Chapter 182: Unpredictable Sikong Yan (6k)

Facing Zhou Qing's concerns, Cao Zhengyang said, "Relax. Now that the Nine You Lotus is exposed, his only viable option is to bind us all together and keep this secret shared among us."

"Otherwise, if this news leaks and the Emperor or other Cut-Spirit experts arrive, none of us will get a single seed."

"Even if he flees to the ends of the earth, countless Soul Transformation experts will race to capture him. So to protect the Nine You Lotus, he has no choice but to cooperate with us."

After hearing this, Zhou Qing finally nodded.

Though he had little contact with Sikong Yan, he always felt the man was calculating and capricious—you could never guess what he truly thought.

But given this shared interest, perhaps this cooperation might still work.

"Look here—these are the materials needed to set up the 【Seal Demon Strangling Array】. His Cangyan Dao Palace and Tianji Gate can't produce these. Only by joining us can they harness the blood of millions of demonic beasts to ripen the Nine You Lotus!"

As Cao Zhengyang spoke, he handed over the list.

Zhou Qing stared at the dense list of rare materials, stunned—alone, the supreme-grade spirit stones numbered ten thousand.

Did Taiqingmen's treasury hold this much?

Seeing Zhou Qing's shock, Cao Zhengyang said, "This plan hinges on success—we're already nearly bankrupt. We understand, but the area is too vast; it must cover at least seventy percent of Canglan Mountain."

Zhou Qing immediately turned to the inheritance left by Xuan Qingzi.

Fortunately, according to the description, once activated, the 【Seal Demon Strangling Array】 could only kill demonic creatures infused with demonic energy—humans would be largely unaffected.

As for the refining technique and required spirit seals, he was still ten thousand miles away from mastering them, but the sheer volume of materials needed to cover such a vast area was indeed enormous.

He hoped he was just overthinking.

After returning to camp, Cao Zhengyang still dispatched men to search tirelessly—above all, they must not alert the demon kings. As for retrieving the materials, the Supreme Elders would handle it themselves.

Upon his return, Zhou Qing was met by Lu Yaoyao and Yan Xiaohu.

"What's all the secrecy? Where did your uncle take you?" Yan Xiaohu asked curiously.

Zhou Qing shook his head—he truly couldn't speak of it; the Supreme Elders had all given explicit orders.

Seeing Zhou Qing's silence, Yan Xiaohu wisely dropped the matter.

Yet the next day, five demon kings—including Hou Shan—appeared at Taiqingmen's encampment.

"Cao brother, how's it going? Have you been putting in real effort?" Hou Shan bellowed upon entering, clearly impatient.

Cao Zhengyang hurried out, forcing a smile to soothe Hou Shan's temper: "Hou brother, you've seen these past months—nearly all our disciples have been searching day and night. How could we not be trying?"

"If you've tried, then why haven't I heard a single word about my Fusang Spirit Sunflower?" Hou Shan's face darkened with fury.

Cao Zhengyang sighed, grimacing: "Don't laugh at me, but Zhou Qing, you know—I've sent them all to Lingyun Prefecture to buy you one. They just returned yesterday, but…"

Cao Zhengyang trailed off, appearing utterly exhausted and fruitless, hoping Hou Shan might understand their plight.

"Rest assured, even if I must sacrifice my old life, I'll catch that thief and recover your spirit herb," Cao Zhengyang added.

Hou Shan clearly no longer trusted Cao Zhengyang. Before he could speak, the bald demon king, transformed from a vulture, sneered coldly: "Cao sect master, your words are too serious—we wouldn't dare demand your life."

Cao Zhengyang said, "Haha, I was just speaking metaphorically."

"Metaphor? Why are you metaphorically beating my brother?" rumbled another bear-like demon king.

Cao Zhengyang: "..."

Hou Shan glanced around, then said: "Cao brother, you know how vital that Fusang Spirit Sunflower is to me. On the day it vanished, besides that Cut-Spirit expert, only…"

"Only the people of Taiqingmen and Cangyan Dao Palace were present!" Cao Zhengyang interrupted.

He'd said this over and over again.

Hou Shan frowned slightly and said gravely: "Yes, Cao brother, you know the deadline to recover the sacred herb is nearly gone. I'm truly worried you're not putting in real effort."

"So I've come here out of desperation—I wish to take a few hostages back with me, like this Zhou Qing, to ease my mind."

Hearing this, Cao Zhengyang's eyes narrowed, a flash of cold light cutting through his gaze. His forced smile vanished instantly, replaced by icy fury.

He said coldly: "Hou brother, isn't this going too far? We're helping you, repaying an old debt—not owing you anything. Are you now trying to break ties with Taiqingmen?"

"Who knows if you didn't harbor ill intent the moment you saw me?"

"Fine, yes, we stole your herb. What do you want? When do you want to fight? Draw your line."

Before Hou Shan could finish, Cao Zhengyang unleashed a torrent of overwhelming pressure, his aura surging skyward.

All disciples returning to rest in camp froze in terror. Zhou Qing and others rushed out, bewildered.

Seeing Cao Zhengyang truly enraged, the five demon kings paled slightly.

Hou Shan's eyes darted, then he burst into laughter: "Cao brother, I was just joking! Why are you taking it seriously? You've got no sense of humor!"

At this, Cao Zhengyang slowly retracted his aura, coldly saying: "We've searched tirelessly for five months. Our nerves are stretched thin. Sometimes, I can't tell joke from truth."

Hou Shan's face flushed awkwardly. He quickly said: "You've worked hard. We'll leave you to it—we'll head to Cangyan Dao Palace now."

With that, the five demon kings departed.

Cao Zhengyang snorted: "Beasts are beasts—they can't even tell when to hold their tongue. You've been given too much leeway!"

At that moment, several Elders and Zhou Qing hurried over.

Cao Zhengyang waved them off: "Nothing to worry about. Carry on."

The others left, but Cao Zhengyang called Zhou Qing back.

"What is it, uncle?" Zhou Qing bowed.

Cao Zhengyang asked: "Do you know why they came?"

Zhou Qing shook his head.

Cao Zhengyang said: "They wanted to take hostages—force us to find the sacred herb. You were on their list."

Zhou Qing froze, recalling the images from the memory stone—the five sect disciples locked in iron cages. His face turned cold.

This battle could no longer be avoided.

"As I said before—once suspicion arises, guilt is already assumed. If they can't recover the sacred herb, in their minds, it's our doing."

Cao Zhengyang shook his head, then added: "Tonight, come with me again."

Zhou Qing immediately nodded.

That night, the two slipped away quietly.

In the darkness, a shadow crept after them, eyes gleaming with curiosity.

But soon, the master of Bai Zhan Peak landed beside Yan Xiaohu, arm slung over his shoulder.

Yan Xiaohu grinned awkwardly, then quickly turned serious: "What a beautiful night, isn't it? Oh, Master Ling, you're here to admire the moon too?"

Ling Yuexiao looked at Yan Xiaohu, exasperated: "Go admire it in your own tent."

"Got it, Uncle! Rest well!" Yan Xiaohu said, as if granted amnesty, and vanished in a flash.

Meanwhile, Cao Zhengyang met the Supreme Elders en route. Without words, they moved together toward the designated location.

After meeting with Jin Leizong, Qingyu Immortal Sect, and others, they wasted no time and headed straight for Canglan Mountain.

Two hours later, at the mountain's edge, they encountered Cangyan Dao Palace, Tianji Gate, and the rest.

Seeing Cao Zhengyang still brought Zhou Qing, Sikong Yan and Xuanjizi said nothing, though a flicker of subtle unease passed through their eyes—quickly masked.

Sikong Yan then pulled out three maps and three jade slips, waving them: "These are the array plates each of your three sects must place at designated spots on Canglan Mountain. The senior elders of Tianji Gate will oversee the main instructions!"

Immediately, three Soul Transformation apex elders from Tianji Gate stepped forward.

Cao Zhengyang and the others glanced, finding nothing amiss.

After all, it had been agreed yesterday—the array setup was Tianji Gate's full responsibility. In return, they'd receive twenty percent of the Nine You Lotus seeds upon maturity. Mutual benefit.

Xuanjizi stepped forward, scanning the crowd: "Where are the materials? We must distribute them evenly."

The three sects immediately handed over bulging storage bags.

Xuanjizi took them, inspected carefully, then nodded with satisfaction.

Thus, success was within reach!

"I and my senior elders will handle the array's core. If you fear we've omitted the Nine You Lotus or harbor ulterior motives, you may follow us to supervise."

Sikong Yan understood their suspicions and offered this willingly, to show sincerity.

Duanmuxu stepped forward: "I'll guard you."

Jin Leizong and Qingyu Immortal Sect each sent a Supreme Elder to accompany them.

After all arrangements were made, Sikong Yan suddenly bowed deeply to all, his expression grave: "This matter is of utmost gravity. Not a single word must leak. If we succeed, perhaps one of our five sects will birth a Cut-Spirit expert—and rise to glory. If we fail…"

He left it unsaid, but all understood the stakes. They nodded solemnly.

"This setup will take at least five days. Thank you all for your efforts!" Sikong Yan bowed again, more sincerely than ever before.

All were moved. The ice between them seemed to melt; they returned the bows.

Had this war not erupted, their five sects would have remained, as their ancestors had, the dominant powers of eastern Lingyun Prefecture—watching over one another.

Though competition simmered beneath, at least outwardly they were harmonious. At critical moments, they stood united.

"Depart!" At the command, all immediately scattered to their assigned positions.

Zhou Qing remained silent, closely following Cao Zhengyang, watching the Tianji Gate Supreme Elder leading the group ahead.

Soon, the elder pulled out a map of Canglan Mountain, studied it carefully, then selected a spot. He withdrew an array plate.

His movements were fluid—he filled it with vast quantities of rare materials. Then he said: "Here are the activation incantations and operation methods. Memorize them!"

He released another jade slip. Everyone studied it and nodded.

They sat cross-legged, beginning to channel spiritual power into the plate, slowly activating it and burying it underground.

Zhou Qing, meanwhile, accompanied two Supreme Elders in the distance, keeping watch for demonic beasts.

About an hour later, after the plate was perfectly placed, they moved together to the next location.

Watching the excited faces around him, Zhou Qing could not help but whisper to Cao Zhengyang: "Uncle, once the 【Seal Demon Strangling Array】 activates, it will unleash horrific slaughter. Can we truly bear the karmic retribution?"

The entire Canglan Mountain would become a hell of blood and slaughter.

Hearing Zhou Qing's question, Cao Zhengyang paused slightly, a complex expression flickering in his eyes.

But it quickly hardened. He whispered back: "If you don't kill him, he'll kill you. It's the law of the strong devouring the weak."

Zhou Qing fell silent; he understood the logic perfectly, and did not oppose killing when necessary for survival or protection.

His main concern was that once the array activated, it would unleash an unprecedented bloodbath, wiping out countless beast lives.

Such massive killing karma would inevitably generate ripples of cause and effect.

These heavy karmic chains might cling to the sect like shadows.

Unless—

Zhou Qing frowned slightly, weighing his options, feeling he must do something.

His mind involuntarily recalled the ghost city of Qingmu City.

Soon after, the group finally reached their next designated location.

But before they could act, several Supreme Elders simultaneously signaled silence, their eyes filled with vigilance and gravity.

Cao Zhengyang reacted instantly, grabbing Zhou Qing's arm and vanishing onto an ancient tree, suppressing their qi as much as possible.

Not long after, Zhou Qing saw a dark tide surging along the distant horizon.

Upon closer look, it was an uncountable horde of beasts, sweeping toward them at astonishing speed.

They moved in utter silence, making not a single sound.

In the sky, avian beasts blotted out the sun; their feathers shimmered with cold metallic luster, their sharp talons glinting with lethal light, arranged in dense, disciplined formations.

Soon, the vanguard beasts below crept forward with rustling steps, their eyes glowing with bloodlust, brimming with killing desire.

Their mixed auras formed a thick, pungent stench that filled the air, making one nauseous.

Zhou Qing swallowed hard; judging by their direction, they were converging deep into Canglan Mountain.

Watching the flying beasts scream overhead, stirring powerful gusts, Zhou Qing's lips curled into a knowing smile.

In an instant, his mind cleared—there was no such thing as karmic retribution; he had simply overthought it.

His senior uncle was right: if you don't kill others, others will kill you—they're just striking first.

This situation was entirely caused by the Beast Kings initiating hostilities.

They waited until nearly dawn, by which time the beast army had thinned considerably, leaving behind a scene of devastation.

"These beasts must come from Qing'ai Mountain, under that bear Beast King—but from my estimation, they arrived in batches, less than one-tenth of their usual numbers!"

Cao Zhengyang whispered to Zhou Qing.

Zhou Qing was stunned; the numbers were truly extraordinary—if all eighteen Beast Kings summoned their followers, the scale would be a terrifying beast tide.

With time running short, everyone hurried to set up.

Eight days passed in a flash; due to the nightly influx of beasts, their progress lagged three full days behind schedule.

Finally, after placing all array plates, the group quietly moved toward the center.

There, Sikong Yan and others were still arranging the array core—and the Qingyu Immortal Sect had not returned.

Clearly, they weren't the only ones disturbed.

The Supreme Elder Duanmu Shu, who had been monitoring, exhaled softly in relief upon seeing her sect members return safely.

"Why haven't the Qingyu Immortal Sect members returned yet? How much longer?" Sikong Yan asked their Supreme Elder, his face dark with displeasure.

Only when every position was fully prepared could the array core be placed and activated, resonating in perfect harmony.

The Qingyu Immortal Sect's Supreme Elder was also anxious; he had just pulled out his identity token to inquire when several figures descended.

It was Xuan You Xianzi and the others.

"Too many beasts—delayed us a few days, my apologies!" Xuan You Xianzi apologized first.

Sikong Yan, who had just been cold-faced, instantly wore a look of concern. "Lady, you've worked hard—rest now. We'll handle the rest."

Watching this, Zhou Qing grew even more convinced Sikong Yan was capricious—such people were the most terrifying.

Now that everything was ready, Sikong Yan and Xuanjizi began the final setup.

In the valley's center, countless arcane, incomprehensible runes began to glow; at the array core, the Nine You Lotus emitted pulsing purple-black light, its unopened bud trembling slightly.

As the array core slowly sank into the ground, the runes blazed brighter, intertwining with the Nine You Lotus's deathly energy to form strange, shifting lights.

A subtle, sinister smile curled on Sikong Yan's lips—then vanished instantly.

All present were fixated on the Nine You Lotus, their gazes hot and greedy, so none noticed this tiny motion—except Zhou Qing.

Standing at the edge of the crowd, Zhou Qing caught the flicker at Sikong Yan's mouth with his peripheral vision; his heart tightened, and he subtly narrowed his eyes.

He immediately turned his gaze to the array core as it vanished, and activated his appraisal.

【Incomplete Beast-Sealing Strangling Array: A five-color forbidden array plate, priceless—but incomplete, capable of only four-color power, primarily designed to exterminate trapped beast clans.】

【But no one knows: the missing corner has been secretly set with another four-color killing array, which, once triggered, will attack indiscriminately.】

Seeing the feedback, Zhou Qing's pupils contracted sharply.

Of course—he knew Sikong Yan would never willingly share a treasure like the Nine You Lotus equally among the three sects.

Where did he get so many rare items for a four-color killing array?

Perhaps activating the 【Beast-Sealing Strangling Array】 doesn't require so many rare materials after all—the hidden four-color killing array is the true key.

Thinking of this, and looking at Sikong Yan's calm face, Zhou Qing felt a chill run through him.

In this moment, he felt as if he had returned to his Qi Condensation days, watching Senior Uncle Gao Xuan.

Mysterious, terrifying, utterly inscrutable!

Time passed slowly; finally, under everyone's excited gaze, the array core was perfectly concealed, leaving no trace on the surface.

"Done!" Xuanjizi and Sikong Yan exchanged glances, eyes alight with excitement.

The three-sect alliance members were equally thrilled.

Duanmu Shu asked eagerly: "What's next?"

Others turned to them, eyes brimming with anticipation.

Sikong Yan scanned the crowd, a confident smile curling on his lips: "Wait."

Xuanjizi added: "The Nine You Lotus needs vast amounts of beast blood to mature. The net is cast—we only need enough beasts."

"How many do we need?" Cao Zhengyang couldn't help asking.

Sikong Yan said: "The more, the better—and it must be justified. At minimum, my sect can't bear the blame."

Lei Wují said: "You mean letting the Beast Kings start the war?"

Sikong Yan replied: "Naturally. After all, Hou Shan lost his sacred herb, and our five sects helped search—yet he turned on us, colluding with other Beast Kings to ambush us. We had no choice but to retaliate."

"Do none of you truly fear the karmic retribution? Even a sliver of risk—I won't take it," Sikong Yan asked Duanmu Shu and the others.

Everyone fell silent, then exchanged glances, nodding slightly.

"Fine. Then let's devise a plan. According to our agreement with Beast King Hou Shan, we have only days left—though they may already be impatient," Sikong Yan smiled.

The group immediately began discussing the next plan; Zhou Qing stood quietly to the side, saying nothing.

In the end, the plan was clear: key personnel would return first, occasionally appearing to feign continued search efforts—enough to prevent suspicion from the Beast Kings.

The more thoroughly they prepared, and the more beasts they lured, the better for the Nine You Lotus's maturation.

Of course, the Supreme Elders who had never appeared could remain hidden here, monitoring the Nine You Lotus and easing their minds.

After a brief pause, Zhou Qing said to Cao Zhengyang: "Senior Uncle, could you stay with me one more day before we return together?"

Cao Zhengyang frowned in confusion, but seeing Zhou Qing's grave expression, he asked no further and simply nodded. "Alright."

He trusted Zhou Qing had his reasons—and was willing to give him space to handle things.

(End of Chapter)