Chapter 520: The Demon Catcher of West Hong Goes Online

Boom!

As Yan Chongzhang leaped to the mountain peak, his expression shifted slightly, and he forcibly halted his movement.

Not far ahead, a lean old man in hemp robes stood with hands clasped behind his back, gazing from afar toward the direction of Nameless Mountain.

"Master," Yan Chongzurg quickly clasped his fist in salute, then suddenly felt he had no brain.

As a Dao-Union realm cultivator, within the Banshan Sect he was as one with heaven and earth; how could he fail to notice what had happened at Nameless Mountain?

"You saw it too."

Yan Chongzhang's face bore an excitement he could not suppress, and even his voice grew somewhat dry and hoarse.

This was a great opportunity for the entire Banshan Sect.

This mountain, moved here after the sect's founding, finally held a glimmer of hope for being completely unlocked.

That very likely was a complete Immortal Art!

But what surprised Yan Chongzhang was that his master's expression showed little change, and no joy or anger could be read in his eyes.

He could not help but stammer, "You do not wish to offend the Seven Sons of Yu Nanhong?"

Hearing this, the Banshan Sect Master glanced sideways at Yan Chongzhang, with no intention of explaining further: "Put away this impatient look of yours; everything remains as before. Treat them exactly as you should."

It was merely recruiting a disciple, not killing their Dao Son.

With the Banshan Sect's strength, there was no need to fear the Seven Sons of Yu Nanhong, who dwelt in a remote corner.

Yet that youth's identity was indeed somewhat strange.

Some matters were best investigated clearly before acting.

Such a prodigy possessed a long lifespan; the Seven Sons of Yu Nanhong would not truly place him in danger, so there was no rush for this moment.

It was just unknown what price would be required to make him join another sect.

The Banshan Sect Master's expression remained calm.

Would promising a future Dao-Union treasure land be enough?

If the secrets hidden within Nameless Mountain could truly be unlocked, he would not be stingy; yet from his earlier observation of the youth's reaction, the other seemed to struggle in comprehending the true meaning of the Divine Peak...

To put it more harshly.

Most of Shen Yi's reactions resembled those of an extremely dull cultivator, as if he were about to be expelled by Nameless Mountain at any moment.

But the marvel lay in the fact that he could digest these adverse reactions at an utterly terrifying speed, and could resist Nameless Mountain's repelling force; the combination of the two produced this horrifying result.

However, after the other exited Nameless Mountain, beneath that seemingly calm face hid a massive aftermath that made even the Banshan Sect Master feel a slight chill in his heart.

The exhaustion in Shen Yi's eyes was as if he had carried a mountain for ten thousand years, walked an endless road, and his spirit was nearly on the verge of collapse.

This was not a reaction that would arise from merely sitting in meditation for a short three days.

If one were to make a comparison, it resembled more those sinister methods that drain the body, squeezing lifespan to gain instant improvement; only this youth in the black robe drained his soul and spirit, and as for what price was paid, that remained unknown.

But in any case, it was hard to believe he could replicate this feat again.

"Hah."

As the head of a sect, the old man had far too many things to consider; he absolutely could not be too impetuous.

However... no matter what, cultivating a good relationship with this young cultivator in advance was never a problem.

It was merely one Divine Peak Art; if he had the ability to retrieve it, regardless of what methods were used, it was fitting to gift it to the Seven Sons of Yu Nanhong.

To cause trouble afterward over such an act was truly too beneath dignity.

"Disciple understands."

Yan Chongzhang bowed, watching his master's figure stroll slowly away, then gradually vanish.

Only after the other left did he straighten his body again, rubbing his nose bridge forcefully.

Treat normally?

How could he, with such an unstable state of mind now, treat Shen Xiao calmly?

The moment he saw that other's clean, fair face, he always felt that all the bitterness he had endured for tens of thousands of years was as if wasted... and his brain was quite Bai Chi.

Beneath Nameless Mountain.

Yang Yunheng watched Yan Chongzhang return with a slightly disappointed look, frowned, as if guessing something, but since several Dao Sons of Yu Nanhong were nearby, could only hint indirectly: "Why return so soon?"

"Nothing."

Yan Chongzhang forced a smile and shook his head.

After finally having the chance to glimpse the second complete Mountain Art, yet being forced to suppress his thoughts, who could bear it?

"Sigh."

Yang Yunheng could not help but sigh.

Wei Yuanzhou and the other two fell silent, shifting their gaze away, pretending entirely not to have heard.

The Banshan Sect's intentions were almost written on their faces; they were all outstanding figures, how could they fail to see it?

But previously, no one would have cared about the Banshan Sect's small schemes; Bai Wu had even felt a sense of amusement, after all, who could offer a Dao-Union treasure land and the position of Sect Master to keep Shen Yi, as the Seven Sons of Yu Nanhong could?

Now it was different.

After Shen Zongzhu displayed such astonishing actions, if the Banshan Sect gritted its teeth... perhaps it truly would be willing!

For the Banshan Sect's scale was larger than two Tianjian Sects combined.

Being a Sect Master here versus being a Sect Master in the fallen General Nanyang treasure land made a difference far too great.

Judging by Yan Chongzhang's attitude, this person should not mind leaving the main sect's treasure land for Shen Yi, while going himself to the branch sect's treasure land to serve as a Dao Son.

Therefore, even Su Hongxiu would not bring up the matter again at this moment.

To avoid going out once and ending up handing over a Sect Master to someone else; where would there be face to return to Yu Nanhong?

Both sides, with different thoughts, fell into silence.

Shen Yi, as if an outsider to that scene, held the Soul-Nourishing Treasure Pill and shoveled handful after handful into his mouth.

"Gulp."

Yang Yunheng swallowed hard, his heart pounding in alarm: "Young friend Shen, take it slow... these are pills..."

"I know."

Shen Yi nodded politely; even if he lacked experience, he had once personally refined the Heavenly Phoenix Pill and could barely be counted as a Pill Master.

Having said that, he casually swallowed another seven or eight pills.

It was true; the outside world was far wealthier than Binan. Inside their own sect, it was very difficult to see such fine things.

After three or five bottles of Treasure Pills entered his belly, the spirit soul that had been listless just moments ago was now gradually recovering.

Of course, the spirit soul was one thing; under the crushing pressure of Nameless Mountain, having cultivated desperately for three hundred and seventy thousand years, the immense mental torment of that matter could only be slowly digested through sheer willpower.

"..." Yang Yunheng could only look at Yan Chongzhang as if seeking help.

"Young friend, no need for courtesy; there is more if it is not enough." Yan Chongzhang, recalling his master's instructions, and being in a mood that was already somewhat off-kilter, not knowing what normal treatment entailed, decided that as long as he did not offend, it would suffice.

"I—" Yang Yunheng was choked up, staring resentfully at the Dao Disciple.

Was that what he meant?

These were not Yang's own pills; why should he be the one to be stingy? The problem was that pills were not things to be swallowed recklessly like this; one might as well fear causing some problem.

Young friend Shen, such a fine material, even if a trace were tainted by pill poison, would still make one's heart ache immensely!

"Will you not observe the mountain anymore?" Yang Yunheng changed the subject.

"I will not observe it." Yan Chongzhang sighed; having suffered such a great blow, he probably would not come over to "relax" for a very long time.

Having said that, his gaze suddenly sharpened.

He might as well use this opportunity to vent the depression in his heart.

Talent and comprehension were innate; if one could not compare, one could only accept fate, but as a Dao Disciple, the cultivation strength that horizontally suppressed the Banshan Sect had been forged through his own solid practice.

So-called diligence can make up for clumsiness, plus he had lived many more years than others.

For a young friend Shen of such an age to catch up was not an easy matter.

"Let us attend to official business."

Yan Chongzhang rubbed his wrist, looking toward the Eldest Elder: "This time I will need you to accompany me."

Hearing this, Yang Yunheng was stunned: "You are serious?"

Within the Banshan Sect, aside from the Shen Zongzhu of the Dao-Integration Realm, the Dao Disciple and the Eldest Elder were the two with the strongest power; rarely was there a matter requiring the two to join hands, and more often than not, one would leave the sect while the other guarded the sect.

If the Dao Disciple could make such a decision, then what he intended to do was already quite obvious.

Near the Banshan Sect, there were actually not many groups of demons that could receive such treatment.

"I truly do not wish to deal with that arrogant group again."

Yan Chongzhang lowered his arms, smiling toward Yu Nanhong and the others: "Once I conclude this matter, if I am not too heavily injured, I will immediately withdraw and head to Yu Nanhong... Although the Banshan Sect in this region of West Hong is not as capable of protecting all directions as your Seven Sons of Yu Nanhong, it has still contributed significantly to resisting the Long Gong."

Clearly, he could actually guess what the Dao Disciples of Yu Nanhong sought.

Previously, he had been unwilling to mention it simply because he did not want to associate too closely with the Seven Sons of Yu Nanhong; the Banshan Sect was not some small faction. Even if they truly went to Yu Nanhong to fight the Long Gong, there was no need to act like a vassal of the Seven Sons, obeying their orders.

"We thank Dao Disciple Yan."

Wei Yuanzhou nodded in thanks, but he no longer possessed the same eagerness as before.

He was not foolish; the reason this Dao Disciple of the Banshan Sect had changed his attitude was most likely due to the Shen Zongzhu's face.

This was hardly coming to Yu Nanhong to help; this was clearly coming to Yu Nanhong to snatch people.

So-called eating from someone's mouth makes one short of breath, and taking from someone's hand makes one soft.

Requesting aid was one thing... but to trade the Shen Zongzhu for it, making it look like a marriage alliance, what propriety would that be? Moreover, it was far too unprofitable.

Thinking of this, Wei Yuanzhou suddenly noticed Shen Yi beside him.

He saw Yang Yunheng waiting beside the other party, handing over Treasure Pills as if they were worthless; the Shen Zongzhu accepted them all, and had already swallowed up to the sixth bottle...

Hiss!

Wei Yuanzhou forcibly restrained the urge to have Bai Wu send a message to the Qingyue Sect Master, exchanged a glance with Su Hongxiu, then stepped forward, clasping his hands and saying: "If the situation in West Hong is truly as Dao Disciple Yan says, we have nowhere else to go. We do not know what matter Dao Disciple Yan is attending to; may we lend a hand?"

What the Shen Zongzhu had consumed could be repaid in other ways; in any case, taking people was definitely not an option!

"Hmm?"

Shen Yi, digesting the medicinal power, glanced over with some curiosity.

Although his spirit was still listless, if it concerned demons and monsters, he could listen.

That black-haired giant lion that had died without any value earlier still lingered in his mind.

Thinking of this, Shen Yi extended his palm toward Yang Yunheng again.

He was not an ignorant fool; he knew there were no free lunches in this world.

But only by truly seeing the true form of that Nameless Mountain, being shocked by its wonder, could one empathize with the Banshan Sect's incredibly urgent mood.

At least up to now, there should be no one in this sect capable of unlocking the secret treasure within; otherwise, the Dao Disciple would not have displayed such an expression.

Shen Yi was not arrogant, but he felt that as long as there were enough demon lifespans, he still had some hope.

As long as he could break open the secret treasure and share the cultivation techniques within with the Banshan Sect, given the profound mystery of that mountain, let alone a few bottles of pills, even if they asked for more, the Banshan Sect should not refuse.

Moreover, he would have to deduce the Divine Mountain Law shortly; if his spirit soul was depleted, it would inevitably have an impact. The demon lifespans he had earned were not easy to come by; he should save as much as possible.

Consider it an advance on the reward.

"Lend a hand?"

Yan Chongzhang paused for a moment, then clasped his hands and sighed: "Everyone is too polite. Although Yan is not very familiar with Yu Nanhong, these eyes are not blind. With your strength, even if you came to West Hong, you would equally be top-tier prodigies with famous names. Having your assistance, this journey can be said to have absolutely no unexpected incidents."

As he spoke these words, his gaze swept over Su Hongxiu and Wei Yuanzhou.

In those eyes flashing with sharp light, there was also a considerable impulse to leap into action.

At the level of these Dao Disciples, one was actually quite lacking in opponents.

The Realm of Dao Integration is too strong; in a fight, they have no power of resistance at all. The other cultivators have too shallow a foundation. Even the Bai Yujing cultivators who have opened three cities, whether in Dao soldiers, techniques, or even their innate instincts for slaughter, are far inferior to them.

"Speak of the matter."

Su Hongxiu stood with her eyes lowered, making no refusal.

This matter did not require asking Shen Zongzhu... Based on her understanding of Shen Yi, the other party should already be impatient by now.

"The Liangdaohuang Sect wants demon prodigies, and their appetite grows ever larger. From initially demanding demons of the Return to Emptiness fourth and fifth layers, to now, even demons of the Return to Emptiness twelfth layer cannot catch their eye."

Yan Chongzhang gritted his teeth.

One must know, the Liangdaohuang Sect demands demon clan prodigies. The so-called prodigies must possess something distinct from their own kind; their divine abilities and bloodlines must be extraordinary.

Where could such existences be found so easily?

Moreover, this sweeping campaign against the demon hordes has continued for quite some time. Those demons who could escape have escaped, and those caught have been captured. Among those remaining, sitting firmly like a mountain without moving, none are easy to deal with.

"I, Yan, have thought carefully, and only the young master of the Diming Youmang clan should be able to meet their requirements."

"..." Involving such a major affair, Yang Yunheng could not help but furrow his brows.

The Diming Youmang clan is renowned for their demon bodies; within the same realm, few cultivators can engage them in direct combat. These beings born of heaven and earth actually align with the Banshan Sect's philosophy and habits, and thus they are very close.

However, this clan was expelled from the waters by the Long Gong, so their family foundation is thin, lacking a great demon comparable to the Realm of Dao Integration to protect them.

Unfortunately, they have climbed onto a decent backer.

Relying on the intimidation of that backer, they have lived quite comfortably.

What Yang Yunheng worried about was that, given Yan Chongzhang's character of knowing when to advance and retreat, he certainly would not ask the Sect Master to intervene. After all, in this Hongze territory, every giant of the Realm of Dao Integration mutually restrains the others; otherwise, this group of great pythons would not have been left for so many years.

But if relying solely on the Bai Yujing cultivators, wanting to annihilate the Diming Youmang clan would be a rather thorny matter.

Now that several Yu Nanhong Daozi are lending assistance, it is much more reassuring.

The only thing needing consideration is...

"That thing behind them..." Yang Yunheng asked softly.

"The mighty Liangdaohuang Sect, if they cannot even intimidate demons, who would help them in the future? Moreover, my Banshan Sect will not fear them." Yan Chongzhang raised an eyebrow; speaking of such matters, he had obviously regained his confidence.

"Fellow Daozi, better early than late. If there is nothing else, Chongzhang intends to depart now."

It was clear he truly did not intend to deal with those people again; now he was merely fulfilling the duty of a Daozi for the sake of the sect's future.

"Roughly how long will it take to recover?"

Su Hongxiu did not answer, but instead walked toward Shen Yi.

However, what somewhat surprised her was that the answer given by Shen Zongzhu was exactly opposite to her expectations.

This killing machine actually refused?

"I will not go with you."

Shen Yi pondered for an instant, shook his head toward Yan Chongzhang, and then continued adjusting his aura.

"Indeed, properly nurturing the soul and spirit is the true way. Just rest for a while at the Banshan Sect." Bai Wu also did not understand what Su Hongxiu meant. Even if Shen Yi was truly powerful, there was no need for this Sect Master to accompany him for everything.

Moreover, others had just experienced that strange secret within the mountain; did they really think the soul and spirit were made of iron?

"..."

Su Hongxiu pondered for an instant and suddenly caught a detail in Shen Yi's tone.

He did not say he would not go; he only said he did not want to go together.

Thinking of this, Su Hongxiu slowly turned her head to look at Yan Chongzhang.

As expected.

This Banshan Sect Daozi had obviously also tasted the meaning within it.

Yan Chongzhang silently watched Shen Yi. Just when everyone thought he would be angry...

... they saw a complex smile slowly rise on his resolute lips. He let out a long sigh and said, "Shen Xiao, so straightforward, making me, Yan, admire you!"

If previously Yan Chongzhang was only shocked by Shen Yi's talent and comprehension, then at this moment, he truly began to examine the person himself.

The meaning in this sentence was very clear.

That was that he, Shen Yi, also wanted to contend for this demon, and even wanted to get a share of the pie in the Liangdaohuang Sect's affair.

For someone who had just consumed the Banshan Sect's pills, this statement was very inappropriate.

But compared to acting one way on the surface and another behind the back, ending in a discordant parting, being able to state one's intentions in advance was enough to reveal the nature of one's character.

Furthermore... Yan Chongzhang did not think the other party would fail to see what thoughts he had been hiding previously.

Shen Xiao could have used this matter as leverage to seize greater benefits. Let alone one demon, even more things were not impossible.

Yan Chongzhang clasped his hands in a bow again: "Then we shall split into two paths. Fellow Daoists of Yu Nanhong, let us each rely on our own abilities."

With the strength of the Banshan Sect, contending openly and fairly, we would certainly not lose to these few Yu Nanhong Daozi.

Although Wei Yuanzhou did not know what Shen Yi intended to do, since the Sect Master had spoken, there was no reason not to obey.

Immediately, he led Bai Wu to walk toward the other side.

Only Su Hongxiu remained motionless in the scene.

A few strange expressions surged in her eyes.

Indeed, the next moment she saw Shen Yi furrow his brows in confusion. Realizing these people had misunderstood something, he could only explain again: "The 'you' I spoke of also includes them."

Not only separating from the Banshan Sect, it also included the few Yu Nanhong Daozi.

He simply wanted to act alone.

This abrupt, out-of-nowhere sentence caused everyone in the scene to fall into silence.

(End of this chapter)