Chapter 1290: Counterattack

“Bartering comes with two issues!”

“Mid-level Divine Emperor scriptures are the most core inheritances of major factions and are rarely shared externally! The first problem is that I must offer a sufficient price to make them willing to make an exception. After eliminating Divine Emperor Buya and Divine Emperor Fengxiao, my treasures should be enough.” Dongbo Xueying mused silently. With over a thousand Meta Origin Crystals’ worth of treasures, he could probably buy two mid-level Divine Emperor scriptures.

“The second problem is that once I attempt to trade, even a fool would guess I possess enough treasures to exchange.” Dongbo Xueying muttered to himself. “Killing for treasure—such a thing is highly likely to happen.”

If he were a renowned Divine Emperor, perhaps others wouldn’t act rashly.

But killing a mere Divine Lord for his treasures?

The temptation would be far too great!

“Hmph, I’ll barter quickly, obtain what I need, and leave immediately. If any strong cultivator dares target me, they can only blame their own misfortune.” Dongbo Xueying thought coldly. While there were indeed terrifying existences in the Divine Realm he couldn’t handle, beings of that level wouldn’t stoop to coveting his modest treasures.

“So be it!” Sitting in a roadside tavern, enjoying his meal, Dongbo Xueying made his decision.

—

The next morning.

A man clad in moon-white robes, a divine sword strapped to his back, arrived at the gates of the grand floating palace—Yunxi Palace—one of the most prestigious cities in the Divine Realm, Yunxi City.

There were only two mid-level Divine Emperor scriptures on the Void Path for Ascenders, and though copies existed, the originals were held by major factions. Having gathered intelligence on these scriptures, Dongbo Xueying knew their locations. After careful consideration, he chose Yunxi Palace as his first destination.

Yunxi City and Yunxi Palace were renowned throughout the Divine Realm. Though the Palace Master was only a mid-level Divine Emperor, she was rumored to be one of the consorts of the Primordial Ancestor behind the three royal clans—the Golden Saint Clan. With such status, her position was naturally transcendent.

“I’ve heard that the Yunxi Palace Master despises killing. Within her palace, no one would dare ambush me for my treasures. As for outside? I can slip away swiftly.” Dongbo Xueying mused.

Whoosh.

Dongbo Xueying landed before the main gates of Yunxi Palace. The female guards stationed there immediately fixed their gazes on him. He obediently halted and bowed. “This humble one is Divine Lord Qingfeng, an Ascender cultivating the Void Path. The path of cultivation is arduous, so I’ve come to Yunxi Palace, willing to offer three Flame Orchids in exchange for a glimpse of the Ascender scripture—*Heaven and Earth*.”

“Offering Flame Orchids?” The guards hesitated before one spoke. “Wait here, Divine Lord. I shall inform the palace.”

Though it was essentially a trade, one couldn’t phrase it so bluntly.

Even the mighty valued face.

—

“So you are Divine Lord Qingfeng?” After the time it took to drink tea, an elderly woman emerged, exuding the aura of an early-stage Divine Emperor. After all, Yunxi Palace was a renowned force in the Divine Realm. Though the Palace Master’s strength was modest, the palace housed many experts—over a hundred at the Divine Emperor level!

“Yes.” Dongbo Xueying replied, portraying himself as a devout Ascender seeking enlightenment.

“Follow me.” The old woman turned and led the way inside.

Dongbo Xueying inwardly rejoiced and quickly followed her into the palace.

“Do not wander within Yunxi Palace. Stay close to me.” The old woman cast him a stern glance.

“Of course.” Dongbo Xueying nodded obediently.

“I heard you wish to offer three Flame Orchids just to glimpse *Heaven and Earth*?” the old woman continued.

“We Ascenders lack the bloodlines of the Primordial Ancestors, making cultivation difficult. Though I’ve long sought the scriptures of predecessors, I lacked treasures and strength. Fortunately, during my travels in the wilderness, I discovered three Flame Orchids, giving me the courage to seek enlightenment here.” Dongbo Xueying explained.

The old woman nodded slightly. “Though you Ascenders possess remarkable comprehension, without ancestral bloodlines, few reach the Divine Emperor realm. Your offering of three Flame Orchids shows sincerity. Our Deputy Palace Master has already agreed. With this scripture, your chances of becoming a Divine Emperor may increase.”

“My gratitude to the Deputy Palace Master for her mercy.” Dongbo Xueying said quickly.

Yunxi Palace had three Deputy Palace Masters, all women, said to have been assigned by the Primordial Ancestor to protect the Palace Master. Daily affairs were handled by them.

As they walked and spoke, they moved swiftly, soon arriving before a pavilion.

“Envoy Ying, the Deputy Palace Master has given her orders. Here is the scripture.” A guard emerged from the pavilion, handing the scripture to the old woman.

“Mm.” The old woman took it but didn’t immediately pass it to Dongbo Xueying. Instead, she fixed him with a gaze.

Understanding, Dongbo Xueying retrieved a long stone box, opening it to reveal three flowers shimmering with blue light. He closed it and handed it over. “These are the Flame Orchids.”

Only then did the old woman accept the box, tossing the scripture to him. “Read it quickly here. Return it when you’re done.”

“Naturally.” Dongbo Xueying immediately began flipping through the pages, his powerful soul memorizing the contents in moments.

At first glance, he was awed.

Truly a mid-level Divine Emperor scripture.

The creator’s mastery of the Void Path surpassed his own. *Heaven and Earth* was a unique scripture, its core principle being the cultivation of one’s body into a “world”—where flesh itself became a realm, granting immense power with every movement. Dongbo Xueying had a thought: theoretically, this method could elevate the body to the level of a “Source World,” making its wielder terrifyingly strong.

Of course, the current limit of this method was mid-level Divine Emperor—still formidable. His own Primordial Body Refining method, created in the Heart Realm Continent, only reached early-stage Divine Emperor and was unstable. But given time, his method could surpass this one.

Yet, this world suppressed many of his insights.

Studying these scriptures would accelerate his growth.

“Success.” Dongbo Xueying rejoiced.

—

After memorizing the scripture, Dongbo Xueying promptly took his leave, exiting Yunxi Palace.

“Gone already?”

A gray-robed woman flew out of Yunxi Palace, scanning the surroundings coldly. “He fled swiftly.”

Offering three Flame Orchids just to glimpse a scripture—Yunxi Palace’s higher-ups naturally took note. Some were tempted, as killing a mere Divine Lord was trivial. Though they dared not act within the palace, the moment Dongbo Xueying left, pursuers emerged. Unfortunately, he had already vanished using the Great Void Transference Technique.

—

Yunxi Palace had been the easiest.

Next, Dongbo Xueying assumed another identity, disguising himself as a blade master to visit Faman City. Yet, the moment he entered the City Lord’s residence, a Divine Emperor attacked! Forced to retaliate, he “casually” eliminated his assailant before teleporting away.

Later, he disguised himself again to visit Linfeng City. Though ambushed once more, it was after obtaining the scripture. Before he could find a secluded spot to teleport, two early-stage Divine Emperors struck simultaneously.

Dongbo Xueying had no choice but to “casually” deal with them before fleeing via the Great Void Transference Technique.

—

Back in his secluded chamber in Junshan City, a purple-robed figure materialized—Dongbo Xueying in disguise.

“After all that effort, only Yunxi Palace went smoothly. The other two attempts ended in bloodshed. Including Jiangyuan City, I’ve slain five early-stage Divine Emperors.” Dongbo Xueying shook his head. He felt no remorse—those who ambushed him for treasure deserved no mercy.

—