Madness is the only path to survival… This is the true depth of demonic cultivation… Seeing the solemn and majestic appearance of Meng Qi, the masters of the unorthodox sects, like Madam Hundred Flowers, felt an indescribable sensation and instinctively formed similar thoughts, becoming even more convinced that the Poisonous Hand Demon Lord was unfathomably profound.
He had just defeated the Soul-Hunting Demon Lord without even manifesting his Dharma Body!
Moreover, the fusion of Buddhist practices and demonic cultivation may not require fundamentally transforming one’s Dharma Body. It might not constitute a fundamental change, but rather a refinement—a novel path of cultivation distinct from traditional methods. For instance, the integration of internal and external energies could give rise to the Illusory Fire Dragon, which would seal off the cultivation paths of the Fire Qilin and Water Jiao, yet simultaneously elevate the Fire Jiao into a Fire Dragon.
(Note: “Qilin” and “Jiao” are transliterated as they represent specific mythical creatures in Chinese culture. “Dharma Body” is capitalized as it refers to a key Buddhist concept.)
Looking at Meng Qi, who sat calmly on a meditation cushion, appearing even more like a great virtuous monk than Linghu Tao, the abbot of Cian Temple, the meditation hall fell into silence. Many unorthodox masters could only hear one thought echoing in their minds:
The Poisonous Hand Demon Lord has returned to the martial world, his strength surpassing his past self, unfathomably profound, probably already close to the Black List!
Madam Hundred Flowers exchanged a glance with her daughter beside her and then once again wore a seductive smile: “Master Duoshou has transformed Buddha into a demon. Truly a cause for celebration. I myself am so stirred that I wish to offer myself to you, not to mention my innocent little girl who has never seen the world.”
Her implication seemed to be that she intended to deal solely with Meng Qi.
The other unorthodox sect masters raised no objections. Although female beauty is tempting, it’s not worth provoking the wrath of the Poisonous Hand Demon Lord to the death. They were not like the Soul-Hunter, who had powerful backing. They were indeed fearless under the eyes of the “Six Gates True Demon,” but they would eventually have to leave this place. In the past, how many had been hunted down and killed by the Poisonous Hand Demon Lord?
Soul-Hunting Demon Lord’s face was pale and gray. He appeared deaf to their words, seemingly still immersed in the Sixfold Cycle just now, or perhaps he could not accept the reality of his crushing defeat at the hands of his old rival. He had already given his all, yet the Poisonous Hand hadn’t even activated his Dharma Body. The gap between them was chilling!
Could it really be possible to comprehend Buddhist teachings to enhance demonic cultivation?
Recalling that golden Buddha and the mysterious palm strike that harmonized contradictions with profound Buddhist insight, he felt that what the Poisonous Hand had claimed might actually be true!
Should he also seek out some Buddhist sutras and techniques to study?
“Haha, beauty belongs to the strong. Master Duoshou’s display of skill is truly admirable. How could we dare to interfere?” Linghu Tao laughed, his fat jiggling with mirth.
He and Duanmu Beiyue kept recalling Meng Qi’s final palm strike, finding it increasingly mystical. It seemed to transcend the laws of cultivation, present everywhere and nowhere, unavoidable no matter what, filled with profound Buddhist wisdom and terrifying demonic intent. Even the Grandmasters they had encountered before might not have been able to strike such a palm.
What kind of encounter had the Poisonous Hand experienced in the secret regions of Tibet? And what level had he now reached?
Meng Qi remained calm and composed, showing no trace of arrogance, just as he had been moments ago. Defeating the Soul-Hunting Demon Lord seemed to him merely a trivial matter. He smiled and said, “I wonder what Madam desires?”
Though smiling, a question arose in his heart. Before making her decision, Madam Hundred Flowers had exchanged a glance with her “daughter.” It was a purely instinctive gesture, yet it hinted at something strange.
In theory, such a “commodity” that had been cultivated and trained should have no say in whether or not she was sold, or how. Why had Madam Hundred Flowers exchanged glances with her? What was there to exchange glances about?
Could it be that she was seeking the “commodity’s” opinion?
If so, then their relationship was quite intriguing—this “furnace maiden” might not be merely a furnace maiden!
Madam Hundred Flowers was kneeling rather than sitting cross-legged, her body slightly upright, her eyes fixed on Meng Qi without looking sideways. She smiled sweetly and said, “Master Duoshou is too polite. We can discuss the details later.”
Meng Qi nodded slightly, then glanced around the room with a faint smile: “Among the present company, is there anyone who has connections with the Luo Sect? Would you be so kind as to help me inquire whether there is a way to resolve our longstanding grievances?”
His tone was neither humble nor arrogant, even somewhat relaxed and at ease. Combined with the formidable power he had just displayed, masters like Linghu Tao did not feel that he was groveling or begging. Instead, they felt as though they were engaging in equal negotiations, even secretly admiring him. Compared to the arrogant and ruthless Poisonous Hand of the past, the current Meng Qi seemed more like a true Demon Lord—possessing twisted convictions, a cold and self-centered disposition, and a clear-headedness.
Though he reveled in slaughter, delighted in destruction, and indulged in lust and pleasure, he now grasped the wisdom of distinguishing priorities and acting appropriately at the right moment. His enmity with the Annihilation Heaven Sect was irreconcilable, but there remained room for negotiation with the Luo Sect and the Beggars’ Sect. Naturally, he would strive to resolve these conflicts and ameliorate his current predicament of being universally reviled.
This was something the Poisonous Hand of twenty years ago could not have done. Back then, he had only hatred and resentment, feeling that the entire world was his enemy, wanting to take revenge on everyone.
The meditation hall grew quiet, with no one speaking. But Meng Qi knew that was enough. The message would eventually reach the Luo Sect through various channels, laying a preliminary path for possibly finding Gu Xiaosang in the future.
At this time, the Soul-Hunting Demon Lord finally returned to normal, his eyes half-closed once again, seemingly indifferent to what had just occurred. Yet Meng Qi could sense a faint, intermittent murderous intent and malevolent thoughts emanating from him.
Other transactions continued. Meng Qi remained silent, observing quietly, his expression showing not the slightest trace of impatience, exuding a sense of leisure and contentment.
After a while, the unorthodox sect masters took their leave one by one, departing from Cian Temple. Meng Qi then separated from Duanmu Bei and followed Madam Hundred Flowers into a quiet chamber within the temple.
“This is Xiaoning,” Madam Hundred Flowers introduced with a smile. As a master of the Outer Scenery, she had isolated the chamber from the outside world. “She secretly told me earlier that she was deeply impressed by Master Duoshou’s heroic feat of defeating the Soul-Hunter.”
“Mother! How could you…” Xiaoning tugged at Madam Hundred Flowers’ sleeve, half-hiding behind her, the redness spreading visibly from her neck to her entire face, more delicate than blossoms.
Meng Qi smiled and said, “It is a great honor to be favored by a beauty.”
Madam Hundred Flowers stole a glance at him and noticed only pure appreciation and an ever-present indifference in his eyes. She swallowed her words and instead smiled seductively: “Actually, I don’t covet Master’s treasures. I just happen to have a troubling matter and wish to ask for your help.”
“What matter?” Meng Qi was quite satisfied with this outcome. Only through such circumstances could he entangle himself further with her. If Madam Hundred Flowers had requested treasures or other items, he would have also tried to steer the situation in this direction.
“Do you happen to have heard of the Yun Family of Linhai?” Madam Hundred Flowers patted the delicate hand of Xiaoning, who was still tugging at her sleeve.
The Yun Family of Linhai? Meng Qi slightly furrowed his brow. He was no stranger to them. Linhai was the second-largest seaport in Jiangdong, second only to Langya, located at the border of Jiangzhou and Pengzhou. It was a bustling commercial hub and the first mainland stop for many martial artists and goods from the East Sea entering the Great Jin. The Yun Family’s connection with the East Sea Sword Workshop was well known to all, making Linhai almost a realm of its own, akin to the domains of top aristocratic families and major martial sects.
The head of the Yun Family was a seasoned Grandmaster who had long reached his peak but had never managed to take that final half-step toward the Dharmakaya realm. His ranking on the Earthly Rankings hovered around the fiftieth position, intimidating the Linhai region and its nearby experts. Moreover, his methods were formidable. Presently, the influential families in Linhai either had deep ties with the Yun Family or had become its vassals, much like the imperial family’s relationship with the aristocracy.
“What happened to the Yun Family?” Meng Qi maintained his casual, relaxed demeanor as he asked with his hands behind his back.
Madam Hundred Flowers straightened her expression: “A few days ago, the old patriarch of the Yun Family passed away peacefully in meditation.”
Meng Qi subtly moved his hands behind his back, instinctively narrowing his eyes before feigning indifference: “Given the old patriarch’s age, his passing was always a possibility. But the family still has many top experts, and with the Donghai Sword Workshop behind them, outsiders wouldn’t dare to make any moves.”
The old patriarch of the Yun Family had actually passed away in meditation? What kind of joke was this!
A wave of emotion stirred within Meng Qi. Given the old man’s strength, age, and the family’s situation, wouldn’t he have been invited to bid for the Elixir of Eternal Life in the East?
He distinctly remembered that the old patriarch had purchased two different types of longevity pills, sufficient to extend his life by twenty-five years, allowing the Yun Family to produce another Grandmaster!
Had Yun He cheated him with fake pills, or was there another mystery?
Judging from the information provided by the little glutton regarding the Ruan Family, those longevity pills had no issues. The waters ran deep indeed!
“Right, the old patriarch’s passing wasn’t unexpected. His tomb had just been built when it was immediately put to use.” Madam Baihua chuckled. “Now, various factions from Jiangdong and Donghai are preparing to pay their respects, and not all of them have pure intentions. We don’t intend to overthrow the Yun Family, just to install a certain young master. If we proceed cautiously, what do we have to fear from the Donghai Sword Workshop?”
Hearing this, she seemed to recall something amusing and chuckled, “It’s said that the Ruan family will send Ruan San—who, like you, Master Duoshou, has reemerged after years of seclusion. However, he suffered a mishap in demonic cultivation and was once listed on the Earth Ranking before being removed.”
Is Ruan San coming to pay his respects? The Ruan Family is being overly formal, isn’t they? Meng Qi inquired about representatives from other families with a composed expression, only to find that apart from He Jiu, who might have been sent by the East Sea Sword Workshop, none of the other families were dispatching key figures in person. After all, the Yun Family’s relationship with the Jin Empire wasn’t as close as their ties with the East Sea factions.
Perhaps Elder Ruan wants to rebuild Ruan San’s reputation… Meng Qi thought to himself before asking, “Which member of the Yun Family do you secretly support?”
Madam Hundred Flowers smiled: “You’ll find out when you accompany us to Linhai.”
Meng Qi nodded indifferently before asking, “Do you know which faction the Soul-Hunter is now serving and what his purpose is in Jiangdong?”
Madam Hundred Flowers covered her mouth and laughed: “As for the former, I don’t know, but I do know the latter. The faction the Soul-Hunter joined had a traitor—a promising young Outer Scenery expert who was highly regarded. He ended up fleeing with a certain demonic manual. The Soul-Hunter came to ask Master Linghu to keep an eye out for him.”
She paused and added, “It is said that the young man has some connection with the seventh young lady of the Yun Family.”
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