humble daoist truly does not wish to be your enemy; all this humble daoist seeks is a 'Grass-Returning Emerald Gourd'."

Wei Qiyuan stood with hands behind his back, his aura inwardly retracted, his gaze sweeping over the Wood Spirit Azure Jiao and the three of Wuxingzi, his tone gradually calming as he said:

"It seems Muyazi's lifespan is indeed short, even lending you his Wood Spirit Azure Jiao. But this king wonders, if I do not stop you from harvesting the Grass-Returning Emerald Gourd, would those two companions of yours, equally short on lifespan, bear to part with it."

The Five Elements Sect is a major sect outstanding throughout the Cloud Upper Realm, though incomparable to the Cloud Upper Palace, it also garrisons a late Nascent Soul cultivator—namely Muyazi.

Moreover, Muyazi is famed for his longevity.

It is said he has lived a full eighteen hundred years!

For the average Nascent Soul cultivator with a lifespan of only a thousand years, this is definitely considered very long-lived.

The reason is this Wood Spirit Azure Jiao.

I don't know where Muyazi obtained this secret art, but he can actually refine longevity pills using the wood spirit qi of the Wood Spirit Azure Jiao.

To some Nascent Soul cultivators in the Cloud Upper Realm, this is no secret.

Although Muyazi gains longevity from this, he is also constrained by it; he cannot act freely, or else it would greatly accelerate the consumption of his lifespan.

But even so, as long as Muyazi lives, the Five Elements Sect effectively always possesses the means of a late Nascent Soul cultivator, and the deterrent power of not acting is enough to ensure the sect's inheritance.

As is well known, cultivators' bodies and souls develop resistance to elixirs, especially the soul; thus the same longevity elixir can usually be taken only one or two times, after which further doses have little effect.

The peculiarity of the Grass-Returning Emerald Gourd lies in that, even with multiple uses, it can still exert its normal efficacy.

The only limitation may be whether, each time the Luotian Secret Realm opens, the gourds borne by the Luotian Gourd Vine contain a Grass-Returning Emerald Gourd.

Hearing Wei Qiyuan's words that were almost openly provocative, Xuannming Old Ancestor and the Old Ghost Hag were unmoved, as if they had already reached some agreement with Wuxingzi.

After a moment's thought, Wei Qiyuan showed an expression of sudden realization.

"So that's it, Wuxingzi promised to give you the Wood Spirit Azure Jiao Pill."

Although Muyazi has developed resistance to this pill, it has no effect on Xuannming Old Ancestor and the Old Ghost Hag.

Moreover, when it comes to the degree of lifespan increase, the Wood Spirit Azure Jiao Pill is actually not much weaker than the Grass-Returning Emerald Gourd from the severed Luotian Gourd Vine.

Refining the Wood Spirit Azure Jiao Pill is also no easy feat.

"What if this king does not agree?"

To Wei Qiyuan, actually any gourd on the Luotian Gourd Vine is much the same to him, since before entering the secret realm he didn't know what gourds this vine would bear.

However, among those three gourds, the Grass-Returning Emerald Gourd is relatively more valuable.

This time entering the Luotian Secret Realm, on one hand it's because he has never entered this secret realm before, feeling a bit curious and planning to casually pick a gourd for use in crafting.

On the other hand it is because

Wei Qiyuan's peripheral glance swept toward the other side of the platform, toward Feng Peng and "Xingzi".

And this glance of his did not escape the notice of the three opposite; Xuannming Old Ancestor and the Old Ghost Hag subtly tensed, while Wuxingzi said:

"Qian King, some things are better not meddled in too deeply."

His words caused Wei Qiyuan to narrow his eyes involuntarily, obviously also understanding the deeper meaning in Wuxingzi's speech.

However, Wuxingzi seemed to also realize that his words carried a hint of threat, so he quickly added:

"This humble daoist can decide; after this, the first Wood Spirit Azure Jiao Pill produced by my Five Elements Sect shall belong to the Yunluo Kingdom."

He took out three "Wood Spirit Azure Jiao Pills" at once; two of them are the Five Elements Sect's stores accumulated over the years, while the one promised to the Qian King—who knows how many years one would have to wait for—is useless to Muyazi but still useful to Wuxingzi; in effect he is handing over his own "Wood Spirit Azure Jiao Pill" to the Qian King in exchange for the "Grass-Returning Emerald Gourd", showing his determination.

Because Wuxingzi knows very well that the longer Muyazi lives, the greater the benefit to the Five Elements Sect.

"Heh, this king has agreed; on the spot, no one can stop this king from picking the gourd." Wei Qiyuan said with a low laugh.

"As you wish, Qian King." Xuannming Old Ancestor's hoarse voice sounded.

Lao Guipo beside them remained silent, obviously having acquiesced.

Wei Qiyuan fell into silence, his gaze sweeping over the three, then he smiled again, saying, "Somewhat interesting."

"Also fine, the 'Grass-Returning Jade Gourd' is yours."

"Thank you, Heavenly King," Wuxing Zi said, his face showing delight.

Thus.

The four arrived beneath the Luo Tian Gourd Vine.

Under the gazes of Feng Peng, Xuekui Lao Zu, and "Xing Zi," which held a hint of doubt.

Wei Qiyuan and Wuxing Zi walked together to the front of the gourd vine; the scattered "Sunlight Heavy Water" posed a considerable threat even to Yuan Ying Cultivators like them, so Wei Qiyuan had to unleash a canopy-shaped magical treasure, while Wuxing Zi unleashed a compass radiating five-colored light.

However, neither of them immediately moved to harvest.

Feeling the gazes of everyone, Wei Qiyuan smiled.

He understood that if he didn't leave, Wuxing Zi reckoned that, according to the conditions he had reached with Xuanming and Lao Guipo, he also couldn't leave right away.

Moreover, by staying here he had to contend with Mu Ya Zi's Wood Spirit Azure Flood Dragon; although he wasn't afraid, it also made it difficult for him to do anything else.

With that thought, Wei Qiyuan hesitated no longer, taking out a metal vessel and striking down the "Scarlet Jade Red-Skin Gourd."

As he harvested the "Scarlet Jade Red-Skin Gourd," a cluster of green fluorescence emerged on his person, then vanished into the secret realm.

Seeing this, Wuxing Zi likewise hesitated no further, harvesting the emerald-green "Grass-Returning Jade Gourd."

His purpose in coming to this secret realm wasn't that complicated—it was precisely for this "Grass-Returning Jade Gourd," now in hand, so there was no reason to linger any longer.

For a moment.

The situation on the platform changed dramatically; Feng Peng and "Xing Zi" were about to face three Yuan Ying cultivators—Xuanming Lao Zu, Lao Guipo, and Blood Kui Lao Zu—not even counting Xuanming Lao Zu's Yuan Ying corpse-refinement.

Seeing this, Feng Peng's expression turned somewhat grim.

Although he didn't know exactly what had happened between Wei Qiyuan, Wuxing Zi, and the others, for those who had reached the Yuan Ying Stage, the character "profit" was inevitably involved.

Previously he had only speculated, but now he basically had seventy to eighty percent confidence.

These few people entered the secret realm not for the gourds, but—for Xing Zi!

However.

Blood Kui Lao Zu's expression wasn't pleasant either.

Because his original goal was also the "Scarlet Jade Red-Skin Gourd," but now he had to yield it to Wei Qiyuan.

Had he not been promised greater benefits, he would certainly not have yielded so easily.

At the same time.

In the secret passage.

"Ready."

Lingyin Lao Zu's voice rang in Yunhe's ears.

Upon hearing it, Yunhe narrowed his eyes.

He also roughly understood why Lingyin Lao Zu had refrained from acting earlier—with the mid-Yuan Ying Heavenly King Wei Qiyuan present, many things were beyond his control.

And now, with Wuxing Zi and Wei Qiyuan departing first, although it appeared that Feng Peng and the "Xing Zi" side had fallen into an absolute disadvantage, it was precisely because of this overwhelming advantage that Blood Kui Lao Zu and Xuanming Lao Zu relaxed their vigilance.

At the same time, Yunhe also had some doubts.

Now only Feng Peng remains; even if they intervene, can Lingyin Lao Zu gain an advantage?

Or put another way, on what basis does Lingyin Lao Zu believe this is the best opportunity?

If Lingyin Lao Zu were to let him appear first as bait, then sorry, Yunhe would absolutely turn and flee; even if he still had some hidden tricks, it would be better to face several genuine Yuan Ying Cultivators head-on.

But soon enough.

Yunhe then realized that, due to the gap in Cultivation Base between him and those Yuan Ying old monsters, there was also a certain bias in his perception, causing him to view the whole affair far less comprehensively than Lingyin Lao Zu and those Yuan Ying Cultivators did.

"Bold!!"

Then, Feng Peng suddenly erupted.

After stuffing an unknown Elixir into his mouth, his entire body emitted an extremely violent, scorching aura.

The feeling was as if a small sun had suddenly appeared.

"Solar Blast Elixir! Feng Peng this guy is going all-out!" Seeing this, Xuanming Lao Zu's expression changed and he barked lowly.

"The 'Golden Crow True Technique' of the Sun Sovereign True Lord Lineage of the Cloud Palace Hall is truly extremely troublesome."

Lao Guipo rolled up the Ten Thousand Soul Banner to block the spreading scorching yang energy, and couldn't help but speak.

Whether it was Xuanming Lao Zu or Lao Guipo, the corpse dao and ghost dao techniques they cultivated were all restrained by Feng Peng's "Golden Crow True Technique."

"'Xing Zi,' go!"

Feng Peng let out a low shout; his originally plain-looking gray robe now seemed to be gilded with a layer of golden light, faintly accompanied by the cries of birds.

Knowing that the goal of Xuanming's trio was "Xing Zi," Feng Peng also made a decisive decision, abandoning the last remaining "Glittering Ochre Yellow Gourd" on the Luo Tian Gourd Vine.

"Xing Zi" must not fall here!

However, the resolve of Xuanming Lao Zu and his three companions was also strong; upon hearing Xuanming Lao Zu shout "Blood Kui," he and Lao Guipo, enduring the scorching yang energy that made them extremely uncomfortable, boldly went to meet Feng Peng.

"Hmph!"

Blood Kui let out a cold snort, but he also knew this wasn't the time to clash qi; he immediately rolled up a towering blood wave and lunged toward "Xing Zi."

That was precisely at this moment.

"Attack!"

The voice suddenly rang in Yunhe's ears.

Then, the icy-eyed Mu Haitang slashed out with a sword, leading the charge out of the secret passage.

At the same time, a phantom, illusory figure appeared on her body, unmistakably the Lingyin Lao Zu that Yunhe had never seen before!

Their sudden appearance left Lao Guipo and the three others somewhat startled.

Obviously they hadn't expected that, within this 'Net Heaven Hall', there actually existed a secret passage, and even more unexpected was that someone was hiding in the secret passage trying to play the 'fisherman'.

Just then, they saw.

The illusory Lingyin Old Ancestor wore a cold expression, his gaze sweeping over Xuanning Old Ancestor before settling on Xuekui Old Ancestor and the Nascent Soul corpse that was pursuing 'Xingzi'.

The next second.

Lingyin Old Ancestor pinched a seal with both hands, and his illusory form was actually surrounded by rolling yin qi.

"Nascent Soul manifest!"

The movements of that Nascent Soul corpse suddenly stiffened.

Immediately after, a tiny Nascent Soul, pallid all over and covered in corpse spots, slowly crawled out of that corpse, this infant's appearance bearing a seventy to eighty percent resemblance to Lingyin Old Ancestor!

Although it looked as if its whole body had become corpse-like, at this moment it very humanly rubbed its eyes, as if it had 'come alive', and upon seeing Lingyin Old Ancestor's illusory form, it instantly showed delight, flashing and merging into that illusory form.

Lingyin Old Ancestor felt that his connection with the Nascent Soul corpse had been severed, and also seeing Xuanning Old Ancestor appear, he did not seem overly excited, merely a flicker in his eyes before continuing to deal with Feng Peng together with the old hag.

"Hmph!"

Seeing Xuanning Old Ancestor unmoved, Lingyin Old Ancestor gave a cold snort, then seized that corpse-like Nascent Soul and lunged fiercely toward Xuekui Old Ancestor's blood sea.

At the same time.

Mu Haitang summoned the ape-type demon beast that had been implanted with a 'Blood-refining Insect Puppet', without hesitation drew a talisman and slapped it onto its body.

Accompanied by the ape-type demon beast's piercing wail, its entire body exploded into a cloud of blood mist, and the Blood-refining Insect Puppet residing within it was affected, thereby exerting a certain influence on Xuekui Old Ancestor within the blood sea.

"Yun Xiao You, it's your turn."

After Lingyin Old Ancestor plunged into the blood sea, the blood sea went 'splash splash' and spread apart, revealing Xuekui Old Ancestor with his eyes tightly closed; the two forces of his divine soul were currently locked in a tug-of-war.

At this moment, Yunhe, still hiding in the secret passage, licked his lips and slowly revealed a meaningful smile.

The good news is my wife's fever has broken, my daughter is gradually stabilizing, but the bad news is I'm still stuck at 38.5 degrees, unable to go down.

However, if nothing unexpected happens, I should be able to resume updates in the next couple of days; thanks to everyone's encouragement and support during this period.

(End of chapter)