Chapter 119: Three Deaths at the Ascension Immortal Assembly, Spiritual Attributes

Before the roaring waterfall, Sha Tianrui glanced at Yun Wan, who was staring blankly at the falls, and gave a faint smile, saying:

"Little girl, there's an entrance to the ruins beneath this waterfall, right?"

This abrupt question made Yun Wan's body tense.

"Don't be nervous......"

Sha Tianrui stood on a boulder, hands behind his back, gazing into the distance as he said lightly, "You revealing this Yanshen Sect's secret stronghold must be to help that kid."

Upon hearing this, Yun Wan was startled again, looking at Sha Tianrui in disbelief and saying, "Uncle Sha, how do you know all this?"

She was certain she had revealed no flaw along the way, and couldn't understand how Sha Tianrui knew these things.

"Heh..." Sha Tianrui slowly turned to face the shocked Yun Wan and said lightly, "Little girl, you're still too naive."

Hearing this, Yun Wan first froze, then grew somewhat angry and said, "Are you deceiving me?"

Sha Tianrui smiled faintly and said, "That's right."

Seeing him admit it, Yun Wan's face filled with regret and self-reproach, yet she still had many questions and couldn't help but say, "But... but..."

"Do you want to ask how I figured these out?"

Yun Wan said nothing.

Sha Tianrui continued, "You know, what's most important in a war between two armies?"

"Intelligence."

"When I learned that the news of the Yanshen Sect's secret stronghold came from your mouth, I sent people to investigate Maple Forest Town."

"What's between you and that kid named Fang Xu isn't really a secret."

Upon hearing this, Yun Wan furrowed her brows slightly and said, "But what does that prove?"

Sha Tianrui smiled faintly and said, "This proves nothing."

"But just as the army set out, I received another piece of news: the person who supposedly grasped a first-rate martial technique in the Tilan Mountain Ruins is also named Fang Xu."

"This still proves nothing!" Yun Wan froze for a moment, then continued to argue.

Seeing her reaction, Sha Tianrui wasn't rushed and continued smiling, "Many martial artists guard the ruins' entrance, and to this day I've received no word of that kid coming out."

"That proves he's still inside the ruins."

Having said that, seeing Yun Wan still unconvinced, Sha Tianrui continued, "Do you remember when I told you that the Yanshen Sect's methods are even more sinister than witchcraft?"

Yun Wan blinked slightly and involuntarily nodded.

Sha Tianrui went on, "You discovered their secret stronghold, suffered their pursuit, and as long as they haven't seen your corpse, they will never give up."

"According to what you said, there is a Martial Venerable expert inside this Yanshen Sect stronghold. Facing such a sinister Martial Venerable in pursuit, under normal circumstances a Ninth-level Martial Master like you could never escape their grasp."

"Unless you had the advantage of terrain, or you were captured by them, chose to surrender, and teamed up to set a trap......"

"The second scenario seems unlikely, after all you know the consequences of such an action in your heart."

Sha Tianrui paused, then continued:

"Although I've never been to the Tilan Mountain Ruins, I've always paid attention to information about this site."

"The second stage of the ruins has varied and complex terrain; your escape likely relied on the ruins' geography."

"These pieces of information may seem scattered, but when put together they can still reveal some clues."

"But the only thing that lets me confirm my suspicion is our earlier conversation and your concern for this waterfall."

"The earlier conversation?"

Yun Wan recalled her conversation with Sha Tianrui.

"It seems there wasn't anything, right?"

"As a martial artist, you should know very well what grasping a first-rate martial technique means for a martial artist. Even though you know no martial artist can resist the temptation of such a technique, you were especially concerned about whether I was interested in it."

"Moreover, after we arrived here, you glanced at the waterfall on the left several times, intentionally or not."

Having said that, Sha Tianrui gave a faint smile and said, "Actually, this information only gave me a slight suspicion; that thought also just popped into my mind."

"So you're deceiving me?" Yun Wan said, feeling aggrieved and resentful.

Sha Tianrui gave a hehe laugh, tacitly admitting it.

He had indeed made a rough guess and casually tested Yun Wan; if her disposition were steadier, a flat denial on the spot might have made him believe her.

But evidently, Yun Wan's disposition still lacked steadiness; his casual test alone exposed a flaw.

"Little girl, have you considered the consequences of doing this?" Sha Tianrui suddenly grew solemn and said.

"Consequences?"

Yun Wan froze for a moment, then her expression changed slightly.

Having grasped a first-rate martial technique and slaughtered many martial artists, Fang Xu has inevitably become a target and enemy of most factions.

If word got out that I helped him escape, those factions, unable to capture Fang Xu, would likely vent their anger on the Yun family.

That amounts to most of the forces in the Yu State; whether the Yun family can withstand them is truly uncertain.

"Uncle Sha..." Yun Wan looked at Sha Tianrui with a pleading expression and said, "Just keep this between you and me, considering your friendship with my father, you......"

Sha Tianrui looked at her with a faint smile and said, "Now you know fear?"

Yun Wan shook her head: "Not fear, but I hope Uncle Sha will let Fang Xu go; he saved my life......"

Hearing this, Sha Tianrui burst into a mix of laughter and tears, saying, "I thought you were asking me not to spread this matter, but I didn't expect you, little girl, to push further and demand I release that kid."

"That's a first-rate martial technique; if I caught him and tortured the technique out of him, I......"

"Didn't you say fate is predestined, and one shouldn't force what isn't meant to be?" Yun Wan quickly replied.

Interrupted by her, Sha Tianrui was momentarily at a loss for words; facing Yun Wan's pleading expression, his gaze grew somewhat dazed.

From her face, Sha Tianrui faintly recalled the sight of Princess Yanyang kneeling before Emperor Yu, desperately begging.

"Enough! Enough!"

Suppressing the unwanted memory in his mind, Sha Tianrui sighed and said, "Let's just pretend I never brought this up, but......"

He glanced at Yun Wan, then pondered for a moment and said: "Go back and tell that brat, he owes me a favor; if I ever need his help in the future, he cannot refuse."

Yun Wan's face showed a hint of joy, then she frowned slightly and said: "Uncle Sha holds high position and great power throughout Great Yu; Fang Xu is just an obscure nobody. You couldn't even resolve this matter—what help could he possibly provide?"

Seeing her defend Fang Xu like that, Sha Tianrui's face showed a strange smile, causing Yun Wan's pretty face to blush.

"Little girl, if you can comprehend a first-rank martial technique, do you still think he's just an ordinary person?" Sha Tianrui's expression turned solemn as he continued: "I also know he has already obtained the Ascension Immortal Association's immortal gate travel permit; if he manages to escape this calamity, it won't be long before he surely gets a chance to become a core disciple of the Ascension Immortal Association."

"A core disciple of the Ascension Immortal Association—why, even a general would have to treat him with courtesy."

Yun Wan stared, astonished.

Ever since she met Fang Xu, she had always thought that guy was just an ordinary person with no background, no strength, somewhat obsessive… somewhat strange…

Recalling her encounters with Fang Xu, Yun Wan suddenly realized she couldn't find the right words to describe her impression of him for a moment.

Anyway… anyway, he's just an ordinary person!

Now, hearing Sha Tianrui say that, she suddenly realized her understanding of Fang Xu was still too lacking.

She had indeed underestimated that strange guy before.

Little girl?

Seeing Yun Wan's expression constantly shifting, her head lowered and silent, Sha Tianrui also understood.

"Huh?" Her thoughts interrupted, Yun Wan slowly lifted her head to look at Sha Tianrui.

Although I've decided to let him go, his situation remains very dangerous.

The allure of a first-rank martial technique is too great; let alone that he isn't an official disciple of the Ascension Immortal Association, even if he had already joined, these forces would not dare act openly and would certainly not give up easily in secret.

As expected, the Ascension Immortal Association's attitude toward this matter would likely be to turn a blind eye; if Fang Xu could flee to the Ascension Immortal Association's Central State branch, they would naturally not allow others to kill him within the association.

But if Fang Xu lacks the ability to reach Central State, they would not intervene to rescue him.

After all, if they intervened, they would not only violate the Ascension Immortal Association's rule of non-interference in worldly grudges, but would also leave a bad reputation among the martial forces of Great Yu.

Hearing this, Yun Wan's face showed deep worry.

Going to Central State, the journey is more than ten thousand li?

How could the forces eyeing Fang Xu possibly let him reach the Ascension Immortal Association in Central State safely?

Alright, barring any mishap, tomorrow I will mobilize the army to uproot the Divine Extension Sect's branch here.

Go in now and tell that brat to find a chance to escape tomorrow.

After Sha Tianrui finished speaking, his figure flickered and he vanished into the forest.

Yun Wan glanced at the endless torrent of the waterfall below, hesitated a moment, then turned and left as well.

At the same time, inside the ruins.

Fang Xu looked at the three people before him, his brows furrowed.

Seeing him silent, Mu Xuan of the three said: "Junior Brother Fang, you should know the Ascension Immortal Association would not make an enemy of all the forces of Great Yu for a disciple who hasn't even joined."

After all, Great Yu is the strongest nation within the Ascension Immortal Association's sphere of influence, contributing many talented disciples each year.

In this situation, junior brother, you can only make your way to Central State yourself.

But the journey to Central State is long, and these forces of Great Yu will surely set up nets along the way to ambush and kill you.

If junior brother is willing to share that first-rank martial technique with us, we will accompany you all the way and guarantee your safe arrival in Central State.

Mu Xuan and the two others, desperately trying to hide the greed in their eyes, spoke.

Guarantee my safe arrival in Central State?

Fang Xu glanced at the friend list deep in his sea of consciousness.

Friend One: Central State·Li Xun (65%)

Friend Two: Central State·Mu Xuan (1%)

Friend Three: Central State·Tao Ziheng (1%)

Friend Four: Central State·Lin Yu (1%)

These three guys now have only 1% of their health left; let alone protecting him, it's doubtful whether I can even survive two days.

Nowadays, aside from being a core disciple of the Ascension Immortal Association, or having mighty figures like Xu Changqing and Jiang Feng personally protect me, ordinary people simply cannot withstand those greedy martial practitioners.

The three senior brothers' good intentions are appreciated by junior brother." Fang Xu slightly bowed his hands and said: "I also wish to share this first-rank martial technique with a few senior brothers, but I simply have no way to verbalize or write it down."

The Magic Ape Three Transformations is a divine ability, not a martial technique at all.

Such divine abilities involve artistic conception; with Fang Xu's current strength, it's utterly impossible to manifest that conception.

Unless one day he fully comprehends the Magic Ape Three Transformations, perhaps he could then display the complete artistic conception like the light and shadow of the Shattered Land, allowing others to observe and gain insight.

Hearing Fang Xu's words, Mu Xuan and the two others' faces instantly turned grim.

Junior Brother Fang, why are you so obstinately oblivious?

If you lose your life, what use is guarding that first-rank martial technique?

Under Mu Xuan's gaze, Fang Xu said nothing more.

Having stated the facts, the three refuse to believe him—what else can he do?

Senior brother, I see this brat as someone who refuses a toast and will only drink a penalty!

Among the three, Tao Ziheng was the first to lose patience, immediately speaking with an annoyed expression!

Yes, seize him, torture him severely—I don't believe he won't talk!" Lin Yu on the other side also snarled.

Faced with the first-rank martial technique, the three have completely disregarded the rules of the Ascension Immortal Association.

Hearing the words of the two junior brothers, Mu Xuan fell into contemplation.

If the three make a move, subdue Fang Xu, extract the first-rank martial technique from him, then silently kill him and dump him in these ruins, as long as they stay silent, the Enforcement Hall will surely not find out.

With a first-rank martial technique, they stand a great chance of becoming core disciples of the Ascension Immortal Association in the future!

Junior Brother Fang, if you speak now it's still in time; otherwise, when the three of us make a move, you will……

I'm talking about you!" Looking at Mu Xuan's hypocritical face, Fang Xu grew tired of playing along, his body erupted, and he threw a punch straight at Mu Xuan.

The fist emitting red light blasted onto Mu Xuan's chest in an instant!

Bang!

The terrifying force directly passed through Mu Xuan's body and exploded inside him!

In an instant, Mu Xuan's eyes widened, his face full of disbelief!

He never expected Fang Xu to strike first, let alone that Fang Xu would be this strong!

One punch!

His five viscera and six bowels were shaken into a pulp!

The Martial Master's strong vitality kept him from dying instantly; his mouth opened and closed, still wanting to say something.

Gurgle… gurgle…

The large amount of fresh blood and organ chunks spilling from his throat prevented him from uttering a word.

Plop!

【Your friend Mu Xuan has died. As a friend, you may randomly inherit any one of his three portions of inheritance.】

Inheritance One: 【Purple Inheritance·Dim Ridge Elixir Classic】 Inheriting carries great risk! The 'Dim Ridge Elixir Classic' was obtained by chance by Xu Changqing, an executive of the Ascendant Immortal Society; only he and his personally transmitted disciples may learn it—anyone else who dares to touch it will surely be hunted down by Xu Changqing and the Ascendant Immortal Society.

Inheritance Two: 【Golden Inheritance·Spirit Attribute 25 points】 Inheriting carries no risk, but requires touching Mu Xuan's corpse.

Inheritance Three: 【Yellow Inheritance·Falling Leaf Sword Technique (Seventh Rank)】 Inheriting carries little risk; the Falling Leaf Sword Technique is a seventh-rank martial skill Mu Xuan exchanged for with contribution points within the Ascendant Immortal Society, and many disciples of the society practice it.

As Mu Xuan's life force faded, a virtual panel popped up before Fang Xu.

However, Fang Xu didn't even glance at it at this moment.

Mu Xuan was dead, but Tao Ziheng and Lin Yu were still before him.

They never imagined Fang Xu would dare to strike first, nor that a martial artist as strong as Mu Xuan, a Ninth-Level Martial Master, could be killed by a single punch from Fang Xu!

"Kid, you ought to kill Senior Brother Mu—aren't you afraid…"

Boom!

Before Tao Ziheng could finish speaking, Fang Xu smashed a punch into him, sealing his mouth shut.

On the other side, Lin Yu still wanted to beg for mercy, but Fang Xu gave him no chance, delivering a punch that left a dent in his chest.

【Your friend Tao Ziheng has died. As a friend, you may randomly inherit any one of his three portions of inheritance!】

【Your friend Lin Yu has died. As a friend, you may randomly inherit any one of his three portions of inheritance!】

Two light curtains popped up in succession; Fang Xu glanced at them and instantly rejoiced!

All three inheritances actually contained Spirit Attribute points!

Mu Xuan's is 25 points, Tao Ziheng's is 30 points, Lin Yu's is 22 points!

I had long known from the panel that Spirit Attribute affects perception; my current bonus Spirit Attribute is 0, so if I could obtain all three persons' Spirit Attribute points, it would total 77 points.

He didn't know his latent Spirit Attribute points, but 77 bonus points is certainly no small number!

Besides Spirit Attribute points, the three also shared the inheritance of the 'Dim Ridge Elixir Classic,' which was presumably transmitted to them by Xu Changqing.

Fang Xu is not an Alchemist, so this would be useless to him.

Besides that, there's nothing else of value.

Looking at the three light curtains before him, Fang Xu excitedly rubbed his hands and directly selected Inherit!

The inheritances on the three light curtains rolled rapidly, then settled in turn——

【Congratulations on obtaining Inheritance Two!】

【Can be obtained by touching Mu Xuan's corpse.】

【Congratulations on obtaining Inheritance Two!】

【Can be obtained by touching Tao Ziheng's corpse.】

【Congratulations on obtaining Inheritance One!】

【Can be obtained by touching Lin Yu's corpse.】

Looking at the three inheritances, Fang Xu felt slightly disappointed; he obtained Mu Xuan's and Tao Ziheng's Spirit Attribute points, but failed to get Lin Yu's 22 points.

Forget it!

One should be content; 55 points is 55 points—already not bad.

Looking at the three corpses before him, Fang Xu began to feel them one by one.

Inheritance is only part of it; as disciples of the Ascendant Immortal Society, the three themselves should also have plenty of good stuff.

At least medicinal pills and personal treasures constitute a considerable fortune.

【Touching Mu Xuan's corpse grants 25 Spirit Attribute points.】

As his palm just touched Mu Xuan's corpse, a chilly energy surged into his body through his hand and rushed straight to his brain!

After this strange energy dissipated in his brain, Fang Xu clearly felt his thoughts undergo a great change, like drinking an ice-cold cola on the hottest summer day, leaving him refreshed and clear-headed!

This feeling made his very soul tremble!

Next came Tao Ziheng——

The strange energy from the 30 points of Spirit Attribute merged into his mind once more, letting him experience the delight of satisfying speech!

Finally came Lin Yu; after touching his corpse, the 'Dim Ridge Elixir Classic' turned into a warm current flowing into his sea of consciousness; Fang Xu sensed it carefully, but having no intention of becoming an Alchemist, he didn't pay much heed.

After scavenging the inheritances and relics, Fang Xu directly tossed the three corpses through the earth cavern down below.

Roar!

Creak!

Creak!

The Man-evil beneath the earth cavern, seeing tasty morsels thrown down, immediately swarmed over and instantly devoured the three corpses clean.

Last night, after all this, Fang Xu slowly closed his eyes.

"Fang Xu!"

Just then, Yun Wan's voice sounded, and immediately a graceful figure drifted down from the passageway above.

(End of chapter)