Chapter 115

Longying Cave.

The bronze-colored door was tightly shut, and cloud light mixed with a gentle breeze entered through the small window, mingling with the light from the Golden Lotus treasure lamps hanging three or five feet away, creating a dense, misty haze of flower clusters.

The lamp flames flickered, staining the surroundings in a clear, layered expanse.

The sandalwood in the crane-beak bronze burner on the table had burned halfway, and the smoke grew heavy.

Fang Longye glanced at Ao Ying and Ao Jiao, who were sitting cross-legged on the Cloud Couch practicing, chuckled softly, left the inner chamber, and came to a window in the outer hall.

He gazed at the scenery outside the window, pondering to himself.

Of course, he had not been spouting nonsense to Ao Ying earlier.

Through this kind of practice, she could naturally endure the tempering of the Zhanlong Sword within his body alongside him.

For these Longnu, being able to increase their resistance to the very thing that exclusively restrained the Dragon Clan was, in itself, a stroke of good fortune.

What's more, as a Superior Spiritual Treasure, the Zhanlong Sword had passed through the hands of who knows how many existences in the Taiyi Realm within the Phoenix Clan.

In any case, that Taiyi Realm Honghu was definitely not the first.

Under various inheritances, it was unknown how many Dao Rhyme traces of Taiyi Immortal Gods it had been stained with, containing the interweaving of many principles.

Coupled with the feedback from the dragon blood essence stained upon the Zhanlong Sword, after a bout of tempering with it, anyone would benefit immensely.

However, wanting to obtain such benefits was naturally not easy; the Zhanlong Sword's power of slaughter against the Dragon Clan was not small, and it was not so easy to bear.

Otherwise, another Longnu—Ao Jiao—would not have appeared on this Cloud Couch.

Of course, even with two people sharing the burden, this stroke of good fortune was still significant for them individually.

One could see clouds and mist permeating around the two, with halos of light intersecting, rising slowly like two massive wheels.

The textures of the light wheels were crisscrossed, black and white intertwined, with archaic seal characters that seemed like phoenixes yet not phoenixes, like dragons yet not dragons, scattering and appearing, constantly being born and destroyed.

Every instant, wondrous sounds were emitted, evolving into a display of principles.

Fang Longye shook his head and smiled; if these two Longnu could receive such great benefits, he, as the primary subject, naturally gained even more.

Thinking of his own gains, he felt relaxed and surveyed the scenery outside.

The smoke entered the cold water, soaking into the greenery, and a screen-like hill half-concealed the view outside.

The clear, empty light poured down, covering everything, dappled upon the ground.

Where the flowers fell, the ground was filled with misty rain.

The wind brushed his brows; within his sea of consciousness, the Purple Mansion, above his primordial spirit, tens of millions of imprints emerged, deep and unfathomable.

Every instant, these imprints flowed ceaselessly.

Countless sounds of the Dao came from within, one after another.

All kinds of knowledge and information were intertwined—some from the Dragon Clan, some from the Phoenix Clan, and so on... mottled like verdigris.

Intermittent and incomplete. Most were just fragments of information, glimpses of scenes.

But it was enough! These bits and pieces gathered into a trickling stream, bringing him all sorts of insights and perceptions, broadening his horizons.

Even those he could not fully grasp fell into his heart like pearls onto a jade plate, hidden within his body, stacking up with what he had accumulated before, forming a thick layer.

This was foundation.

Or rather, one type of foundation.

It is not only that which can be seen and touched that is called foundation.

Luck, merit, knowledge, Dao Rhyme, perception, and so on... are all types of foundation.

Although these cannot directly bring power or increase strength like physical objects.

But without a doubt, they are equally precious.

While he was pondering, Ao Ying woke from her enlightenment, inspected herself, and was filled with joy.

Seeing Fang Longye's figure, she immediately rose and came to stand quietly behind him.

She understood clearly what was more important to her.

Sensing her actions, Fang Longye did not turn his head, but directly flipped his palm and took out a blade-shaped Spirit Treasure.

It was exquisite and small, suffused with five colors, crystal clear like amber, and exuded a cold, sharp edge.

One of the three newly acquired Superior Spiritual Treasures, the Dream-Shattering Blade, with thirty-one Post-Heaven Divine Prohibitions.

Fang Longye tossed it to Ao Ying casually and said indifferently: "I do not know if the North Sea Dragon Palace has given you Spirit Treasures in private. However, since you have entered my service, you have always served me wholeheartedly, so I shall bestow this Spirit Treasure upon you!"

"Many thanks to Master for the generous gift!" Ao Ying received the Spirit Treasure and hurriedly bowed gracefully.

Fang Longye waved his hand, turned his head to look at her, and said: "Didn't I say already? Just call me Great King!"

Seeing her deliberately put on a tearful, pear-blossom-in-the-rain expression, he said with a headache: "Forget it, call me whatever you like!"

"Many thanks to Master for your magnanimity!" Ao Ying immediately changed to a joyful expression.

Fang Longye shook his head and dismissed her.

If it were in the past, he wouldn't say he would hide such a treasure as a Superior Spiritual Treasure.

At the very least, he wouldn't have just tossed it away.

But now! With the growth of his strength, his mindset had also changed.

A treasure that had just barely stepped into the rank of Superior Spiritual Treasure was truly no longer on his mind.

Including the other two newly acquired Superior Spiritual Treasures, a bottle and a pagoda, they had already been distributed to Qingli and Jinghuan before his seclusion.

He paced out of the hall and came to the courtyard outside.

Spiritual energy was thick, and water vapor was misty.

Yesterday's spiritual rain had just ceased, facing the heavy curtains in front of the door.

The shadows of the pearls tilting down swayed gracefully.

Fang Longye looked at the beautiful scenery before him and laughed softly.

Fulfilling the Appointment to Yunque Wang's Immortal Mansion, Raising the Price and Demanding Compensation 【4k】

Simply put, he had become inflated.

Possessing two Superior Spiritual Treasures at the perfection stage, he did not hold these spiritual treasures, which could be obtained by killing certain powerful True Immortal demon kings, in very high regard.

Of course, using his Golden Finger for trade and exchange to seize the Merit and Luck bestowed by heaven and earth was still something he should do.

Aside from the Zhanlong Sword inside his body that was about to be cleansed anew and renamed.

Most of the others had been traded for equivalent value.

For instance, that Hanlong Drum, although it was merely a low-grade spiritual treasure with eighteen layers of Post-Heaven Divine Prohibition, was a standard-issue spiritual treasure specifically designed to restrain the Dragon Clan.

Naturally, it also received his attention, and he used it to exchange for a special spiritual treasure of the same grade—the Huofeng Bell.

As the name implies, just like the 'Prison Phoenix Cage' of the same grade that he traded for using the Fulong Rope, it belongs to a special class of spiritual treasures specifically designed to restrain the Phoenix Clan.

"Ding-a-ling—"

A string of small bells appeared in Fang Longye's palm; they were entirely silver-white, brilliant and bright, emitting a pleasant sound.

However, he did not care much for ordinary Superior Spiritual Treasures, let alone a low-grade one.

Even if this spiritual treasure possessed the characteristic of restraining the Phoenix Clan. Even if, as a mere True Immortal, he could not yet fully refine even a mid-grade spiritual treasure.

Looking at the string of small bells in his hand, which resembled an exquisite work of art, Fang Longye planned to find an opportunity to bestow it upon one of the many women.

As for the Prison Phoenix Cage, it was different.

As a Superior Spiritual Treasure at the perfection stage with thirty-six layers of Post-Heaven Divine Prohibition, even if its specific characteristic could not be utilized against non-feathered enemies, it was sufficient as a powerful means of capture.

Fang Longye summoned a small birdcage, engraved with patterns like dragon scales, and thousands upon thousands of rays of light shot out and intersected, forming an airtight light shield.

The pearl ornaments were dazzling, bright as brilliant light, and haloed with seven colors. The entire birdcage was incomparably exquisite and breathtakingly beautiful.

However, if he wanted to treat it like the 'Huofeng Bell' as a pretty object to play with, without caring about its power as a spiritual treasure, he would likely have to wait until he attained the Dao of Daluo.

By then, if possible, he would certainly catch a phoenix, imprison it inside, and make it a bird for display, letting it sing all night long.

Carrying a cage and keeping a bird, for entertainment and leisure.

It lived up to the name and purpose of this spiritual treasure, truly showing style.

Just like how Laojun's Huangjin Rope was merely a belt to tie clothes, and the infinitely powerful Jingang Bracelet was used by him as an iron ring to pierce the nose of his green ox.

For no reason, Fang Longye thought of Yunque Wang.

This figure who intended to stir the nine heavens. He should also prepare a bit to attend the meeting with her.

……

Honghu Immortal Mansion.

A lake resembling a mirror, full of fine jade waves, uniform in color.

In the very center of the lake, where the Post-Heaven Spiritual Root Xun Wood that Fang Longye had previously collected once stood, a small island made of earth and stone had risen.

On it, forests and rocks were arranged in an orderly fashion, lush and verdant; amidst the beautiful scenery were various buildings dotted about.

Be it Treasure Pavilions, refined chambers, or wooden houses, they were of all shapes and sizes, scattered like stars across the small island, as exquisite as a painting.

Spiritual energy surged all around, merging with a formation Yunque Wang had set up.

It seemed like wings unfolding, with golden rays of light appearing one after another, every detail visible, wrapping the island into a mass, providing quite a solid defense.

The cold glow lingering all around, mixed with the dark color on the bamboo leaves, formed a circle of mist, up and down, left and right, back and forth.

The wind blew past, and vine flowers fell to the ground, accumulating in a layer; stepping on them sounded like crunching snow.

Pacing on the path on the island, Fang Longye looked at the surrounding layout and smiled at Yunque Wang beside him: "The Fairy has gone to great lengths to guard against Fang."

If it were before, facing the formation Yunque Wang had meticulously laid out with the help of the relics of Honghu Immortal Mansion, he might have truly felt a bit apprehensive.

But now~

In Fang Longye's Purple Mansion, the star-net of his primordial spirit shed light, and thousands upon thousands of halos spun, as information about this relic's formation fell into his heart.

Do not forget, not to mention the mysteries of the formation he could perceive when breaking it earlier.

Just that Post-Heaven Xun Wood and that spiritual treasure Zhanlong Sword had absorbed who knows how much of the Dao imprints left by the former owner of this ruin.

The information contained within, however fragmented, when pieced together, could be considered three-tenths familiar with this formation.

Using this as a guide, and then mobilizing supernatural powers like 'Seeing Through Walls', he could observe and penetrate everything, with no obstructions, seeing the hidden and the manifest, the large and the small; the secrets within were all clear to him.

To want to deal with him relying solely on this formation, one could only say, it really fell short.

"Heh~ Doesn't the Dragon Lord act the same way? Compared to my meager means, the Dragon Lord is the one with the grand gestures!"

Jade pendants jingled, and a faint fragrance wafted.

Yunque Wang walked with her skirt trailing, her entire person fluttering, coldness rising to her brows; facing Fang Longye's words, she responded with a cold laugh.

It was no wonder that even though she was asking for a favor, her words remained sharp as needles hidden in silk.

Just upon meeting Fang Longye this time, her legs went weak; in front of him, it was as if she had encountered a nemesis, and a feeling of submission inexplicably arose in her heart.

Out of ten parts of strength, she could not even exert three.

Yunque Wang was not without experience; how could she not understand that this was because Fang Longye carried a spiritual treasure that restrained the Feathered Tribe.

Being outplayed by a move, there was nothing to say; she naturally admitted defeat.

The key was that, in this way, her situation was not very good. Facing such a spiritual treasure that restrained her, and with Fang Longye as the master of the treasure driving it.

It could be said that, including her will, she would be weakened too much.

Even if Fang Longye really wanted to do something to her, it would be difficult for her to raise any heart of resistance against him.

Facing such a situation, how could she possibly give him a good look?

Fang Longye shook his head and let out a laugh.

It seemed that this Yunque Wang believed his 'Prison Phoenix Cage' spiritual treasure was specifically targeted at her.

He did not explain; after all, it was not as if he had never harbored such thoughts.

The two walked through bridges and paths, arriving at a suspended pavilion and treasure tower.

Glazed jade colors, frost-white textures, crystal-clear light surged within, as if thousands of wings were fluttering, floating up and down, breathtakingly beautiful.

The archways on both sides had flying eaves and upturned corners, with sky-blue tiles and vermilion railings.

It was a mid-grade Spirit Treasure in the form of a palace; one would imagine the methods for trapping people hidden within were quite extraordinary.

After sizing it up, Fang Longye looked at Yunque Wang and teased, "With this Spirit Treasure here, I suppose you have a bit more confidence when facing me, Fairy?"

Yunque Wang's beautiful eyes turned, shimmering with brilliance. She turned her head and laughed, "The Dragon Lord has brought out such a lethal weapon, looking for all the world like you intend to put this little woman to death. Are you still afraid of this meager defensive measure of mine?"

Having said this, she immediately vanished inside.

Fang Longye shook his head; this kind of goading tactic would not work on him.

However, he truly did not hold such methods in high regard.

Various methods for predicting fortune and misfortune all indicated there was no danger, so he naturally strolled inside.

……

The surroundings were clear and bright, without a single wisp of cloud; the void was limpid and flowing, with patches of white clouds drifting like willow catkins.

Between a bronze table and chair, the two sat facing each other.

The table was empty, save for the lingering scent of the tea from before.

After some polite tea-drinking, the two entered the main topic.

"I will not hide it from you, Fairy: from the Swan Goose Dao essence tainted by that Xun Wood sapling, I did indeed obtain quite a bit of secret information regarding the Feathered Tribe's postnatal methods for cultivating a Companion Spiritual Root."

Fang Longye smiled slightly, casting out numerous seal scripts that danced before them, combining into bright and magnificent chapters that sounded like the cries of a Phoenix, filled with profound resonance.

"Hehe~ I presume what the Dragon Lord obtained were all incomplete fragments, right?"

"And~ it was precisely because you witnessed the wonder and mystery of this secret method that you came to keep this appointment without hesitation after your strength greatly increased!"

Within the space of the Spirit Treasure under her own control, Yunque Wang had temporarily cast off the influence spontaneously exerted upon her by the 'Prison Phoenix Cage'.

Having recovered her keenness, her entire temperament became dazzling, and her high-spirited resolve returned. She began to argue her case with Fang Longye.

Fang Longye leaned lazily against the wooden chair and said indifferently, "Since Qinglong Old Ancestor was able to obtain this secret method, I imagine it is not some absolute secret."

"It has been I don't know how many Yuanhui since then; even if I dare not say everyone knows it, it should be quite widely spread, right?"

Yunque Wang sneered, "If it were truly as the Dragon Lord says, why would you still be haggling over this?"

Fang Longye knew her words were not false. However, now was the time for bargaining.

"I think, Fairy, your choice of me to assist you in transforming your Bloodline was not without reason, was it?"

"Moreover, it seems we have not established any oath or contract, have we?"

Upon hearing this, Yunque Wang's beautiful eyes narrowed, shooting out cold light as a fierce, baleful aura brewed within them.

Fang Longye remained as calm as an ancient well, staring back at her.

A long time passed.

The baleful aura in Yunque Wang's eyes receded, and she smiled brightly.

"Since the Dragon Lord feels this deal is not worth it, you can naturally raise the price. For example, how about this Spirit Treasure of mine, the Hanging Pavilion?"

Fang Longye also knew the principle of 'leaving a line for others is to leave a way for oneself to meet again in the future.'

"A gentleman does not take what others love; you need not do this, Fairy."

Hearing this, Yunque Wang sneered inwardly—was it really not taking what others love, or did he just not look down on it? That was hard to say.

She gritted her teeth and said, "I have thought about it, and I do have an opportunity that should interest the Dragon Lord."

"Please speak, Fairy."

Yunque Wang showed a pained expression and handed him a jade pendant; it shone brilliantly, with thousands of Dao Patterns that were round and smooth, and a murmuring sound, faint and indistinct.

Fang Longye took it, and as the halo flowed, some information fell into his heart.

"Good!"

Joy rose in his heart; he put away the jade pendant, his face full of smiles.

"The previously agreed-upon reward, plus this. I will take this deal!"

"It won't be like before, will it?" Yunque Wang asked word by word.

"You and I can establish an oath contract!" Fang Longye said decisively.

His voice was like clashing metal and stone, a perfect display of a gentleman who "keeps his promises and is righteous and awe-inspiring"! "Good!"

The first two thousand words make up for yesterday's, and the following two thousand-plus words combined with the second chapter tonight count as today's six-thousand-word chapter.

The two thousand words blocked by the censors this morning were modified and unblocked once, but it didn't succeed, and I couldn't be bothered to unblock them again. I simply rewrote a chapter on this basis.

(End of chapter)