Category: A Girl Dies Every Day in Her Dream Life

Chapter 114: Ambush by Peerless Summit Sect Spies, A Flurry of Sword Intent and Blood

Although the former Evil Spirit Sect couldn’t compare to a major sect, it was still quite a decent one.

Alchemy Pavilion, Scripture Library, sparring arena… etc., it had everything.

But now, these buildings were engulfed in flames. The operation of the protective formation was draining the spirit vein’s power, causing the entire Evil Spirit Sect, built upon the spirit vein, to collapse.

Killing intent filled the protective formation, and the Evil Spirit Sect disciples fled in panic.

Zhang Xianzhao stood on the collapsed sect gate, tears of blood almost flowing from his eyes.

“How could this be…”

“Zhang Xianzhao is back.” Luo Xue glanced over, then turned to Li Guijiao. “How is it going? How’s the pill condensing?”

“I’ve already extracted about two-thirds of the spirit vein’s power. The Super Invincible Powerful Heaven-Shaking Tyrant Explosive Spiritual Pill will be ready soon!”

Li Guijiao stared intently at the pill floating in the center of the formation’s core, meticulously adjusting the formation.

“Sigh, I still overestimated myself. I thought I could use the entire spirit vein… Now it seems, I can only condense at most half of its power.”

“…That’s already very impressive.”

Luo Xue’s eyelids twitched. To dare to attempt such a feat on her first try at alchemy, even the great alchemy sect, the Everspring Pavilion, had never heard of such a thing.

It was hard to determine the grade of the pill Li Guijiao was refining.

But in terms of power, it should be enough to injure a Nascent Soul cultivator…

Of course, to achieve that, it would have to hit the Nascent Soul cultivator directly.

Logically, a Nascent Soul expert wouldn’t allow such a pill to get close enough to threaten them.

“So, this is a Nascent Soul level indiscriminate weapon.” Luo Xue looked at it with apprehension. “If it’s not used properly and goes out of control, it might even blow up the user…”

“How much longer?” Luo Xue asked.

“About the time it takes for three incense sticks to burn.” Li Guijiao estimated. “With Zhang Xianzhao’s strength, he shouldn’t be able to break through the protective formation within three incense sticks.”

“What if… besides Zhang Xianzhao, there are other Core Formation cultivators?”

Nangong Mengxiang suddenly opened her eyes and asked.

“I’ve used all the remaining power of the spirit vein for defense. It should be able to withstand the combined attack of five or six Core Formation cultivators.” Li Guijiao said. “Even a Nascent Soul cultivator could be held off for a few breaths.”

“…What if there are about twenty Core Formation cultivators?” Nangong Mengxiang asked again. “How long can it last?”

Hearing this, Luo Xue and Li Guijiao were both stunned.

“Twe-, twenty?”

“Yes,” Nangong Mengxiang said calmly. “It seems like all the Core Formation cultivators in the Northern Zhou Dynasty are here. They’re just watching from outside.”

Nangong Mengxiang wasn’t sleeping when she closed her eyes; she was concentrating, sensing the approaching auras.

A full twenty Core Formation cultivators. It could be said that all the Core Formation demonic cultivators in the Northern Zhou Dynasty had gathered here.

“That shouldn’t be possible, how could they cooperate…” Luo Xue frowned slightly.

She knew the situation of the Demon Abyss sects very well. Achieving cooperation was as difficult as ascending to heaven.

Unless the leader was willing to give up some benefits, but which Demon Abyss cultivator would do that?

The sects that could survive in the sinister Demon Abyss were all those who believed in the survival of the fittest, selfish and self-serving.

Li Guijiao’s face had turned pale, and she said,

“If there are twenty Core Formation cultivators… the protective formation won’t even last for one incense stick!”

She jumped up and pulled Luo Xue, about to leave.

“Quickly, Little Junior Sister, you escape first, I’ll cover you!”

The one here was still the puppet Li Guijiao. Her real body was still in the capital city.

Since learning puppetry, Li Guijiao had never acted directly with her true body.

“Don’t worry, Senior Sister Li.” Luo Xue shook her head and said, “Even if you stay behind, we might not be able to escape.”

“The three of us are already weak. Losing another important combatant will only waste our chance.”

Twenty Core Formation cultivators were enough to set up a dragnet around them.

Anyone trying to escape would only be throwing themselves into the net.

“Then what should we do…”

Li Guijiao panicked. If it were just her puppet here, it would be fine, but Little Junior Sister and Nangong were also here.

Once the formation was broken, they would be captured.

Luo Xue pondered for a moment, then asked,

“Can only this puppet of yours control the refining of the protective formation? Or can ‘Master Zou’ do it too?”

“Both can, but ‘Master Zou’ is actually faster.” Li Guijiao replied, but she was still anxious. “At this time, Little Junior Sister, you’re still thinking about this…”

It was all her fault. Why did she involve Little Junior Sister in this…

Li Guijiao blamed herself. If not for her, Little Junior Sister wouldn’t be in such danger.

“It’s not that bad yet.”

Luo Xue shook her head. She had experienced many life-or-death situations, and this was far from hopeless.

Zhang Xianzhao, outside the protective formation, attacked frantically, the constant bombardment shaking the formation.

The other Core Formation cultivators of the Demon Abyss sects were also attacking, but only tentatively, not using their full power.

At this rate, the formation might not even last for three incense sticks.

This was enough to show that their temporary alliance wasn’t unbreakable.

However, once they realized this and joined forces for a full-on attack, the protective formation wouldn’t last long.

“First, Senior Sister Li, don’t let this puppet of yours die so easily.” Luo Xue said faintly. “Puppetry is a trump card. Once they realize you’re a puppet, they will deliberately search for your real body.”

“I know…”

Li Guijiao said weakly.

“Second, we need to understand their objective.” Luo Xue looked up at the Core Formation cultivators outside, eyeing them covetously. “A temporary alliance is unlikely to be for saving the Evil Spirit Sect. A newly established sect doesn’t have the face to ask so many Core Formation cultivators for help.”

“Their target… can only be us.”

Luo Xue narrowed her eyes and said in a low voice,

“Let ‘Master Zou’ come back and maintain the protective formation, continuing to refine the pill. We’ll escape first, but don’t go too far. We’ll use the protective formation to escape danger from time to time. Once the pill is refined, we’ll give them a… surprise!”

Although this pill was indeed a powerful weapon, when the time came to use it, they couldn’t hesitate.

Since the other Core Formation cultivators were targeting them, once they left the protective formation, the temporary alliance naturally wouldn’t attack the formation to save the Evil Spirit Sect.

“If necessary, we can sacrifice ‘Master Zou’.” Luo Xue’s expression turned strange. “It’s just a pity… that I can’t let my colleagues from the Peerless Summit Sect see this…”

What would the expressions of the Peerless Summit Sect spies be if they were nearby and recognized the “Master Zou” puppet…

At the same time, the Core Formation cultivators outside seemed to have lost their patience. They gradually approached the formation, attempting to break it and tear apart the trio’s last refuge.

But just then, a figure rushed out from the sect, followed by several battered Evil Spirit Sect disciples.

“Don’t run, you traitor!” The Evil Spirit Sect disciples shouted, their voices filled with anger and despair. “Traitor… die!”

But this suddenly appearing figure was very agile, narrowly dodging the Evil Spirit Sect disciples’ techniques and abilities.

Before the Core Formation cultivators could react, the figure “whooshed” into the protective formation.

“Damn it! It’s Zou Junxin!”

Seeing this, Zhang Xianzhao’s expression became even more crazed, and he attacked the protective formation with all his might.

Shensuanzi also frowned slightly, a sense of familiarity flashing through his mind.

“Is this that formation master, Zou Junxin? Why does he look so familiar…”

“Master Zou,” after entering the protective formation, nodded at Luo Xue and said faintly,

“Little Junior Sister, Nangong, you go first. I’ll take care of this.”

“…Senior Sister Li, please don’t call me Little Junior Sister while wearing the Sect Master’s face. It feels weird.” Luo Xue’s brow twitched.

“Okay.”

“Master Zou” seemed to be imitating the Sect Master’s personality and was much calmer.

As soon as he entered the formation, he quickly took over control of the formation from Li Guijiao.

During this time, Li Guijiao’s puppetry skills had improved, and she could now control multiple puppets simultaneously with less effort.

Luo Xue and the others didn’t waste any words and immediately left the formation.

Nangong Mengxiang carried Luo Xue, holding Li Guijiao in her other hand, and charged towards the weakest point in the encirclement she sensed.

Soon, the Core Formation cultivators outside saw Nangong Mengxiang’s figure.

“They’re escaping!”

Almost all the Core Formation cultivators stopped attacking the formation and looked at Nangong Mengxiang.

Only Zhang Xianzhao, seeing Nangong Mengxiang and the others emerge, continued to attack the formation relentlessly.

Because if the formation wasn’t broken, the Evil Spirit Sect would be destroyed.

“Shensuanzi! Didn’t you say you would help me reclaim my sect?” Zhang Xianzhao said anxiously. “Why aren’t you attacking now?”

“Did I? I thought we were just here to capture these three villains.”

Shensuanzi said faintly, his eyes narrowed as he looked at Luo Xue and the others in the distance.

“You!”

Zhang Xianzhao was so enraged that he almost fainted.

But Shensuanzi couldn’t care less now. The target was right before his eyes; he had to capture them quickly before anything unexpected happened.

“Everyone, remember what I said, do not harm those two little girls.”

The cultivators nodded. Although they were puzzled, it wasn’t a big deal.

The two little girls’ combat power was insignificant, just a few annoying tricks.

It was the tall body cultivator whose strength was noteworthy. A peak Foundation Establishment cultivator who could fight against an early Core Formation cultivator was truly astonishing.

Nangong Mengxiang used all her strength to escape the Evil Spirit Sect. Facing the two Core Formation cultivators who came to intercept her, she sent them flying with two punches.

The power of their small worlds was easily broken, unable to slow her down.

“What!”

The two Core Formation cultivators had never seen such power. Nangong Mengxiang hadn’t shown such strength before.

Caught off guard, they let Nangong Mengxiang escape the encirclement.

But…

“You can’t escape.” Shensuanzi narrowed his eyes slightly. “If it were just a few Core Formation cultivators, they indeed couldn’t stop her.”

“But this is the Northern Zhou Dynasty, with all the Core Formation cultivators present. Even with great abilities, below Core Formation, it’s all futile.”

The Core Formation cultivators used various methods to surround and intercept Nangong Mengxiang, restricting her within a certain area, then slowly shrinking the encirclement.

Time passed, and the encirclement grew smaller. Every time Nangong Mengxiang tried to escape, she had to face five Core Formation cultivators.

If not for Shensuanzi’s instructions not to harm Luo Xue and Li Guijiao, the Core Formation cultivators would have already attacked with their full strength.

But this was all within Luo Xue’s plan. She knew Nangong Mengxiang’s strength very well.

Escaping directly was impossible. Only by relying on that pill could they break through the encirclement.

Only one person was truly anxious.

As time passed, Zhang Xianzhao became increasingly desperate.

He stopped attacking the formation, as it was meaningless now.

The Evil Spirit Sect’s spirit vein was about to be depleted. Even if he broke the formation, the Evil Spirit Sect would still be destroyed.

“Kong! Lian! Bin!”

Zhang Xianzhao looked at the trio, his furious roar echoing, making Luo Xue’s hair stand on end.

It wasn’t Zhang Xianzhao’s roar that scared her, but the name…

Senior Sister Li’s alias was truly simple and crude, directly using the name of someone she knew.

Especially Kong Lianbin… the Temple spy who wanted to kill Luo Xue.

Zhang Xianzhao soared into the sky, intending to join the other Core Formation cultivators in besieging the trio.

But before he could take a few steps, a dark light flashed.

“This…”

Zhang Xianzhao’s eyes widened. He looked in a certain direction in disbelief, his mouth agape.

But in the end, he couldn’t utter a word.

His head rolled to the ground, his eyes wide open in death, staring at the earth.

No, not just his head.

In an instant, Zhang Xianzhao’s body exploded, his flesh and blood seemingly annihilated.

In less than half a breath, a Core Formation cultivator was dead.

“So noisy, how annoying.” The general sheathed his sword, looked at the Core Formation demonic cultivators in the sky, a hint of disdain in his eyes. “Tsk, I really want to kill them all.”

“Focus on the mission, don’t cause any more trouble… We have more important things to do.”

The farmer, his hands behind his back, coughed twice and limped forward.

“Peerless Summit Sect!”

Shensuanzi’s pupils constricted. He sensed the sword intent lingering in Zhang Xianzhao’s remains, a sharpness that made one’s eyes sting just by looking at it.

In this world, only the Peerless Summit Sect could control such sword intent.

“Could it be that the Peerless Summit Sect came to save her… and even sent out so many Core Formation cultivators…”

Shensuanzi immediately recognized the general. He was Zhou Li, the general who conquered the west for the Northern Zhou Dynasty. He just hadn’t expected him to be a spy for the Peerless Summit Sect.

Chapter 113: The Holy Maiden’s Favorite 

“Chase her! Capture her! Bring her back to me dead or alive!” Zhang Xianzhao roared, gnashing his teeth.

He flung his sleeve and stormed out of the imperial study.

He had no time for these Demon Abyss cultivators and their petty squabbles. His sect’s residence was being demolished.

If the spirit vein he had bought at great cost was destroyed… the Evil Spirit Sect would cease to exist.

Centuries of his hard work would be ruined.

But Shensuanzi suddenly moved, blocking Zhang Xianzhao’s path.

“Hold on, Sect Master Zhang.”

“Shensuanzi, I’ll admit defeat in this matter today. I’ll apologize to you another day, and we can discuss everything then.” Zhang Xianzhao suppressed his rage. “Move aside, I need to return to my sect immediately!”

With the spirit vein on the verge of collapse, these petty profits were nothing to Zhang Xianzhao.

“No, no, Sect Master Zhang, don’t be so hasty.” Shensuanzi said with a smile.

He turned to the Evil Spirit Sect disciple who had just barged in and asked,

“Little brother, you mean those villains are still at your sect’s residence?”

“Ye-, yes…”

The disciple stammered.

“Sect Master Zhang, look, this is a perfect opportunity to capture them all in one fell swoop.” Shensuanzi looked at Zhang Xianzhao cheerfully. “Why don’t we go together and take them down? Then your Evil Spirit Sect will be saved.”

Zhang Xianzhao’s face darkened, and he didn’t answer immediately.

Shensuanzi was right. Zhang Xianzhao had to admit that he couldn’t handle those women.

Even if he returned now, he could only watch them escape, unable to even track them.

Moreover, the Evil Spirit Sect’s only reliance, the protective formation, was useless. It seemed… he could only ask the other sects in the Northern Zhou Dynasty for help.

“In that case, how will the recovered resources be distributed?” Zhang Xianzhao asked.

“The Evil Spirit Sect’s territory will be returned to you, and we’ll take the rest.” Shensuanzi said faintly.

“What!” Zhang Xianzhao’s eyes widened. “The sect’s territory originally belongs to my Evil Spirit Sect, how can you talk about distribution?”

“It could also belong to us.”

Shensuanzi’s expression remained unchanged, still smiling faintly.

Zhang Xianzhao fell silent. He looked around at the other cultivators, their mocking gazes undisguised.

Without the sect’s territory, he would be just a rogue cultivator, a bankrupt one at that.

“Fine!” Zhang Xianzhao gritted his teeth. “Take it all! I just want to keep the Evil Spirit Sect’s territory!”

“Excellent.”

Shensuanzi stroked his beard and nodded, exchanging glances with the other cultivators.

Now that they had reached a consensus and formed a temporary alliance, it was time to capture those arrogant little brats.

“Finally, everyone, I have one more request.”

Shensuanzi’s expression turned serious. He bowed to the other cultivators and said earnestly,

“Please do not harm the two younger girls. Not just try your best, but absolutely do not harm them.”

Then, his tone sharpened.

“If you violate this, my previous promises… will have to be reconsidered.”

The cultivators exchanged glances, then nodded in agreement.

They didn’t care about Shensuanzi’s motives. In fact, for the Thousand Machines Sect to make so many concessions without any apparent purpose was even more suspicious.

For these Demon Abyss sects, profit was the most important thing.

As for those troublemaking brats, the Thousand Machines Sect could have them.

“Very… good.”

Shensuanzi repeated, his cloudy eyes narrowing slightly.

…

“Target locked, identities confirmed. Li Guixing of Underworld Water Ravine, Luo Xue of Falling Flower Peak… and an unknown demonic cultivator.”

“Hmph! A prodigy of the Peerless Summit Sect, associating with demonic cultivators. Luo Xue is one thing, but why is even a disciple of Underworld Water Ravine… It seems the weakness of the Peerless Summit Sect is beyond our imagination.”

“Silence, it’s not our place to judge the sect. Once Grand Elder obtains power, the swords of the Peerless Summit Sect… will reappear in the nine provinces and four domains, making everyone tremble!”

“Our current priority is to complete the Grand Elder’s orders. This wrongly stopped war between immortals and demons is about to restart.”

In an inconspicuous corner of the Northern Zhou Dynasty, a group of cultivators with various identities gathered.

Some were dressed as farmers, some as wealthy merchants, and one even wore the armor of a general.

But they all had the same hidden identity: spies of the Law Enforcement Hall of the Peerless Summit Sect.

And… they were all the Grand Elder’s elite.

The weakest among them was at the peak of Foundation Establishment.

And one Core Formation cultivator emanated a powerful, late-stage Core Formation aura.

All the power of the Law Enforcement Hall in the Demon Abyss was here, each one capable of defeating opponents of higher levels.

After a period of investigation, without the spy token, Luo Xue’s identity was finally confirmed, and the Grand Elder’s kill order had been issued.

The spies of the Peerless Summit Sect were not to be trifled with. Even if Luo Xue and Li Guijiao hadn’t caused trouble in the Northern Zhou Dynasty, it was only a matter of time before they tracked her down.

“Their plan to attack the Evil Spirit Sect is about to unfold. We have to move now.”

The general tapped the hilt of his sword, the sharp sword intent in his eyes seemingly able to pierce through skin.

Li Guijiao was indeed too inexperienced, only able to take advantage of Zhang Xianzhao and the Evil Spirit Sect elders’ ignorance of formations.

The formation she set up had already been seen through by many true formation masters, but no one wanted to get involved in this troublesome matter.

Moreover, the style of the formation also exposed Li Guijiao’s identity. The sword intent contained within could be recognized by anyone who had faced a Peerless Summit Sect disciple.

All clues pointed to their target being among them.

The farmer, with a pipe in his mouth, tossed the dagger in his hand and said softly,

“In that case… Operation ‘Falling Snow’, commence!”

With his command, countless figures leaped into the air, their surging sword intent carrying a bloody killing intent, heading straight for the capital of the Northern Zhou Dynasty.

…

“We’ve… found her.”

“Really?”

A look of joy appeared on Su Yiyao’s face.

She put down the broken dagger and stood up.

“But unfortunately, it was the lineage spies who found her.” The Zither Witch said faintly. “They didn’t reveal the information, but secretly sent spies, intending to use the local sects to capture Luo Xue.”

“Could it be… that they’ve already noticed?”

Su Yiyao suddenly became nervous, clutching her clothes slightly.

Whenever it came to Ah Chou, the usually calm and cautious Su Yiyao would inevitably lose her composure.

The outside world had gradually learned that this order was issued by the capricious Holy Maiden of the Temple, and her purpose was likely to take this Immortal Domain disciple as her… plaything.

And the Holy Maiden, who remained in seclusion, was thought to be patiently waiting for her toy to be delivered.

In reality, Su Yiyao was extremely restless, contacting the Zither Witch every few days, afraid of missing any news about Luo Xue.

The Zither Witch saw this, but didn’t say anything, just silently carrying out the Holy Maiden’s orders.

“They probably haven’t noticed. They likely just don’t want this huge bounty to fall into the hands of others.” The Zither Witch shook her head. “They’re about to succeed. No one knows about this. Luo Xue’s trail has been deliberately misled to the Demonic Ghost City.”

Even though the Zither Witch said this, Su Yiyao was still worried that the lineage masters would use Ah Chou to threaten her, instead of offering her as a gift to curry favor.

For Ah Chou, Su Yiyao couldn’t engage in such power plays with the lineage masters. It was too risky.

She didn’t care about herself, but she was worried that Ah Chou would be harmed.

The Zither Witch saw through Su Yiyao’s worries, but she couldn’t help with this matter.

Although she was the Holy Maiden’s protector, she was also the protector of the Temple of the Nether Spirit and couldn’t interfere in the affairs of the various lineages. Remaining neutral was her absolute principle.

“If the Holy Maiden is worried about her safety, there’s another way.” The Zither Witch said.

“What way?”

Su Yiyao quickly asked.

“Spread the news about Luo Xue, let everyone know where she is.” The Zither Witch replied. “This way, the lineages’ secret plans will be useless. They will be forced to act openly and won’t be able to resort to any underhanded methods.”

If Luo Xue was captured secretly, the lineages might use some special, perhaps even extreme, methods to get information from her.

The Temple of the Nether Spirit had many ways to torture someone without injuring them.

However, Su Yiyao hesitated at the Zither Witch’s suggestion.

“If I do that, will Ah Chou be in danger…”

“Just some rabble, nothing to worry about.” The Zither Witch’s expression softened slightly. “And after disrupting the situation, I can also intervene slightly.”

“Perhaps then, I can bring her directly to you.”

“Really?”

Su Yiyao’s delicate face lit up with joy.

“Of course.” The Zither Witch sighed inwardly, but her expression remained gentle. “Holy Maiden, I always act according to your wishes.”

And also, according to the Holy Master’s will.

…The lineage masters weren’t wrong. Bringing back Luo Xue was indeed approved by the Holy Master.

As the protector of the Temple and the only confidante of the Holy Master, the Zither Witch had reported this matter to the Holy Master from the very beginning.

One of the reasons she didn’t immediately bring Luo Xue back from Ghost Demon Pass was that she didn’t know the Holy Master’s attitude.

For some reason, the Holy Master remained silent for a long time after learning about Luo Xue’s existence, but in the end, she gave the Zither Witch instructions, confirming that Luo Xue could be brought to Su Yiyao.

However, even with this decision, the Holy Master still seemed to have some doubts.

She muttered a sentence softly.

“Why are there two doors?”

The Zither Witch didn’t understand this sentence, but she still faithfully carried out the Holy Master’s will, helping the Holy Maiden retrieve this Immortal Domain disciple named “Luo Xue.”

“Thank you, Sister Qin.”

Su Yiyao smiled again, her beautiful smile making the Zither Witch feel a bit dazed.

The Holy Maiden she had seen before didn’t seem to have the expression of “smiling,” always cold and indifferent, her heart seemingly dead.

But since confirming Luo Xue’s existence, the smiles on the Holy Maiden’s face had become more frequent. She would often stay alone in her room, giggling to herself.

And those who encountered the Holy Maiden recently were surprised by her improved mood.

To avoid being noticed, Su Yiyao had chosen to remain in seclusion.

“I really want to go to Ah Chou’s side right now…”

Su Yiyao rested her chin on her hand, swinging her legs slightly.

“Be careful, Holy Maiden.” The Zither Witch reminded.

“I know.” Su Yiyao waved her hand. “Sister Qin, hurry up and help Ah Chou!”

“As you command, Holy Maiden.”

The Zither Witch nodded slightly and closed the communication stone.

…

Meanwhile, at the Evil Spirit Sect’s gate.

The protective formation was operating at full power, continuously drawing spiritual power from the spirit vein, something brewing within its core.

The protective formation was connected to the spirit vein to enhance its power.

But the Evil Spirit Sect never expected that it was simply being used to drain the spirit vein dry.

Although the Evil Spirit Sect disciples resisted, trying to stop the formation’s operation, this formation could withstand an attack from a Nascent Soul cultivator!

Moreover, there was ample spiritual power from the spirit vein as an energy reserve.

Only a guardian elder at the early stage of Core Formation could barely break through the formation, but the formation’s self-repair ability was also astonishing.

The Evil Spirit Sect disciples were on the verge of tears. They hadn’t expected to experience the power of their protective formation for the first time under such circumstances.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, the trio of Luo Xue, Li Guijiao, and Nangong Mengxiang snuck into the Evil Spirit Sect’s treasury and looted their accumulated resources again.

Then they waited for the formation to finish condensing and obtain the “Super Invincible Powerful Heaven-Shaking Tyrant Explosive Spiritual Pill (Li Guijiao Limited Edition)” before leaving.

“Calculating the time, Sect Master Zhang should be back soon, right?”

Luo Xue looked at the setting sun and murmured softly.

When Li Guijiao built the protective formation, she had already taken Zhang Xianzhao’s strength into account.

Even if he managed to return in time, he wouldn’t be able to break through after the formation was fully condensed.

At this moment, Li Guijiao was fully focused on controlling the “Zou Junxin” puppet, dodging the Evil Spirit Sect disciples’ pursuit, and testing the power of her new formations.

Nangong Mengxiang dozed off beside her, looking sleepy.

Soon, a familiar, thin figure appeared outside the sect’s gate, and a shrill scream, like a pig being slaughtered, rang out.

“—My sect!”

Chapter 112: One Last Job Before Retirement

The Calamity Poison Body could bypass the process of accumulating spiritual power. As long as the realm was comprehended, crossing the boundaries was easy.

If Luo Xue had enough Immortal’s Kowtow, and she abandoned suppressing her realm and disregarded the stability of her foundation, forcibly increasing her cultivation to the mid-stage of Core Formation wouldn’t be a problem.

Unfortunately, Immortal’s Kowtow, besides being a poison, was also an extremely precious and rare medicinal ingredient.

The gourd of Immortal’s Kowtow Luo Xue had was already all the stock her convenient mother had “borrowed” from the Everspring Pavilion.

And perhaps because of the Xuanyin Phoenix Transformation Scripture, Luo Xue’s spiritual aperture was many times larger than that of ordinary people, and the accumulation of spiritual power was relatively slow, so her cultivation progress was indeed slower.

Besides obtaining many resources, Luo Xue had also accumulated some survival points during her recent adventures.

[Survival Points: 300]
[Poison Resistance: 100]
[Strength: 100]
[Soul: 100]
[Cultivation Aptitude: Barely There]
[Divine Ability Aptitude: Barely There]

150 points were left over from before, 50 points were obtained from the final battle against the two prodigies of the Demonic Ghost City, and the remaining 100 points were accumulated during this period.

Because of Nangong Mengxiang’s presence as insurance, every time she faced a Core Formation cultivator, she could only get 10 survival points in the end, accumulating to 300.

Luo Xue didn’t plan to use these survival points for now, because both cultivation aptitude and divine ability aptitude required 1000 points for the next upgrade.

Having witnessed the benefits of activating special talents, Luo Xue didn’t want to waste these survival points.

“Barely There” was already considered the level of a prodigy in the Immortal Domain and the Demon Abyss. The next stage would have to be at the level of the Holy Maiden of the Temple or Li Guijiao, a peerless genius, right?

However, there was a more pressing matter at hand… The Evil Spirit Sect’s spirit vein refining formation was complete and had been tested once, achieving the desired effect.

Zhang Xianzhao was satisfied, the Evil Spirit Sect disciples were satisfied, and the villainous trio were even more satisfied.

After Li Guijiao received this news from the puppet Master Zou, Luo Xue and Nangong Mengxiang, who had been waiting, immediately set off for the Evil Spirit Sect’s residence.

After this last job, they would retire and head to the nameless swamp.

…

Meanwhile, in the capital city of the Northern Zhou Dynasty.

The imperial study, a place where only the emperor could enter with his permission, was now filled with various cultivators.

There were Daoist priests in robes, seductive women in revealing clothes, hulking, dark-skinned men, and a wrinkled old man with a pockmarked face sitting on the emperor’s dragon throne, beside a young man in dragon robes, sweating profusely.

Clearly, the emperor of the Northern Zhou Dynasty, before these demonic cultivators, could only tremble in fear.

“Fellow Daoists, please listen to this old man, Shensuanzi!” The old man coughed twice, his voice raspy. “Recently… I believe you have all suffered at the hands of those villains, and your sects have suffered considerable losses.”

TN: (*Shensuanzi : Celestial Seer, Divination Expert*)

Before Shensuanzi could finish, the seductive woman chuckled and said, her eyes narrowed,

“Senior Shensuanzi, your losses are indeed great. I didn’t expect you, at your age of over a thousand years, to still be so obsessed with mortal storybooks…”

“Jiao Nu, I don’t want to argue with you.” Shensuanzi’s drooping eyebrows twitched. “I’m here today for the benefit of all fellow Daoists.”

“Is that so?” A booming voice, like thunder, echoed. The hulking man said in a deep voice, “What they took from the Iron Mountain Sect is not even one-tenth of what your Thousand Machines Sect usually schemes.”

A few voices echoed in agreement, and several other sects chimed in.

The imperial study was filled with noise.

The Demon Abyss sects were never united. On the contrary, each had their own grudges and conflicts of interest.

Even with the villainous trio as a common enemy, they couldn’t unite in such a short time.

“Everyone, quiet down, and listen to this old man.” Shensuanzi chuckled softly. “Don’t you… want to get back what was stolen from you?”

Shensuanzi’s words gradually silenced everyone, their eyes flickering.

Indeed, even if the resources stolen by the villainous trio weren’t much, it was still a loss.

And many small losses added up to a significant amount.

“This old man has already sent people to investigate. There haven’t been any large transactions of spirit stones, medicinal herbs, or materials within the Northern Zhou Dynasty recently, which means they still have those things.”

Shensuanzi said in a deep voice, “I believe you all know how much you’ve lost, and how astonishing the combined amount is… don’t you want to get it back?”

The sect masters began to stir. This was indeed a tempting offer.

“Then, Senior Shensuanzi, how will the recovered resources be distributed?” Someone asked loudly.

“Those who are capable will get more.”

Shensuanzi said faintly.

“…”

The sect masters’ expressions changed slightly.

Although this was in line with the Demon Abyss’s rule of survival of the fittest, in this situation…

“Shensuanzi truly lives up to his name,” the seductive Jiao Nu’s shrill laughter rang out again. “Are you planning to have everyone work for your Thousand Machines Sect? Who doesn’t know that the Thousand Machines Sect is the most powerful? At that time, I’m afraid—”

“The Thousand Machines Sect will take nothing.”

Shensuanzi bluntly interrupted Jiao Nu, seemingly intending to silence her.

Jiao Nu was stunned and stammered,

“Then, then your scheme…”

“The tallest body cultivator in the villainous trio, we’ll give her to the Jiao Clan, how about that?” Shensuanzi said with a smile. “Your sect definitely lacks a body cultivator of that level as… nourishment, right?”

Jiao Nu’s eyes immediately lit up, and the sinister smile on her face softened, replaced by a charming one.

“With Senior Shensuanzi’s kindness, this junior will definitely do her best to help capture those villains.”

This seductive woman, her face changing faster than flipping a page…

The sect masters looked at Jiao Nu’s sudden change in attitude and couldn’t help but feel envious.

Everyone knew that the peak Foundation Establishment body cultivator was the strongest of the trio, and therefore the most valuable.

For her to be given to the Jiao Clan, many sect masters felt resentful.

But soon, Shensuanzi addressed the dissatisfied sects one by one, offering corresponding benefits.

Either promises or additional resources, until all the established sects agreed to Shensuanzi’s joint operation with smiles on their faces.

It could be seen that Shensuanzi was indeed quite capable.

In such a short time, he had temporarily united these sects, who were usually at odds with each other.

However…

The newer sects weren’t happy.

Several sects established less than a hundred years ago hadn’t been mentioned by Shensuanzi, as if they had been ignored.

Among them were the Yin Li Sect and the Evil Spirit Sect.

“Senior Shensuanzi, what is the meaning of this?”

Zhang Xianzhao was the first to step forward, his expression dark. “Senior summoned us here, saying there was an important matter to discuss, but why did you deliberately ignore us?”

“I didn’t ignore you.” The wrinkles on Shensuanzi’s face didn’t even twitch.

“Then why didn’t you give us any benefits?”

Zhang Xianzhao’s tone was aggressive. Although his strength wasn’t top-tier, his personality was reckless.

A typical hothead.

“Those who are capable will get more, I’ve already said that.” Shensuanzi said faintly.

“But why do the other sects get extra benefits, and we don’t?”

Zhang Xianzhao continued relentlessly. “In the attacks by those villains, my Evil Spirit Sect suffered the greatest losses. We should receive more compensation!”

“So, Daoist Zhang, you mean…”

Shensuanzi said, his smile not reaching his eyes.

Zhang Xianzhao, seeing this, thought that Shensuanzi had backed down, and quickly said,

“Since the Jiao Clan wants that peak Foundation Establishment cultivator, then I’ll take that ‘Kong Lianbin,’ no problem, right? She’s only at Spirit Condensation.”

After being bombed four times, he hated “Kong Lianbin” to the core, and he had long coveted her, an Immortal Domain cultivator, as a cauldron.

Hearing this, Shensuanzi’s expression changed slightly, and he immediately said,

“I can’t give her to you.”

“Hmm?” Zhang Xianzhao was stunned. Seeing Shensuanzi’s displeasure, he added, “Then, just that unknown little girl is fine…”

Although her appearance was ordinary, she was still an Immortal Domain cultivator, and as a cauldron, she should be about the same, right?

Luo Xue had been using her own disguises during their recent activities.

Not exactly ugly, just very common, not very memorable.

Shensuanzi’s expression changed drastically. “I can’t give her to you either.”

“What?! You can’t give me this, you can’t give me that,” Zhang Xianzhao’s eyes widened, and he stood up, slamming the table and shattering it. “Old man, are you deliberately humiliating me? Are you bullying us because our sects are new here?”

The other new sect masters also looked at Shensuanzi.

Although they didn’t speak up like Zhang Xianzhao, they shared the same thoughts.

Why?

Their sects’ strength were all similar (except for the half-crippled Evil Spirit Sect). Why was Shensuanzi humiliating them like this?

Shensuanzi’s expression also darkened, and he said in a low voice,

“Daoist Zhang, inviting you to this meeting was already giving you enough face. With your insignificant strength, you dare to challenge the Thousand Machines Sect, the number one demonic sect in the Northern Zhou Dynasty?”

Having said that, Zhang Xianzhao knew that they were looking down on these new sects.

He immediately released his aura, the power of his small world condensing, and shouted,

“Old man, if that’s the case, I won’t be polite either! For every humiliation today, I’ll return it tenfold in the future!”

The other new sect masters, seeing this, also knew that it was time to fight for their due benefits.

As fellow Demon Abyss cultivators, none of them were pushovers, all of them ruthless individuals capable of massacring cities without blinking.

They knew very well that if they didn’t resist this deliberate show of force, there would be endless trouble later.

Facing their challenge, Shensuanzi didn’t back down, his techniques ready to be unleashed.

Most of the other sects watched this scene with amusement. Only a few vassals of the Thousand Machines Sect stood beside Shensuanzi, confronting the new sects.

Only the emperor of the Northern Zhou Dynasty huddled in the corner, trembling.

A great battle seemed inevitable.

But at this tense moment, the door of the imperial study suddenly opened.

Everyone’s gaze turned towards the door, only to see a Spirit Condensation disciple in the uniform of the Evil Spirit Sect standing there.

This pitiful Spirit Condensation disciple, suddenly stared at by a room full of demonic giants, almost fell to his knees.

“Se-, Sect Master… it’s not good…”

“That’s how the Evil Spirit Sect’s disciples are, lacking any discipline.”

Before Zhang Xianzhao could speak, Jiao Nu chuckled, a sharp glint in her narrow eyes.

Having received benefits from the Thousand Machines Sect, she had to side with them, at least verbally.

Jiao Nu’s words drew laughter from the crowd, even Shensuanzi’s face showed a hint of mockery.

Zhang Xianzhao frowned, feeling a surge of anger. He wanted to kill this disciple directly, it was so embarrassing.

But the current situation was delicate, so Zhang Xianzhao could only suppress his anger and ask in a deep voice,

“What is it? Why are you so panicked?”

“Sect Master, come back quickly! Those three villains are back… and they bombed our sect’s residence again!” The Evil Spirit Sect disciple was on the verge of tears. “Even our spirit vein is destroyed!”

“How is that possible?” Zhang Xianzhao’s face was filled with disbelief. “What about Master Zou’s protective formation?”

Zhang Xianzhao had personally witnessed Master Zou’s protective formation.

Its exquisite design and novel ideas were astonishing, and combined with the spirit vein’s defense mechanisms, it could withstand the combined attack of more than a dozen Core Formation cultivators.

Even if they entered the sect’s grounds, the sword formation embedded within the protective formation was full of killing intent, its ferocity reminding Zhang Xianzhao of the Peerless Summit Sect, the number one sword cultivation sect in the Immortal Domain.

The villainous trio didn’t even have a Core Formation cultivator among them, how could they possibly break through the protective formation?

“The protective formation was activated, but… it couldn’t stop them!” The Evil Spirit Sect disciple’s face was filled with terror. “And the protective formation is constantly drawing spiritual power from the spirit vein. Our spirit vein is almost depleted!”

“What!”

Zhang Xianzhao was shocked, then enraged.

But soon, he realized that there must be something more to this and calmed down slightly, asking,

“Wait, where is Master Zou… Zou Junxin?”

Perhaps… it was that Master Zou who was behind this, but Zhang Xianzhao couldn’t understand why Master Zou would be connected to the villainous trio.

Master Zou wasn’t just a random formation master Zhang Xianzhao had picked up on the road, nor did he come to him and recommend himself. He had been carefully selected by Zhang Xianzhao from the black market.

His background was indeed mysterious, but everyone in the black market concealed their identities.

And betraying his employer like this, wasn’t he afraid that no one in the formation world would accept him in the future?

“He’s gone. Several Senior Brothers are chasing after him.” The Evil Spirit Sect disciple replied.

Chapter 111: Senior Sister Li’s Strange Hobby

After chatting for a while and confirming that Li Guijiao was even more timid than before, Luo Xue could only return with the puppet.

Only then did she learn that Li Guijiao’s cave wasn’t actually dug under the restaurant.

She had gone to the royal mausoleum of the Northern Zhou Dynasty, cracked the formation there, modified it slightly, and turned it into a formation she could completely control.

And, for safety, Li Guijiao had sealed all the entrances and exits of the mausoleum.

The only way in and out was through a teleportation formation constructed with specific runes, like a door with a security lock.

As for the coffins of those poor emperors, she had piled them up in a corner.

Li Guijiao wasn’t afraid of graveyards, because she felt that living people were much more terrifying than the dead…

Luo Xue could only say that there was definitely a reason why Hei Pao dared to let Senior Sister Li venture into the Demon Abyss alone… Her master truly understood her disciple.

After teleporting Luo Xue to the outskirts of the city, the silent puppet Li Guijiao slowly opened her eyes.

Her wooden expression gradually became lively, until finally, it was no different from a real person, except that her strength was only at the peak of the Innate Realm.

“Hey, hey, Little Junior Sister, can you hear me?”

The puppet Li Guijiao blinked, her mouth opening and closing slightly, making a sound.

“I can hear you, it’s just…”

Luo Xue’s expression was strange.

Why didn’t the mouth movements match the words?

“This is a mass-produced model, the quality isn’t very good.” Li Guijiao said. “As for ‘Sect Master’ level puppets, I can’t control too many at the same time.”

“Right now, ‘Master Zou’ is still building a refining formation at the Evil Spirit Sect. It’s a good thing they have enough Foundation Establishment cultivators. Otherwise, even ‘Master Zou’ wouldn’t be able to complete a formation of that scale.”

With the entire Evil Spirit Sect’s disciples as batteries, Li Guijiao could freely construct formations without being limited by her own cultivation.

“I see…”

Luo Xue nodded slightly.

Just then, Nangong Mengxiang, finally sensing Luo Xue’s aura again, rushed over.

As soon as she landed, she saw two “Luo Xues.”

One was the previous ghostly girl, and the other was the ordinary girl Luo Xue had just disguised herself as.

“Uh… which one is Little Martial Aunt?” Nangong Mengxiang scratched her cheek.

“Me,” Luo Xue stepped forward and patted Li Guijiao’s shoulder. “This is my Senior Sister, but it’s inconvenient for her true body to appear, so she’s using a puppet.”

“Oh, oh… you must be Little Martial Aunt’s Senior Sister. Little Martial Aunt often mentions you. Come, come, this is a small meeting gift…”

Nangong Mengxiang took out a half-eaten chicken leg and handed it to Li Guijiao.

Li Guijiao was stunned, then hesitantly took the chicken leg.

“Tha… thank you…”

She actually gave her a gift. It seemed that Little Junior Sister’s friend wasn’t a bad person…

“Nangong… where did you learn such social etiquette?”

Luo Xue wanted to facepalm.

“Sister Shangguan said that you should prepare a meeting gift when you first meet an elder. Since she’s Little Martial Aunt’s Senior Sister, she should also be an elder.” Nangong Mengxiang said. “I don’t have anything else on hand, only this roasted chicken leg I just bought. It’s very fragrant!”

“…But Senior Sister is using a puppet, she can’t eat the chicken leg.” Luo Xue said helplessly. “Also, why didn’t you give me one?”

“Because I forgot at the time.”

Nangong Mengxiang said matter-of-factly.

“It’s okay, I… I can teleport it back and eat it.” Li Guijiao hurriedly created a small teleportation formation and carefully placed the chicken leg on it. “Thank you for your kindness, Nangong… Martial Niece?”

“Just call her Nangong.”

“Right, right, just call me Nangong.” Nangong Mengxiang echoed, then looked at Li Guijiao’s appearance and nodded. “So this is Little Martial Aunt’s Senior Sister’s appearance… I was wondering how Little Martial Aunt’s terrible disguise skills could create such a pretty face.”

“Hey…”

Luo Xue’s face darkened. Why was this woman suddenly revealing her embarrassing past?

She had tried creating her own disguises, but she couldn’t make a decent-looking face no matter what.

The ordinary face she had created before was already considered one of her better attempts. The others were even worse, so she could only use Li Guijiao’s disguises.

“Actually, I also created this face, hee hee… It seems Little Junior Sister isn’t very good at this.”

Being praised, Li Guijiao smiled shyly, but there was also a hint of pride in her shyness.

“Tsk.”

Luo Xue crossed her arms and clicked her tongue.

Why did she feel like she was being insulted again?

However, the friendly interaction between Nangong Mengxiang and Li Guijiao put Luo Xue at ease. Now, the only thing left was to deal with the Evil Spirit Sect.

“By the way, Senior Sister, what kind of pill are you refining? With an entire spirit vein… it would take at least a Nascent Soul cultivator to consume it, right?” Luo Xue asked curiously.

Li Guijiao was stunned.

“Consume it?”

“Like… eat it?”

“Ah, this pill isn’t for eating,” Li Guijiao said casually, “It’s for exploding. My goal is to at least collapse one of the temples of the Temple of the Nether Spirit.”

Luo Xue’s expression was like she had seen a ghost.

“Well, I was worried that Little Junior Sister might have been captured by the Temple of the Nether Spirit when I came,” Li Guijiao said sheepishly. “With this pill, I should be able to rescue you, right?”

“…”

Luo Xue was silent for a long time.

This wasn’t rescuing, this was sending her to her grave! An explosion caused by the spiritual power of an entire spirit vein…

“It’s just a backup plan, and I don’t need it now anyway. It can be used as an ultimate weapon, very useful!”

Li Guijiao clenched her small fists, her face full of excitement, as if she could already see the scene of this ultimate pill exploding.

Luo Xue couldn’t help but wonder if Senior Sister Li had developed some strange hobbies after coming to the Demon Abyss…

However, since the formation for refining the spirit vein would still take some time to complete, Luo Xue had nothing to do during this period, so she followed Li Guijiao around, collecting resources in the Demon Abyss.

As for their collection methods…

Similar to Nangong Mengxiang.

Nangong Mengxiang robbed, and Li Guijiao bombed…

…

However, without anyone noticing, some cultivators had already narrowed down Luo Xue’s area of activity to within the Northern Zhou Dynasty.

These cultivators…

Were spies of the Peerless Summit Sect.

More accurately, they were spies from the Law Enforcement Hall within the Peerless Summit Sect.

After Luo Xue entered the Demon Abyss, the Law Enforcement Hall spies received the mission to assassinate her.

If not for the commotion caused by the wanted notice, once Luo Xue’s spy token appeared within their detection range, they would have immediately launched a sneak attack.

The strength of these spies varied, but they were all at least at the Foundation Establishment Realm, and there were even some Core Formation cultivators among them.

Luo Xue and Nangong Mengxiang alone definitely couldn’t escape their attacks.

Unlike the other cultivators who wanted the bounty, the Law Enforcement Hall spies under the Grand Elder’s command were absolute radicals, the so-called sword fanatics in the eyes of the Demon Abyss cultivators.

Their mission was only to kill Luo Xue.

Therefore, the wanted notice issued by the Holy Maiden of the Temple of the Nether Spirit, intentionally or unintentionally, disrupted the Law Enforcement Hall’s plan.

Without the spy token, the Law Enforcement Hall spies couldn’t locate Luo Xue directly, so they couldn’t act.

However…

The spy token wasn’t the only way to find Luo Xue.

As spies deep within enemy territory, these sword fanatics weren’t truly crazy; they were the elite of the Peerless Summit Sect.

Investigation, reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, they were experts in all of these.

Unlike most amateurs, these professional spies had, through various channels and information, gradually narrowed down Luo Xue’s area of activity and even deduced her destination.

At the same time, during this period, the Demon Abyss sects in the Northern Zhou Dynasty were also in turmoil. More than a dozen sects were attacked by the same strange young girl, whose main method of attack was explosions.

After the attacks, most of the sects’ assets were looted, even a certain elder’s collection of thousands of storybooks wasn’t spared.

Her methods were appalling, and the crime scenes were infuriating.

These incidents also caught the attention of the spies, who became suspicious of this mysterious girl, as her methods carried a hint of the Peerless Summit Sect’s sword intent.

On the other hand, the spies were also doubtful.

Would someone who was wanted with such a huge bounty, someone who had the entire nine provinces and four domains in a frenzy, act so brazenly…

Of course, besides the spies of the Peerless Summit Sect’s Law Enforcement Hall, there were also spies from the various lineages of the Temple of the Nether Spirit pursuing Luo Xue.

Compared to the Peerless Summit Sect spies, who could only act in secret and had limited information, the Temple spies clearly had more complete information and had noticed the mysterious girl’s actions earlier.

But because it didn’t match the other information they had about Luo Xue, they hadn’t paid much attention.

And now, the mysterious girl’s movements coincided with Luo Xue’s predicted area of activity, so the Temple spies couldn’t ignore this information any longer.

In short, unknowingly, the Northern Zhou Dynasty, a mortal nation, had gradually become the center of this brewing storm.

As for the instigator, the Holy Maiden of the Temple of the Nether Spirit, she hadn’t left her temple during this time, seemingly unconcerned about this matter.

She had taken in all the girls sent by the various lineages, keeping them in her temple for a while before letting them go.

The returning girls had part of their memories erased, and as fellow women, it was difficult to determine whether the Holy Maiden had… done anything to them.

Therefore, the various lineages could only temporarily assume that the strange wanted notice issued by the Holy Maiden for “Luo Xue” was purely out of her own fondness for this toy.

The possibility they didn’t dare to mention was… that this might be the Holy Master’s will.

Therefore, the lineages’ search for Luo Xue, initially perfunctory, gradually became more serious.

Luo Xue had been living quite comfortably during this time. The villainous trio formed by her, Li Guijiao, and Nangong Mengxiang had become infamous, leaving no blade of grass standing wherever they went, their wails echoing everywhere.

Their notoriety had reached the point where even dogs passing by would have their fur plucked.

Luo Xue was responsible for attracting attention and using the Nascent Soul will to delay Core Formation cultivators. Li Guijiao was responsible for explosions and looting treasuries, and Nangong Mengxiang was responsible for escaping.

Their cooperation was highly efficient. They had visited 70% of the Demon Abyss sects, although none were as miserable as the Evil Spirit Sect.

In fact, the competition between Demon Abyss sects was extremely cruel, and incidents of extermination and looting were common, but actions like Luo Xue’s and her companions’… were truly rare.

Of course, besides the Evil Spirit Sect, which had a genuine grudge against them, the other sects only had some of their resources and records stolen. There were no more incidents of sect residences being bombed.

Furthermore, the protective formations of the other sects were relatively intact, so Li Guijiao couldn’t infiltrate and modify them, at most just exerting some minor influence.

The only unlucky one, the Evil Spirit Sect, was still gloating that other sects were suffering the same fate as them, while also hoping that their upgraded protective formation could protect them from the villainous trio.

Little did they know that when the protective formation was completed, it would be the moment of the Evil Spirit Sect’s utter destruction…

Although these small sects were called sects, the resources within their residences weren’t much different from those of rogue cultivators, which seemed meager to Luo Xue and Li Guijiao, who came from major sects.

The combined inventory of more than a dozen sects could only be considered barely adequate.

The three of them divided the loot according to their needs. Luo Xue took most of the medicinal herbs, Li Guijiao replenished her formation and puppetry materials, and the remaining spirit stones were all given to Nangong Mengxiang.

It was at this time that Luo Xue finally understood why, despite body cultivators being so powerful and the talent requirements not being high, few people chose to cultivate this path…

She also understood why Nangong Mengxiang, despite robbing people every day, was still poor.

Spirit stones worth nearly 10,000 Earth-rank Qi Condensation Pills were consumed by her in less than half a month…

And according to Nangong Mengxiang, the effect was that she had slightly refined her internal organs, getting closer to Core Formation.

The Core Formation of body cultivators was different from that of ordinary cultivators. They wouldn’t form the traditional “Human, Earth, and Heaven” three cores, but a completely different Blood and Flesh Golden Core.

Utilizing the power of blood and Qi, they controlled their internal small world, their body itself becoming a world.

However, they couldn’t project the power of their small world to suppress lower-level opponents like ordinary Core Formation cultivators, which was considered a minor disadvantage.

After all, the attacks of lower-level opponents were like mosquito bites to Core Formation body cultivators, there was no need to suppress them.

Luo Xue directly consumed the medicinal herbs. Unrefined Demon Abyss herbs generally carried some toxicity, deliberately cultivated by the Demon Abyss cultivators.

This toxicity was usually removed during pill refinement, but to Luo Xue, it was a great supplement.

Unknowingly, Luo Xue had finished the Immortal’s Kowtow, her cultivation steadily increasing to the late stage of Spirit Condensation.

At this point, the advantages of the Calamity Poison Body were gradually becoming apparent. As long as she had enough poisonous spiritual power, there were almost no bottlenecks in her cultivation advancement.

Luo Xue understood that previous Calamity Poison Body predecessor even more now. This almost insane speed of improvement could easily make one lose themselves.

Chapter 110: Refining Pills with a Spirit Vein, Puppets on the Move 

“…”

Luo Xue’s eyes widened.

She looked at the attendant, her mouth slightly agape.

“Li…”

“Guest, would you like some wine?”

The attendant quickly interrupted, stopping Luo Xue from finishing her sentence.

The few mortals present seemed to have noticed Luo Xue, and the attendant, under their gazes, seemed a bit nervous, as if he would flee into the shadows at any moment.

This was indeed Senior Sister Li’s unique… cautiousness.

“Yes, bring me a large jug.”

Luo Xue smiled faintly, releasing a bit of her cultivation aura.

The surrounding mortals, sensing a faint pressure, realized that this inconspicuous little girl was actually an immortal cultivator. They quickly averted their gazes, afraid of being noticed by Luo Xue.

Immortals weren’t uncommon in this place, but compared to the number of mortals, they were still a minority.

Moreover, this was the Demon Abyss, where cultivators were generally ruthless and cruel. The mortals here didn’t react with admiration upon seeing a cultivator, but with fear.

“Alright, guest, please come this way. You can choose some good wine from our cellar and savor it slowly.”

The attendant seemed relieved and led Luo Xue further into the restaurant.

As she and the attendant crossed an invisible boundary, the surrounding scenery instantly changed.

Luo Xue found herself in a desolate wasteland, with swirling sand and dark clouds.

“Is this… a formation…”

Luo Xue was slightly shocked. Such a realistic illusion formation was rare.

The attendant before her had also transformed into the familiar young girl, who waved her hand, dispelling the illusion and revealing an ordinary cellar.

A young man dressed as an attendant lay in the middle of the cellar, seemingly unconscious.

“Li…”

Luo Xue was about to call out “Senior Sister Li” again when the girl covered her mouth.

“Shh…”

Li Guijiao placed a finger on her lips, her face filled with caution.

She carefully stepped over the unconscious attendant and led Luo Xue deeper into the cellar.

Here, aged wines were stored, seemingly rarely visited.

Li Guijiao formed hand seals, and the ground shifted slightly, revealing a small hole just big enough for one person to enter.

“…”

Luo Xue looked at the hole, a familiar feeling washing over her.

Senior Sister Li, how much did you like digging holes…

Li Guijiao jumped into the hole, and Luo Xue could only follow helplessly.

After she entered, the entrance was immediately sealed by a formation.

“Little Junior Sister!”

Before Luo Xue could even steady herself, Li Guijiao hugged her and rubbed her face.

“Little Junior Sister, are you okay? Why do you look like this? Wuwuwu… were you… beaten up…”

“Senior Sister, this is the Thousand Faces Cultivation Art you gave me…”

Luo Xue twitched her lips. She couldn’t even recognize her own technique?

“Eh? Really?” Li Guijiao was stunned. “It doesn’t look like it… The Thousand Faces Cultivation Art shouldn’t be this crude.”

“…”

Luo Xue felt like she had been insulted, but she couldn’t refute it.

“But Senior Sister Li, why are you here in the Demon Abyss?” Luo Xue asked. “This isn’t like you.”

“Because Little Junior Sister is in danger.” Li Guijiao said. “Many, many people are after you… even disciples from several sects in the Immortal Domain want to capture you!”

“What about the sect?”

Luo Xue was silent for a moment, then asked.

Li Guijiao hesitated slightly and stammered,

“Actually, most of our Senior Brothers and Sisters are very concerned about you…”

Hearing this, Luo Xue sighed softly.

So there were still some who wanted to turn her in for the bounty.

During her travels, Luo Xue had deeply felt the fear that the once-renowned Peerless Summit Sect instilled in the nine provinces and four domains.

Especially the Demon Abyss cultivators. Once they knew she was a disciple of the Peerless Summit Sect, their attitudes immediately changed.

Like Shangguan Lengyan and Sima Ye. They had initially been cautious, but upon learning she was from the Peerless Summit Sect, they immediately wanted to kill her.

And Shangguan Yu…

She absolutely loathed the Peerless Summit Sect.

The reputation of those sword fanatics, obsessed with slaying demons and eliminating evil, had spread throughout the Demon Abyss.

But now…

In short, the decline of the Peerless Summit Sect in the past few hundred years was too rapid, so rapid that the outside world hadn’t yet reacted.

“By the way, Little Junior Sister, there’s one more thing.”

Li Guijiao’s expression turned serious.

“You have to get rid of that spy token quickly. The Peerless Summit Sect’s spies in the Demon Abyss can find you through the token!”

“Senior Sister Li, you don’t have to worry about that. I’ve already thrown the token away in Ghost Demon Pass, secretly placing it in someone’s storage pouch and concealing it with a technique.”

Luo Xue smiled faintly. “There are still many people who think I’m hiding in Ghost Demon Pass and are searching for me.”

Even the Peerless Summit Sect spies could trace the token’s whereabouts. Someone must have sold that information for a good price.

“Ah, that’s good, that’s good.” Li Guijiao patted her chest, relieved. “Little Junior Sister is so amazing…”

“By the way, what about you?” Luo Xue asked curiously. “Shouldn’t you still be at the Evil Spirit Sect’s residence? Why are you here in the capital city?”

“That’s because… the Sect Master of the Evil Spirit Sect is my puppet.”

Li Guijiao said with a giggle, then took out several puppets. “I not only have the Sect Master’s, but also Master’s, Peak Master Xi’s, and the Grand Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall’s…”

Luo Xue watched as Li Guijiao took out one lifelike Spirit Condensation puppet after another, a cold sweat dripping down her back.

Each puppet’s appearance was almost identical to the person she had seen in the sect, especially the Grand Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall, his stern and imposing demeanor perfectly captured.

But thinking back, Master Zou at the Evil Spirit Sect did seem a bit like a puppet.

It was mainly because Li Guijiao had the talent to see people’s hearts. There was no way she wouldn’t recognize Luo Xue.

“Does the Sect Master and the others know about this… that you carved their appearances onto puppets?” Luo Xue subconsciously lowered her voice and asked nervously.

“Of course not!”

Li Guijiao said, her eyes wide.

“I learned this after coming to the Demon Abyss. Hee hee, I didn’t expect there to be so many good things outside… Especially the Evil Spirit Sect, I’ve almost emptied their inventory!”

“…Wait, what did you say?” Luo Xue’s eyelid twitched. “Speaking of which, Senior Sister, what exactly is your relationship with the Evil Spirit Sect?”

Li Guijiao thought carefully for a moment, then said,

“As for our relationship, I joined them before, looking for a place to stay, but their Sect Master wanted to refine me into a cauldron, and several disciples snuck into my room in the middle of the night…”

She waved her hand.

“It’s nothing, really. This is all very normal.”

“Nor-, normal?”

Luo Xue began to doubt her understanding of the word “normal.”

“Isn’t the outside world supposed to be this dangerous?” Li Guijiao asked, puzzled. “That’s why I learned puppetry later. The ones who go out are all puppets.”

With that, Li Guijiao took out several “Li Guijiao” puppets, even a younger version.

“These are all puppets made from my inventory. Luckily, I brought some resources with me.” Li Guijiao said, hands on her hips, looking smug.

Luo Xue examined these puppets and found their craftsmanship breathtaking, completely beyond her understanding.

If Li Guijiao hadn’t said that she learned this after leaving the Peerless Summit Sect, Luo Xue would have thought she had been practicing for years.

Wait, if that was the case…

“Senior Sister Li, could it be that your formations are also…”

Luo Xue asked hesitantly.

“I learned it after I left, of course. The Peerless Summit Sect doesn’t teach formations.” Li Guijiao said matter-of-factly. “Swordsmanship is too difficult to learn. These ‘unorthodox methods’ are much simpler.”

Unorthodox methods… simpler…

Luo Xue twitched her lips. If these words were heard by those puppet and formation masters, they would probably vomit blood.

“How did you learn them?” Luo Xue couldn’t help but ask.

“How did I learn them? I don’t know either,” Li Guijiao pretended to think hard, then said, “I just… put this piece here, and that piece there… and it’s done!”

“The difference between people… is sometimes greater than the difference between people and…”

Luo Xue could only sigh.

If Li Guijiao’s talent in this aspect was described on the panel, it would probably be “peerless genius,” right?

“Senior Sister Li, don’t tell me you also know alchemy and talisman crafting?” Luo Xue asked again.

Formations, talismans, alchemy, and puppetry were the four auxiliary Dao paths. Most cultivators would learn some of these as side professions.

Unfortunately, the Peerless Summit Sect considered these unorthodox, prioritizing swordsmanship above all else. There were no elders who specifically taught these, and there were no related records either.

As for the pills and talismans within the sect, most were bought from elsewhere, some were spoils of war.

“I’ve learned some alchemy, but I haven’t practiced it.” Li Guijiao said honestly. “I haven’t learned talisman crafting, I don’t know. I do want to learn, but the Evil Spirit Sect didn’t have any…”

If the Evil Spirit Sect knew that she not only bombed their residence three times, but also did so after secretly learning their techniques, their petty Sect Master would probably die from anger, right?

Oh, it should be four times now, because Luo Xue had bombed them once more for Li Guijiao.

“But the protective formation you built for them… aren’t you planning to bomb them a fifth time?” Luo Xue asked with a smile.

“What fifth time… No, I’m not planning to bomb them this time.” Li Guijiao scratched her head and counted on her fingers. “The previous times were because I couldn’t open their treasury.”

“And this time?”

“There’s nothing left in their treasury.”

“Oh…”

“But they still have a spirit vein, a whole spirit vein.”

Li Guijiao waved her hand, her face full of excitement. “I’m planning to create a formation to extract all the spiritual power from the spirit vein and refine it into a Heaven and Earth Spiritual Pill!”

“I haven’t refined any pills yet, I really want to try!”

Buying this spirit vein had cost the Evil Spirit Sect more than half of their assets. They wanted to use the spirit vein’s spiritual energy to nurture their disciples.

And Li Guijiao’s plan was basically draining the pond to catch the fish, extremely wasteful.

Unless she could refine a Heaven-grade pill, it would be a huge loss.

But refining Heaven-grade pills required a certain level of cultivation. Without Nascent Soul as a foundation, one couldn’t comprehend the power of laws, let alone refine a Heaven-grade pill.

Not to mention, Li Guijiao had never even used a pill furnace before. She only had theoretical knowledge…

In other words, she was planning to use an entire spirit vein to practice.

Such extravagance would probably shock even the Nine Sects and Four Forbidden Areas.

However, the money to buy the spirit vein wasn’t hers… and they couldn’t take the spirit vein with them, so Li Guijiao didn’t feel any heartache.

If she couldn’t take the enemy’s things, she would destroy them. Li Guijiao, a devoted reader of popular stories, understood the “way of the protagonist” very well.

“By the way, Little Junior Sister, it seems someone has been watching you.” Li Guijiao suddenly whispered. “Do you want me to get rid of her?”

Li Guijiao waved her hand seriously.

“I’ve buried six chain explosive formations around here. I can detonate them if necessary.”

“…Where did your obsession with explosions come from?” Luo Xue’s expression changed slightly.

“Eh? Isn’t there a saying? ‘There’s nothing a sufficiently large explosion can’t solve. If there is, then use a bigger explosion’!”

Li Guijiao clenched her small fists. “The outside world is too dangerous. Everyone wants to harm me!”

“Being cautious is a good thing, but… forget it,” Luo Xue smiled wryly. “The person watching me outside is a friend. She’s protecting me.”

“But she seems like a bad person, her whole body is red… like Senior Brother Kong Lianbin.” Li Guijiao said, troubled.

Li Guijiao now knew that Kong Lianbin was a Demon Abyss spy who wanted to kill Luo Xue.

Since that incident, Li Guijiao’s paranoia had worsened. She kept spreading the rumor that “Li Guixing is dead,” just so no one would remember her outstanding performance at the competition.

This gave Hei Pao another headache, and she finally managed to send Li Guijiao out for some training.

“Well… she’s different. Although she’s a Demon Abyss cultivator, she’s a good person.” Luo Xue said. “It’s fine, if you’re worried, just change your appearance before going out.”

Luo Xue didn’t expect Li Guijiao to trust Nangong Mengxiang just because of her words. So far, there were only two people Li Guijiao didn’t guard against:

Her and Hei Pao.

“If that’s the case… then I’ll use a puppet to go out.”

Li Guijiao was even more cautious than Luo Xue had imagined. She picked up a puppet and handed it to Luo Xue, then paused and asked,

“How about, Little Junior Sister, you use a puppet with me?”

“No need…”

Luo Xue looked at the puppet, which was identical to her previous appearance, and twitched her lips.

“Then be careful, Little Junior Sister,” Li Guijiao shrank back. “I’m not going out. The Demon Abyss is just as dangerous as the rumors say.”

Since learning puppetry, Li Guijiao hadn’t appeared outside in her true form. Transforming into an attendant to meet Luo Xue was something she did only because she had no other choice.

Chapter 109: You Dared to Bomb My Sect Again?!

“Master Zou? What’s wrong?”

Zhang Xianzhao waved his hand in front of Master Zou, puzzled.

Why did Master Zou suddenly have such an expression when he mentioned seeing that little bastard?

Master Zou regained his composure and said, “I’m fine, it’s just that setting up the formation has been mentally taxing these past few days, so I’m a bit tired.”

“I see, Master Zou should also rest well.”

Zhang Xianzhao flattered him, knowing the importance of being on good terms with a formation master.

Master Zou nodded, then after a slight hesitation, asked,

“By the way, where did you see her?”

“Sigh, in the mortal capital city not far from here.” Zhang Xianzhao sighed. “I originally just wanted to take my disciples to the Treasure Pavilion in the city to exchange some things, but I didn’t expect to run into her. And there was a tall woman with her.”

“…Is that so?”

Master Zou’s eyes flickered slightly, as if pondering something.

Seeing this, Zhang Xianzhao quickly said,

“Could it be that Master Zou is also interested in her?”

“Sort of.”

Master Zou’s expression remained unchanged.

But Zhang Xianzhao chuckled and said, “If Master is interested, after I capture that little bastard, I’ll refine her into a cauldron and give her to you as a gift. She’s a top-quality product from the Immortal Domain!”

“Thank you for your kindness, Sect Master Zhang, but I’ll have to decline.” Master Zou’s expression turned serious, and he stood up. “There are still some important arrangements for the sect’s formation, so I won’t stay any longer… I just hope Sect Master Zhang can settle the remaining payment soon.”

“Of course, of course… Master’s payment will be delivered to your residence soon.” Zhang Xianzhao quickly stood up to see him off. “As for the formation, I hope Master will put in more effort. The protective formation is very important to our Evil Spirit Sect.”

“Naturally.”

Master Zou nodded slightly and left the room.

Zhang Xianzhao watched Master Zou leave, his expression turning even more gloomy.

“Sigh, another chunk of the sect’s resources gone…”

“Sect Master, why not just capture this master and force him to set up the formation?” The guardian elder beside him asked, not understanding, a sinister look on his face. “He’s only at the Spirit Condensation Realm. Any of our elders can easily suppress him!”

“You idiot!”

Zhang Xianzhao hurriedly cast a soundproofing spell, isolating the guardian elder’s voice.

“You don’t understand, the cultivation of those skilled in formations is deceptive.” He said in a low voice. “The once-renowned evil cultivator, True Person Fengyin, was able to kill Nascent Soul old monsters at the Core Formation Realm precisely because of her astonishing formation skills.”

“Simply put, the power of a formation depends not only on the cultivator’s level, but also on their understanding of the Dao of formations. It can be said… every formation master is a cunning old fox, and no one knows what tricks they have hidden up their sleeves.”

“Moreover…” Zhang Xianzhao sighed deeply. “The protective formation is extremely important. If we coerce him, and he deliberately sabotages it, our hard-earned sect residence will be ruined.”

If not for that little bastard constantly bombing their residence, Zhang Xianzhao wouldn’t have entrusted the protective formation to an outsider.

But the formation masters within the sect couldn’t withstand the little bastard’s methods, so Zhang Xianzhao had no choice.

Although this Master Zou wasn’t famous, his formation skills were genuine, and more importantly, he was cheap!

He only charged half the market price.

After being bombed several times, the Evil Spirit Sect was very poor. They even had to sell some of their assets to the Treasure Pavilion in the capital city just to pay Master Zou. They couldn’t afford a more famous and powerful formation master.

“Remember, never offend Master Zou. If you dare to act on your own, I’ll refine you into a puppet!”

Zhang Xianzhao glared fiercely at the guardian elder, who turned pale and repeatedly acknowledged his mistake.

Just as Zhang Xianzhao relaxed, a commotion suddenly came from outside, and he could vaguely see the disciples running around in panic.

Zhang Xianzhao frowned slightly, walked out, grabbed a panicked disciple, and shouted sharply,

“What’s going on? Didn’t I tell you all to behave yourselves recently?”

“Se-, Sect Master…”

The disciple’s face was filled with despair.

“That Kong Lianbin is back again, and… she demolished our newly built sect gate…”

“What!”

Zhang Xianzhao was enraged and immediately rushed out, heading towards the sect gate.

…

“Little Martial Aunt, is it enough to just demolish the gate?”

Nangong Mengxiang clapped her hands. Around her were a group of Evil Spirit Sect disciples with bruised and swollen faces.

And before her was a collapsed, magnificent gate, the three words “Evil Spirit Sect” trampled beneath her feet.

The surrounding elders didn’t dare to speak out. None of them were a match for Nangong Mengxiang.

Just now, a few who didn’t believe it had tried to stop her, but after a few punches, they had sobered up and were now lying on the ground, pretending to be dead.

This was because Nangong Mengxiang had held back. With a little more force, a single punch could have splattered their brains.

Even among Foundation Establishment cultivators, there were differences in strength.

“That’s enough.”

Luo Xue squatted beside her, looking at a scattered formation rune.

Although she wasn’t skilled in formations and couldn’t understand the function of this rune, she could sense the aura of the Peerless Summit Sect on it.

The Peerless Summit Sect’s sword intent was something that other sects couldn’t imitate.

“It seems it really was Senior Sister Li…” Luo Xue was still a bit puzzled. “But didn’t Senior Sister Li fall out with this sect? Why is the sect’s protective formation still her work?”

Li Guijiao had only shown Luo Xue her powerful assassination techniques and near-perfect disguise abilities before, not mentioning anything about formations.

But with Senior Sister Li’s cautious personality, she wouldn’t miss a chance to learn something like formations, which could turn the tables in a fight.

Luo Xue even suspected that Senior Sister Li might also be skilled in puppetry…

“You dare!”

A deafening roar rang out, followed by several techniques and abilities aimed at Luo Xue.

Nangong Mengxiang was prepared and immediately picked up Luo Xue, dodging the attacks.

Zhang Xianzhao, enraged, hovered in mid-air, forming hand seals, a malicious aura emanating from him, bringing a heavy pressure.

“You little bastard, you actually dared to come here… Master Zou, quickly activate the protective formation and trap this little bastard!”

“Master Zou?”

Luo Xue looked down and saw a familiar figure surrounded by Evil Spirit Sect disciples.

“Damn, the Sect Master?”

Indeed, the middle-aged man standing among the Evil Spirit Sect disciples was Zou Junxin, the current Sect Master of the Peerless Summit Sect, and the Peak Master of Dawn Light Peak.

At least, he looked like him.

The man who looked like Zou Junxin also looked at Luo Xue with a puzzled expression, his brow furrowed, as if pondering something.

“Could this be Senior Sister Li… She really looks exactly like the Sect Master, even their temperaments are similar.”

Luo Xue was a bit apprehensive. The Sect Master of the Peerless Summit Sect, he wouldn’t be playing formation master in the depths of the Demon Abyss, would he?

But if it was Senior Sister Li, her Thousand Faces Cultivation Art was truly amazing…

However, Senior Sister Li didn’t seem to recognize her, or even consider the possibility.

How could she make Senior Sister Li think of her…

Luo Xue had an idea.

She glared at “Zou Junxin” and shouted,

“Old thief, thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river, don’t bully the young and poor!”

Zhang Xianzhao: “???”

What was this little bastard talking about? What east and west of the river? There wasn’t even a river nearby!

Hearing this, “Zou Junxin” was stunned for a moment, then his eyes gradually brightened.

Seeing the faint smile on Luo Xue’s lips, he instantly understood.

But Master Zou quickly suppressed his reaction, his expression returning to its usual seriousness.

He looked at Zhang Xianzhao and said in a deep voice,

“Sect Master Zhang, the protective formation isn’t complete yet. Forcibly activating it might damage it.”

“Damage it…”

Hearing these words, Zhang Xianzhao felt his heart ache.

He had already spent most of the sect’s resources on the protective formation. If it was damaged, it would be a great loss.

“Then I’ll have to trouble Master Zou to hold the line. I’ll deal with this little bastard!”

Zhang Xianzhao bowed politely to “Zou Junxin,” then prepared to capture Luo Xue.

But at that moment, Luo Xue took out the Evil Ghost Subduing Pestle, and the “Mystic Dark Eyes,” combined with the Nascent Soul will, instantly erupted, targeting Zhang Xianzhao.

“Soul Snatch!”

Zhang Xianzhao, caught off guard, didn’t have time to react, and his three souls and seven spirits were instantly separated from his body.

“What!”

The separation of his soul left Zhang Xianzhao completely vulnerable. He had never encountered such a situation before, and panic surged within him as he desperately struggled.

A Core Formation cultivator was still a Core Formation cultivator. Luo Xue’s “Soul Snatch” could only last for less than half a breath, and Zhang Xianzhao’s three souls and seven spirits returned to his body.

But after his soul returned, Zhang Xianzhao was dazed for a few moments, and during this time, Luo Xue took the opportunity to throw out countless Foundation Establishment talismans.

—All explosive talismans.

“Boom!”

A deafening roar followed, the ground shaking like an earthquake.

“You dared to bomb my sect again!”

Zhang Xianzhao, finally recovering, was enraged. He no longer held back, condensing a giant hand of malicious energy and grabbing towards Luo Xue.

Nangong Mengxiang, acting as Luo Xue’s chauffeur, narrowly dodged Zhang Xianzhao’s attack, and Luo Xue used “Soul Snatch” again.

The difference was that this time, the effect was much weaker. Zhang Xianzhao, prepared, only took a moment to regain his composure.

But Luo Xue’s talismans detonated again before he could stop them.

And this time, Luo Xue deliberately left some talismans near Zhang Xianzhao, blowing him up and making him look extremely pathetic.

“You… you… you’re dead!”

Repeatedly toyed with, Zhang Xianzhao was on the verge of madness, jumping around, trying to capture Luo Xue.

But by now, Luo Xue had already escaped with Nangong Mengxiang. Before leaving, she even threw a small jade bottle at Zhang Xianzhao.

The enraged Zhang Xianzhao, without thinking, reached out and crushed the bottle.

Instantly, a sickly sweet smell emanated from the shattered bottle, turning into a blood-red mist that enveloped his body.

…The poison of a Spirit Condensation Realm Calamity Poison Body could already slightly injure a Core Formation cultivator.

The blood-red mist silently corroded Zhang Xianzhao’s body, his flesh melting and falling off in chunks.

“This is… poison!”

Under the effect of the blood poison, coupled with his rage, Zhang Xianzhao finally couldn’t hold on any longer.

He vomited several mouthfuls of blood and almost fainted.

When his disciples arrived, Zhang Xianzhao was covered in blood and wounds.

His injuries were only superficial, not serious.

But compared to the injuries, the damage to his mind and spirit was the biggest problem.

“Master Zou, I’m willing to give the entire sect’s assets, just please complete the protective formation as soon as possible.” Zhang Xianzhao’s eyes were bloodshot, his expression furious. “Next time, I’ll make sure that little bastard never leaves this place alive!”

“…Okay.”

Master Zou just nodded faintly, but his gaze lingered on the scattered blood, a thoughtful expression on his face, and he didn’t say anything more.

…

“Little Martial Aunt, where are we going now?”

Nangong Mengxiang carried Luo Xue. For some reason, her speed had increased dramatically recently.

Perhaps it was because she had run away too many times…

“The capital city of the Northern Zhou Dynasty, that same restaurant.”

Luo Xue exhaled. Although she hadn’t interacted much with “Master Zou,” if he was really Senior Sister Li, there shouldn’t be any problems.

Next, she just had to wait for Senior Sister Li to find her.

Before returning to the restaurant, Luo Xue changed to a more ordinary appearance and had Nangong Mengxiang conceal herself nearby to avoid attracting attention.

The large hole Nangong Mengxiang had created earlier was still there, only temporarily patched up to block the sunlight.

There were fewer customers in the restaurant today, and there were no people from the Evil Spirit Sect or the Yin Li Sect, only a few mortal customers chatting and drinking.

As soon as Luo Xue entered, the attendant greeted her enthusiastically.

“Welcome, guest! Please come this way.”

Luo Xue nodded slightly and sat down at a random table.

But the attendant looked at her, his expression a bit stiff.

“Guest, there are private rooms upstairs…”

“It’s just me.” Luo Xue said faintly.

“Uh… then, would you like some wine, guest?” The attendant asked again.

“Do I look old enough to drink?”

Luo Xue looked at the attendant curiously. He seemed a bit unusual. “I’m just waiting for someone here. Just bring me some good tea.”

Hearing this, the attendant seemed a bit anxious, and sweat beaded on his forehead.

He looked around cautiously, then lowered his voice and said in a familiar, childish voice that Luo Xue immediately recognized,

“It’s me, Little Junior Sister!”

Chapter 108: The Villainous Kong Lianbin, Formation Master Zou Junxin

Inside the mortal world restaurant.

The cultivators of the two small Demon Abyss sects stared intently at Luo Xue. One side looked like they wanted to skin her alive, while the other seemed to be watching a good show with amusement.

Only Luo Xue was confused.

“What… have I done to you all?”

Luo Xue asked, pointing at herself.

“What have you done?” Sect Master Liu said fiercely. “You still dare to ask…”

“Blew up your sect’s residence?”

Luo Xue asked curiously, recalling their earlier conversation.

“How dare you mention it!” Sect Master Liu roared, slamming the table and standing up. “Capture this little bastard!”

As his voice fell, the Evil Spirit Sect cultivators attacked simultaneously, various techniques and abilities bombarding Luo Xue.

However, Sect Master Liu still held back, not directly attacking Luo Xue, but targeting Nangong Mengxiang beside her.

Anyone could tell that Nangong Mengxiang was Luo Xue’s protector.

The strength of a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator was still insufficient against a Core Formation cultivator.

The power of a small world pressed down, suppressing Nangong Mengxiang.

However…

Even Elder Wu of Ghost Demon Pass couldn’t restrain Nangong Mengxiang, let alone a Core Formation cultivator who had barely reached this realm with the help of human pills?

Core Formation cultivators also had varying levels of strength. Sect Master Liu, stuck at the early stage of Core Formation, was among the weakest.

In an instant, Nangong Mengxiang broke free and shielded Luo Xue.

Countless techniques and abilities struck her, but none caused any injuries.

“This might be a misunderstanding…”

Luo Xue still wanted to explain. She was already attracting too much attention, and her Thousand Faces Cultivation Art wasn’t perfect. She was worried that someone might see through her disguise.

If that happened, it wouldn’t just be a weak Core Formation cultivator like Sect Master Liu attacking her.

“Misunderstanding? Three bombings in two months, even destroying the spirit vein foundation, and you still call it a misunderstanding!”

Hearing this, Sect Master Liu was furious. Ignoring Nangong Mengxiang’s strangeness, he attacked Luo Xue.

Nangong Mengxiang blocked the attack again and whispered,

“Let’s go, Little Martial Aunt. I can fight him, but I can’t protect you at the same time.”

Luo Xue nodded, understanding.

Although she still had trump cards, using the Nascent Soul will and her pupil techniques against these cultivators, whose levels varied greatly, wasn’t a problem.

But using such a trump card here would be a waste, and it had a long cooldown time. It was better to just escape.

Nangong Mengxiang punched Sect Master Liu back, then grabbed Luo Xue’s waist and burst through the ceiling with her physical strength.

“Chase them!”

Sect Master Liu gritted his teeth and shouted.

On the other side, the Yin Li Sect cultivators were still mocking.

“Sect Master Liu, do you need our help?”

“Shut up!”

Sect Master Liu flicked his sleeve and immediately chased after Luo Xue.

The Evil Spirit Sect cultivators also rushed out, leaving the restaurant in ruins.

“They haven’t even paid… forget it, sigh.”

The restaurant manager was used to this. There were many cultivators in the capital, and such incidents were common.

However, when the attendant went to clean up the tall stack of noodle bowls, he found a pill emitting a rich spiritual energy on the table and his eyes widened.

“This is a Qi Condensation Pill! And a Yellow-rank one…”

One basic Qi Condensation Pill was equivalent to half a tael of gold in the mortal world, and a Yellow-rank pill was worth fifty taels.

Luo Xue didn’t have any small change; the lowest she had were Yellow-rank Qi Condensation Pills.

After paying for the meal and the damaged wall, there was still a lot left over.

“It’s a pity… she was targeted by the Evil Spirit Sect, poor girl…”

…

“Little Martial Aunt, did you really blow up their sect’s residence?”

Nangong Mengxiang glanced back at the increasingly distant figure of Sect Master Liu and asked.

“When did I ever blow up a sect’s residence?” Luo Xue rolled her eyes. How could she be blamed for this?

“I don’t know,” Nangong Mengxiang said honestly. “Maybe you did it when I wasn’t looking.”

“…I didn’t do it. I haven’t even used the Foundation Establishment Explosive Talismans yet. Besides, weren’t we together all this time?”

“That seems to be the case.” Nangong Mengxiang pondered. “But why would they think you did it…”

“I don’t know.”

Luo Xue rubbed her slightly sore shoulder, her expression helpless.

She hadn’t been idle these days. Besides drinking poison to cultivate, she had also sparred with Nangong Mengxiang and learned some combat experience.

But it wasn’t very useful to Luo Xue.

Her fighting style was mostly about life and death, whether it was her poisonous body or her pupil techniques, they were all aimed at killing.

One-on-one combat wasn’t her forte.

“Could it be that the person who blew up their residence looks very similar to you?” Nangong Mengxiang asked.

“How could…”

Luo Xue was about to retort when she suddenly remembered that her current face was borrowed.

But…

“How is that possible…”

Luo Xue murmured softly.

“Yeah, besides twins, there shouldn’t be anyone who looks so similar that even a Core Formation cultivator would mistake them.” Nangong Mengxiang nodded.

Core Formation cultivators weren’t ordinary people. Besides appearance, there were also aura and temperament. It was difficult to mistake someone for another.

“No, I mean,” Luo Xue frowned slightly, “How could she possibly be in the Demon Abyss…”

“Huh?” Nangong Mengxiang paused. “Is there… really someone?”

“Yes.”

Luo Xue nodded slightly and explained the origin of her disguise technique and the original owner of this “skin.”

“Little Martial Aunt, you mean you have a Senior Sister?” Nangong Mengxiang’s eyes widened, her focus always so strange. “Then what should I call her, Second Martial Aunt?”

“She has nothing to do with you, nor with True Person Fengyin. She’s just my Senior Sister in the Peerless Summit Sect.” Luo Xue winced. “But how could she possibly be in the Demon Abyss…”

With Senior Sister Li’s personality, it would be difficult for her to even leave the Peerless Summit Sect. She would probably prefer to stay in her cave forever.

The Demon Abyss, such a dangerous place… Luo Xue estimated that only after reaching Nascent Soul would she dare to wander around its outer regions.

Luo Xue’s current location was already close to the territory of the Evil Master lineage of the Temple of the Nether Spirit, relatively deep within the Demon Abyss.

“If that’s the case… I can’t just leave Senior Sister Li alone.” Luo Xue took a deep breath and said, “Nangong, if you don’t mind… should we go to the Evil Spirit Sect and have a look?”

Three bombings in two months, they should still be there.

If they went to the Evil Spirit Sect’s residence, they might be able to find Senior Sister Li.

Luo Xue was worried. Senior Sister Li had just reached Spirit Condensation not long ago. In the Demon Abyss, where Foundation Establishment cultivators were not uncommon, it could be dangerous.

From what Luo Xue knew about Li Guijiao, she was always alone, and even the sect’s protectors couldn’t always look after her.

“Of course, no problem.”

Nangong Mengxiang immediately stopped.

They had already shaken off the Evil Spirit Sect cultivators. Few within the Foundation Establishment Realm could keep up with Nangong Mengxiang, not even those at the early stage of Core Formation.

Even Wu Hai, the Tianhai Gang’s sword cultivator who specialized in tracking, couldn’t completely lock onto Nangong Mengxiang, let alone a cultivator from an unknown small sect.

Luo Xue immediately activated the communication stone and asked the Sha sisters for a detailed map of the area around the capital city of the Northern Zhou Dynasty.

As the most chaotic of the borderlands, Ghost Demon Pass had all kinds of people. With some effort and resources, one could obtain many secrets of both the Immortal Domain and the Demon Abyss.

The Sha sisters were experts in this field. Their merged form, the Shadow Gang, had already gained some fame in Ghost Demon Pass.

With Luo Xue’s investment, their information-gathering business was booming. Getting a map was as easy as asking.

They even obtained some information about the Evil Spirit Sect, and the Sha sisters said they could find more detailed information if needed.

“It doesn’t seem far, just about two hundred miles.” Luo Xue examined the map carefully. “Hmm? This sect was stationed in the borderlands not long ago?”

Not every borderland was like Ghost Demon Pass, divided among several major factions.

Most were controlled by a single powerful faction, with many smaller factions fighting amongst themselves for the scraps.

The Evil Spirit Sect was previously one of the smaller factions in a certain border town. Unfortunately, after the Temple of the Nether Spirit completely withdrew from all borderlands, the smaller factions had even less space to survive.

Therefore, the Evil Spirit Sect moved back to the Demon Abyss and bought a spirit vein territory from the local Yin Li Sect.

The Yin Li Sect hadn’t wanted to sell the spirit vein, but the Evil Spirit Sect harassed them relentlessly, a Core Formation cultivator and a group of Foundation Establishment cultivators shamelessly blocking their sect’s gate every day, forcing them to compromise.

Therefore, when the Yin Li Sect learned that the Evil Spirit Sect’s residence had been bombed, they couldn’t help but gloat.

“There’s some information about the bombing. It’s said to be the work of a new disciple…”

The more Luo Xue read, the more certain she became that it was Senior Sister Li. But as for why she bombed them… she could only ask her in person.

“Let’s go.”

Luo Xue put away the information and pointed in a certain direction.

She didn’t change her appearance. Firstly, because her Thousand Faces Cultivation Art wasn’t proficient enough, and changing to an unfamiliar appearance might reveal flaws.

Secondly, she had to keep this face so that Senior Sister Li could recognize her.

Nangong Mengxiang, her chauffeur, picked up Luo Xue and teleported away again.

…

“Damn it! Damn it!” Zhang Xianzhao slammed the table furiously, cracking the heavy immortal wood. “She escaped again! And this time she even has an accomplice!”

Thinking of that accomplice, Zhang Xianzhao gritted his teeth.

He had been forced into such a sorry state by a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator. Even if he was a relatively weak Core Formation cultivator, he was still at Core Formation!

How many peak Foundation Establishment cultivators, unless they were prodigies carefully nurtured by major sects, could withstand the power of a Core Formation cultivator’s small world?

Zhang Xianzhao had lived in the borderlands before and knew very well which prodigies of the major sects he couldn’t afford to provoke. Clearly, Nangong Mengxiang wasn’t one of them.

“Calm down, Sect Master. If you keep hitting it, the immortal wood table will break… We don’t have many assets left.”

The guardian elder beside him quickly said.

“Hmph! If not for that Kong Lianbin,” a vicious glint flashed through Zhang Xianzhao’s eyes, “that little bastard actually dared to disobey me, even destroying my sect’s residence several times…”

Some time ago, in the borderlands, that little girl had come to him, asking to join the Evil Spirit Sect.

Although he didn’t know why a girl would have a male name, she was somewhat attractive, and she was also a cultivator from the Immortal Domain.

Zhang Xianzhao had some ulterior motives and agreed to take her as a disciple.

Then came the unrest in the borderlands, and Zhang Xianzhao never found an opportunity to act, so he continued to pretend to be a good Sect Master in front of “Kong Lianbin.”

It wasn’t until the sect moved to the depths of the Nether Spirit forbidden area that Zhang Xianzhao revealed his true colors.

But who knew that “Kong Lianbin” had also been hiding her strength. He had thought she was only at the early stage of the Innate Realm, but she was actually at the mid-stage of Spirit Condensation.

More importantly, she had anticipated Zhang Xianzhao’s intentions and set up an explosive formation, blowing up the sect’s residence, even damaging the spirit vein.

Zhang Xianzhao was unwilling to accept this. How could a mere Spirit Condensation cultivator compete with a Core Formation cultivator? He mobilized the entire sect to hunt down “Kong Lianbin.”

In the following two months, “Kong Lianbin” appeared out of nowhere and bombed the Evil Spirit Sect’s residence twice more.

The spirit vein was already half-destroyed. A few more bombings, and it would probably collapse completely.

Helpless, Zhang Xianzhao could only invite a skilled formation master to upgrade the sect’s protective formation.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

“Who?”

Zhang Xianzhao asked impatiently.

“It’s me.”

A deep voice came from outside.

“It’s Master Zou Junxin…”

The guardian elder quickly whispered.

Master Zou was the formation master they had invited to upgrade the sect’s residence. Although his cultivation was only at the Spirit Condensation Realm, his formation skills were astonishing, even Zhang Xianzhao, at Core Formation, was impressed.

Given enough time and materials, Master Zou could probably set up a formation capable of killing a Core Formation cultivator.

Zhang Xianzhao’s expression changed, and he quickly stood up and personally opened the door.

“Ahahaha… so it’s Master Zou, please forgive me for not welcoming you sooner!”

A middle-aged man with a stern and aloof expression entered.

He nodded slightly at Zhang Xianzhao, not even bowing, his arrogance evident.

But he was indeed a master of formations, so Zhang Xianzhao quickly invited Master Zou to take a seat and asked eagerly,

“Master Zou, how is the protective formation coming along?”

“The progress is smooth.” Master Zou said faintly. “If nothing unexpected happens, the final formation will be able to withstand at least one attack from a Nascent Soul cultivator.”

“Hiss, so powerful!” Zhang Xianzhao was overjoyed. “With Master Zou’s help, that little bastard won’t be able to touch our sect’s residence again!”

“Naturally.”

Master Zou nodded slightly, his expression calm, seemingly indifferent to Zhang Xianzhao’s praise.

“Master Zou, you wouldn’t know how hateful that little girl is,” Zhang Xianzhao said resentfully. “I encountered her again today, and she even dared to provoke me to my face! This is unbearable!”

“Oh… you encountered her?”

Master Zou’s expression suddenly changed, seeming a bit shocked.

Chapter 107: Why Don’t You Just Give In To Her? 

Although he had received a reply from the Holy Maiden, Blood Lord was still uncertain.

After returning, the lineage masters held a small meeting through communication stones, discussing several possibilities.

The third possibility was quickly dismissed. Because of the wanted notice, Luo Xue’s background had been thoroughly investigated.

She wasn’t even considered a prodigy, as she was only at the Innate Realm. She would need to reach Foundation Establishment within half a jiazi to qualify.

Besides that, her only noteworthy trait was the Calamity Poison Body.

However, although rare, the Calamity Poison Body wasn’t valuable enough to warrant such a hefty price.

There were quite a few innate Dao Bodies on par with the Calamity Poison Body. Most prodigies of the top sects possessed one.

Moreover, the Calamity Poison Body naturally leaned towards the Demon Abyss, so there was no need for such measures.

So, perhaps it was the Holy Master’s order?

The Holy Master’s thoughts were difficult to fathom, and the lineage masters didn’t dare to jump to conclusions.

As for asking directly… disturbing the Holy Master in seclusion might lead to even more serious consequences, regardless of whether it was her order or not.

Therefore, only one possibility remained.

“Could it be that the Holy Maiden really likes this Immortal Domain cultivator…”

“What about this person attracted the Holy Maiden?”

“Could it be…”

A group of old men discussing a young girl’s portrait was a bizarre sight.

But this was the first time the seemingly detached and desireless Holy Maiden had shown any desire.

She finally wanted something.

The lineage masters discussed amicably on the surface, but each had their own schemes.

The current Holy Maiden was the only one who could meet with the Holy Master directly without prior notice. Her status far surpassed that of previous Holy Maidens.

Even her protector was impressed, personally punishing several lineages who tried to play tricks.

After a heated discussion, the lineage masters couldn’t reach a consensus and could only continue carrying out the wanted notice.

However, after the meeting, they quickly summoned the heads of their respective lineages and instructed them to find disciples who met certain criteria and send them to the Holy Maiden.

As for the so-called criteria, they were…

“White hair,” “young girl,” “flat-chested,” “Innate Realm cultivation,” “body cultivator,” “poison body”… etc. Every aspect of Luo Xue was listed.

And the source of all this, Holy Maiden Su Yiyao, after Blood Lord left, immediately returned to her temple and continued her seclusion.

The Zither Witch informed her of the lineage masters’ final decision, including their intention to send her female disciples.

“It seems… it worked.” A faint smile appeared on Su Yiyao’s lips, her face filled with happiness. “Ah Chou… it’s okay, we’ll meet soon.”

“We can finally… be together forever…”

Now, no one thought “Luo Xue” was important to her.

They only thought that “Luo Xue” was a pitiful toy targeted by the capricious and terrifying Holy Maiden.

As long as she continued as planned, without revealing any flaws to these old foxes, Ah Chou could be with her without any worries.

However…

“Sister Qin, do you think there are memories after reincarnation?” Su Yiyao asked softly, resting her chin on her hand and playing with the broken dagger. “Will she… still remember me?”

“Reincarnated cultivators are extremely rare, mostly powerful figures… Your ‘Luo Xue’ is most likely not one, so she probably doesn’t have any memories.”

The Zither Witch replied through the communication stone.

“Hee hee, she’s my ‘Ah Chou’… It’s okay, as long as I remember her!” Su Yiyao gripped the broken dagger, her eyes half-closed, a lovestruck smile on her face. “When I meet her, what should I wear? Should I wear the dress I wore when we first met…”

“Holy Maiden, I need to remind you of something.” The Zither Witch’s voice was always calm and indifferent. “You promised me that if this succeeds, you will go to the Heavenly Cluster Sword Tomb.”

“The Heaven-grade pill secret realm?” Su Yiyao paused, a hint of melancholy in her voice. “Actually, an Earth-grade pill is good enough. There’s no need for a Heaven-grade pill…”

Hearing this, the Zither Witch had another headache.

Outsiders thought the Holy Maiden was cold and ruthless, willing to do anything to become stronger, but in reality… the Holy Maiden was a slacker.

If not for finding her Ah Chou, she would probably stay in that sunless, mysterious place forever.

The depths of the Blood Sea, only those at Soul Transformation and above could enter. No one knew why the Holy Maiden was there.

“You promised me.”

The Zither Witch’s voice carried a hint of helplessness.

Letting Su Yiyao enter the Heaven-grade pill secret realm wasn’t just for her to condense a Heaven-grade pill and advance.

The secret realm wasn’t limited to just one cultivator forming a Heaven-grade pill. Every time it opened, three or four cultivators would successfully obtain the opportunity.

Among the peak Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Temple of the Nether Spirit, the Holy Maiden was the strongest. Currently, there was no one in the same realm who could match her.

If she was willing to participate, the Temple would surely gain a few more Heaven-grade pill cultivators, all with the potential to reach Soul Transformation.

“Alright, no problem, no problem.” Su Yiyao nodded. “As long as I can see Ah Chou, anything is fine.”

“That’s good, Holy Maiden.” The Zither Witch nodded slightly.

After ending the communication with the Zither Witch, Su Yiyao hugged the broken dagger and lay down in her coffin.

She picked up the recording stone and played Luo Xue’s recording again.

Looking at the white-haired girl wielding a heavy sword and facing the Temple cultivators, Su Yiyao couldn’t help but smile.

Every frown, every smile, as if right before her eyes.

“Hee hee… Ah Chou, my Ah Chou…”

…

Within the Nether Spirit forbidden area, in the capital city of the Northern Zhou Dynasty, inside a bustling restaurant.

“This is insane, truly insane…”

Luo Xue’s hands trembled as she held the information the Sha sisters had sent her.

She was filled with indignation.

She hadn’t expected the Holy Maiden to…

“Hmm?”

Nangong Mengxiang, slurping noodles beside her, looked up.

“What’s wrong, Little Martial Aunt? New information?”

“Yes, I just received it,” Luo Xue nodded and sighed. “I heard the Holy Maiden has a thing for white-haired, flat-chested little girls. It seems she took a fancy to me during the competition between the Peerless Summit Sect and the Temple of the Nether Spirit.”

“Now she’s collecting girls of this type in the Demon Abyss, but it seems none of them are as satisfactory as me…”

“Pfft!”

Nangong Mengxiang almost spat out her noodles.

She took the information from Luo Xue’s hand, read it carefully, looked Luo Xue up and down, and said thoughtfully,

“Looking at you like this, it feels like you were tailor-made for the Holy Maiden’s preferences. No wonder she wants to capture you.”

“…Nangong, don’t joke about your Little Martial Aunt.” Luo Xue’s eyelid twitched.

“Mmm…”

Nangong Mengxiang seemed to be saying something, but because she was eating noodles, Luo Xue couldn’t hear clearly.

It seemed to be… “Why don’t you just give in to her?”

“I heard the Holy Maiden is a terrifying witch, cruel and bloodthirsty, a merciless killer.” Luo Xue sighed. “And someone who likes my type is probably a pervert…”

“But I like Little Martial Aunt very much.”

Nangong Mengxiang said matter-of-factly, wiping her mouth.

“You’re… different. Your kind of liking and her kind of liking are two different things.”

Luo Xue scratched the back of her head, a troubled expression on her face.

After leaving Ghost Demon Pass, she had received exclusive information from the Sha sisters.

Almost no one outside knew that the wanted notice was issued by the Holy Maiden of the Temple, and the Sha sisters had somehow obtained this information.

It was indeed useful information for Luo Xue.

And then, the Sha sisters demonstrated their powerful information-gathering abilities.

But the news they brought was getting worse and worse.

Currently, more than a hundred Core Formation cultivators had joined the hunt, and there was no news about any Nascent Soul old monsters yet. They were probably too embarrassed to reveal their identities.

As for Foundation Establishment and Spirit Condensation cultivators, they were countless.

Along the way, Luo Xue had seen many cultivators searching for her with the wanted notice.

Each one had a fierce expression, not letting go of any white-haired woman. Even some elderly mortals with white hair had been captured.

The restless Demon Abyss had become extremely dangerous. It was fortunate that Nangong Mengxiang was with Luo Xue, so no one dared to target her.

Nangong Mengxiang was at the peak of Foundation Establishment, and few below Core Formation were her match.

But even so, trouble kept coming, and their journey had been delayed.

Because there were too many crazy cultivators searching along their original route, Luo Xue had to change her plan, first passing through the Nether Spirit forbidden area, then entering the Ten Thousand Demons forbidden area, before finally reaching the nameless swamp in the borderlands.

Luo Xue was now in the capital city of the Northern Zhou Dynasty, the largest mortal nation in the Nether Spirit forbidden area. Cultivators were common here, and someone like Luo Xue, at the Spirit Condensation Realm, wasn’t noticeable at all.

“But I don’t understand, isn’t this wanted notice a bit too strange?”

Luo Xue examined the information in her hand, glanced at the portrait of herself on the wanted notice, and frowned.

“Logically, if they just wanted to capture me, there’s no need for such a huge bounty. It feels like they’re using me for something…”

Combined with the recent unrest and the chaotic situation between the Immortal Domain and the Demon Abyss, something was brewing.

“Maybe the Holy Maiden thinks you’re really worth that much.” Nangong Mengxiang said with her mouth full. “Mmm, Little Martial Aunt…”

“…That’s absurd.” Luo Xue shook her head. “If only I could get more information about the Holy Maiden… unfortunately, the Sha sisters can’t do that.”

What Luo Xue currently knew about the Holy Maiden were just the rumors circulating in the Demon Abyss.

Some said she was incredibly beautiful and charming, while others said she was like a ferocious ghost, bloodthirsty, devouring a dozen or so girls every day.

These rumors were mixed with truth and falsehoods, difficult to distinguish.

Just as Luo Xue was feeling troubled, a group of cultivators wearing the same uniform entered the restaurant. They seemed to be from a small sect in the Demon Abyss.

Similar to the Immortal Domain, there were many small sects in the Demon Abyss, and the strongest among them were mostly at the Core Formation Realm.

Luo Xue glanced at them and didn’t pay much attention, but these small sect disciples seemed to be quite famous in this area, instantly attracting many gazes.

“Yo, isn’t this Sect Master Liu?”

“Sect Master Liu, is your sect’s residence still not repaired? Or was it blown up again?”

“Hahahaha…”

The air was filled with laughter, making Luo Xue take another look.

The disciples all had embarrassed expressions, their heads lowered. Only Sect Master Liu, their leader, glared at everyone, his gaze fixed on those who had just mocked him, before finally sitting down.

He was a Core Formation cultivator, although not as powerful as those from major sects, having barely reached this realm, but his strength was still at the Core Formation level.

However, those who dared to mock him like this were also at Core Formation. The other cultivators just laughed along.

“Blown up three times in two months, is this the ability of the Evil Spirit Sect? Or is it being humiliated by a little Spirit Condensation cultivator? How embarrassing, hahaha…”

Those mocking him from upstairs continued relentlessly.

“Wu Zongsheng! Don’t push it too far!” Sect Master Liu shouted in a low voice, his eyes wide with anger. “If you provoke her, don’t blame me for not warning you!”

“Just a little cultivator who hasn’t even reached Foundation Establishment. It’s the incompetence of the Evil Spirit Sect that allows her to be so arrogant. If she dares to touch our Yin Li Sect, I’ll make her regret coming to this world!”

“Yes, yes…”

The disciples of the Yin Li Sect echoed, their insults endless.

Luo Xue listened for a while, then lost interest.

She liked gossip, yes, but she wasn’t interested in gossip that had nothing to do with her.

At this moment, after stacking her sixteenth bowl, Nangong Mengxiang was finally about six-tenths full, so Luo Xue stood up, intending to leave.

“Waiter… oh, no, attendant, bill!”

Luo Xue called out towards the inner hall, and the attendant at the counter immediately replied,

“Coming, guest.”

But just then, the surroundings suddenly fell silent.

The chatter between the two groups stopped abruptly.

Luo Xue paused slightly and found that the cultivators from both sects were staring at her.

“Hmm? Did my technique fail?”

Luo Xue quickly checked herself. No, the Thousand Faces Cultivation Art was still in effect.

But why…

“Uh… hello?”

Luo Xue blinked and shrank back slightly.

Seeing this, the attendant who was about to collect the bill didn’t dare to approach.

“Heh… Speak of the devil, and she shall appear. You actually dare to show your face here…”

Sect Master Liu stared at Luo Xue, a sinister smile appearing on his face. “You can’t escape today!”

Hearing this, Luo Xue was completely dumbfounded.

“Huh?”

Chapter 106: Yes, I Like This Girl 

Within a few days, all the disciples of the Ghost Demon Gang withdrew from Ghost Demon Pass, leaving behind a desolate territory for the Tianhai Gang and the Medicine Gang to fight over.

However, the Youxiang Restaurant seemed unaffected, still operating as usual.

Only a zither-playing woman was missing, and few people noticed her absence.

This wasn’t just happening in Ghost Demon Pass. Almost all the forces cultivated by the Temple of the Nether Spirit in the borderlands withdrew during this period.

Such strange behavior made the Immortal Domain sects suspicious, worried that the Demon Abyss was up to something.

But after investigating, the territories they left behind were clean, without any traps or hidden forces.

At this tense moment, a strange wanted notice spread throughout the nine provinces and four domains, further diverting the attention of the Immortal Domain sects.

“A prodigy of the Peerless Summit Sect is wanted by the Temple of the Nether Spirit!”

“A huge bounty!”

“The Temple promises to protect those who complete the bounty!”

“Anyone, whether from the Immortal Domain or the Demon Abyss, can take on this bounty!”

“…”

The release of the wanted notice caused a commotion throughout the Immortal Domain and the Demon Abyss.

Everyone wanted to know who could make the higher-ups of the Temple of the Nether Spirit personally issue a wanted notice.

Soon, Luo Xue’s background was thoroughly investigated, even the fact that her adoptive mother was Wine Immortal Luo Huaxin was somehow leaked.

This also exposed Luo Huaxin, who had been in seclusion for a long time, and many cultivators then realized that the renowned Wine Immortal had become the Peak Master of Falling Flower Peak in the Peerless Summit Sect.

However, those who tried to find Luo Xue through Luo Huaxin were disappointed. After all, Luo Huaxin was known for her unpredictable appearances and disappearances. It was easier to find her daughter, Luo Xue, directly.

Furthermore, Luo Xue’s whereabouts in Ghost Demon Pass were also discovered. After all, she had appeared as a disciple of the Peerless Summit Sect, and there were also Sima Ye and Shangguan Lengyan as witnesses.

Countless cultivators who had left Ghost Demon Pass were filled with regret and returned, searching every corner of Ghost Demon Pass, trying to find any trace of Luo Xue.

Unfortunately, they found nothing.

The few existing clues had been deliberately erased.

Including the Sha sisters, no one noticed their existence.

The wanted notice caused a great stir throughout the nine provinces and four domains. Even Bai Zhanying, who had been staying on Falling Flower Peak, heard the news.

But she couldn’t understand how Little Junior Sister had managed to offend the higher-ups of the Temple of the Nether Spirit in such a short time…

If it was because of the humiliation during the competition, Li Guijiao’s performance was even more outstanding, no less than Luo Xue’s.

Why wasn’t she wanted…

What made Bai Zhanying feel even more helpless was that the higher-ups of the Peerless Summit Sect remained silent, showing no intention of intervening.

Even the Sect Master, when Bai Zhanying proposed sending the Falling Flower Peak Death Guards to retrieve Luo Xue, silently shook his head, rejecting her proposal.

Bai Zhanying wanted to go to the Demon Abyss and protect Little Junior Sister, but she was too busy with sect affairs.

Furthermore, Bai Zhanying also knew that countless eyes were watching her now, hoping to find Luo Xue through her.

She couldn’t act rashly, or it would only harm Luo Xue.

At this time, no one could be trusted.

…Not even the disciples of the Peerless Summit Sect.

Indeed, a great reward would always attract brave warriors. Even among the Peerless Summit Sect disciples, many coveted the astonishing bounty on Luo Xue’s head.

Everyone related to Luo Xue was being watched, even Ye Ningshuang, the prodigy of Falling Flower Peak.

But… there was one exception.

—Li Guijiao.

Besides themselves, only one person knew about the friendship between Li Guijiao and Luo Xue.

Hei Pao, the Peak Master of Underworld Water Ravine.

At this moment, Li Guijiao hid in the shadows, standing before Hei Pao, and said through gritted teeth,

“Un-, Uncle Hei Pao, I want to go to the Demon Abyss to find Luo Xue.”

Hei Pao didn’t speak, just looked at her intently.

“Luo Xue is in danger, I… I don’t want to see my good friend in danger…”

Li Guijiao lowered her head, looking dejected.

“Are you really sure?” Hei Pao said faintly. “The Demon Abyss is full of ruthless demonic and evil cultivators. Moreover, Luo Xue has offended the most powerful force in the Demon Abyss and is being hunted by countless people.”

Hearing Hei Pao’s words, Li Guijiao seemed startled, the shadows around her flickering.

But soon, her trembling voice continued,

“I’m sure… I’m sure! I want to go to the Demon Abyss!”

Li Guijiao shouted, trembling, as if only in this way could she muster her courage.

A hint of relief flashed through Hei Pao’s eyes. This little girl had finally come to her senses. Staying holed up in her cave was a waste of her talent.

In the cultivation world, simply burying oneself in cultivation wouldn’t make one invincible. Spiritual power strength, physical attributes, divine abilities, and combat experience were all essential.

Unless one could cultivate all the way to the Soul Transformation Realm through seclusion, but how could Soul Transformation be reached through just secluded cultivation?

If Li Guijiao wanted to advance further in the future, she had to go out and experience the world.

“Luo Xue, Luo Xue, you’re truly Li Guijiao’s lucky star…”

Hei Pao sighed inwardly. She had tried everything to motivate Li Guijiao, but getting her to reveal even half of her strength was already a challenge. Only Luo Xue could make Li Guijiao go all out.

Of course, although Hei Pao was happy, she still maintained a serious and stern expression.

“In the Demon Abyss, I won’t save you.”

“Ah! Tha-, that’s… o-okay…”

Li Guijiao stammered, her voice increasingly uncertain.

Hearing this, Hei Pao knew when to stop.

A few more words, and this little girl might change her mind.

“Alright, since you insist, then let’s go.” Hei Pao said faintly. “It just so happens that you’ve also broken through to Spirit Condensation. It’s time to leave the sect for some training.”

Li Guijiao’s face lit up, but then she felt something was wrong.

Hei Pao wouldn’t give her a chance to back out and grabbed her clothes, flying up on her sword.

“Aaargh, wait, Uncle Hei Pao, I’m not ready yet…”

Li Guijiao screamed, but Hei Pao didn’t give her a chance to retreat.

As for her so-called preparations…

Hei Pao knew very well that this girl always carried supplies for emergencies.

Besides the underground cave, Li Guijiao carried almost all her valuables with her, never letting them leave her side.

Soon, Hei Pao dropped Li Guijiao off at the borderlands adjacent to the Nether Spirit forbidden area and left after Li Guijiao finished disguising herself.

At the same time, a large number of Immortal Domain cultivators, because of the wanted notice, also secretly infiltrated the Demon Abyss.

Many Demon Abyss cultivators also believed that Luo Xue had returned to the Immortal Domain and crossed the borderlands in groups.

The spies on both sides were more active than ever, not just for the bounty on Luo Xue, but also to take advantage of this chaos and gain benefits for their sects.

The nine provinces and four domains, which had been peaceful for a thousand years, were like a pond disturbed by a small stone, ripples spreading outwards.

…

Deep within the Nether Spirit forbidden area, in the Temple of the Nether Spirit.

The Temple’s residence was built on several natural blood and baleful energy nodes, with temples rising from the ground, each corresponding to a different lineage.

And the three most important temples belonged to the Holy Master, the Holy Maiden, and the Holy Son.

The position of Holy Son had been vacant for a long time, so the Holy Son’s temple was now used by the Holy Maiden to… store miscellaneous items.

Such arrogance, yet it was tacitly approved by the Holy Master, without any objections.

Blood Lord was standing at the entrance of the Holy Maiden’s temple, bowing slightly as a sign of respect.

Few people knew that the source of the recent turmoil in the nine provinces and four domains was the Holy Maiden. The wanted notice was issued in the name of the Temple of the Nether Spirit, and now it was causing headaches for the lineage masters.

Not to mention the current tense situation between the Immortal Domain and the Demon Abyss, with everyone already busy, the Holy Maiden had created this troublesome mess…

But the Holy Master hadn’t objected, meaning she approved of the Holy Maiden’s actions, so the lineage masters could only carry out this nonsensical order.

But… why did the Holy Maiden issue such a hefty bounty on an unknown person? The lineage masters were confused.

Whether it was a deep-seated grudge or a life-saving grace, they didn’t know.

Luo Xue’s background was clear. She had grown up in the Peerless Summit Sect and had no connection with the Holy Maiden at all.

The most absurd, and also the most likely, guess was that the Holy Maiden was just playing a prank…

If that were the case, it would be a disaster.

As the lineage master closest to the Holy Maiden, Blood Lord was reluctantly pushed forward to test her attitude.

However, for many days, the Holy Maiden had been in secluded cultivation within her temple, as if she had forgotten about the wanted notice.

“Could it be that she just said it casually…”

Blood Lord’s face was grim. He had been waiting for many days, but the Holy Maiden hadn’t appeared, nor had she offered any explanation.

Just as Blood Lord thought he would return empty-handed again today, several maids hurriedly opened the temple doors, a palanquin draped in light gauze emerging—this was the Holy Maiden’s mode of transportation.

“Holy Maiden!” Seeing this, Blood Lord immediately went to greet her. “This old man… greets the Holy Maiden.”

Although the status of a lineage master was theoretically not much different from that of the Holy Son or Holy Maiden, especially since the Holy Maiden hadn’t reached Nascent Soul yet, he still hoped the Holy Maiden could give him an explanation, so he could answer to the other lineage masters.

“Hmm? Lord Blood Lord?” A cold, childish voice came from the palanquin. “Why do you have the time to visit the Holy Maiden’s Temple?”

“It’s all because of the wanted notice issued by the Holy Maiden,” Blood Lord said with a wry smile. “You wouldn’t know, there have been many complaints within the Temple recently…”

Blood Lord appealed to both reason and emotion, trying to make the Holy Maiden understand the trouble this wanted notice had caused the Temple.

If she couldn’t give a reasonable explanation, it was better to downplay it, or even cancel it, retract it. Anything was better than this.

Su Yiyao patiently waited for Blood Lord to finish, then said faintly,

“Lord Blood Lord, what wanted notice are you talking about?”

“Huh?” Blood Lord was stunned. “Holy Maiden, the one you issued, for Luo Xue, a disciple of the Peerless Summit Sect…”

“Who is Luo Xue?”

“…Holy Maiden, please don’t joke.”

Blood Lord’s heart sank. Could this really just be a prank by the Holy Maiden…

“Do I look like I like to joke?” Su Yiyao replied.

“If the Holy Maiden didn’t mean it, then just retract it…”

Blood Lord sighed.

“Oh, wait, the Peerless Summit Sect, I have some impression.” The petite figure in the palanquin seemed to be thinking hard. “You mentioned the Peerless Summit Sect, I remember now.”

“…So, why?”

Blood Lord’s tone was a bit anxious.

The Holy Maiden seemed to be in a good mood today, talking more than usual.

If he missed this opportunity, he could only wait for someone to complete the bounty.

“It’s a female disciple of the Peerless Summit Sect, right?” Su Yiyao pretended to ponder for a long time. “I remember… the Holy… oh no, I like her, yes, I like this girl.”

“Uh…”

Blood Lord’s expression changed slightly.

It wasn’t because Su Yiyao said she “liked” someone, but because of the half-sentence she didn’t finish.

Holy…

The only “Holy” that Su Yiyao would mention so casually was the Holy Master of the Temple, who hadn’t left her temple in hundreds of years.

Could this be the Holy Master’s will?

“Holy Maiden, could it be that the wanted notice was issued by the Holy Master?”

Blood Lord subconsciously lowered his voice. Even as a high-ranking member of the Temple and a lineage master, whenever he mentioned the Holy Master, he couldn’t help but hold his breath.

The Holy Master didn’t inspire fear in people, but suffocation.

It went beyond fear itself.

“No,” the childish voice denied without hesitation. “It’s just because I took a fancy to this girl.”

After a pause, the usually indifferent Holy Maiden’s voice actually carried a hint of amusement.

“Don’t you think she’s very pretty? And she’s a cultivator from the Immortal Domain, how interesting.”

Only a ghost would believe that…

The more the Holy Maiden said this, the more Blood Lord felt that there must be something fishy going on, most likely related to the Holy Master.

As for whether she was pretty or not…

Not to mention that no matter how beautiful someone was, it wasn’t worth such a huge bounty. This young girl, although somewhat attractive, wasn’t even noteworthy in the Immortal Domain or the Demon Abyss.

And the Holy Maiden herself was ranked first on the Beauty List published by the Treasure Pavilion. How could she possibly take a fancy to such ordinary looks?

“Lord Blood Lord, I still have things to attend to, so I’ll take my leave now.” Su Yiyao waved her hand, and the palanquin rose again. “I won’t see you out.”

“Yes, Holy Maiden.” Blood Lord bowed slightly. “This old man will see you off.”

He watched the palanquin depart, his expression darkening.

Thinking about it, it didn’t make sense for the Holy Master to issue such a bounty on an Innate Realm cultivator.

“…Or could it be… that the Holy Maiden really likes her?”

Chapter 105: Enemy of the World, A Crazy Bounty

The portrait on the wanted poster was indeed Luo Xue, a clear shot of her wielding the giant sword and facing the disciples of the Temple of the Nether Spirit at the Peerless Summit Sect.

The photo made Luo Xue look quite heroic. She wondered who took it.

But… the bounty below also shocked her.

An eighth-grade magical artifact, a sixth-grade spiritual artifact, and 100,000 Earth-rank Qi Condensation Pills. Each item alone was enough to drive people mad.

The two prodigies of the Demonic Ghost City had risked coming to Ghost Demon Pass for just a degraded seventh-grade magical artifact.

Although the Shangguan Yu’s pupil technique sealed within it was more important than the artifact itself, compared to an eighth-grade magical artifact, the latter was still more valuable.

After all, most Nascent Soul rogue cultivators didn’t even have an eighth-grade magical artifact, and only top Nascent Soul cultivators could fully utilize their power.

But an eighth-grade magical artifact was still weaker than a sixth-grade spiritual artifact…

The power of a spiritual artifact lay in its artifact spirit.

Once a spiritual artifact recognized its master, the bond was eternal. Even if the original owner died, it would only degrade into an ordinary magical artifact, unusable by others.

This made spiritual artifacts far more valuable than magical artifacts of the same rank, even surpassing magical artifacts two ranks higher.

Moreover, after recognizing its master, the artifact spirit of a spiritual artifact could communicate with its master and even be controlled independently in battle, like a loyal follower.

And spiritual artifacts could also be upgraded and grow. With the master’s nurturing, a sixth-grade spiritual artifact could even become an eighth-grade one, as long as the master was powerful enough.

100,000 Earth-rank Qi Condensation Pills… that was roughly the annual income of an Immortal Domain sect.

As for why it wasn’t converted to Heaven-rank pills, it was because Heaven-rank Qi Condensation Pills were extremely rare. Theoretically, a hundred Earth-rank Qi Condensation Pills could be refined into one Heaven-rank pill, but the failure rate was very high. It might take two or three hundred attempts to succeed once.

And the resulting Heaven-rank Qi Condensation Pill would contain a trace of the power of laws, but this was only useful to Nascent Soul or Soul Transformation cultivators.

For those below Nascent Soul, consuming a Heaven-rank Qi Condensation Pill was just absorbing the spiritual energy equivalent to a hundred Earth-rank pills. The power of laws would be wasted.

The generous bounty was astonishing, and the fact that the target was just a small cultivator at the Innate Realm made most cultivators think it was a joke.

“Just who is behind this…”

While others were dumbfounded, Luo Xue was terrified. It was fortunate that she had the Thousand Faces Cultivation Art and had changed her appearance in advance.

Unfortunately, the wanted poster didn’t state who issued it. Most cultivators just glanced at it out of curiosity before leaving the city.

Almost no one believed this wanted notice, thinking it was just a joke.

Some even speculated that the girl in the portrait, out of vanity, had created the wanted poster to show off her beauty.

Otherwise, how could one explain the heroic angle of the portrait on a wanted poster?

Weren’t they usually grim and lifeless mugshots?

Only Luo Xue knew that it must be someone from the Temple of the Nether Spirit targeting her.

It must be because she stood out during the competition…

But was it worth such a large bounty just for standing out?

Luo Xue trembled slightly.

Nangong Mengxiang also recognized Luo Xue in the portrait. Of course, although she was straightforward, she wasn’t stupid, and she didn’t say anything.

She glanced at Luo Xue’s expression and figured that Little Martial Aunt was also confused, so she decided to talk to her later when there were no people around.

But just then, an old man with a sinister face and dressed in gray suddenly appeared in mid-air, instantly attracting everyone’s attention.

The bustling crowd fell silent—not because they stopped talking, but because the old man’s appearance silenced all sound.

Many recognized the old man and their eyes widened in shock.

“It’s… it’s Elder Sha Hao of the Ghost Demon Gang!”

Elder Sha Hao, the only Nascent Soul cultivator in Ghost Demon Pass, was from the Sha Master lineage of the Temple of the Nether Spirit.

Everyone knew that the Ghost Demon Gang was backed by the Temple of the Nether Spirit and that the Nascent Soul old monster stationed there was the renowned Elder Sha Hao, but they didn’t know why he appeared here at this time.

Could it be that the Ghost Demon Gang was enraged and was going to attack the Tianhai Gang and the Medicine Gang?

But the problem was…

This was the road to the Demon Abyss, the opposite direction from the Tianhai Gang and the Medicine Gang’s territories.

Or perhaps…

Almost everyone thought of the rumor that had been circulating recently, that the Ghost Demon Gang was going to abandon Ghost Demon Pass.

Could it be… that it wasn’t a rumor?

Elder Sha Hao ignored the increasingly strange gazes in the crowd and looked down, scanning everyone from above.

For some reason, perhaps it was just an illusion, but Luo Xue felt that Elder Sha Hao seemed to have glanced at her.

“Could it be that they discovered I killed their spy from the Sha Master lineage… But that doesn’t make sense. If they found me, they could just arrest me with the wanted notice…”

Luo Xue felt a bit uneasy, but then she thought again, there were many things she couldn’t understand, so this wasn’t a big deal.

Then, Elder Sha Hao, hovering in mid-air, slowly spoke.

“You guessed correctly. The Ghost Demon Gang… no, the Temple of the Nether Spirit, is indeed abandoning Ghost Demon Pass.” Elder Sha Hao said faintly. “This is not a rumor.”

The crowd erupted in an uproar. Although the rumors had been circulating, it was different hearing it confirmed by Elder Sha Hao himself.

Since the truce between immortals and demons, the Ghost Demon Gang had existed for over a thousand years.

Even in its decline, the Ghost Demon Gang was still a behemoth that ordinary cultivators couldn’t touch.

But now, this behemoth… was suddenly collapsing.

Ghost Demon Pass was about to change.

But before the cultivators below could digest this shocking news, Elder Sha Hao spoke again.

“There’s one more thing. The wanted notice at the city gate is not a joke, it’s real.”

“Whoever captures Luo Xue, a disciple of Falling Flower Peak of the Peerless Summit Sect, and brings her to the Temple of the Nether Spirit will receive the reward listed on the wanted notice.”

As Elder Sha Hao’s voice fell, the silencing restriction was lifted.

Instantly, the entire city erupted.

“What! It’s real? You can get so many good things just by catching a little Innate Realm brat?”

“Damn, I’m about to be rich! No one fight me for her!”

“Heh… the most important thing is to find this disciple first. This old man is skilled in divination and tracking. The reward is mine!”

“…”

Everyone’s eyes were filled with fervor and madness, as if they would capture the wanted person in the next moment, claim the generous reward, and reach the peak of their lives.

The changes in Ghost Demon Pass might be gossip, but it didn’t really matter to rogue cultivators.

But if this strange wanted notice was real… it was a big deal!

An Innate Realm disciple, even a prodigy of the Peerless Summit Sect, couldn’t defeat a Spirit Condensation cultivator.

As long as they found her, it was equivalent to obtaining this huge bounty.

Everyone present was excited, and several cultivators skilled in divination sat down and started casting spells.

If they knew that the target of the bounty was actually among them…

Luo Xue shivered instantly.

“This is outrageous! I just beat up a few of your Innate Realm disciples, how can you be so petty…”

Luo Xue tugged at her clothes and shrank back.

Nangong Mengxiang’s expression turned serious. She wrapped her arm around Luo Xue’s waist and quickly left the crowd.

The cultivators who were about to leave Ghost Demon Pass were all caught up in the frenzy of the huge bounty. Many, like Nangong Mengxiang, rushed into the Demon Abyss, so no one noticed them.

“Hey, Nangong, what are you doing…”

Luo Xue was stunned. Seeing Nangong Mengxiang’s serious expression, she suddenly felt a little uneasy.

Could it be that Nangong Mengxiang, seeing the astonishing amount of the bounty, wanted to turn her in for the money?

No, that shouldn’t be it…

“Little Martial Aunt, it’s very dangerous for you to stay in the Demon Abyss now.” Nangong Mengxiang said in a low voice. “You should find a chance to return to the Immortal Domain.”

“…”

Luo Xue was silent for a moment, then chuckled self-deprecatingly.

Such unfounded suspicion, how could Nangong Mengxiang be that kind of person…

“It’s fine, Nangong.” Luo Xue said. “I have the Thousand Faces Cultivation Art. I won’t be in any danger for a while.”

“Besides, I still have to figure out what’s going on…”

Although she said that, Luo Xue didn’t believe that the Temple of the Nether Spirit issued such a bizarre and high bounty just because of what happened at the competition.

If that were the case, the Temple’s money would be too easy to earn.

“But…”

Nangong Mengxiang still frowned.

“Don’t worry, not many people can recognize me,” Luo Xue shook her head and said, “Master Wumu is a reincarnated expert, and Sima Ye and Shangguan Lengyan only recognized me as a Peerless Summit Sect disciple because of the sword intent I deliberately revealed.”

“As for trying to find me through divination… it’s not that simple.”

The most skilled in divination in the Immortal Domain wasn’t the Silent Temple, and the most talented prodigy in divination wasn’t Master Wumu, but the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion, one of the Nine Great Sects, and their prodigy, Tianjizi.

…The same prodigy who had been beaten up by the Holy Maiden of the Temple before the Peerless Summit Sect.

Tianjizi’s direct combat ability wasn’t very strong. The Four Calculations Heavenly Scripture was better suited for planning and scheming, a more behind-the-scenes type of technique.

But even Tianjizi couldn’t easily divine the specific information of a person he hadn’t met. At most, he could only get a vague, mysterious, almost like a charlatan’s, prediction.

Therefore, Luo Xue wasn’t worried about this at all.

“Little Martial Aunt, if you insist on staying, then I’ll stay with you!” Nangong Mengxiang patted her chest and said proudly. “I’ll protect you. I’m not afraid of anyone below Core Formation!”

“What about the Holy Maiden of the Temple?”

Luo Xue suddenly asked.

This mysterious Holy Maiden was known for being undefeated against all Foundation Establishment prodigies, although she mostly fought disciples within two jiazi of age.

As for Nangong Mengxiang, who was several hundred years old…

She hadn’t heard of any battles between them.

“It should be fine.” Nangong Mengxiang thought for a moment and replied. “Master’s technique is similar to the Temple of the Nether Spirit’s. I’ve dealt with them before.”

Both were techniques that utilized Yin Breath Poison, just in different ways.

One used Yin Breath Poison for combat, while the other transformed it into power.

“By the way, Little Martial Aunt, what did you do to offend the Temple of the Nether Spirit, for them to target you like this?” Nangong Mengxiang asked curiously. “Don’t tell me you robbed their Holy Master?”

“…If I could rob someone like that, do you think I would be worried about being wanted?”

Nangong Mengxiang thought carefully and nodded.

“Oh right, that makes sense.”

Luo Xue facepalmed. Nangong Mengxiang’s brain often short-circuited.

No, she was literally missing a soul and three spirits. The fact that she was still alive and kicking was already a miracle.

“I don’t know the specifics either. I left in a hurry and didn’t read the wanted notice carefully…” Luo Xue pondered for a moment. “However, the Sha sisters should be able to help investigate and see what’s going on.”

“Those two little innkeepers?” Nangong Mengxiang frowned. “By the way, they’ve also seen your true appearance. Wouldn’t they sell you out?”

“I don’t know,” Luo Xue wasn’t too worried. “It doesn’t hurt to ask.”

Luo Xue activated the communication stone, ready to destroy it at any moment.

If the Sha sisters showed any signs of betrayal, or deliberately asked about their whereabouts, Luo Xue would immediately destroy the communication stone and go back to kill them.

Trust was a precious thing, but there weren’t many people Luo Xue could completely trust now.

After the communication stone connected, Sha Yiyi’s slightly nervous voice came through.

“My lady, are… are you alright?”

The person on the other end seemed anxious.

“I’m fine.”

Luo Xue said calmly.

“Phew… that scared me. I thought you were in trouble…”

“…Do you even hear yourself?”

“Ah! I’m sorry, my lady, it’s just that some news spread, it seems there’s a wanted notice for you outside, and the reward is quite substantial…”

Sha Yiyi said timidly, then quickly added, “Of course, we sisters would never betray you! We’re trustworthy people!”

“Besides, we can’t even take that much money…”

Sha Keke added weakly.

“Shut up!” Sha Yiyi immediately snapped. “You idiot, it’s because we’re absolutely loyal to our lady!”

“We’re just doing our job, it’s not ‘absolute loyalty’.” Hearing the sisters’ usual banter, Luo Xue felt relieved. “As long as we continue to cooperate, there will naturally be more rewards.”

Luo Xue’s words had a hidden meaning, and Sha Yiyi understood.

“My lady… what do you need us to investigate?”

Sha Yiyi’s voice turned serious.

“I want to know everything about the wanted notice,” Luo Xue said in a deep voice, “Who issued it, why, the scope of the bounty… everything.”

“As you wish, my lady.”