Chapter 142: The Death Trap Targeted at Yan Taibai

"Then, Master, could it be that he himself is a Great Cultivator of Nascent Soul Late Stage, or at the very least a Nascent Soul Mid-Stage Peak cultivator, and is merely intentionally hiding his cultivation realm?"

The beautiful woman thought of another possibility.

"After all, according to the words of True Master Shi of Red Moon Island, he killed the Liu Guai by his own strength; this level of power is absolutely not something an ordinary Golden Core Stage Cultivator can compare to."

"This..."

After hearing the speculation of the beautiful woman in his arms, Man Huzi frowned and began to ponder.

Clearly, this possibility also existed; if Yan Taibai himself were a Great Cultivator of Nascent Soul Late Stage, wouldn't his promise to Wen to kill him be seeking his own death?

Although he was known as the number one person under Liudao Jisheng, at the Nascent Soul Mid-Stage Peak realm, he was even more aware of just how vast the gap was compared to a Great Cultivator of Nascent Soul Late Stage.

For a Great Cultivator of Nascent Soul Late Stage, it was not impossible to take his life.

"Moreover, this disciple feels that the Young Master Wen of Shengmo Island should also have some suspicions, which is why he asked Master to take action, and not merely to ensure everything is foolproof by drawing out the Great Cultivator of Nascent Soul Late Stage behind that Fellow Daoist Yan. Because within the entire Demonic Path of the Chaotic Star Sea, only Master has the confidence to escape from a Great Cultivator of Nascent Soul Late Stage. If he cannot escape, he can take the opportunity to eliminate Master, this great threat, and push all the blame onto Master, leaving no evidence behind. After all, Master's 'Heaven-Supporting Demonic Art' does not fear soul-searching."

The beautiful woman voiced the speculation in her heart again; Man Huzi could be said to be her greatest reliance, and naturally, she did not wish for anything to happen to him.

"What you say is indeed possible. However, since I have already agreed, if I were to go back on my word, it would be offending Liudao Jisheng. This is only your speculation after all; even if it were true, it would not be difficult for me to retreat unscathed."

After thinking it over repeatedly, Man Huzi still shook his head and said.

"As long as Master has this confidence, then this disciple can rest easy."

Seeing Man Huzi say this, the beautiful woman did not say anything more.

After all, she knew Man Huzi's personality too well; it was truly too difficult to change something he had decided.

In any case, since Man Huzi had already said he had the confidence to retreat unscathed, she naturally could not say anything more; if she were to continue, wouldn't that be looking down on Man Huzi? And how would that be any different from seeking death?

Therefore, she chose to keep her mouth shut.

In a side hall of the Hongyun Chamber of Commerce, Yan Taibai met the master of Red Moon Fairy, Mingyue Xianzi.

She was a Demonic Path cultivator herself and possessed a dark-attribute Spirit Root, which was even rarer than a Heavenly Spirit Root. Although she was a Nascent Soul Early Stage cultivator, by relying on her techniques and divine abilities, even Nascent Soul Mid-Stage cultivators were wary of her by three points; she was one of the three great outer sect elders of the Hongyun Chamber of Commerce.

Furthermore, her beauty was not a whit inferior to Zhou Yuan, but it was a cold and elegant beauty, like an ice-mountain snow lotus that could only be viewed from afar and not profaned!

"The Holy Master asked me to tell you to be careful of the people from Shengmo Island; they are highly likely to make a move against you. This is to draw out the Great Cultivator of Nascent Soul Late Stage behind you. Therefore, this palace wishes to ask you, is there truly a Great Cultivator of Nascent Soul Late Stage behind you? If not, this palace can take the risk to send you back to Heavenly Star City."

Mingyue Xianzi's voice was cold and aloof; while it made one feel uncomfortable, it also carried a strange allure, which could be called uniquely charming.

"Senior need not probe; if they wish to kill me, let the Righteous and Demonic Paths make their move."

The smile on Yan Taibai's face did not fade, but it turned cold.

"This time it is Shengmo Island; the Righteous Path has not made any moves."

Mingyue Xianzi parted her lips slightly and reminded him.

"No moves? Are they planning to sit back and reap the benefits?"

Yan Taibai said thoughtfully.

"It is the handiwork of that Young Master Wen of Shengmo Island; of course, there is also the tacit approval of Liudao Jisheng."

Mingyue Xianzi continued to explain.

"So that's how it is. It seems this Young Master Wen of Shengmo Island does not want to live anymore!"

Upon hearing this, the chill on Yan Taibai's face deepened, and killing intent surged in his eyes.

"That will depend on your own ability. Killing this Young Master Wen is not a simple matter; he has at least two Nascent Soul cultivators by his side, and this time it seems he has even invited Man Huzi, the number one person under the Demonic Path's Liudao Jisheng."

"Presumably, you have heard of the fierce reputation of this Man Huzi."

Mingyue Xianzi uttered another name that caused the Red Moon Fairy standing to the side to change color.

"Man Huzi, I have naturally heard of him. However, it is truly surprising that he would agree to the invitation of that Young Master Wen. But even if Liudao Jisheng came in person, it would be nothing; my martial uncle will naturally handle everything. Senior may rest assured."

Yan Taibai said in an exceptionally calm tone.

He seemed not to take this matter to heart, but Red Moon Fairy could hear that Yan Taibai was still wary.

In fact, this was indeed the case; Yan Taibai had not expected Man Huzi to wade into these muddy waters.

However, upon careful thought, it was normal; under Liudao Jisheng, the only one capable of contending with a Great Cultivator of Nascent Soul Late Stage was Man Huzi.

Having him take the lead to probe was perfect; whether it was the Star Palace, Shengmo Island, the Wanfa Sect, or even the Four Great Merchant Alliances, they all wanted to know if there was truly a Great Cultivator of Nascent Soul Late Stage behind Yan Taibai.

If there was, why had there been no trace of them until now?

If there was not, how was the phenomenon from back then achieved?

This matter had to be clarified; a Great Cultivator of Nascent Soul Late Stage had too great an impact on the upcoming events in the Inner Star Sea, to the point where it could almost change the entire war situation.

Therefore, Yan Taibai would be in great danger later; one careless move and he could "lose his life."

Of course, for Yan Taibai, he could leave whenever he wanted, so it wouldn't reach the point of losing his life, but the Miaoyin Sect would inevitably suffer.

This was also the reason why Yan Taibai had not accepted Ziling Xianzi, along with Zhuo Ruting and Fan Jingmei.

He did not want to be too deeply involved; even if Yan Taibai considered that he did not owe them anything, once he accepted them, the consequences would be unpredictable.

At the very least, this crisis had to be overcome; Wen must die, and if possible, Man Huzi must also die, thereby confirming to the entire Chaotic Star Sea that there was a Great Cultivator of Nascent Soul Late Stage behind him.

If he were to impersonate a Great Cultivator of Nascent Soul Late Stage himself, it would be very easy to reveal flaws; not to mention anything else, just the aspect of divine sense alone would not pass, let alone other things.

His greatest reliance was his Life-Bound Magical Treasure: the Luxian Juetian Sword.

Now, after so many years of nourishment and cultivation, its power had advanced a step further.

If it were not for the constraints of the "White Emperor Golden Emperor Slash," it might abandon its master and leave at any time, just like Xiaoliuzi.

Therefore, this matter had to be resolved.

"Since you have this confidence, this palace will not say anything more; just take extra care of yourself."

Hearing Yan Taibai's words, Mingyue Xianzi naturally would not continue to chat; after a slight nod of her head, she had Red Moon Fairy see the guest out.

"You... Fellow Daoist Yan, how much confidence do you actually have to overcome this crisis?"

After leaving the side hall, Red Moon Fairy, who had a good relationship with Yan Taibai, ultimately could not hold back and asked.

This crisis, to put it bluntly, was a trap set for Yan Taibai by the tacit agreement of the Star Palace, Shengmo Island, and even the Wanfa Sect, which had not made any moves.

The purpose of this trap is to see whether there is truly a Great Cultivator of Nascent Soul Late Stage behind Yan Taibai; if there is, the Star Palace will provide full assistance, but if not, Yan Taibai is merely a discarded pawn.

Shengmo Island would also extract the soul and refine the spirit of Yan Taibai; if one does exist, Shengmo Island, the Wanfa Sect, and all factions of both the righteous and demonic paths will also rack their brains to exterminate Yan Taibai and the Great Cultivator of Nascent Soul Late Stage behind him, so as not to affect their grand plan to annihilate the entire Star Palace later.

Yet what they do not know is that Yan Taibai and Yan Ruyan can leave the Chaotic Star Sea at any time.

And they are not constantly searching for a way to leave the Chaotic Star Sea.

No one knows this point; only Yan Taibai and Yan Ruyan themselves know it, and this is also their final trump card, aside from Yan Taibai's Life-Bound Magical Treasure: the Luxian Juetian Sword.

The only trouble is the Miaoyin Sect, or to be precise, Zhou Yuan, Ziling Xianzi, and other related people.

However, this is not too much trouble either; in any case, there are only a few people related to Yan Taibai, so at worst, they can return to the Tiannan Cultivation World together, wait until the Void Heaven Palace opens to return, and then obtain the Nine-Curved Spirit Ginseng to condense a Nascent Soul.

As long as he breaks through to the Nascent Soul Stage, Yan Taibai will not fear any cultivator in the Chaotic Star Sea, even if it is a siege.

"Seventy or eighty percent! Moreover, even if I am killed and fall, my Martial Uncle will certainly make the righteous and demonic paths pay a heavy price; I believe this price will make the righteous and demonic paths suffer and regret it for a long time."

Yan Taibai chuckled and said.

His Life-Bound Magical Treasure, the Luxian Juetian Sword, once he falls, will no longer be under control; at that time, what kind of consequences will there be?

The Ghost Spirit Sect has already demonstrated it once; when that time comes, the entire Chaotic Star Sea will become a second "Ghost Spirit Sect," and in time, the entire Human World will become a third "Ghost Spirit Sect."

Regarding this matter, Yan Taibai does not doubt it in the slightest.

After all, the Spirit World has the "Artifact Spirit" race. So the existence of the Luxian Juetian Sword is very normal in this world, and it could even become the first Dharma Treasure to ascend on its own.

That would be much more formidable!

But Yan Taibai does not want to reach that step; he has not lived enough yet.

"What Fellow Daoist Yan says is also correct, but you must be careful above all else; after the trade fair ends, Fellow Daoist Yan should try your best to leave without attracting attention."

Hearing Yan Taibai's words, Red Moon Fairy's gaze appeared slightly complex, and she nodded her head slightly to remind him again.

"Good, this is natural."

Yan Taibai nodded and smiled in agreement.

"Let's go! We should go walk around."

"Mm! Please, Fellow Daoist Yan."

Hearing this, Red Moon Fairy also knew that this was the purpose of Yan Taibai's arrival, so she naturally would not stop him; otherwise, not only would Yan Taibai have come for nothing, but this trap would also have been set in vain.

And Yan Taibai was also waiting for the righteous and demonic paths to make a move; the more high-level cultivators who come, the more good things he will be able to obtain.

This kind of good thing, which is like robbing a house, cannot be found just anywhere.

……

Two days later

"Fifty thousand Spirit Stones, this Seventh-Level Golden Carp Cloud Beast Demon Core belongs to the fellow daoist in box number thirty-five."

A Seventh-Level Demon Core, and a metal attribute one at that, naturally has a high value.

It is almost never seen at ordinary trade fairs or auctions, and this is just an appetizer for the auction held by the Four Great Merchant Alliances.

The real main event has not yet appeared.

At this moment, Yan Taibai, who had just purchased it, was sitting in box number thirty-five, specially prepared by the Four Great Merchant Alliances.

With Red Moon Fairy for company, he was not lonely or bored.

Moreover, he could guarantee that there were definitely not a few cultivators who knew his identity.

A moment later, a beautiful maid and a manager brought the Seventh-Level Golden Carp Cloud Beast Demon Core that had just been purchased into the box.

After Yan Taibai paid the Spirit Stones, this Seventh-Level metal attribute Demon Core was in his hands.

Although it was a bit inferior to fifty thousand Metal Attribute Spirit Stones, the metal attribute spiritual energy contained within it was even purer, so it was not a loss.

In front of Red Moon Fairy, and under her shocked gaze, Yan Taibai opened his mouth and stuffed the Seventh-Level Demon Core inside.

"Yan... Fellow Daoist Yan, what are you doing?"

By the time Red Moon Fairy reacted, Yan Taibai had already completely swallowed the Seventh-Level Demon Core into his belly; the massive, chaotic demon energy and spiritual energy dispersed, but it only lasted for a moment before being completely refined by Yan Taibai.

"Nothing, this is the cultivation technique I practice, which can directly swallow and refine Demon Cores; in this way, I can also absorb and refine the spiritual energy and demon energy within to the greatest extent."

Yan Taibai explained, still feeling unsatisfied.

"This... this technique is truly formidable."

After hearing Yan Taibai's explanation, Red Moon Fairy felt that the Yan Taibai before her was a Transformation Stage Demon Beast and could not be opposed at all.

At the same time, in a nearby box, the expressions of two figures also became extremely ugly.

"Could he be a Tenth Level Transformation Stage Demon Beast? Otherwise, how could he swallow a Seventh-Level Demon Core? How is this possible?"

One of the younger-looking middle-aged men said with an ugly expression.

"Didn't he say it was a cultivation technique? Why worry about it?"

Another older-looking old man spoke up.

"What kind of cultivation technique allows a Golden Core Stage cultivator to directly swallow a Demon Core, and a Seventh-Level one at that? Even a Great Cultivator of Nascent Soul Late Stage would not dare to swallow a Demon Core into their body so easily; once an accident occurs, the physical body will inevitably collapse."

The middle-aged man said with a livid and indignant expression, feeling vaguely regretful in his heart for participating in this matter.

"Regardless of whether he is a Tenth Level Demon Beast, we cannot leave; this is the order of the Holy Master."

Although the old man's expression was also extremely ugly, he was still more afraid of the Holy Master he spoke of.

"Damn it. How did I get into such a mess?"

The middle-aged man regretted.

He was also very afraid of the Holy Master the old man spoke of.

……

"The starting price for the Void Heaven Remnant Map is ten thousand Spirit Stones; each increment must not be less than five hundred Spirit Stones."

"The Void Heaven Remnant Map has actually appeared; it seems there is not much time left before the Void Heaven Palace opens."

"Indeed! It should be within these few decades!"

……

"The Void Heaven Remnant Map has even appeared."

Seeing this, Yan Taibai sighed softly, knowing that the time left for him was not far off, and he had to seize the time.

Once this crisis was resolved, he could begin to deal with the matters of the Void Heaven Palace.

And the Nine-Bend Spirit Ginseng, Void Heaven Cauldron, Ten-Thousand-Year Spirit Milk, and Soul-Nurturing Wood in the Void Heaven Palace were all treasures he had to obtain; whoever snatched them would die.

This was his bottom line!

"Fifteen thousand Spirit Stones."

Yan Taibai spoke up to increase the bid.

It caused quite a stir, as most cultivators already knew Yan Taibai's identity. And since Yan Taibai only had that one piece from Jixuan, he had to obtain a few more.

(End of this chapter)