A gentle breeze from the lake carried slight dampness and chill, bringing an indescribable sense of freshness.
Meng Qi recalled Bi Xia Yuanjun’s introduction and silently transmitted his thoughts, “The most prestigious title for sword techniques would be Tongtian Jiaozhu, also known as Lingbao Tianzun. However, that title is already taken and unavailable. A comparable alternative is Duobao Tianzun, a disciple of Tongtian Jiaozhu who mastered the essence of sword arts. But currently, there are no cultivation methods linked to him in the Immortal Trace, and his title is likewise unavailable. The same applies to Dangmo Tianzun…”
“Among the available titles, those specializing in sword techniques include Jinmu Yuanjun and Yuding Zhenren. The cultivation methods of Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun also include several sword techniques, but he might be a manifestation of the Qingdi Dao Sect. Those who previously chose this title and the title of ‘Dongwanggong’ met tragic deaths.”
Jiang Zhiwei quietly listened to Meng Qi’s analysis, trusting his judgment, and finally said, “Jinmu Yuanjun is the Dao Sect title of Xi Wangmu, whose cultivation methods primarily focus on controlling metal elemental power, with sword techniques serving only as an auxiliary. Among other immortals, Yuding Zhenren possesses the strongest abilities and is especially renowned for sword techniques, making him the most suitable for me.”
Like Yunzhongzi, Yuding Zhenren is known only in the Fengshen World. Fortunately, Jiang Zhiwei had completed a mission in Fengshen before, so she roughly understood without needing further explanation from Meng Qi.
“It’s not bad to disguise a female cultivator as a male immortal, with completely different sword techniques,” Meng Qi agreed with a smile.
He knew that what Jiang Zhiwei valued most was observing and learning various sword techniques; the specific title was not important to her.
Moreover, Yuding Zhenren lacked the title of Tianzun and was at most a newly entered legendary figure, thus bearing minimal karmic consequences, if any.
After finalizing their decision, the two feigned fishing and drifted on the lake in a boat, each employing secret techniques and supernatural abilities to observe the flow of cosmic energy, gradually sketching a “panoramic scroll” within their minds.
The boat sailed deeper, and the lake water became increasingly filled with floating ice mingled with snow, blanketing the landscape in white. The cold made even warmly dressed visitors shiver.
At this juncture, most vessels began to turn back, while only those carrying martial artists pressed onward to admire the rare spectacle of drifting ice and savor the poetic charm of a snow-laden, frigid river.
Based on their observations and the cosmic energy patterns described by Zhenwu Dadi, Meng Qi and Jiang Zhiwei found subtle clues and steered the boat toward the icy depths.
The floating ice grew larger, resembling icebergs covered in snow, drifting along the current. The boat wove between them, gradually approaching a snowy island, where the lake bed itself seemed frozen solid.
“There it is,” Meng Qi breathed in the bone-chilling air, gazing toward the distant ice layer.
The exact location would require careful observation and judgment after landing!
Suddenly, a figure standing at the edge of the small island called out loudly, “This island is Cao Clan’s restricted area. Leave immediately!”
Meng Qi and Jiang Zhiwei exchanged glances, feeling slightly burdened. This was the worst-case scenario—the treasure hidden by Zhenwu Dadi lay within the Cao Clan’s restricted territory.
In broad daylight, the two chose not to force their way in and turned the boat around, preparing to exit the floating ice area first.
Just then, a decorated barge approached head-on, heading toward the snow-covered, ice-encrusted island. Standing at the bow was a young woman clad in a white cloak and plain, tight-fitting attire. Her oval face bore no jewelry, exuding elegance and charm.
Her aura was restrained, and she stood straight like a pine tree, possessing an indescribable air of poise.
As the barge rapidly neared their small boat, the woman glanced at Meng Qi and Jiang Zhiwei but paid them little attention, mistaking them for reckless tourists.
The two vessels passed each other, and Jiang Zhiwei whispered telepathically, “‘Wuwang Daxian’ Cao E.”
She had seen Cao E’s image before.
So it’s her! Meng Qi nodded slightly. She was one of the most renowned young cultivators of the Northern Zhou dynasty, consistently ranked in the top ten of the Human Rankings, having advanced from a perfected Half-Step into the Outer Manifestation realm.
Suddenly, a thought struck Meng Qi, and he turned to look back at the barge.
The barge had already docked, and Cao E had leapt onto the snowy ground, heading into the island’s interior before quickly disappearing.
Meng Qi narrowed his eyes, and golden light flashed within them. His pupils reflected a blurry image of Cao E!
Huiyan Divine Ability!
Cao E soon reached the island’s center, a place sealed by millennia-old ice, where little life could survive.
She activated her cultivation method and placed her palm on the ancient ice.
Suddenly, a glacial light illuminated the area, and a doorway split open across the ice. Cao E descended the steps below.
Once the ice door sealed shut, Meng Qi’s Huiyan could no longer detect her aura!
“Judging from the cosmic energy convergence signs, the treasure hidden by Dangmo Tianzun lies deep beneath the ice where Cao E entered. Perhaps it exists alongside the ice eye as a complementary counterpart, which is why the Cao Clan has never discovered it,” Meng Qi informed Jiang Zhiwei of his observations.
Jiang Zhiwei pondered and said, “That must be the innermost restricted area of the Cao Clan. Entering will likely be extremely difficult.”
As the boat exited the lake’s icy region, Meng Qi mused aloud, “The millennia-old ice is bitterly cold, with almost no life nearby. Approaching through transformation techniques would be nearly impossible. At best, we could impersonate a Cao Clan disciple. However, judging from Cao E’s method of opening the door, we might need authentic Cao Clan cultivation techniques, and it seems there might be questioning inside… All these precautions seem aimed at thwarting transformation infiltration!”
At this point, Meng Qi shuddered, and a clear image of a refined figure suddenly appeared in his mind:
“Qingyuan Miaodao Zhenjun” Cao Xianzhi!
Only someone cultivating the Bagua Xuan Gong would be so wary of transformation infiltration!
Had he ascended to Master and regained the Cao Clan’s favor?
“What’s wrong?” Seeing Meng Qi’s stunned expression, Jiang Zhiwei asked with concern.
Meng Qi smiled bitterly, “We’ve encountered a professional. Fortunately, he’s a familiar face. Let’s seek advice from Tianzun first.”
“Tianzun…” Jiang Zhiwei murmured softly, asking no further questions.
…
Inside a tavern, Chonghe Daoren wore the mask of “Lingbao Tianzun,” sitting opposite Meng Qi and Jiang Zhiwei.
He pondered, “‘Qingyuan’ is known for his steady and substantial character, possessing an inherent sense of chivalry. He is not the kind to forget righteousness for profit. Even if cooperation fails, he won’t betray us.”
If they could find an inside contact within the Cao Clan—an inner sect Master-level insider responsible for guarding the restricted area’s defenses—Meng Qi and Jiang Zhiwei’s difficulties would undoubtedly vanish, no longer even considered obstacles!
Of course, the specific cost and share of the treasure would determine whether Meng Qi chose to cooperate.
After a pause, Lingbao Tianzun reminded them, “However, Jietian Seven Swords is among the most supreme inheritances in Daoism and sword techniques, even a Fashen might covet it. Qingyuan himself might not be tempted, but he must consider his family. If he learns that such a treasure lies hidden within his family’s restricted area and then willingly hands it over to outsiders, he might feel guilt and hesitation. Therefore, it’s best not to directly mention the specific item.”
One must always be cautious, especially with Cao Xianzhi, who valued family highly!
Meng Qi and Jiang Zhiwei nodded. If they were in his place, knowing that a treasure could be fully integrated into their own family sect, they would certainly be reluctant to share it with others.
“In any case, let’s try gauging his reaction first,” Meng Qi resolved.
After Jiang Zhiwei completed the Immortal Trace contract, Meng Qi secretly entrusted her with a letter, requesting an audience with the newly promoted Grandmaster of the Cao Clan, Cao Xianzhi!
…
In Fengxiao Pavilion at the southern city outskirts.
When Meng Qi and Jiang Zhiwei arrived, “Qingyuan Miaodao Zhenjun” Cao Xianzhi, dressed in a loose robe with hands clasped behind his back, was already quietly waiting, his refined face showing no trace of impatience or confusion.
“Who is this?” Cao Xianzhi glanced at Jiang Zhiwei.
Meng Qi smiled, “A new member.”
As a newly promoted Outer Manifestation cultivator, with Meng Qi and Lingbao Tianzun’s endorsement and being a cycle-walker herself, Jiang Zhiwei directly became a formal member.
Cao Xianzhi asked no further questions, fixed his gaze on them, and waited for them to state their purpose.
“Brother Cao, after many twists and turns, we discovered a treasure hidden somewhere within your family territory. We’d like to ask for your help in retrieving it,” Meng Qi got straight to the point.
Cao Xianzhi slightly furrowed his brows, “Within our family territory?”
Meng Qi explained, “It’s not about your divine weapons or cultivation techniques. It’s an ancient treasure that predates even the founding of your family—one you’ve never uncovered. If you assist us, we’ll split the treasure equally with you, while placing the cultivation inheritance in the Immortal Trace. There, you’ll gain periodic access to experience it.”
Sharing the treasure again pained Meng Qi slightly, but if they could convince Cao Xianzhi, the matter would be effortless, far less risky than attempting it alone.
Cao Xianzhi’s expression remained unchanged, but he fell silent, seemingly in intense internal struggle. Meng Qi and Jiang Zhiwei did not urge him, giving him time to think.
After a while, Cao Xianzhi exhaled, revealing a faint bitter smile, “Inviting outsiders into the family’s restricted area without the Patriarch’s approval is something I dare not do. Perhaps you harbor no ill intentions, but if this practice spreads, the Cao Clan will inevitably perish because of it.”
He directly admitted the treasure lay within one of several restricted areas, as if the location were poorly guarded, Meng Qi’s strength and transformation techniques would have already stealthily retrieved it long ago.
What a stark contrast to the former arrogant and conceited Ruan San! Meng Qi couldn’t help but feel this way and spoke up, “We can spend virtue points to redeem a contract through the Six Dao as witnesses, ensuring no harm comes to the Cao Clan’s interests.”
Of course, the virtue points would come from Tianzun!
Cao Xianzhi shook his head, “Handing over items within our restricted area to outsiders would weigh heavily on my conscience and betray my family. I will conceal the key details and your identities and ask the Patriarch to decide. Meet me here tomorrow. If he refuses, I will withdraw from this matter and not alert the clan, merely guarding the divine weapons and family treasures. Whether you can retrieve the secret treasure will depend entirely on your own abilities.”
Meng Qi took a deep breath and emphasized, “Without my information, the Cao Clan might never discover the treasure for another century. Retrieving it now benefits both parties. I hope Brother Cao will do your utmost to facilitate this.”
Cao Xianzhi himself wasn’t greedy, but as a family, the Cao Clan might be highly susceptible to greed.
After bidding farewell to Cao Xianzhi, Meng Qi and Jiang Zhiwei walked side by side toward the city gate, secretly transmitting voice, “The Cao Clan is very likely to refuse. Should we ask Tianzun to forcefully break into the restricted area?”
This plan had little chance of success. If a Fashen-level expert could easily breach the Cao Clan’s restricted area, the Cao Clan would have already perished long ago!
“Perhaps we can use a strategy of creating a diversion to lure the guards away,” Jiang Zhiwei pondered.
As they spoke, a figure hurriedly ran from behind them toward the city gate.
“Huh…” Meng Qi felt slightly surprised; this was a familiar face.
“Do you know him?” Jiang Zhiwei asked.
Meng Qi nodded, “He’s a subordinate of a prince from the grasslands.”
The man was tall and muscular, with sparse hair and multiple tattoos, none other than Batu, a guard of “Ri Ri Wang” Sun Agula from the Sha Lang Society!
“The secondary capital lies near the grasslands, a vital hub for northern and southern trade. it’s normal to encounter people from the grasslands,” Jiang Zhiwei explained.
Batu looked flustered, seemingly pursued by enemies. Suddenly, his face turned blue, and he made a gurgling sound in his throat before collapsing forward.
Plop!
Before Meng Qi could react, Batu had already stopped breathing!
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