“So it concerns our master’s grand plan, no wonder you changed your mind. But this person is someone the Earthblood Elder specifically demanded to be killed. Shouldn’t our master give some explanation? That Earthblood Elder isn’t exactly known for his magnanimity,” the Blood Flood Dragon chuckled.
“Hmm, I have my own considerations on this matter. However, before we clarify things with that Han kid, keep a close eye on him. Don’t let him slip away. Otherwise, I’ll have to go through a lot of trouble again,” Mu Qing instructed.
“Understood. I will ensure he doesn’t escape during this period,” Blood Poison replied respectfully.
Mu Qing nodded in satisfaction and waved him off.
Blood Poison promptly took the hint and withdrew from the hall.
Meanwhile, the shadowy woman, enveloped in a faint black glow, pondered for a moment before suddenly slapping the giant golden flower beneath her.
The flower trembled slightly, and from its core emerged a golden mirror, ancient in design and faintly inscribed with glowing runes.
Mu Qing opened her mouth and exhaled a wisp of green mist.
In a flash of golden light, the green mist eerily vanished into the mirror.
The mirror’s surface shimmered, revealing a layer of golden mist.
After a long pause, a monotonous male voice emerged from the golden mist: “Fellow Daoist Mu, what brings you to me?”
Hearing this, Mu Qing smiled and replied, “Brother Six-Legs! How is your collection of Yin energy progressing? Can the Ghost Granny refine enough Yin Armor Ghosts by the agreed date?”
“I’ve exhausted the pure Yin energy from the lower layers. Although the first layer’s Yin energy is the thinnest, with some extra time, we can still gather enough for the Ghost Granny to refine eight thousand Yin Armor Ghosts. Fellow Daoist Mu, why do you suddenly ask me about this?” the man replied emotionlessly after a brief silence.
“According to our plan, these eight thousand Yin Armor Ghosts and Earthblood’s ten thousand puppets are mere cannon fodder to break through the resistance of the Netherworld River ghosts. But to dismantle the barrier of the Netherworld River, we’ll need another method. Our original preparations alone aren’t entirely reliable,” Mu Qing mused before answering.
“Oh? Has Fellow Daoist Mu found another way to break the barrier?” The man reacted swiftly, his tone shifting slightly.
“Haha, Brother Six-Legs truly understands me. I have indeed made a discovery and wanted to discuss it with you first,” the woman laughed lightly.
“A discovery? Let’s hear it then,” the man’s voice returned to its calm monotone.
“Today, I found someone capable of wielding the Evil-Warding Divine Thunder. Although the Netherworld River barrier is primarily Yin-based, the most troublesome aspect is the Nether Devil Qi embedded within it. This devilish energy is exceptionally pure, and our original methods aren’t entirely secure. But with the Evil-Warding Divine Thunder, this devilish energy would no longer be a concern,” Mu Qing’s expression turned serious.
“The Evil-Warding Divine Thunder is indeed unparalleled in exorcising evil. But during ancient times, when the Evil Dragon Clan dominated the Spirit Realm, they nearly eradicated all Golden Lightning Bamboo. Those who cultivated or possessed treasures made from it were also exterminated. How could someone capable of wielding it appear now? Are you certain you’re not mistaken?” the man spoke slowly, skepticism evident in his tone.
“Rest assured, what he wielded was indeed the Evil-Warding Divine Thunder. I have enough discernment for that. The only issue is that he doesn’t seem to know the true method of wielding it, treating it as an ordinary lightning technique, barely unleashing a fraction of its power,” Mu Qing suddenly sneered.
“Oh, in that case, it’s plausible. This person likely stumbled upon remnants of Golden Lightning Bamboo and, by chance, mastered this ability,” the man named Six-Legs said coolly.
“Haha, that’s exactly what I thought. Otherwise, if he could fully unleash the power of the Evil-Warding Divine Thunder, even you and I would have to be wary. But encountering such a person here and now is a tremendous opportunity for us. It seems fate has decreed our grand plan will succeed!” Mu Qing smiled radiantly.
“If this person truly possesses the Evil-Warding Divine Thunder, he would indeed be a great asset. But you suddenly informing me of this suggests there’s some complication, doesn’t it?” the man abruptly questioned.
“Brother Six-Legs sees right through me! Actually, I wasn’t the first to know about him. The Earthblood Elder specifically ordered me to kill him and deliver his soul. I suspect it’s also related to the Ghost Granny,” Mu Qing replied with a faint smile.
“I see. Fellow Daoist Mu wants to personally control this person and have me mediate the matter,” the man quickly grasped her intent.
“Precisely. Brother Six-Legs knows well that I am a Wood Spirit incarnate. Among the four of us, no one understands Golden Lightning Bamboo better than I do. If I personally guide him, he can master the Evil-Warding Divine Thunder in time for our plan,” Mu Qing said with a charming laugh, not hiding her intentions.
“Hmm, you make a fair point. But this matter is significant. The four of us must discuss it face-to-face, and the other three must meet this person in person,” the man replied after a long pause.
“Of course. Let’s gather at my residence in half a month. Brother Six-Legs can inform the Ghost Granny and Earthblood. I will personally welcome the three of you at the Wood Immortal Hall,” Mu Qing said with a smile.
“Agreed,” the man replied decisively.
The golden mist on the mirror dissipated, and no further sound came through. The man named Six-Legs had abruptly severed the connection without another word.
“Humph, just as I expected. Six-Legs couldn’t care less who controls this person. Then again, he’s the only one unafraid of the Evil-Warding Divine Thunder, so it’s irrelevant to him. But the other two won’t let go so easily. However, now that he’s in my hands, expecting me to hand him over is pure delusion,” Mu Qing snorted coldly, her laughter echoing through the empty hall.
…
Han Li sat at a round table, staring silently at the smiling man across from him who was urging him to drink.
The man, a refined scholar in his thirties, held a jade wine cup in one hand, persistently offering toasts.
The table was laden with delicacies and a black wine jar filled with amber-hued liquor, its aroma intoxicating.
The green-robed maid named Bi’er stood nearby, attending to them.
“Come, come! Brother Han must try our Wood Marrow Wine from the Wood Immortal Valley. Though not as miraculous as the Netherworld Tea, it’s brewed from the marrow of ten-thousand-year-old spiritual trees and has remarkable effects in invigorating the spirit and nourishing the core. A few more cups, and you’ll understand its wonders,” the middle-aged scholar said enthusiastically.
“Senior Blood Poison, I’m not much of a drinker. A few cups are enough—any more, and I’ll embarrass myself,” Han Li replied helplessly.
The middle-aged scholar was none other than the Blood Flood Dragon in human form.
After Han Li was settled into a pavilion, the flood dragon had followed immediately, ordering a feast to be laid out and indulging in food and drink.
Trapped in his host’s domain, Han Li had no choice but to endure the banquet.
“Haha, with cultivation like ours, how could a little spiritual wine intoxicate us? Brother Han, are you still holding a grudge over our earlier skirmish?” Blood Poison tilted his head slightly.
“Heh, that minor incident? I’d forgotten it long ago. How could I bear any resentment? Very well, one more cup with you, Senior,” Han Li conceded, raising his cup and downing the wine in one gulp.
The green-robed maid promptly refilled his cup.
Han Li frowned slightly but said nothing.
Opposite him, Blood Poison grinned and said, “Brother Han, feel free to stay in our Wood Immortal Valley. Our master holds you in high regard and surely has great plans for you. Whatever the task, the rewards will be extraordinary—far surpassing anything you’d gain as a Flying Spirit Clan Saint back on the surface. To be blunt, anything your clan can offer, we in the Earth Abyss can match, and more. This is a rare opportunity for you!”
Han Li’s lips twitched, but he sidestepped the question with a smile. “May I ask which layer of the Earth Abyss this is? And could Senior shed some light on why Senior Mu Qing brought me here?”
“Claiming ignorance would be dishonest, but I truly can’t disclose much now. Rest assured, our master won’t keep you in the dark for long—a fortnight or a month at most. As for the location, there’s no harm in telling you: this is the third layer of the Earth Abyss, the Black Mist Forest,” Blood Poison answered without hesitation.
“Black Mist Forest! The one shrouded in Yin mist, where none who enter ever leave?” Han Li’s expression shifted.
“Haha, indeed! I didn’t realize this place had such a reputation among your people. In truth, it’s just a minor restriction our master placed within the forest,” Blood Poison chuckled.
“I see,” Han Li forced a smile and fell silent.
“By the way, there’s something I’m curious about. Would Brother Han enlighten me?” After urging Han Li to drink a few more cups, the middle-aged man’s eyes gleamed as he posed the question.
“Of course, Senior. I’ll share whatever I know,” Han Li replied, his mind sharpening as he activated the Great Development Technique, dispelling the faint intoxication.
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