Chapter 192: The Wronged Yan Taibai

In terms of age, Yan Taibai actually does not differ much from Han Yunzhi and Liu Yu; one could even say there are only a few years between them.

However, the gap in their status and standing is simply impossible to describe in words; it can be called a difference as vast as heaven and earth.

With such a massive gap, the fear in the hearts of the two women as they face Yan Taibai—the "fierce god" in the eyes of both the righteous and demonic paths—is easy to imagine.

Yet no matter how terrified they are, the two women still dare not flee, and can only brace themselves to await their fate.

They should have realized long ago that this Five Elements Spirit Infant had fallen into the hands of Yan Taibai.

"Hehe! You don't need to be nervous. In terms of age, the three of us can be considered of the same generation. I am merely a few levels higher in cultivation realm than you two sisters."

Looking at the now nervous, terrified, and one might even say fearful Han Yunzhi and Liu Yu, Yan Taibai, feeling a sudden urge to play, chuckled and began to strike up a connection.

This made Han Yunzhi and Liu Yu feel their scalps tingle, and they repeatedly said they dared not.

"We dare not!"

Meanwhile, inside the Heavenly Moon Divine Boat, Nangong Wan's expression was slightly off. Because in terms of age, she was undoubtedly the oldest! "Is he implying that I am old?" A strange thought appeared in Nangong Wan's mind, and the gaze she cast toward Yan Taibai carried a bit more danger.

And Yan Taibai, unaware of the danger, continued to smile.

"You two sisters must have come to the Yue Kingdom Cultivation World for the sake of the Five Elements Spirit Infant, right?"

"Reporting to Senior Taibai, that is correct. This Five Elements Spirit Infant is a great treasure of our sect, and it is truly not easy to refine."

Han Yunzhi continued, bracing herself.

"I know this as well, but since this Five Elements Spirit Infant has already acknowledged me as its master, it cannot be returned to your Yuling Sect. Rest assured, I won't let you two be unable to fulfill your mission. How about this: consider it a favor I owe your Yuling Sect, and I will repay it to your Yuling Sect in the future. How does that sound?"

Yan Taibai thought for a moment. He remembered that the Yuling Sect seemed to have a Nascent Soul Stage spy planted by the Mulan Tribe. Once he found the time to eliminate that person, it would count as repaying this favor—truly killing two birds with one stone.

Yan Taibai felt he was extremely clever! "Many thanks, Senior. This junior is deeply grateful."

Hearing Yan Taibai's promise, Han Yunzhi and Liu Yu exchanged a glance, both shocked and delighted to be able to obtain a favor from Yan Taibai, the number one person in the Tiannan Cultivation World.

They would definitely be able to report back to the Yuling Sect, and it would even be a significant contribution.

At the same time, this would be of great benefit to their Yuling Sect in becoming the number one sect among the Heavenly Luo Kingdom Six Demon Sects.

With Hehuan Laomo having fallen at the hands of Yan Taibai, the position of the Heavenly Luo Kingdom Six Demon Sects' top sect was naturally precarious. And the Yuling Sect was undoubtedly the most competitive one.

With Yan Taibai's favor, plus the Five Elements Spirit Infant later on, they would inevitably become the number one demonic sect in the Heavenly Luo Kingdom.

"Alright, this way you can report back."

"However, your name is Liu Yu, right?"

Suddenly, Yan Taibai changed the subject and looked at Liu Yu, asking.

Seeing Yan Taibai's attention fall on her, Liu Yu's heart tightened, and she hurriedly bowed respectfully.

"Reporting to Senior Taibai, this junior is indeed Liu Yu. I wonder what instructions Senior has?" Meanwhile, Nangong Wan, Yan Ruyan, and Xin Ruyin all looked at Liu Yu in unison. With four Nascent Soul cultivators looking at her at once, the pressure on Liu Yu was easy to imagine.

Fortunately, she was a Golden Core Stage Cultivator, so she was still able to withstand it.

"I heard you have a type of spirit insect called the Six-Winged Frost Centipede, which is an ancient wild spirit insect. I would like to have a few; I wonder if that is possible? Rest assured, I won't let you suffer a loss. Pills, Spirit Stones, Dharma Treasures, or anything else—just name your price."

Yan Taibai asked for Xiaoliuzi directly.

"The Six-Winged Frost Centipede! This junior does indeed have a few. Since Senior Taibai wants them, this junior will simply gift them to you."

After hearing Yan Taibai's words, Liu Yu felt a weight lift from her heart, but she was also puzzled as to how Yan Taibai knew she had the Six-Winged Frost Centipede.

However, regardless of how Yan Taibai knew, since he had asked for them, she could not keep them.

She directly took off the Spirit Beast Bag from her waist, simultaneously broke the blood contract, and then offered it with both hands.

"Senior, the Six-Winged Frost Centipede is inside here. Please accept it, Senior."

Seeing this, Yan Ruyan, Nangong Wan, and Xin Ruyin exchanged glances and also breathed a sigh of relief. They had originally thought Yan Taibai had taken a fancy to Liu Yu, but now it seemed they had simply overthought it.

"No need. Whatever conditions you have, just say them directly. As long as it isn't too difficult, I can agree. I don't like owing favors."

Yan Taibai shook his head and did not take the Storage Bag from Liu Yu's hand.

"Junior... this junior wants to take Senior as my master. This junior has no master within the sect and has been cultivating alone for many years, so I wish to take Senior as my master. I hope Senior will not find me unworthy and will accept this junior as a disciple. This junior is willing to serve Senior for life, with absolutely no disloyalty."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yu took a deep breath and gritted her teeth to say words that shocked Han Yunzhi, the entire Yuling Sect, and even those on the Heavenly Moon Divine Boat—Nangong Wan, Xin Ruyin, and Yan Ruyan—yet they all had to sigh at how clever it was.

Even if Yan Taibai did not accept Liu Yu, if the Yuling Sect found out about this later, they would not dare to do anything to Liu Yu for the sake of Yan Taibai's face, at most leaving her alone.

And if Yan Taibai did accept Liu Yu, then Liu Yu would have hit the jackpot.

To be a disciple of the number one person in the Tiannan Cultivation World—tsk tsk, even Nascent Soul cultivators would not dare not to show respect. So this deal could be said to be a guaranteed profit. And all it cost was the Six-Winged Frost Centipede.

"Your idea is quite good. Very well, accepting one is the same as accepting two; you two sisters can both be my disciples!"

Compared to the shock of the others, Yan Taibai was only slightly surprised. He looked at the well-behaved and lovely Han Yunzhi, thought for a moment, and accepted them both.

His words left Liu Yu and Han Yunzhi stunned, the other Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators of the Yuling Sect green with envy, and Yan Ruyan, Xin Ruyin, and Nangong Wan were even more astonished. They felt there must be some unknown connection between Yan Taibai, Han Yunzhi, and Liu Yu.

Otherwise, based on their understanding of Yan Taibai, it would be absolutely impossible for him to accept the two sisters as disciples.

Such a thing would absolutely not have even a sliver of possibility.

"What? Are you two sisters unwilling?"

Looking at the stunned and bewildered Han Yunzhi and Liu Yu, Yan Taibai chuckled lightly.

"Disciple Liu Yu pays respects to Master!"

"Disciple Han Yunzhi pays respects to Master!"

Before the words had even faded, the now-reacting Liu Yu and Han Yunzhi had flushed faces and hurriedly bowed respectfully.

They were afraid that if they were a second late, Yan Taibai would regret it.

"Hahaha, get up, no need for such formalities. These are two top-tier Dharma Treasures; take them as your apprenticeship gifts!"

Yan Taibai laughed heartily.

After speaking, he took out two top-tier Dharma Treasures he had obtained from two unlucky souls and gave them to the sisters, Han Yunzhi and Liu Yu.

The two sisters received the top-tier Dharma Treasures from Yan Taibai with great joy and both expressed their thanks.

And Yan Taibai naturally accepted the Spirit Beast Bag containing Liu Yu's Six-Winged Frost Centipede.

Subsequently, Yan Ruyan and Nangong Wan both took out greeting gifts to present to the sisters, Han Yunzhi and Liu Yu.

As for Xin Ruyin, he also gifted her two sets of formations.

After all, for a grandmaster of formations like Xin Ruyin, nothing was more suitable than formations. Han Yunzhi and Liu Yu, the two sisters, also thanked the three women and bowed, feeling incomparably joyful.

Although it was highly improper for Yan Taibai to take disciples from other sects in this manner, especially Golden Core Stage Cultivators, who could blame him when he was the number one person in the Tiannan Cultivation World?

Therefore, even if it were improper, the Yuling Sect dared not say anything.

"You two need not return; just let them go back to deliver a message."

Having taken in two beautiful disciples, the high-spirited Yan Taibai said straightforwardly.

"Yes, disciple obeys."

Regarding Yan Taibai's words, Liu Yu naturally agreed without any hesitation.

However, Han Yunzhi hesitated slightly and did not agree immediately.

"What is it, Yunzhi? Is there something on your mind?"

Seeing this, Yan Taibai asked with a smile.

"My ancestor is a Nascent Soul cultivator of the sect, and my own Golden Core formation was only successful because my family spared no effort to exhaust their vital energy to cleanse my marrow and refine my meridians. Therefore, I wish to report this matter of apprenticeship to my ancestor."

Hearing this, Han Yunzhi's expression grew tense, and she answered honestly and truthfully.

"So that is how it is. Then you may return with them! Once this trade fair concludes, I shall pay a visit to the Yuling Sect."

Yan Taibai felt that when it came to taking on disciples, one also had to meet the family.

"Yes, disciple obeys. I shall certainly await Master's arrival at the sect."

Hearing that Yan Taibai was not angry but had instead agreed directly, Han Yunzhi felt a sense of relief and hurriedly said respectfully.

"Good, then you may return! Liu Yu, you shall accompany us to Tiantian City to attend this trade fair; it just so happens I have some matters I need to arrange for you to do."

Yan Taibai naturally could not have taken Liu Yu in for no reason.

"Yes, disciple obeys." Liu Yu immediately agreed respectfully without hesitation.

She also knew Yan Taibai and naturally understood he would not have taken her as a disciple just because of a few Six-Winged Frost Insects.

Subsequently, the two groups parted ways. Yan Taibai and his party continued to ride the Heavenly Moon Divine Boat toward Tiantian City of the Nine Nations Alliance.

As for Han Yunzhi, she led the Yuling Sect group back to the Yuling Sect.

When Han Yunzhi returned to the Yuling Sect, Yan Taibai had not yet reached Tiantian City of the Nine Nations Alliance.

After all, the distance between the two places was vast; one was separated by only two small countries, the Cheqi Kingdom and the Jiang Kingdom.

Whereas Tiantian City of the Nine Nations Alliance was separated by over a dozen countries of various sizes; they simply could not be compared!

Outside a stone house of the Yuling Sect, after listening to Han Yunzhi's report, the Yuling Sect Great Elder Dongmen Tu, who was inside the stone house, remained silent for a long time before finally speaking.

"Very well, we are already aware of this matter. This is also a good thing; for you and Junior Sister-disciple Liu Yu to be able to apprentice under Fellow Daoist Taibai will be of great benefit to your future cultivation. Do not let Fellow Daoist Taibai down."

"Yes, Yunzhi understands."

Hearing this, Han Yunzhi also let out a sigh of relief and hurriedly said.

"Hmm! You may go! Tell this news to Junior Brother-disciple Han; I believe he will be quite happy as well."

Dongmen Tu instructed further.

"Yes, Yunzhi takes her leave."

After Han Yunzhi left, the Yuling Sect Great Elder Dongmen Tu sat in the stone chamber, and after a moment of silence, he inexplicably spoke again toward the empty room.

"You say, could that Fellow Daoist Taibai also have an interest in our sect's Five Elements Spirit Infant technique, which is why he took Yunzhi and Liu Yu as disciples to study it? To let the Yanyue Sect produce a few more Nascent Soul cultivators? He is coming to our sect soon, and I fear it is nine times out of ten for this very reason. What should we do?"

These words were filled with worry; after all, the excuse Yan Taibai used for taking disciples was truly too absurd for anyone to believe.

Taking Liu Yu and Han Yunzhi as disciples for the sake of a few wild spirit insects was something no one would believe; even taking them as concubines would have been a better reason.

"Uncle-master, it seems it was Junior Sister-disciple Liu Yu who took the initiative to seek apprenticeship, was it not?" Before the words faded, a shadow flashed behind the stone chamber, and a middle-aged man with thick eyebrows and large eyes stepped out and said respectfully.

"That may be so, but who knows if Fellow Daoist Taibai didn't send a voice transmission in advance."

The Yuling Sect Great Elder Dongmen Tu said again.

"That is true, but even if Senior Taibai sent a voice transmission and is interested in our sect's Five Elements Spirit Infant technique, if he comes to our sect and asks, Uncle-master, with our sect's strength, I fear it would be difficult to stop him."

The middle-aged man said respectfully again.

"Indeed! He is the number one person in the Tiannan Cultivation World; Hehuan Laomo and Zhiyang Shangren did not even last a few moves in his hands before being exterminated. When he was at the Golden Core Stage, he slaughtered the entire Ghost Spirit Sect. Now, his divine abilities have reached an unknown level. What can we possibly do to him?"

The Yuling Sect Great Elder Dongmen Tu sighed upon hearing this and said gloomily.

Facing an "uninvited guest" who simply could not be resisted, even he felt powerless, but wanting them to hand over the Five Elements Spirit Infant technique on a silver platter was also impossible.

"As things stand, we can only move it forward. With five more Nascent Soul cultivators, and once the matter is settled, Senior Taibai surely cannot forcibly take them away."

The middle-aged man thought for a moment and said.

"You mean? To have the sect disciples fuse with them ahead of schedule."

The Yuling Sect Great Elder Dongmen Tu confirmed again.

"Correct, that is exactly it."

"Only in this way can we avoid losing the Five Elements Spirit Infant that the sect has spent thousands of years cultivating. If not, when Senior Taibai arrives and asks for it directly, should the sect give it or not?"

The middle-aged man said with a bitter smile.

"You are right. Then let us move it forward! Although we are not fully prepared and the success rate is not very high, it is still better than having nothing at all."

Hearing this, the Yuling Sect Great Elder Dongmen Tu nodded and agreed.

"It is just a pity about the lost Wood Spirit Infant; it was originally the earliest refined and most ferocious of the Spirit Infants. It is said that it once devoured the Nascent Soul of a Nascent Soul cultivator of our sect. If it could have been fused, it would likely have directly become a Nascent Soul Mid Stage cultivator."

"It is just that the success rate would not have been very high, yet I never expected it to fall into the hands of Fellow Daoist Taibai by some twist of fate. It really is a headache-inducing matter. For now, we can only find disciples to fuse with the remaining Five Elements Spirit Infants as soon as possible."

The Yuling Sect Great Elder Dongmen Tu sighed and continued.

"Very well, this disciple will go and prepare."

The middle-aged man said respectfully.

(End of chapter)