Chapter 232

Chapter 232: The Four Great Outer Paths

At this moment, Fang Lie found himself in desperate straits. The Buddhist light from his Demon-Subduing Golden Bowl had dimmed to near-extinction, on the verge of shattering. Though other protective treasures remained, they could only delay the inevitable.

This frustrated Fang Lie immensely. Despite possessing formidable abilities, he felt completely restrained, unable to unleash his true power.

In a fit of anger, Fang Lie stowed his Devouring Heaven Chaos Halberd and brandished the Demon Sword, roaring, "Even in death, I’ll drag you down with me!"

Instantly, Fang Lie succumbed fully to demonic influence. Violent killing energy surged through his veins as his eyes glowed crimson. Empowered by demonic might, his aura intensified, thick layers of baleful energy seeping from his pores.

Just as the Demon-Subduing Golden Bowl’s power depleted and crashed to the ground as scrap metal, swarms of poison insects descended upon him. Yet each creature that touched his killing energy immediately dropped dead after brief convulsions.

Enraged by the surrounding insects, the demonized Fang Lie unleashed devastating sword techniques. Sword rays erupted in all directions, weaving an impenetrable curtain of steel that shredded any approaching insect.

This display revealed the pinnacle of swordsmanship mastery – flawless defenses leaving no openings. No matter how numerous the insects, none could breach his guard.

Witnessing this outburst, the Master of a Hundred Poisons chuckled. "Ah, now I recall! You’re that upstart Fang Lie making waves recently. While your demonic swordplay impresses, you’ve reduced yourself to a mindless brute. Crushing you is simple – I need only refuse to engage!"

With these words, the endless insect tide abruptly scattered, vanishing completely within moments.

The demonized Fang Lie stood bewildered, devoid of rational thought. With no targets remaining, he froze like a statue, sword still clutched in hand.

The Master’s disembodied voice echoed mockingly: "Hah! The mighty Fang Lie proves disappointing. I’ll take your Crystal Palace treasure ship as today’s prize. Farewell!"

The voice carried strange distortions, making its origin untraceable. The entranced Fang Lie remained motionless, though his conscious mind understood the truth – this battle ended in utter defeat. While he’d secured the Thousand-Year Water Lotus, he’d lost something far more valuable.

What galled Fang Lie most was losing to a Golden Pool cultivator whose actual strength might not surpass his own. Worse, he’d been completely dominated throughout the confrontation.

Upon resurrecting in the Cycle of Fire, Fang Lie immediately sought Old Bird’s counsel. "Bird Bro, that insect-controlling bastard completely countered me! How do I handle Ten-Thousand Gu Sect pests next time without becoming bug food?"

Old Bird chortled. "The Ten-Thousand Gu Sect specializes in Outer Paths. Their combat strength exceeds normal cultivators – losing’s no shame."

"Outer Paths? What’s that?"

"Paths relying on external forces rather than self-cultivation," Old Bird explained. "While most sects focus on body and spirit refinement through tribulations, some depend on external aids – mainly insects, beasts, formations, and Dao soldiers. True powerhouses balance both approaches."

"But you always preached focusing on one path!" Fang Lie protested. "You limited my studies in refining techniques and formations, gave me rushed alchemy teachings…"

Old Bird clucked. "Inner Path demands lifelong dedication to comprehending Heavenly Dao and tempering one’s Dao heart. Outer Paths let you leverage external resources. With sufficient wealth, you can command insect swarms that enable Qi Sea cultivators to threaten Thunder Tribulation Immortals! Maintain your Inner Path cultivation while others handle Outer Path preparations."

Fang Lie’s eyes lit up. "Others can manage these Outer Paths for me?"

"Naturally! Consider the Four Great Outer Paths:

1. Insects: Control swarms through Gu Kings. Disciples handle breeding – just provide resources.

2. Beasts: Contract powerful demon beasts. Others raise them with spirit pills and demonic techniques.

3. Formations: Commission experts to create sets like the Great Heaven Fierce Fire Formation. Deploy with spirit stones to crush stronger foes.

4. Dao Soldiers: Though costly to train, elite units like our Mo Sect’s Law Enforcement Heavenly Soldiers can make even the East Kunlun Sword God kneel!"

Fang Lie marveled, "So wealth determines victory?"

"Obviously!" Old Bird scoffed. "Cultivation’s Four Essentials list wealth first! With enough resources, anything’s possible."

"Then I’ll pursue an Outer Path!" Fang Lie declared. "What’s fastest against insect users?"

"Poison Gu offer quick results but high costs. Mass casualties mean total loss."

"Then poison Gu it is!" Fang Lie resolved. "I’ll make that Master of a Hundred Poisons regret crossing me!"

Returning to Qingyu Island, Fang Lie summoned Mao San and Gou Si from his Purple Tower’s summit. Simultaneously, he dispatched Flying Swords to the Four Seas Alliance requesting Gu King information, confident their four leaders would deliver.

When his subordinates arrived bowing with congratulations, Fang Lie waved them off awkwardly. "Merely minor victories. True masters remain beyond my reach."

His recent humiliation had burned away any arrogance. The cultivation world held endless hidden dragons – this lesson he’d learned well.