Volume 1 Volume 5 Chapter 135

Volume 5 Chapter 135: Action, Gathering, Different Sides (Part 2)

"Dear Friend Zhang, we meet again."

The voice of the ancestor of the Zhong family came from the master, his gaze dark and unfathomable, faintly shining with a green light, staring directly at Zhang Xusheng.

Zhang Xusheng felt no fear from the overwhelming presence approaching him; he continued to smile and nodded, saying, "Senior Zhong, it has been a long time."

For Zhang Xusheng, there seemed to be no difference between the master of the Zhong family and the ancestor of the Zhong family.

"But I wonder why Taoist Friend Zhang is blocking my disciple’s way?" the ancestor of the Zhong family asked lightly. After a pause, he couldn’t help but add, "The ‘Indefinite Sutra’ from Jiuhua is indeed mysterious; when practiced to the utmost, it can obscure the heavenly secrets. I, an old man, have let Taoist Friend Zhang keep this from me for three whole months."

His tone showed a mix of surprise and dissatisfaction, but there was a hint of emotional change.

Any Mahayana cultivator has reached a state of sensitivity to the heavens and has gradually attained the Unity of Sky and Earth. As long as one has a thought, they can sense and deduce many things related to themselves. The ancestor of the Zhong family had to refine the "Purgatory Staff," so although he discovered the trace of the Zhong family’s sacred object, he could only let the family master go and seek it. However, he was always distracted, paying attention to the family master’s movements.

During these three months, the ancestor of the Zhong family had a vague feeling about the family master’s actions. It wasn’t until today, three months later, that he finally broke through the obstruction of the heavenly secrets and found out that the family master was actually blocked by Zhang Xusheng. He quickly used his Original Soul to arrive, occupying the family master’s body to negotiate with Zhang Xusheng.

Of course, this does not mean that the ancestor of the Zhong family is weaker than Zhang Xusheng; it was just that he had to focus on refining the "Purgatory Staff," while Zhang Xusheng was more strategic and cunning.

Hearing a hint of emotional change in the ancestor’s words, Zhang Xusheng smiled slightly and said slowly, "It’s for no particular reason; I simply do not wish for the elder’s disciple to disturb a few important people of mine. It’s better for some matters to proceed according to my expectations."

"Is Taoist Friend Zhang really willing to completely offend my Zhong family for this?"

The ancestor of the Zhong family asked, with even more green light in his eyes.

Zhang Xusheng looked surprised, seemingly unaware of the reason, and asked, "I was just chatting with the elder’s disciple; how could that completely offend the Zhong family?"

The sacred object of the Zhong family is the most treasured item by the ancestors of the Zhong family. When he saw that Zhang Xusheng not only blocked his way but pretended not to understand, even though he had already reached the peak of the Mahayana Stage and was very clever, he couldn’t help but feel a strong anger rising within him.

However, at this moment, he was only using his Original Soul. Even though he was extremely angry at Zhang Xusheng’s actions, he could not engage Zhang Xusheng in a fight with just the Original Soul.

So, after the murderous look in the Zhong family ancestor’s eyes vanished, his tone returned to its previous calm and deep state, and he slowly said, "I have sent my disciples into the world to search for the sacred object that has been lost by my Zhong family for many years. This matter is urgent, so I kindly ask Taoist Friend Zhang to help. Let him go."

Zhang Xusheng showed a look of surprise on his face and said in astonishment, "I see, it is actually about the sacred object of the Zhong family. I was being reckless. In that case, disturbing my plans is not a big deal. Rest assured, I will not hinder any longer."

While speaking, he appeared extremely respectful to the Zhong family ancestor, but his expression remained elegant and soft, as if his agreement to let go was a generous gift.

"In that case, thank you very much, Taoist Friend Zhang."

While speaking, the overwhelming aura from the Zhong family master gradually faded away, and the expression in his eyes no longer held the earlier gloom and depth but instead showed a look of confusion.

This time, the Zhong family ancestor used his Original Soul to take over the body of the Zhong family master, but the master was completely unaware. It is important to know that the Zhong family master was himself a master at the Mahayana Stage, and the fact that the Zhong family ancestor could do this shows how terrifying his power is.

After a moment, the eyes of the Zhong family master finally returned from confusion to clarity. When he looked up, he found that Zhang Xusheng, who had been blocking him, had vanished without a trace, and he was left wondering what had happened when his mind suddenly went blank earlier.

Just when the master of the Zhong family was confused, he suddenly heard the voice of Elder Zhong Kui, the ancestor of the Zhong family, in his heart.

"Fool, why aren’t you going yet?!"

Hearing the rare anger in the voice of the elder, the master of the Zhong family trembled and no longer dared to hesitate. He quickly flew toward the border between North Iceland and the bustling Middle-earth.

At the same time, deep within the Eastern Sea, on the island where the Zhong family resided, the once calm black mist began to roil. The sounds of wailing echoed from the mist, showing the anger of Elder Zhong Kui, who was refining the "Purgatory Staff." The disciples of the Zhong family around the mist trembled and knelt, repeatedly bowing in apology, even though they had committed no wrong.

After a moment of turmoil, the black mist finally settled down. Faintly, those disciples still bowing could hear what seemed to be the voice of the elder.

"Zhang Xusheng, if you ruin my plans this time, I will not spare you once I succeed!"

The resentment in the voice was deep. Although they knew it wasn’t directed at them, the disciples of the Zhong family felt as if their bodies froze for a moment.

Meanwhile, at the Eastern Sea’s shore, Zhang Xusheng floated quietly in the air, looking far into the distance. In his sight, which could reach thousands of miles, the massive island occupied by the Zhong family was faintly visible.

Behind Zhang Xusheng stood two black-clad figures wearing half masks, members of the "An" organization.

One of the men in black looked up at Zhang Xusheng’s back and showed a look of hesitation on his face.

"Xuan Luo, you and I have been friends for many years, you can just ask me anything."

Although Zhang Xusheng had his back turned to the two men in black, every move they made was felt in Zhang Xusheng’s heart.

The man named Xuan Luo hesitated for a moment, then flew three feet forward and stopped to the right and behind Zhang Xusheng. He asked cautiously, "Boss, is it wise to offend the huge Zhong family just for those three young cultivators, Feng Qingtian, Xu Qingfan, and Zhang Yi?"

A mysterious look appeared in Zhang Xusheng’s eyes as he slowly said, "It is precisely because they have not yet grown strong that I must protect them. They need to grow strong, because that is what is best for us. Some things, you will understand in the future. As for the Zhong family, they are just a big entity. Many times, a large body does mean greater power, but it also makes them targets for all hunters. If the Zhong family stays hidden, it’s fine, but once they come into the light, they will surely face attacks from all sides. At that time, even if they want to oppose me, they won’t have the strength to do so."

No one knew what Zhang Xusheng was truly thinking. After hearing his vague explanation, the two men in black were even more confused, but Zhang Xusheng did not expect them to understand his plan, so he did not explain further.

After a moment of silence, Zhang Xusheng suddenly asked, "Have you arranged everything regarding the Southern Wasteland demon beast?"

Xuan Luo nodded and said, "Just now, Huan Luo sent a message that the Southern Wasteland demon beast is already acting according to our plan. This time, the ‘Ming’ organization is bound to suffer great losses."

As he spoke, excitement could not help but show in Xuan Luo’s eyes. The "An" organization had been suppressed by the "Ming" organization for too long, and this time they finally had a chance to turn the tables.

Compared to the excitement of Xuan Luo and another man in black, Zhang Xusheng’s expression remained calm. For him, with his abilities, the long preparation made success a natural thing.

After taking one last look at the Zhong family island far away, a mysterious smile appeared on Zhang Xusheng’s face, and he said softly, "Let’s go. I still have many things to do."

After hearing Zhang Xusheng’s words, the two men in black nodded respectfully. With a gust of sea breeze, the three of them suddenly vanished, as if they had never been there.

After shaking off Zhang Xusheng, the Zhong family master rushed for four or five days and finally flew to the blood-colored valley where the Zhong family sacred object had appeared before.

Looking around the now empty blood-colored valley, the Zhong family master was filled with rage. After being blocked by Zhang Xusheng for three months, the news of the Zhong family sacred object, which had finally emerged, had disappeared again.

Although he was extremely angry, he felt helpless; Zhang Xusheng was not someone he could challenge.

The Zhong family master initially planned to return and report to the Zhong family ancestor, but thinking of the ancestor’s previous angry demands and various methods, he shuddered, and his heart grew cold. He hesitated to go back.

After a moment of hesitation, a determined look flashed in the Zhong family master’s eyes. He bit his finger, letting it bleed, and then slowly rubbed the blood on his face and body, forming a strange blood-red pattern.

As more blood flowed out, the Zhong family master’s face grew paler, and eventually, his body began to tremble.

The blood that flowed from his fingertips was, surprisingly, the precious essence blood of a cultivator!

As the pattern finally took shape, the master of the Zhong family suddenly experienced a strange wave of Spirit Qi. Within this wave, he slowly closed his eyes, as if sensing something.

During this sensing, all the changes in Spirit Qi within the bloody valley over the past six months appeared in the master’s mind.

After a moment, the master of the Zhong family slowly opened his eyes, and a look of confidence finally returned to his expression.

"The Feng family’s Phoenix Spirit Fire technique, the ‘Mercy Cloud Temple’ Buddhist teachings, Jiuhua Qingxu’s Five Elements Taoist Method, and there is one person who has oddly been cultivating Spirit Qi similar to the energies of life and death. The sacred object is likely in the hands of these individuals, and the last person with the strange cultivation method is the most possible candidate."

As he spoke, a hint of a cold smile crossed the master’s lips before he closed his eyes again to sense for a moment. Then, without hesitation, he quickly flew towards North Iceland.

※※※※

In the Xuan Ling cave of North Iceland, the Spirit Qi is abundant, producing important items in the cultivation world such as ice crystals, snow lotuses, and high-grade water spirit stones.

If any sect in the cultivation world discovered this Xuan Ling cave, they would be overjoyed. Some second-rate sects might very well establish their foundation based on the Xuan Ling cave.

However, this Xuan Ling cave is unknown in the entire cultivation world because, eight thousand years ago, it was discovered by two elders of the "Ming" organization. They set up several layers of hidden protective barriers outside the Xuan Ling cave and sent many trusted cultivators to guard it. Over the years, it became an important resource supply for the "Ming" organization and the biggest gathering place for cultivators outside their mysterious main base.

At this moment, the entire Xuan Ling cave, although still shimmering, was stained red with blood. It was a scene of devastation, with the angry, bloodthirsty roars of demon beasts and the desperate cries of cultivators before their deaths echoing everywhere.

Looking around, countless bodies of purple-clad cultivators lay scattered throughout the Xuan Ling cave, being bitten by the Southern Wasteland demon beasts. They were missing arms and legs, their insides spilled across the ground, leaving behind incomplete bones, which soon turned to stark white remains.

Deep within the Xuan Ling cave, more than ten of the highest-level purple-clad cultivators were fighting hard to resist, but they were helpless against the endless waves of attacking Southern Wasteland demon beasts. Even though they used all their skills and killed many more demon beasts than themselves, it was still futile, and they were quickly overwhelmed by the infinite tide of demon beasts.

One of the most important strongholds of the originally powerful and mysterious "Ming" organization was thus destroyed, and those strong purple-clad cultivators, who acted without caution, became food for the demon beasts.

After all the purple-clad cultivators were killed by the Southern Wasteland demon beasts, the endless demon beasts, which had been rampaging during the battle, suddenly fell silent. They crawled to the ground, lowering their heads deeply, as if in worship.

Then, amidst the worship of all the beasts, a huge green wolf with three heads proudly stepped into the blood-red shimmering Xuan Ling cave.

This three-headed green wolf was the leader of the beast pack that Dongfang Qingling, Li Yuhan, and others had encountered before, a heavenly-level demon beast almost only found in legends.

Only upon approaching did one realize how towering this demon beast was. The Xuan Ling cave, originally thirty meters tall and nearly a hundred meters wide, did not feel crowded during the chaotic battle between countless demon beasts and purple-clad cultivators, but as soon as this three-headed beast entered, the vast Xuan Ling cave suddenly felt extremely narrow.

The green wolf ignored the demon beasts around it that were worshipping and proudly walked forward, raising its head high, slowly making its way deeper into Xuan Ling Cave.

As the three-headed green wolf reached the depths of Xuan Ling Cave, a demon beast with a presence only second to the green wolf hurriedly approached; it was a golden-furred mouse.

The golden-furred mouse, looking timid, slowly walked to the front of the three-headed green wolf and dropped a golden scale it was holding in its mouth at the wolf’s feet before quickly escaping to the side.

This golden scale was exactly what the golden-furred mouse had found in a corner of Xuan Ling Cave. The demon beasts came here because of the strange aura emitted by this golden scale!

If Xu Qingfan saw this golden scale, he would be incredibly surprised because it looked exactly like the scales on Little Gold.

However, when the three-headed green wolf saw the golden scale at its feet, its earlier pride suddenly vanished, and it became extremely furious.

"Aow…"

The three wolf heads howled loudly at the same time, their voices echoing throughout Xuan Ling Cave. Under the enormous sound waves, one-third of the demon beasts that had seemed incredibly powerful in battle against the purple-clothed person were shattered and died, while another third suffered severe injuries.

After a while, the three-headed green wolf finally calmed down but paid no attention to the injured or dead demon beasts. It turned and walked towards the outside of Xuan Ling Cave, and those that were not killed hurriedly followed. The ground shook again, and roaring sounds echoed as this three-headed green wolf quickly raced towards its next target, accompanied by countless demon beasts.

When nine heavenly level demon beasts brought the entire Southern Wasteland demon beasts into the bustling Middle-earth, they discovered that the scent of what they were searching for suddenly disappeared. Not long after, the scent reappeared in more than ten different places on the Shenzhou Continent, but it was much weaker.

Due to this strange change, the originally angry and united demon beasts suddenly split. Some believed they should continue with their original plan and search for clues at the last known location of what they sought, while others thought they should investigate the various places where the scent appeared.

Thus, the countless demon beasts divided into two groups. One group, led by the nine-tailed demon fox and three other heavenly level demon beasts, rushed toward "Ronghua Mountain," where their sought-after item last appeared. Meanwhile, the other five heavenly level demon beasts led their own groups of demon beasts to the different places where the scents were detected.

And this Xuan Ling Cave was indeed one of those places where the scent appeared.

However, no one expected that the source of the scent was just a single golden scale, which explained why the three-headed green wolf was so furious.

Shortly after the three-headed green wolf and countless demon beasts left the Xuan Ling Cave, over a hundred black-clad cultivators suddenly appeared. These cultivators wore half-wooden masks and were members of the "An" organization.

These black-clad cultivators acted efficiently, paying no mind to the dead or dying purple-clad individuals or demon beasts. Instead, they focused on collecting the spirit stones and various materials that had been in the Xuan Ling Cave for thousands of years, then quickly left.

Similar scenes occurred in the Western Desert’s Ghost City, the southern part of bustling Middle-earth at Fury Mountain, and the eastern Bihan Cave. The "Ming" organization’s long-held bases were all destroyed by countless demon beasts, and the numerous purple-clad cultivators guarding these bases became food for the demon beasts. After the demon beasts killed all the purple-clad cultivators, they were furiously surprised to find that the scent they had been seeking was only a golden scale! As the demon beasts raced toward the next "Ming" organization base, the "An" organization cultivators appeared as well, stripping the "Ming" organization’s long-term treasures clean.

Thus, for an entire year, no matter how the "Ming" organization changed its bases, it was continuously attacked by demon beasts. The outer forces of the "Ming" organization were reduced by seventy to eighty percent at the hands of countless Southern Wasteland demon beasts, and the treasures accumulated by the "Ming" organization over the years were lost to unknown hands.

The Southern Wasteland demon beast was brought into the prosperous Middle-earth by the "Ming" organization, but in the end, the one that suffered the most was the "Ming" organization itself; it truly was like lifting a stone and dropping it on one’s own foot.

Meanwhile, after receiving a large amount of treasures from the "Ming" organization, the "An" organization quickly grew strong in a short time.

At the same time, as the three-headed green wolf destroyed the "Xuan Ling Cave" with countless demon beasts, Xu Qingfan, along with Jin Qinghan, Dongfang Qingling, Lv Qingshang, and Xu Xiurong, finally arrived deep in North Iceland.

What awaited them was the unchanging cold and snow, and under the sunlight, this sparkling world seemed hazy.