Chapter 158

The next day, Fang Xu rose early, and after bidding farewell to Chu Ren Di at the Hall of Enforcement, he arrived at the mountain-foot villa, taking the old ape with him as they left Mount Huayang.

The old ape's body was now weak, so to spare him suffering, Fang Xu had prepared a carriage for him to stay inside.

He himself drove the carriage personally.

"Uncle Yuan, where would you like to go?" Fang Xu asked.

The old ape thought for a moment and said: "I have lived in the forest since childhood, and later I went with you to the desert; this time I wish to see the sea."

"Good, then let's go see the sea!" Fang Xu laughed, gave the horse reins a sharp tug, and the two horses pulling the carriage sped swiftly eastward.

The two stayed in Zhongzhou City for two days, eating some of Zhongzhou's special delicacies and fine wines before leaving Zhongzhou City.

Along the way, the old ape remained displeased that Fang Xu did not keep him company while drinking.

After leaving Zhongzhou, their second stop was another city, Wucheng.

As the eastern gateway of Zhongzhou, Wucheng's scale was not much smaller than that of the Zhongzhou imperial city, and the entire city's industry was controlled by the three great families.

Seeing this, the three great families finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The three of them are all fifth-stage Martial Sovereigns; if they truly fought, they would not even be a match for one move from the old ape.

"That brat came to Wucheng probably just to play with that old ape."

Attend a banquet?

"Chu brother, Feng brother, that brat Fang Xu has arrived in Wucheng!"

The martial artist, seeing the situation, took out an invitation from his bosom and respectfully handed it over, saying: "I am sent by the patriarch to invite Young Hero Fang Xu and Senior Yuan to the evening banquet at our home."

Perhaps because many of the three great families' members had once pursued Fang Xu, numerous martial artists had seen his portrait; at this time, Fang Xu traveled far with the old ape and did not use any secret art to alter his appearance.

Wucheng Wang Clan.

Feng Dong was slightly startled, then secretly delighted: "Chu brother means that old ape is no good, can't even ride a horse?"

Chu Yangping nodded and said: "I think we three are just too nervous."

That day, Fang Xu was nibbling on candied haws with the old ape while strolling through the streets, when a martial artist approached them, clasped his hands, and asked: "May I inquire if you are the Young Hero Fang Xu of the Ascension Immortal Assembly?"

Upon receiving his answer, Fang Xu said to that martial artist: "Go tell the Chu patriarch that Fang Xu will attend the banquet punctually."

These martial artists, seeing Fang Xu suddenly arrive in Wucheng, feared causing unnecessary misunderstanding, and all reported this information to their respective families.

Chu Yangping pondered for a moment and said: "The message I received is that this brat came accompanied by that old ape."

"What is that brat doing in Wucheng?"

Wang Xiao said nothing, but instead turned to Chu Yangping and asked: "Chu brother, what do you think?"

Fang Xu, accompanied by the old ape, wandered Wucheng for three days, during which he merely ate, drank, and enjoyed himself, with no intention whatsoever of causing them trouble.

Because the patriarchs of the three great families are now all on Fang Xu's list of close friends.

"Elder Wang! Wait for me to finish speaking!" Chu Yangping said: "According to reliable information, that old ape's qi and blood have declined; that day he also fought Lü Shengren and Tuoba Xiong head-on, and should already be utterly exhausted."

Upon hearing this, Wang Xiao was greatly startled.

The old ape beside Fang Xu has been heard of by them.

Therefore, as soon as they entered the city, he was recognized by some martial artists of the three great families.

Fang Xu hesitated for a moment, then nodded: "Exactly so."

"Moreover, I heard from the family martial artists that they are traveling by carriage on this journey."

Chu Chu Yangping?

This fellow invites me to his home for a banquet?

After putting down the invitation, he looked at the old ape and said: "Uncle Yuan, would you like to try the cuisine of Wucheng's three great families?"

Fang Xu hesitated for a moment, opened the invitation, and glanced at it.

Feeling somewhat concerned, Wang Xiao immediately had people summon the Feng clan head Feng Dong and the Chu clan head Chu Yangping.

Play?

Wang Xiao's expression froze.

Feng Dong began to speak.

Wang Xiao was afraid.

"What!?"

The old ape strained to bite off a hawthorn from the candied haw in his hand, then nodded slightly: "That works too."

"What does Elder Wang think that brat came to Wucheng for?"

After receiving the news, the head of the Wang clan, Wang Xiao, slightly changed his expression.

"Is he preparing to act against us?"

"We have heard."

These three great families do have some connections with Fang Xu.

The martial artist clasped his hands and then left.

But everything that followed unfolded exactly as Chu Yangping had anticipated.

It is said that at that time, that old ape fought two opponents alone, matching the Lü clan head Lü Shengren and the Tuoba Xiong of Ji Prefecture in evenly matched combat!

If he were to come here with the old ape now, it is highly likely he has come to settle scores with them!

"We just sent our gifts to the Ascension Immortal Assembly a few days ago, and he openly tore his face apart?" Wang Xiao said anxiously.

Upon seeing each other, Wang Xiao immediately spoke up.

Night fell; in the Chu clan hall, Fang Xu and the old ape sat upright at the wine table, accompanied by Chu Yangping and one of his elderly uncles.

Fang Xu said curiously: "I have heard that the Chu, Feng, and Wang families of Wucheng are on very close terms; why did the Chu patriarch not invite the heads of the Feng and Wang families to the banquet today?"

Chu Yangping's expression froze, a flash of embarrassment crossing his face: "I sent people to deliver the invitations; perhaps the two clan heads are occupied."

Upon hearing this, Fang Xu smiled inwardly, and then did not pursue the matter further.

During the banquet, Chu Yangping, a martial artist of the fifth level of Martial Venerable, kept pulling his uncle, a fourth-level Martial Venerable, to flatter Fang Xu, praising him so much that Fang Xu found it somewhat unbearable.

The banquet ended at the hour of Hai. After leaving the Chu residence, Fang Xu rubbed his stomach and looked around.

The old ape asked curiously: "What are you looking for?"

Fang Xu smiled faintly: "Looking for someone to ask for directions."

The old ape said, puzzled: "Kid, are you drunk? I remember the way back to the inn."

Fang Xu waved his hand: "Uncle Yuan, I'm looking for the Wang and Feng families."

As soon as he finished speaking, two slightly drunk martial artists happened to walk by.

Fang Xu stopped them, and after a few questions, he learned the approximate locations of the Wang and Feng families.

Upon arriving at the Wang family gate with the old ape, the guard outside immediately recognized Fang Xu, feeling a mix of fear and trepidation as he approached and said: "Are you the young hero Fang from the Ascension Immortal Assembly?"

Fang Xu nodded: "Is your family head at home?"

The guard hesitated before speaking: "Yes... he is."

"Go report then. I have something to discuss with him."

Seeing that Fang Xu had no intention of attacking, the guard, whose heart had been stuck in his throat, finally relaxed and hurriedly clasped his hands: "Please wait a moment, Young Hero Fang."

Shortly after, Wang Xiao, the head of the Wang family, hurried out from the courtyard.

Upon seeing Fang Xu, he quickly put on a smile and said: "Young Hero Fang visiting late at night brings glory to my humble abode."

Fang Xu gave a faint smile, then his expression turned cold as he said: "Is the Wang family head still angry about the apology gift I received that day?"

Wang Xiao's expression stiffened, and he quickly replied: "Young Hero Fang is joking. I, Wang Xiao, am certainly not such a petty person!"

"Besides, my Wang family was also deceived at the time and participated in the pursuit of Young Hero Fang, so we should have offered some compensation. Given your magnanimity, Young Hero Fang, why would I hold a grudge?"

Fang Xu nodded and said: "Then today, the Chu family head invited me to a banquet and sent an invitation to the Wang family head. Why didn't the Wang family head attend?"

Wang Xiao was completely bewildered.

"No!"

"I, Wang Xiao, never received the Chu family's invitation!"

"Not received?" Fang Xu frowned slightly, then shook his head: "Could it be that I was drunk? But I clearly heard Chu Yangping say he had someone send the invitation to you..."

"Forget it. Since it's a misunderstanding, I take my leave."

Fang Xu said nothing more and turned to leave the Wang family residence directly.

"Young Hero Fang, come in for a cup of tea!" Wang Xiao shouted loudly, temporarily suppressing his thoughts.

Fang Xu didn't turn his head, waved his hand, and said: "No, I already have an appointment with the Feng family head."

Watching Fang Xu and the old ape disappear around the corner, Wang Xiao's face instantly turned grim.

Upon learning that Fang Xu was visiting Wu City for leisure, he had once suggested that the three families should jointly host a banquet for him, so that even if Fang Xu later changed his mind and sought revenge, the three families might still rely on today's goodwill to plead for mercy.

However, Feng Dong and Chu Yangping both expressed unwillingness to involve themselves with Fang Xu and refused.

But now, one family invited Fang Xu to a meal, while another arranged tea with him!

And I'm the only one left in the dark!

Plus that damned Chu Yangping—why did he say he sent me an invitation when I didn't go?

Is he trying to make Fang Xu hate the Wang family even more?

The more Wang Xiao thought about it, the angrier he became. He returned home resentfully, preparing to wait until tomorrow to confront the two properly.

After leaving the Wang family, Fang Xu and the old ape went straight to the Feng family.

Upon seeing Feng Dong, Fang Xu directly said: "Feng family head, long time no see."

Feng Dong was also startled by Fang Xu's sudden visit, but seeing that Fang Xu had no intention of attacking, he breathed a sigh of relief and smiled: "Why would Young Hero Fang come to my humble abode so late at night?"

Fang Xu smiled and clasped his hands: "I accompanied Uncle Yuan for drinks, passed by this place, felt a bit thirsty, and thought I might come over to ask for a cup of tea."

Upon hearing this, Feng Dong felt secretly pleased and quickly said:

"Of course!"

"Young Hero Fang, Senior Yuan, please come inside!"

After inviting Fang Xu and the old ape in, Feng Dong quickly ordered someone to bring out his cherished fine tea and demonstrated the tea ceremony for both the old ape and Fang Xu.

The three enjoyed the fine tea, quite pleased.

Fang Xu suddenly said: "I've heard that the Chu, Feng, and Wang families of Wu City are on very close terms. Since you have such fine tea, Feng family head, why not send someone to summon the heads of the Chu and Wang families to join us in tasting it?"

Upon hearing this, Feng Dong froze for a moment, then smiled: "Chu Brother and Wang Brother both have the habit of sleeping early. Disturbing them at night would be improper. Do you find this tea gathering rather dull, Young Hero Fang?"

Fang Xu nodded.

Feng Dong's face showed a hint of realization, then he smiled and beckoned a maid, whispering a few words in her ear.

The maid nodded upon hearing it and then walked out.

Shortly after, several beautiful women entered carrying pipas, guzhengs, and other instruments in single file.

Among these beautiful women, a tall, particularly alluring woman stood still, barefoot, wearing an exposed midriff short jacket and a low-waisted, high-split gauze skirt.

Upon seeing this woman, Fang Xu was slightly stunned.

This stunned reaction was not entirely due to her appearance and figure; the reason for his slight hesitation was that he could sense the woman before him was a person from the Feather Mountain State.

Moreover, after practicing the Heaven-Praying Technique, he could instantly tell that for someone with cultivation lower than his own, this woman was on the verge of death.

To be precise, she would not live to see tomorrow's sun.

Feng Dong had been secretly observing Fang Xu's expression. Seeing Fang Xu staring blankly at the woman, he felt a pang of pain in his heart, but was still quite satisfied.

"Begin."

Following his command, these women bowed slightly, then each took their place and began to play music and dance.

The women of the Feather Mountain State are naturally endowed with alluring bones; this woman before us would likely be considered a peerless beauty even in the Feather Mountain State, comparable to Feather Mountain Tianyi.

The dance she is performing now seems to have been specially designed by experts, combining her innate alluring bones and peerless beauty—ordinary people would likely have lost themselves in it long ago.

After the dance ended, Feng Dong waved his hand, signaling the woman to come forward.

"This is Fang Xu, the young hero of the Ascendant Immortal Society—come pay your respects."

The woman bowed slightly, her voice soft and sweet: "I, your servant, pay my respects, Young Hero Fang."

Fang Xu nodded.

Feng Dong smiled and said: "Young Hero Fang may not know, but this woman comes from Yushan State."

"Women of Yushan State are mostly trained from childhood in the arts of pleasing men; this woman was purchased by me at great cost, and she remains intact—I now present her to Young Hero Fang to serve you—what do you think?"

Fang Xu said nothing, merely casting a quiet glance at the woman.

From her eyes, he saw a trace of pleading.

"What is your name?"

The woman bowed slightly: "I have no name; please, Young Hero Fang, bestow one upon me."

Hearing this, a fleeting hint of gloom passed through Feng Dong's eyes.

Fang Xu glanced at him, then turned to the woman and said:

"A single crimson branch, dew condensing fragrance—clouds and rain of Wushan, vainly breaking the heart."

"From today on, you shall be called Ningxiang."

A hint of joy appeared on the woman's face; she bowed slightly: "Ningxiang thanks Young Hero Fang for bestowing my name."

"Call me Young Master." Fang Xu spoke.

"Yes, Young Master." Ningxiang stood silently to the side.

Opposite them, Feng Dong watched as the exquisite beauty he had bought at great price—yet to be enjoyed—was now so obediently trained by Fang Xu, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of resentment.

But thinking that Fang Xu had accepted Ningxiang, at least signifying he had completely let go of the past pursuit, Feng Dong still felt it was worthwhile.

"Come, Young Hero Fang, Senior Ape—have some tea!" Feng Dong said, trying not to look at Ningxiang, raising his teacup.

After the three had drunk some tea, Feng Dong casually said:

"Where did Young Hero Fang drink today?"

Upon hearing this, Fang Xu suddenly gave an embarrassed smile, did not answer, and casually let Ningxiang refill his tea.

Seeing this, Feng Dong felt a flicker of doubt in his heart.

This street is where our three great clans reside; to display status and seek tranquility, there are no wine shops or such nearby.

If Fang Xu and the Old Ape truly passed through here, it is highly likely they drank at the Chu or Wang residences!

Earlier, Wang Xiao had proposed to entertain Fang Xu, but I and Chu Yangping refused.

It seems highly likely that Wang Xiao secretly entertained Fang Xu behind our backs!

You damn Wang Xiao!

Feng Dong already had a plan in mind—tomorrow he will surely drag Chu Yangping to settle accounts with Wang Xiao!

After drinking tea until the end of the Hai hour, Fang Xu then took Ningxiang and left the Feng household.

Returning to his lodgings, the Old Ape glanced at Ningxiang beside him, then at Fang Xu, and chuckled strangely:

"I'll open another room for you, kid—I've been sleeping very deeply lately."

Having said that, he left the room.

Ningxiang's face flushed slightly; she lowered her head, clutching the corner of her garment.

Though she had trained since childhood in the arts of pleasing men, this was still her first time serving a man, and she felt somewhat inhibited.

Fang Xu glanced at her, seeing that the deathly aura gathering above her head had somewhat dissipated, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

It seems that if I do not take Ningxiang out of the Feng household, she will surely die tonight.

"I give you two choices."

Fang Xu said calmly.

Ningxiang was pondering how to act next to please Fang Xu and make him more comfortable when she suddenly heard this and was somewhat startled.

"Young... Young Master, please command."

Fang Xu said: "First, I will give you some money and valuables—you may make your own way in life."

"Second, you may follow me, but if danger arises and I am unable to attend to you, you may die at any moment."

Upon hearing this, Ningxiang's expression froze, then she bowed and said: "Ningxiang wishes to follow Young Master."

Fang Xu was somewhat curious: "Why?"

Ningxiang's expression darkened somewhat: "Young Master does not know— as a person of Yushan State, we are regarded as exquisite playthings in the eyes of Yu State men; they send martial artists to capture us, hire trainers to shape us, and then..."

"... either keep us for themselves, or sell us at a high price, give us away..."

"If I leave Young Master, I will surely be captured again sooner or later; better to follow you and see the world—thus, even if I die, I will have no regrets."

Hearing her explanation, Fang Xu nodded and said: "You are now a martial artist; later I will give you some resources—cultivate diligently on the journey, so that if danger comes, you will have an added measure of self-protection."

For this journey, the major clans of Yu State currently pose no threat, but the Hidden Divine Sect lurking in the shadows may strike at any time.

The Old Ape has little combat strength; I can rely on no one but myself.

"Thank you, Young Master!" Ningxiang quickly bowed.

Those Yu State martial artists who capture them only seek to make them more obedient—there is no possibility of allowing them to cultivate the martial way.

Fang Xu actually intends to give me resources and let me cultivate martial arts—Ningxiang is naturally overjoyed.

"Enough—you may wait beside me tonight."

Having said that, he sat cross-legged on the bed and began cultivating.

Since returning to Fenglin Town and seeing the Wang clan again recently, Fang Xu has realized a problem.

He is now a martial artist, having absorbed a vast inheritance, with his life attribute raised to as high as 459, and consequently, his lifespan far exceeds that of ordinary martial masters.

In such a long life, women like the Wang clan will turn to red-powder skeletons in less than a hundred years.

He was not the kind of person who could easily abandon a woman he had been involved with.

For now, he simply avoided touching Ningxiang.

If she showed some talent in martial cultivation later on, he might consider it.

Ningxiang did not know what Fang Xu was thinking this time; she only thought she would not cause trouble, which made Fang Xu lose interest, leaving her somewhat uneasy.

That night, Ningxiang stayed by his side, quietly waiting for his summons at any moment.

But in the end, she could not hold back and fell asleep, while Fang Xu continued his cultivation, still not waking up.

Early the next morning, Old Yuan knocked on the door; Fang Xu opened his eyes, saw Ningxiang leaning against the desk asleep beside him, and he opened the door himself.

Old Yuan walked in, curiously glanced at Ningxiang beside him, and said: "Kid, didn't you make a move last night?"

Fang Xu shook his head.

Old Yuan asked again: "Then what do you plan to do?"

"Keep this little girl with you, or let her go?"

Before Fang Xu could answer, the sleeping Ningxiang slowly woke up, opened her eyes, saw Fang Xu and Old Yuan standing before her, felt a little flustered, stood up, and softly said: "Young master, Ningxiang will go fetch you some water right away."

Seeing this, Old Yuan gave an embarrassed smile and also spoke.

When the sun was high, the three left the inn, found a fine clothing shop in the city, and Fang Xu bought Ningxiang a few decent sets of clothes, feeling it was not quite proper for her to keep wearing the dancer's outfit.

After changing clothes, Ningxiang looked less alluring and more noble.

After buying the clothes, Fang Xu went to the horse market and bought a good horse; he rode it himself, while Ningxiang was in charge of driving the carriage, and the three left Wucheng, continuing eastward.

In Wucheng, the heads of the Chu, Feng, and Wang families gathered again after Fang Xu's departure.

But this time, each had their own thoughts; after questioning each other, they parted on bad terms, and all bore grudges.

From this moment on, the peaceful coexistence of the three great families of Wucheng became a thing of the past.

Fang Xu did not bother to manage these matters; his actions the previous night were merely a casual move, and if it could cause the three great families of Wucheng to fall into chaos on their own, wearing each other down, that would be ideal.

Canghai City.

After leaving Wucheng, the three did not stop along the way but went straight to Canghai City.

This was Fang Xu's second visit to this city; after finding an inn to stay in, he directly went to the dock to inquire.

He wanted to take Old Yuan to see the sea, and going to Fusang State seemed like a good choice, and he could also pay a visit to Gong Wuanrong along the way.

After strolling around the dock, Fang Xu found that recently no ships were willing to go out to sea; from fishermen and sailors he learned that even the Liang family of Canghai City, who owned treasure ships and had a Martial Venerable in charge, had no plans to go to the deep sea.

It was said that all this had something to do with something happening in the deep sea.

Fang Xu inquired widely and finally learned some clues from martial artists who had just gone to sea a short while ago.

According to several martial artists, during this period, sea beasts in the deep sea had gathered in large numbers near the deep sea off Yugu State's coastline, and even sea monsters, rarely seen before, had appeared in considerable numbers.

These sea beasts had blocked nearly all sea routes from Yugu State to Fusang State; unless one could fly there by air, no ship could safely reach Fusang State.

Upon hearing this, Fang Xu felt some curiosity.

Previously, the sea beasts' frenzy was caused by the Yanshen Sect's outpost in Fusang State poisoning the sea and massively capturing sea beasts for sacrifice.

But the Yanshen Sect of Fusang State had already been destroyed by him and Gong Wuanrong and others; logically, there should be nothing left to cause the sea beasts to go berserk.

Unless...

Suddenly, a mysterious and terrifying colossal object appeared in Fang Xu's mind!

The Xianke Stone Boat!

That was the forbidden stone boat he had encountered by chance in the sea with the Changlong.

But according to Changlong, the Xianke Stone Boat is a taboo in the deep sea; where it appears, sea beasts should not dare to approach.

Curious, Fang Xu bought a small boat from a fisherman and then rowed alone into the shallow sea.

"Changlong!"

Letting the small boat drift on the sea surface, Fang Xu shouted loudly in a deep voice.

He did not know whether Changlong was still in this sea area, but since this area could attract large numbers of sea beasts and sea monsters, Changlong should also be nearby.

As expected, after a moment, the distant sea surface saw a swift current rapidly approach the small boat.

Splash!

A huge head broke the water surface!

"Fang Xu!"

Changlong's voice had undergone some subtle changes; last time they met, it sounded like a child just learning to speak, but now it sounded somewhat mature.

The huge head came close to Fang Xu, and Changlong rubbed against him affectionately.

Seeing that the two bumps on Changlong's head had now grown into two tender horns, Fang Xu exclaimed in surprise: "Changlong, your horns have grown out?"

Changlong proudly raised its head, swaying its head left and right before Fang Xu, as if showing off the horns on its head.

"Recently, a mysterious energy has suddenly appeared in this sea area; after absorbing this energy, many sea beasts have shown a tendency to evolve into monsters."

"I, too, after absorbing that energy, have rapidly grown the horns on my head."

Changlong said excitedly.

Mysterious energy, capable of promoting sea beasts to evolve into monsters?

Fang Xu felt somewhat incredulous.

Changlong could awaken intelligence and transform into a monster because, back then, he had comprehended the star chart in the sea, and the Dao resonance emanating from his body had influenced him.

As for this energy that can promote sea beasts to transform into monsters...

Fang Xu pondered in his heart, and suddenly a guess flashed through his mind; he looked excitedly at Changlong and asked: "Do you know where this energy comes from?"

Changlong shook its head and said: "I don't know."

"The Xianke Stone Boat has not left yet; our sea beasts dare not approach it, only drifting around nearby; if lucky, we might occasionally catch a trace of that mysterious energy."

"Fang Xu, I have recently made many sea monster friends."

"Turn around and I'll introduce you."

Fang Xu nodded, then said: "I want to go to Fushan Kingdom. Can you take me there?"

"No problem." The Long Dragon spoke directly.

The fishermen of Canghai City dared not go to sea, all because the sea beasts in the ocean were causing too much trouble; as a sea demon, the Long Dragon bringing himself and the Old Ape out to sea should be no problem.

"Alright, I'll go pick up the person, then come back to find you later."

After bidding farewell to the Long Dragon, Fang Xu returned to the inn, brought the Old Ape and Ningxiang to the dock, and then the three of them rowed a small boat toward the shallow sea.

"Young master, are we supposed to row this small boat out to sea?"

As a person of Yushan Kingdom, the sea gave Ningxiang a unique sense of familiarity.

"You'll find out soon."

After rowing the small boat into the shallow sea, Fang Xu shouted again.

"Long Dragon!"

On the small boat, the Old Ape and Ningxiang were both a little curious, wondering what Fang Xu was shouting about on this empty sea surface.

Who is the Long Dragon?

In their confusion, the Long Dragon's huge head suddenly burst out of the sea surface!

The Old Ape and Ningxiang were instantly frightened to their feet, staring at the Long Dragon's huge and ferocious head, their faces very solemn.

"Uncle Yuan, don't be afraid, this is the Long Dragon, a sea demon friend I know."

Gently stroking the Long Dragon's head, Fang Xu comforted him.

Sea demon?

The Old Ape quietly stared at the Long Dragon before him, unable to help but recall the black flood dragon in the Tai Lan Mountain River.

"This little guy looks very much like the black flood dragon when it was young."

Black flood dragon?

Hearing him mention the black flood dragon, Fang Xu suddenly thought of himself and Gu Qiu when they first met Yushan Tianyi in Beicang City.

At that time, Yushan Tianyi had been transformed by the Yanshen Sect into a so-called "Great Lord," and her lower body seemed to be that of a black flood dragon.

Combining the fact that the giant turtle in the great river had only discovered the black flood dragon's skull, the killer of the black flood dragon is very likely someone from the Yanshen Sect!

Thinking of this, his expression became somewhat solemn.

The Old Ape had once said that the black flood dragon's strength had already reached the verge of transforming into a dragon, and in terms of combat power, it was estimated to be no weaker than Jiang Feng at the half-step Yuanwu realm.

Such a powerful black flood dragon was easily slain, its body taken away.

Just how terrifying must the strength of the one who struck be?

Could it be that the Yanshen Sect still has a Yuanwu realm expert?!

"Fang Xu?" The Long Dragon curiously stretched his head toward Fang Xu and shouted.

Fang Xu came to his senses, seeing the Long Dragon curiously eyeing the Old Ape, and quickly introduced: "This is Uncle Yuan, a member of the Earth Sha Magic Ape clan on land."

"This is Ningxiang."

The Long Dragon nodded, then said: "Are we going to Fushan Kingdom now?"

He seemed quite curious about the Old Ape, and while speaking, his big eyes would occasionally stare at the Old Ape.

"Yes, let's go now." Fang Xu said.

Upon hearing this, the Long Dragon immediately lowered his body slightly, then said: "Then you all come up."

Fang Xu brought the Old Ape and Ningxiang onto the Long Dragon's back, then turned and stored that small fishing boat into his Qiankun bag.

"Hold on tight, we're setting off!"

The Long Dragon let out a joyful cry, then shot straight forward.

On the back, the Old Ape curiously looked at Fang Xu and said: "Kid, you're quite impressive, even making friends with a sea demon."

Fang Xu laughed and scratched his head.

My luck really does seem to be quite good— in the depths of Tai Lan Mountain, in what seemed like a hopeless situation, I met the Old Ape; last time I went to sea, the treasure ship was destroyed, nearly another hopeless situation, and I met the Long Dragon.

The Old Ape slowly rose from the Long Dragon's back, his somewhat hunched body carrying his hands behind his back, quietly gazing into the distance.

The golden crow slanted westward, the distant vast sea surface sparkling with golden light.

For the Old Ape seeing the sea for the first time, this scene was truly miraculous beyond compare.

A hint of relief appeared on the Old Ape's face, the corners of his mouth slightly lifting.

Born in the great forest of Tai Lan Mountain, following Fang Xu out of the forest, he saw the boundless desert, experienced the mysterious and strange Death Sand Sea, tasted the fine wines and delicacies of the human world, saw the extremely prosperous Zhongzhou Imperial City, and now, having personally arrived at the sea, standing on the back of a sea demon, roaming the vast ocean.

At this moment, the Old Ape's heart, which had been waiting to die, suddenly underwent some strange changes.

This world is still so big; he suddenly really, really wants to go see those landscapes he has never seen before.

But...

Feeling his qi and blood already exhausted within, the Old Ape knows he has no chance left.

"Fang Xu, it's mysterious energy!"

The Long Dragon, who was rapidly moving forward, suddenly shouted loudly, interrupting the Old Ape's thoughts.

Mysterious energy?

Hearing this, Fang Xu quickly looked toward the distance.

"That is..."

At this moment, the Old Ape also noticed a strange green liquid suddenly appearing on the distant sea surface, his eyes flashing with shock.

"Hold on tight!"

The Long Dragon shouted, his body suddenly accelerating, charging straight toward that continuously drifting green liquid in the seawater!

This sea area had gathered many sea beasts and sea demons; at this moment, the green liquid suddenly appeared, and not only the Long Dragon discovered it, but other sea beasts also swarmed over to charge toward it!

The old ape's gaze was fixed tightly on that mass of green liquid, his expression somewhat complex.

"Chang Long, I'm coming to help you!"

Fang Xu quickly arrived at Chang Long's head, a flash of light in his hand, and a black short spear appeared!

This short spear was a one-time treasure he had made in Liangzhou City, originally intended to compensate for his lack of ranged attack before breaking through to the Warrior realm, and he had hardly used it since, keeping it always in his Qiankun bag.

Now a large number of sea beasts had discovered that green liquid and were swimming toward it in a swarm.

Chang Long had Fang Xu and the others on his back, so he dared not charge at full speed, fearing he would throw them off, thus falling behind several of the sea beasts.

Seeing this, Fang Xu directly hurled the short spear in his hand, accurately striking the head of a huge strange fish!

The strange fish felt the pain, and its speed immediately dropped!

Fang Xu then took out another short spear and hurled it fiercely at a sea beast that had surpassed Chang Long!

In this way, several sea beasts that had already approached the green liquid were dealt with by Fang Xu!

Chang Long instantly surged forward, opened his huge mouth, and swallowed that green liquid in one gulp!

The other sea beasts, seeing Chang Long swallow the green liquid, had originally planned to attack him, but upon sensing the terrifying aura on Chang Long's body, they instantly abandoned the idea and scattered in all directions.

At the moment Chang Long swallowed the green liquid, Fang Xu, who was on his body, could instantly feel a surge of extremely mysterious energy rushing toward Chang Long's body!

This energy carried terrifying vitality and appeared extremely pure.

"Yuan..."

Fang Xu was about to turn and ask the old ape, but then noticed the old ape's expression.

Longing, yearning, and a hint of urgency...

Seeing the old ape's complex expression, Fang Xu's unspoken question was largely answered in his heart.

Purification Pool...

The green liquid swallowed by Chang Long is very likely the water from the Purification Pool.

Only then would the old ape's face show such an expression.

Fang Xu, secretly delighted, immediately made a silent resolve: he must find this Purification Pool!

"Chang Long, first take us to Fusang State." Fang Xu spoke, and Chang Long hesitated not, directly rushing toward the direction of Fusang State.

Fusang State Ascension Assembly branch.

After Fang Xu arrived, he did not say much to Gong Wanrong, directly handing over Ningxiang to her for temporary care, then took the old ape and returned to the sea.

On Chang Long's back, the old ape looked curiously at Fang Xu and said: "Kid, what are you secretly preparing to do?"

Fang Xu smiled without speaking, only telling Chang Long to go find the Immortal Carved Stone Boat.

Although Chang Long was somewhat reluctant, he still brought Fang Xu toward the direction of the Immortal Carved Stone Boat.

In the vast ocean.

"Fang Xu, we cannot go further ahead, I am afraid."

The aura of the Immortal Carved Stone Boat, to the fierce beasts in the sea, carries a soul-shaking dread from the depths of the spirit, so they dare not approach at all.

Seeing this, Fang Xu nodded and said: "You and Uncle Yuan wait here for me, I'll go and come back quickly."

After saying that, he dove headfirst into the sea.

On the sea surface, watching Fang Xu disappear into the vast ocean, the old ape vaguely guessed that Fang Xu should have realized that green liquid was the Purification Pool.

"This kid, still too clever..."

The old ape's face bore a complex expression, with anticipation, relief, and worry.

The reason for anticipation is that he has seen the Purification Pool and understands its heaven-defying nature.

The Purification Pool that Jiang Feng took him to was a already damaged blue Purification Pool; due to the damage, the blue liquid inside was nearly dried up, leaving only some murky residue, and it was only after Jiang Feng added some herbs and introduced some mountain spring water that he could barely soak in it.

Even such a Purification Pool was forcibly taken by Jiang Feng from the hands of two great demons.

Now the liquid in this Purification Pool is green, appearing to be of a higher grade than the one he had seen before.

If he could find it, he would not only hope to recover, but possibly even advance further.

But the old ape also clearly knows that the ferocious beasts in the sea are far more numerous and terrifying than those on land!

Even just a trace of green liquid leaking from the Purification Pool can attract a large number of sea beasts to fight over it; if one were to find the true Purification Pool, what then?

It is likely that the sea demons and sea beasts that have lived for hundreds or thousands of years in the sea would all go mad!

"Is Uncle Yuan worried about Fang Xu?"

Chang Long lay silently on the water surface, sensing the old ape's emotional fluctuations, and spoke slowly.

The old ape let out a slight sigh and said: "The sea is still too dangerous."

After speaking, he slowly stood up and looked toward the surrounding sea surface, saying: "Chang Long, if later other sea demons come, you can directly throw me into the sea, and you must go help Fang Xu."

"When necessary, take him away, don't bother with me."

Chang Long, somewhat puzzled, turned his body to look at the old ape and said: "Uncle Yuan, I can sense Fang Xu's reliance on you; if this is the case, he might never forgive himself for a lifetime."

The old ape laughed: "I am about to die, I have only a few months left to live, his road is still long..."

Chang Long did not respond, and after a long while—

"Uncle Yuan, rest assured, few sea demons dare to approach this sea area."

The old ape doubted: "Because of that Immortal Carved Stone Boat?"

Chang Long nodded: "The Immortal Carved Stone Boat is a taboo in the deep sea; although we do not know what is terrifying about it, that soul-deep pressure is certainly not wrong."

"For demons like me who have opened wisdom, although we can briefly withstand the fear from the depths of the soul and approach, we cannot sustain it for long."

"As for those sea beasts that have not opened wisdom, they dare not approach at all."

Deep sea, after Fang Xu jumped into the seawater, he simply distinguished the direction, then directly swam forward.

Soon, in the misty seawater, he saw the outline of the Immortal Carved Stone Boat.

The surrounding sea was very quiet, so quiet that not even a small fish or shrimp could be seen.

This situation undoubtedly indicates that there must be something on the Immortal Carved Stone Boat that marine creatures greatly fear.

Carefully approaching the Immortal Carved Stone Boat, Fang Xu finally saw the patterns on the stone boat again and roughly made out its full appearance.

The stone boat is very large, much larger than the Liang family treasure boat he once referred to when traveling to Fusang State.

Its entire body is made of a very strange material; viewed through seawater, it looks ash-gray, as if truly made of the most common granite.

But Fang Xu knows this material is absolutely not ordinary granite, after all, if it were made of granite, placed in the deep sea, this stone boat would have long been crushed.

Moreover, the Immortal Carved Stone Boat has been soaking in seawater for who knows how long, yet not a trace of moss appears on it.

After simply circling the stone boat, Fang Xu estimates its total length must exceed three hundred zhang!

In kilometers, its length far surpasses that of the longest aircraft carrier from his previous life.

Dong!

Just as Fang Xu was carefully examining the Immortal Carved Stone Boat before him, a low, strange sound suddenly came from inside the stone boat!

The next moment, Fang Xu saw a stream of green liquid slowly drifting out from inside the stone boat!

This stream of green liquid is even more than the one previously devoured by the long dragon; after flying out of the stone boat, it slowly drifts toward the sea surface.

As the green liquid rises, the water pressure gradually decreases, and that liquid splits into three, becoming three portions.

Roar!

Plop!

Plop!

…

The three streams of green liquid drift toward the distance; not long after, Fang Xu, deep in the sea, feels terrifying auras rapidly approaching from afar, as numerous sea beasts fight madly over the three streams of green liquid!

Fang Xu even feels several existences more terrifying than Jiang Feng among these fighting sea beasts!

He simply hides quietly beside the Immortal Carved Stone Boat, daring not to act rashly.

Sea beasts and sea demons dare not approach the Immortal Carved Stone Boat; hiding beside it ensures one's safety.

When the chaos above gradually subsides, Fang Xu then moves closer to the Immortal Carved Stone Boat.

Until he carefully reaches the edge of the stone boat, even grabbing its mast, he still finds no danger inside the stone boat.

Making up his mind, Fang Xu immediately slips into a hole on the stone boat.

Gu!

At the moment his body enters the hole, a huge bubble bursts out from the opening; the next moment, Fang Xu falls straight down!

He is the one who fell down!

Inside the Immortal Carved Stone Boat, there is not even a trace of seawater; the interior is extremely clean, completely unlike something that has soaked in seawater for countless ages.

Slowly climbing to his feet, Fang Xu directly takes out the bronze broken sword.

The strange long staff has already taken root in the acupoint space, becoming a small sapling, truly unusable as a weapon.

Carefully guarding his surroundings, Fang Xu observes the walls and floor covered in complex patterns.

The entire stone boat interior is empty, even lacking simple tables and chairs, looking like a giant coffin.

Fang Xu feels puzzled: could a great being capable of crafting such a thing as the stone boat possibly lack even the most basic desires?

By common sense, if an ordinary person were to make a vehicle, even if low-key, they would at least do some simple decoration, adding tables and chairs and such.

Yet none of these exist inside the stone boat.

Continuing forward, Fang Xu steps over a stone gate, and before him appear two forked paths.

Inside one forked path, a strange energy faintly emanates; Fang Xu carefully senses it and finds this strange energy similar to what he felt on the long dragon before.

Full of vitality, it makes one feel very comfortable.

He quickly walks toward the passage ahead.

After walking a short distance along the passage, a downward staircase appears at the end.

Feeling the energy's aura grow stronger, Fang Xu hesitates not, directly walking down the stone steps.

Slowly descending the stone steps, seeing the scene before him, Fang Xu is utterly dazed!

At the lowest level of the nearly kilometer-long stone boat, a strange pool one meter square appears in the center, its surroundings carved with countless dense patterns, dazzling to the eye!

And in the middle of this strange pool, a viscous green liquid emitting endless vitality lies like a green gemstone embedded in the pool bottom!

Purification Pool!

The Immortal Carved Stone Boat actually contains a Purification Pool!

Fang Xu carefully approaches the pool's edge, gazing at the viscous liquid half a meter deep inside, his whole person dazed!

Previously on the sea surface, the green liquid he helped the long dragon seize was at most a wine cup's worth.

Just that amount could make sea beasts and sea demons in the ocean risk their lives to fight and seize it.

But before him is an entire pool of green liquid!

Suppressing the shock in his heart, Fang Xu suddenly frowns.

According to Old Yuan, the Purification Pool should not be born of heaven and earth, should it?

How then does this Purification Pool appear inside the Immortal Carved Stone Boat?

Observing the complex patterns inside the Purification Pool, Fang Xu suddenly has a terrifying thought!

This Purification Pool is man-made!

Moreover, the entire Immortal Carved Stone Boat was likely built for this Purification Pool!

The complex patterns covering the entire Immortal Carved Stone Boat are very likely part of the Purification Pool.

With this speculation in mind, Fang Xu cannot help but feel a chill!

Just how powerful is the owner of this Immortal Carved Stone Boat, able to painstakingly create something comparable to what heaven and earth produce!

If such a mighty being could leave behind even one ten-thousandth of their inheritance, it would likely be enough to dominate the current martial world.

Fang Xu frantically searched inside the stone boat.

But what disappointed him was that, aside from this pool of green liquid, the entire Immortal Carved Stone Boat seemed to have nothing else useful.

Even the stones on the stone boat—after multiple attempts, Fang Xu discovered he couldn't chip off even a thread.

Too hard!

After futile efforts, he could only take out all the wine jars from his Qiankun bag, pour out all the wine, and then use the jars to scoop over a dozen jars of green energy.

The green liquid in the pool was nearly scraped clean; only then was Fang Xu satisfied as he stored each wine jar into his Qiankun bag. After wandering a few more times inside the Immortal Carved Stone Boat and finding nothing else to take, he immediately left and swam upward.

On the sea surface, nearly an hour had passed since Fang Xu dove down, and the sky gradually darkened.

The old monkey could no longer sit still and immediately said: "Long Dragon, do you want to go down and check?"

The Immortal Carved Stone Boat had just released three streams of green liquid, triggering a massive scramble among sea beasts. Long Dragon feared the old monkey might get hurt, so he didn't stay put but instead led him away from that sea area first.

Now returning, they found many sea beast corpses on the sea surface.

Obviously, these sea beasts all died in the earlier battle.

Long Dragon hesitated a little—the deterrent power brought by the Immortal Carved Stone Boat was too strong; he dared not get closer.

As they were in a stalemate, a head suddenly popped out of the water ahead.

"Fang Xu!"

Seeing this, Long Dragon quickly swam over!

Fang Xu climbed onto Long Dragon's back and wiped the seawater off his face.

"No danger?" the old monkey asked anxiously.

Fang Xu shook his head: "Nothing..."

Just as his words fell, a heart-pounding sensation suddenly surged in his chest!

Fang Xu's face changed dramatically!

After cultivating the Qitian Technique, this was the first time he had felt this sensation.

This feeling... as if he would die in the next moment!

"Long Dragon!"

"Run! Hurry!"

Beneath him, Long Dragon didn't understand, but he could sense Fang Xu's tension and fear, so without another word, his body instantly transformed into a fleeing arrow and shot off into the distance!

At this moment, Fang Xu's forehead was already beaded with dense sweat, his face full of fear!

Under the Qitian Technique's perception, he felt an extremely terrifying killing intent enveloping all three of them!

Under this killing intent, Fang Xu felt as insignificant as an ant, with not even a sliver of chance to resist!

Long Dragon could sense Fang Xu's inner fear and trembling body, and inexplicably, a terrifying aura welled up in his heart, causing his speed to surge again!

"The coast!"

"To the coastline!"

Fang Xu shouted anxiously; Long Dragon immediately turned and swam toward the coastline.

"Charge straight up!"

Although they had reached shallow waters and the terrifying killing intent had weakened somewhat, Fang Xu still felt uneasy.

Long Dragon also had no hesitation, directly charging both of them toward the beach ahead!

But before he could reach the beach, a terrifying surge suddenly erupted from the deep sea behind them!

This surge spread rapidly; wherever it passed, whether sea beasts or powerful sea demons, they had no chance to react and were instantly shattered into blood water!

The terrifying surge spread outward; by now, Long Dragon, who was nearly at the beach, was struck by a weakened version of the surge—unknown how many times weaker—and his hard scales cracked inch by inch!

The flesh on his tail also melted at a visible speed, revealing stark white bones!

Long Dragon winced in pain, yet he still violently twisted his body, flinging the old monkey and Fang Xu onto the shore!

The residual waves of the terrifying surge continued to ravage his body—nearly ninety percent of his scales were shattered, and large amounts of blood stained the surrounding seawater red!

Seeing this, Fang Xu flickered and instantly appeared above Long Dragon's head!

Next, he unleashed the Three Transformations of the Magic Monkey, transforming his hand into that of a giant magic monkey, he directly wrapped both arms around Long Dragon's body, lifted him up, and then activated the Kui Ox Transformation!

A flash of black mist beneath his feet, the Dragon Scale Shield served as a fulcrum, directly hauling Long Dragon out of the seawater and bringing him to the beach ahead.

At this moment, every scale on Long Dragon's body was shattered, his flesh and internal organs also severely injured.

"Long Dragon!"

Fang Xu withdrew his divine ability and came before Long Dragon.

Long Dragon's remaining eye strained to focus, looking toward Fang Xu as if wanting to say something, but when he opened his mouth, a large amount of blood gushed out, rendering him unable to speak.

His massive head struggled to move, rubbing against Fang Xu a few times, and from that giant eye, a single tear flowed.

"Fang... Fang Xu, I... I... am I... going to die?"

After struggling for a long time, he finally managed to speak.

Fang Xu quickly shook his hand, a flash of light appeared, and he directly took out a large wine jar.

(End of Chapter)