Chapter 473: The Plan Succeeds

After speaking these words, Lu Rong suddenly formed a hand seal within his wide sleeves, and the blazing bloodlight surrounding him gradually condensed, sinking into the depths of his pupils.

Not long after, Lu Rong’s eyes returned to their usual clear black-and-white appearance, his gaze dark and profound, revealing no trace of suspicion.

But in Chen Hang’s vision, he saw a blood-shadow, its upper half already protruding from the void, its color crimson, trembling violently as Lu Rong completed the seal.

Though it snarled and clawed as if fiercely reluctant, it ultimately retracted its protruding body, swiftly dissolving into a wisp of foul smoke, blown away in an instant by the heavenly Gang wind.

The blood-shadow had stood nearly fifteen feet tall, wearing a lotus crown, shouldering two murky yellow lanterns, with swirling waves of deadly radiance circling its form; though its face was blurred, its brow and eyebrows bore a striking resemblance to Lu Rong’s.

And it differed from ordinary blood-phoenixes or blood-ogres.

Though the blood-shadow Lu Rong had summoned was sinister and impure, it carried an inexplicable aura of sacred solemnity, inspiring awe and reverence—as if yin reached its peak and yang arose, or cold reached its extreme and heat returned—truly unlike anything else.

Neither the Five Qi Qiankun Ring nor Ge Ji noticed this spectacle, showing not the slightest reaction.

Chen Hang withdrew his gaze and spoke to Lu Rong:

“Your sect’s Blood Spirit Child lives up to its fearsome reputation.”

The Blood Spirit Child’s notorious fame needed no elaboration—it was nearly ubiquitous among the Blood River Sect, so much so that even beyond the Xudu Heaven, many cultivators trembled at the mere mention of its name, struggling to maintain their composure.

Yet though the Blood Spirit Child belonged to the ranks of demonic spirits, it was no ordinary fool; its intellect matched that of a human.

It could autonomously cultivate myriad divine arts and enhance its cultivation, and as its power grew, it could return its essence, energy, and insights to its master, aiding the master’s ascent along the path to the Dao.

This meant that in battle, if one faced a high-ranking Blood River Sect cultivator unleashing a Blood Spirit Child, one effectively faced two formidable foes—pressure would surge dramatically!

It is said that during the ancient era before Xuanming Wuxian and Tongxuan had yet attained the Dao, the Six Sects once clashed briefly over the ownership of a primordial relic.

At that time, the Blood Spirit Child had wreaked havoc, even forcing the Celestial Demon Sect’s many True Ones to jointly create a demonic art in hopes of restraining it—yet the effort proved largely ineffective.

Thus, the Blood Spirit Child’s power is evident.

Hearing this, Lu Rong shook his head and said:

“You still have strength left—such sword techniques as just now? My Blood Spirit Child could never withstand them. To channel magic at the Sixth Realm? Hah!”

I’m actually looking forward to the faces of the Zhongyi Sword Sect at the Dan Yuan Assembly—they call themselves the premier sword sect of Xudu, boast three supreme sword scriptures, and are always haughty; but if their chosen combatant’s sword mastery falls short of yours, a Yuanchen cultivator, it’ll be quite amusing.”

Chen Hang shook his head and said:

“Zhongyi is a renowned immortal sect, its fortune flourishing for ten thousand ages; surely it harbors no shortage of prodigies.”

Lu Rong sneered: “Prodigies? Are Lu Tingyun and Shen Xingcui even worthy of that title? Even if they’ve formed Golden Cores, in my eyes they’re merely mediocre.”

As for Zhou Fu, though he’s somewhat interesting, if he’s made no progress these past years, defeating him is merely a matter of extra effort!”

In Lu Rong’s view, across the Nine Provinces and Four Seas, the Golden Core True Persons worthy of his serious attention—including Chen Hang, whom he’d just met—numbered no more than one hand’s worth; the Zhongyi Sword Sect’s few were not among them.

Though Zhou Fu’s reputation was considerable, a century ago he’d somehow become obsessed with a half-scroll of sword scripture he’d stumbled upon, ignoring repeated counsel from his sect elders, neglecting his true cultivation and the cultivation of the Three Lights Nine Transformations Sword Scripture.

Such behavior, in Lu Rong’s eyes, was sacrificing the great for the trivial—he naturally paid little heed to Zhou Fu.

“Sixth Realm magic channeling—unexpectedly, there are figures like Chen Hang. It seems that, aside from Junyao, Yuanchen will soon have another combat victor. This sect truly…”

Lu Rong silently shook his head, his inner thoughts now considerably grave.

During the duel, he had not fully activated his Zaiyuan Zhaozhen Eyes.

But after fighting so long, he had inevitably detected certain anomalies through them.

Not only did he sense Chen Hang’s qi channels were long and steady, showing no sign of fatigue—he likely still had enough spiritual intent to unleash another “North Star Inflicts Death.”

In the depths of his perception, Lu Rong also sensed a profound, vast, foul, and damp aura—like a yin spirit descending from the Underworld—clearly not an ordinary divine technique.

“It seems this Dan Yuan Assembly will indeed be a fierce contest!” Lu Rong’s gaze flickered.

At this moment, seeing the Five Qi Qiankun Ring and Ge Ji approach, Chen Hang nodded and gestured toward a nearby intact mountain peak, inviting Lu Rong to join him.

Once both had settled on the peak, Chen Hang did not delay, asking directly:

“Since we both intend to enter Fish Lake Mountain, what was your original plan, Lu True Person?”

Now that they had decided to temporarily ally, Lu Rong did not conceal his intentions:

“From my recent investigations, Yu Xiaoyu’s lineage is distinguished; Lord Leyang and the Yong Prince have always been close, frequently interacting. If we can leverage Yu Xiaoyu’s identity, entering the mountain to gather lingzhi should be no great difficulty.”

Though Yu Xiaoyu is wealthy, his mother was a servant, so he is not held in high regard by his father’s household; he spends his time hunting, drinking, and taking pleasure in killing.”

Since he rarely resides in the princely mansion, capturing him is easier than capturing other noble youths from the demon kingdoms.”

Chen Hang nodded upon hearing this, not denying Lu Rong’s assessment.

Earlier, when Ge Ji proposed using Yu Xiaoyu as a breakthrough, he had held precisely this view.

Moreover, being untrusted meant Yu Xiaoyu likely possessed few protective treasures—removing this obstacle would make things far easier.

“It seems Chen True Person shares this thought. But I’ve delayed acting so long because an unexpected variable has arisen.”

Lu Rong glanced at Chen Hang and frowned slightly:

“Yu Xiaoyu has remained for so long at Guangyang Lake precisely to capture a Lin Fish. To this end, he borrowed a pair of magical mirrors—one black, capable of piercing illusions; the other white, able to capture spirits and subdue souls.”

Though Yu Xiaoyu has these mirrors to protect him, taking his life is still not difficult—but in such circumstances, my actions would inevitably draw attention from the demon cultivators.”

I could kill them all afterward, but with so many witnesses, even the slightest leak would make it impossible to enter Fish Lake Mountain—I fear I’d be hunted down by the demon kingdom’s orders. That would be troublesome.”

…

…

The Lin Fish is a rare celestial species, said to be the offspring of a Shen Dragon and a Ying Fish.

Its body contains two primordial bloodlines, granting immense power—it can exhale mist, summon water, stir waves, and, due to its Shen Dragon blood, conjure boundless illusions that confuse reality and fantasy.

A Lin Fish capable of ancestral regression and purifying its essence belongs among true primordial divine monsters, possessing its own ancestral arts; though not as formidable as dragon-elephant hybrids, it still possesses unique abilities.

Thus, the pair of mirrors Yu Xiaoyu carries were indeed specifically acquired to counter the Lin Fish.

But this situation works against Lu Rong’s plans.

Previously, Lu Rong had infiltrated Yu Xiaoyu’s tent alone, using his Zaiyuan Zhaozhen Eyes to thoroughly probe his secrets.

After deliberating, he concluded he could not fully conceal the disturbance of his attack, so he had temporarily abandoned the plan, awaiting a better opportunity.

Once Lu Rong had detailed Yu Xiaoyu’s full array of defenses—those borrowed mirrors, a golden bronze gong, and a stone lion golem—

Chen Hang pondered briefly and said:

“Earlier, you intended to use Blood River Sect’s spells to control Yu Xiaoyu’s soul, forcing him to obey?”

Lu Rong nodded.

“This method is effective, but to prevent Yu Xiaoyu from developing unexpected thoughts—or being detected by the mountain’s guardian demon when we reach Fish Lake Mountain—I believe he should not appear again.” Chen Hang spoke.

Lu Rong now understood, considered for a moment, then nodded without objection.

From Chen Hang’s tone, it was clear he intended to use his Illusion Form and Concealment Art to transform into Yu Xiaoyu’s likeness and issue orders personally.

Lu Rong had personally witnessed Chen Hang’s mastery of illusion and concealment—among peers, none could surpass him; this Lu Rong had no cause to doubt.

As for whether Yu Xiaoyu’s subordinates would notice any difference:

According to Lu Rong’s investigations, Yu Xiaoyu was always obsequious to superiors and arrogant to inferiors, treating his retainers as lowly pigs and dogs, punishing them harshly for minor offenses; his subordinates all kept their distance.

Under such circumstances, there was no closeness between them.

With both difficulties resolved,

Chen Hang’s proposal surpassed Lu Rong’s original plan.

After further discussion, they agreed: Lu Rong would transform into the Lin Fish’s form to lure away Yu Xiaoyu’s retainers, then Chen Hang would sneak into the tent and seize Yu Xiaoyu.

“Though my Illusion Form art is inferior to yours, fooling those mirrors and the demon cultivators should be easy enough.”

“Too bad Guangyang Lake is vast as an ocean—the Lin Fish has vanished somewhere, and despite their elaborate baits, they’ve waited long without success… it’s ruined my plans.” After finalizing the plan, Lu Rong’s expression eased slightly as he shook his head.

Before meeting Chen Hang, Lu Rong had also considered luring away Yu Xiaoyu’s retainers to facilitate his strike.

To this end, he had summoned his Blood Spirit Child to track the Lin Fish, intending to turn it into a golem for later use.

But after days of relentless searching, the Blood Spirit Child found no trace of the Lin Fish—as if the beast had fled deep into Guangyang Lake and ignored all baits.

Chen Hang asked casually:

“Why is Yu Xiaoyu going to such lengths to capture the Lin Fish? Does he intend to keep it as a retainer?”

Lu Rong raised an eyebrow; nearby, Ge Ji, who had listened for some time, quickly spoke up:

“Master, not at all—he found an ancient elixir formula requiring the Lin Fish’s heart and lungs as the main ingredient, hence his desperate efforts to capture it.”

After saying this, Ge Ji’s expression grew peculiar as he continued:

“It’s said that when Yu Xiaoyu was young, hunting servants for amusement, he was attacked by a powerful outsider cultivator-servant who cursed him, damaging his primordial yang. Later, he indulged in sexual cultivation but lacked proper instruction, worsening his condition.”

“The elixir formula seems to fortify the spiritual plant and also enhances vitality…”

Chen Hang now understood.

Lu Rong swept his sleeve and said to Chen Hang:

“For this reason, I believe Yu Xiaoyu will not miss the chance to capture the Lin Fish. Since we’ve reached an agreement, we should act swiftly—delay may invite interference from others.”

Chen Hang asked: “What do you suggest, Lu True Person?”

“How do you think I learned that Yuan Zuo Wang Zhi will emerge from Fish Lake Mountain? Such secrets are likely unknown even to most of the mountain’s guardian demons.”

Lu Rong’s expression turned slightly hostile as he sneered:

“Wuxiang Heaven, Zhuanyuan Palace’s true heir: Xiao Lingji.”

I killed over a dozen of her male lovers, extracted their souls and tortured their spirits, and only then learned of this. Xiao Lingji also seeks Yuan Zuo Wang Zhi from Fish Lake Mountain—I fear she’ll turn her attention to Yu Xiaoyu!”

After speaking, Lu Rong did not linger; after sealing a magical pact with Chen Hang and describing Xiao Lingji’s appearance, he transformed into a streak of blood-light and vanished into the sky.

Such invisible comings and goings left Ge Ji beside him in awe, unable to recover for a long while.

“Zhuanyuan Palace’s true heir: Xiao Lingji?”

Chen Hang’s gaze flickered, his thoughts stirred.

Soon after, with a flick of his finger, a sword-light enveloped him and Ge Ji; the spot was left empty.

Two days later, above the misty blue clouds.

Clouds coiled, sunlight glinted on water—

Chen Hang stood in empty air, and in his vision, far away in the boundless blue waves, a mountain-sized dragon-horned fish was parting the waves, its mouth clutching several large charcoal-gray “baits.”

Not far from the giant fish, a group of demonic cultivators either revealed their true forms or rode boats, a dense swarm unleashing all manner of techniques at the fish, relentlessly pursuing it.

“This illusion technique has some merit.”

Chen Hang praised it, then noticed the towering demonic general at the front had two bright mirrors suspended above his crown—clearly the treasures Lu Rong had mentioned earlier.

It seemed Yu Xiaoyu was truly determined to hunt the Lin fish: not only had he deployed these specially summoned treasures, but also sent out most of his household guards.

Seeing this, Chen Hang did not rush to act; instead, after a while, he suddenly swept his wide sleeves, and in an instant, his body transformed into a clear wind and vanished.

At this moment, inside the tent.

Yu Xiaoyu, clad in deep purple finery and sporting rhinoceros horns on his head, paced back and forth within the golden tent, his eyes slightly bloodshot, visibly agitated.

“Once I truly refine that elixir and fully replenish my primordial yang, I will surely make further progress on the path of sexual cultivation. What are evil paths and left paths? If it works, it’s the supreme heavenly path!”

“My father and the others have always looked down on me—I’ll make them all shocked someday. And those little bitches in the Yong Wangfu …”

At the thought of this, Yu Xiaoyu suddenly gasped like an ox, exhaling two long streams of white vapor from his nostrils.

He was about to order his attendants to bring in the medicinal slave women for his pleasure, but the words died on his lips—he remembered that the hundred-odd medicinal slaves he’d brought with him had been used up two days ago, not one left.

“Truly damned!”

Yu Xiaoyu cursed aloud, snatching a handful of fresh internal organs from the golden tray and shoving them into his mouth, veins bulging on his forehead.

As he pondered which alchemical master to summon from seclusion, a sudden breeze brushed past—his neck inexplicably chilled.

“Truly damned.”

A Daoist in black robes and a golden crown appeared out of thin air inside the tent, speaking.

There was no time to marvel at how this man had breached the heavy defenses to reach the tent—even Qi the Elder, whose spiritual sense was sharp, and the petrified stone lion squatting outside had sensed nothing.

Yu Xiaoyu reacted instantly, parting his lips and instinctively preparing to counter.

In the next instant, as Chen Hang fully activated the spell, a jet-black waterlight erupted violently—profoundly dark, howling with chilling winds, like a mountain range shifting to crush down, unstoppable!

Where the waterlight passed, Yu Xiaoyu’s form vanished instantly, leaving not a trace behind.