Demonic Cultivator(244-251) (Patreon)

Chapter 244: The Application of the Taotie Tree

Chu Xuan stood before Leng Hanshuang once more. Observing the stunningly beautiful yet vacant-eyed Holy Maiden of the Reincarnation Divine Sect, he shook his head slightly. It wasn't just a lament for her tragic fate.

"Earthly spiritual roots, an earthly spiritual body, a peerless genius, so what?" he mused. "Without the wisdom to restrain one's brilliance, only attracting calamity. If one provokes those they shouldn't, they cannot escape death. All of their achievements will simply pave the way for others."

Seeing Leng Hanshuang's fate only reinforced Chu Xuan's resolve to continue on his cautious path. Then, he immediately set about using the Body Seizing Technique. Although the process of seizing a spiritual body was slow, its success rate was guaranteed. Chu Xuan was indifferent to the time it took.

Ten days later, Chu Xuan successfully transferred Leng Hanshuang's spirit body into the Acquired Miraculous Jade. With this, he had obtained the most crucial aspect of Leng Hanshuang. Her physical body was all that remained useful. Given that Leng Hanshuang practiced the Mysterious Heavenly Ice Soul Scroll and had some body refinement techniques, her body was exceedingly robust.

"Her body will feed the corpse puppets, and her soul will be perfect for my refining and absorption," Chu Xuan mused, smacking his lips.

However, Leng Hanshuang had mentioned that whoever killed her would be marked. Naturally, Chu Xuan wouldn't do this himself. Instead, he randomly selected a zombie to kill Leng Hanshuang, thereby transferring the mark to the zombie.

Considering that this zombie had always been on Blue Star, how could it possibly be found by the old ancestors of the Reincarnation Divine Sect?

...

Meanwhile, Wen Lingtian was deep in seclusion when he suddenly felt a sense of restlessness. Calculating with his fingers, his expression drastically changed.

"Dead? Hanshuang is dead?"

He had left marks within both the body and soul of Leng Hanshuang. Anyone who killed her, unless their realm was higher than his, would be marked by him. With this mark, he would be able to find the person responsible for her death.

Not only Leng Hanshuang but also the Holy Son of the Reincarnation Divine Sect, Situ Kong, also carried such a mark. This was a method used by the Reincarnation Divine Sect to deter others. Anyone daring to kill a Saint of the Reincarnation Divine Sect, no matter where they fled, even to the ends of the earth, would be relentlessly pursued by the Sect.

But now...

Leng Hanshuang had died silently. His calculations could not even approximate the location of the mark. It was like clouds on the horizon—vague, indistinct, and elusive.

Wen Lingtian looked unwell, his expression grim. The loss of a Holy Maiden from a prestigious sixth-level cultivation sect was a severe blow. If news of this spread, it would be incredibly embarrassing. His face shifted between shades of anger and frustration.

Finally, he took out the Inquiry Heaven Disc, his eyes flashing with the desperate intensity of a gambler. "I refuse to believe that I can't divine the answer!" he muttered under his breath.

Moments later, an angry roar erupted from his meditation chamber.

"Lost another 300 years of lifespan!! Never divining again!"

...

Blue Star, over the Eastern Sea.

Chu Xuan found himself once again on the small island. At the center of the island was a black tree. The tree had only one bare trunk and a few shriveled branches. It did have leaves, but they all resembled large mouths.

Numerous aerial roots dangled from the treetops like octopus tentacles. A kilometer away from the black tree was a formation enveloping the entire island, with corpse puppets patrolling continuously around the perimeter. For years, no accidents had occurred.

As Chu Xuan approached, the aerial roots, sensing an enemy, immediately stood erect like cobras ready to strike.

"I'm here, aren't you going to greet me?" Chu Xuan laughed cheerfully.

Snap!

An aerial root whipped through the air towards him, but he caught it effortlessly and casually tore it off. The black tree emitted a painful screech from within and quickly retracted its branches, leaves, and roots back into its trunk, much like a turtle retracting its head.

Chu Xuan then took out a jar filled with blood honey and tossed it over to the tree. The tree, like a cat smelling meat, instantly extended its roots.

With a crunch, it shattered the jar, and not a single drop of the blood honey hit the ground; the aerial roots devoured it all in mid-air.

Satiated, the black tree became docile and harmless, lazily sprawling on the spot as if it had no idea that Chu Xuan had just torn off one of its roots.

Chu Xuan observed the Taotie Tree thoughtfully, pondering its unique qualities and potential uses.

In Leng Hanshuang's memories, there was only a smattering of information about the Taotie Tree. The astral elder of the Reincarnation Divine Sect, Wen Lingtian, had briefly mentioned it to her.

"A decade to germinate, a century to grow into a sapling, a millennium to become a young tree. To truly become a mighty tree, it must devour the vitality of an entire star."

Chu Xuan pondered deeply. Even if he provided ample sustenance, at most, he could only nurture the Taotie Tree into its juvenile stage. To unleash its terrifying potential, it would need to consume a whole star.

However, Chu Xuan would never commit such an act. Blue Star was, after all, his sanctuary. How could he so readily destroy it?

"Nevertheless, there is now a rudimentary way to utilize the Taotie Tree," Chu Xuan mused as he retrieved another jar of blood honey. The previously lethargic tree immediately sprang to life. Numerous black aerial roots pointed towards the jar in Chu Xuan's hand and swiftly struck.

Chu Xuan snorted coldly, and his Evil Soul Chain suddenly appeared, severing all the attacking roots with a crack. The roots fell to the ground, writhing like serpents. From their broken ends, a red liquid spurted out, resembling blood. The Taotie Tree shrieked in agony and began to retract its roots.

But Chu Xuan swiftly reached out and grasped one of the roots firmly. Despite the tree's desperate attempts to pull it back, it could not match the strength of Chu Xuan, who was adept in more than thirty layers of body cultivation techniques.

Eventually, the tree ceased struggling and lay still, though whimpers could still be heard from its trunk as if lamenting, "What have I done wrong? I'm merely a child."

"Blood honey for you," Chu Xuan pointed at the honey, "and lifespan for me," he continued, inserting the root into his crown as he spoke calmly.

The Taotie Tree could not understand human speech, but it seemed to grasp Chu Xuan's intent. Its trunk shuddered violently, and soon the severed roots were restored to their original state. It extended three roots in response.

Chu Xuan shook his head, "Three jars? No, only one." The tree retracted a root.

"No, just one jar," Chu Xuan stated firmly, unwavering in his stance.

Reluctantly, the Taotie Tree agreed to the trade. It consumed the blood honey and inserted a root into Chu Xuan's crown.

After a brief moment of calm, Chu Xuan immediately felt a mysterious energy coursing through his body via the root. This energy was elusive, not spiritual Qi, nor spiritual sense, nor psionic energy.

This was the most basic application of the Taotie Tree: exchanging blood food for lifespan!

Chapter 245: Never See Senior He Again

The infusion of lifespan lasted for about an hour. It wasn't until the aerial root was retracted that Chu Xuan let out a contented sigh of relief. The sensation of gaining lifespan out of thin air was incredibly exhilarating.

The Taotie Tree was still only a sapling, and each time it could only provide around ten years of lifespan. Yet, those ten years should not be underestimated. For many cultivators, even a single year was a fiercely contested prize. Perhaps just an extra year of lifespan could allow one to break through to a higher realm and enjoy many more years of freedom.

Furthermore, the higher one's cultivation realm, the more difficult it was to increase lifespan with spiritual substances. What worked for a Foundation Establishment cultivator would barely affect a Golden Core cultivator, and the same principle applied at all levels.

Some cultivators, driven to desperation, turned their eyes to various demonic techniques. Like True Master Tiancang, who, in his quest for a longer life, even resorted to cannibalism.

Even though the Taotie Tree was merely a sapling, if the method of exchanging blood food for lifespan were to become known, even if it only added ten years at a time, it would surely cause a frenzy among cultivators!

Chu Xuan reached out and gently touched the Taotie Tree, smiling. He had indeed stumbled upon a treasure.

Now, with the Taotie Tree providing a continuous increase in lifespan, his life expectancy was set to reach a terrifyingly high level. Perhaps he could even consider using secret techniques that consumed lifespan for their execution.

Chu Xuan committed this thought to memory. If he had the chance in the future, he would definitely spend some effort to collect such secret techniques. He then reinforced the array around the area and added a few more Ghost Commanders to guard alongside the corpse puppets. With these arrangements, he felt secure enough to leave.

The Taotie Tree was a double-edged sword; if used without restraint, it would backfire. Chu Xuan did not want his sanctuary to be devoured by the Taotie Tree.

...

Celestial Sound Star.

This cultivation star was controlled by the Celestial Sound Zen Temple. Typically, only one Nascent Soul cultivator was stationed there to guard it. However, this old ancestor from the Celestial Sound Zen Temple spent most of his time in seclusion, only emerging when the monastery faced a crisis that threatened its very survival.

At that moment, a figure appeared from the teleportation array, and a powerful aura of the Nascent Soul stage dispersed into the surroundings. The monks of the Celestial Sound Zen Temple, sensing the formidable presence, immediately went into high alert and quickly summoned the head abbot.

Moments later, a middle-aged figure stepped out from the light curtain.

"May I ask who the senior is?" inquired the head abbot of the Celestial Sound Zen Temple respectfully.

The middle-aged figure responded with a slight smile, "I am Zhao Tiancang, a Nascent Soul elder from the Reincarnation Divine Sect."

The head abbot immediately showed a respectful demeanor, "So it is the esteemed True Master Tiancang from the upper sects. Has Elder Tiancang come to seek our Elder Dehong of the Celestial Sound Zen Temple? Elder Dehong is currently in seclusion, I'm afraid it might be difficult for him to meet with you."

True Master Tiancang smiled gently, "No matter, I am here on orders from the Reincarnation Divine Sect to inspect Celestial Sound Star. There is no need to disturb fellow daoist Dehong."

With that, he produced a command token personally bestowed by the leader of the Reincarnation Divine Sect. Seeing the token, the head abbot nodded, "Please, Elder Tiancang, feel free to inspect any place on Celestial Sound Star at your leisure."

True Master Tiancang smiled, "That would be excellent." He lightly tapped the ground and vanished like a gust of wind in the blink of an eye.

Shortly afterward, he appeared at Long Life Mountain within the territory of Liu Nation on Celestial Sound Star. This mountain housed a fourth-level cultivation sect known as the Long Life Daoist Temple.

However, even among all the fourth-level cultivation sects on Celestial Sound Star, the strength of Long Life Daoist Temple was considered to be at the lower end. It had only one Nascent Soul cultivator, and even then, it was just an early stage Nascent Soul.

During the last opening of the extraterritorial battlefield, this Nascent Soul cultivator, doubting his own strength, hadn't even thought to contend for a token to enter the battlefield.

At that moment, within a quiet chamber of Long Life Daoist Temple, He Ze sat cross-legged. Recalling his experiences recently, a smile spread across his lips.

Not long ago, when the extraterritorial battlefield collapsed, he was fortunate enough to follow other cultivators through the Celestial Sound teleportation formation and return to Celestial Sound Star. After some time, he returned to the Long Life Daoist Temple.

Previously on the battlefield, he had obtained a Thick Earth Pill refined by Chu Xuan, which had advanced his cultivation to the fourth layer of the Golden Core stage. Upon his return, he immediately gained the favor of Long Life Daoist Temple's Nascent Soul ancestor, who took him on as a direct disciple.

Not only did he receive a precious medicine that regrew his arm, but he was also granted one of the best cultivation chambers in Long Life Daoist Temple for his exclusive use.

The entire Long Life Daoist Temple regarded him as a rising star. Some even believed that with his talent, he might one day succeed the Nascent Soul ancestor!

"Without the Thick Earth Pill Senior He bestowed, how could I have advanced to the fourth level of the Golden Core? And how could I speak of today's treatment?" He Ze mused thoughtfully. "I wonder how Senior He is doing now. With his formidable strength, he must have escaped the extraterritorial battlefield. Senior He is a cultivator from Mystic Azure Star, alas, not from the same cultivation star as mine. I fear I may never have the chance to meet Senior He again."

He Ze sighed. In his eyes, Chu Xuan was indeed his benefactor. The thought of never meeting his benefactor again was a lifelong regret.

Just then, an overwhelming and irresistible aura suddenly descended upon his quiet chamber. He Ze felt as if he were being crushed under the weight of thousands of leagues of seawater, making even breathing exceedingly difficult. In just an instant, he passed out.

True Master Tiancang appeared swiftly and effortlessly abducted He Ze without alerting anyone. Moments later, atop a high mountain, True Master Tiancang placed his hand upon He Ze's crown and performed a soul-searching technique. After a while, he withdrew his hand, frowning deeply.

"He knows very little about He Liang. The only thing he knows is that this person comes from Mystic Azure Star's Heavenly Seal Sect..." True Master Tiancang shook his head. "Mystic Azure Star is very close to the Heaven Shaking Divine Sect's Blood River Star, likely to become the first target of the Heaven Shaking Divine Sect... I must make haste to Mystic Azure Star before the Heaven Shaking Divine Sect makes its move, to see if I can find this He Liang."

With a casual gesture, True Master Tiancang caused He Ze's face to contort in pain. In the next moment, he shockingly drew out He Ze's soul alive. Looking at He Ze's soul, he spoke indifferently, "Leng Hanshuang went missing while searching for He Liang. You have some connection with He Liang; perhaps through you, I might find him. Do not blame me; if you must blame someone, blame He Liang."

True Master Tiancang then stuffed He Ze's soul into a bead and casually destroyed He Ze's physical body. He erased all traces around them thoroughly before vanishing without a trace.

It took a long time before Long Life Daoist Temple realized that He Ze had mysteriously disappeared. They searched for a long time but could never find his whereabouts. A Golden Core cultivator had vanished as if evaporated from the world, leaving no trace behind.

Chapter 246: Met Wan Wuying Again

"This cultivation speed..." Chu Xuan marveled as he refined the Ice Soul Crystal before him, feeling the robust growth of his Nascent Soul. Now imbued with the Acquired Miraculous Jade, he possessed an Ice Soul Spirit Body along with his earthly-grade Ice Spirit Root. Coupled with demonic spiritual objects like the Ice Soul Crystal, his cultivation speed for the Mysterious Heavenly Ice Soul Scroll was astonishingly rapid.

Additionally, Chu Xuan had previously received the Heavenly Dao Dew, which had substantially enlarged his Nascent Soul. Now, truly embarking on the cultivation of the Mysterious Heavenly Ice Soul Scroll, his progress surged dramatically. In just ten years, he had thickly accumulated and thinly emerged, reaching the third layer of the Nascent Soul stage. He now stood at the pinnacle among early Nascent Soul cultivators!

"Regrettably, the formation of the Ice Soul Crystal is still too slow. I need to find more millennium ice crystals," Chu Xuan lamented, crushing the now dim and lusterless Ice Soul Crystal in his hand. His supply of millennium ice crystals was nearly depleted. It was time to find more.

...

Myriad Souls Sect, Treasure Pavilion.

Chu Xuan found himself visiting this place again. Previously, it was here in the Treasure Pavilion that he had exchanged for some millennium ice crystals, claiming he needed them to cultivate a secret ice technique.

"Ah, who is that?" Chu Xuan entered the third floor of the Treasure Pavilion and noticed two people conversing.

"Brother Wan, in this vast Treasure Pavilion, feel free to choose anything you like. The master has instructed that you may take one item," one of them said.

"I shall respectfully take you up on that offer," responded the other.

Chu Xuan followed the voices and saw two figures selecting treasures. One of them had a familiar silhouette. The two men also noticed the movement behind them and turned around to see Chu Xuan. One was a tall, muscular cultivator with a fierce scar across his brow. The other appeared somewhat aged, with flecks of silver in his temples.

Upon seeing the face of the second man, Chu Xuan was surprised and even found it somewhat amusing. Wan Wuying? How had he appeared in the Myriad Souls Sect? It seemed he had become a Golden Core cultivator of the Myriad Souls Sect.

Chu Xuan bowed to the scarred cultivator, "Greetings, Senior Brother Bai."

This scarred cultivator was named Bai Jinkun, the second disciple under the Myriad Souls Elder, a cultivator at the sixth level of the Golden Core stage. Bai Jinkun glanced at Chu Xuan and sneered internally, though his face remained expressionless.

"It really is Junior Brother Lin; it's been a long time," Bai Jinkun greeted with a jovial laugh. He then enthusiastically introduced Wan Wuying, "Brother Wan, let me introduce you. This is Lin Fan, Junior Brother Lin, who has taken charge of the Black Evil Peak."

"Your assigned Extreme Yin Peak isn't far from Black Evil Peak; you two should interact more often." Bai Jinkun turned towards Chu Xuan, "Junior Brother Lin, this is Wan Ying. He was gravely injured and saved by our master, and now he is also joining our Myriad Souls Sect."

Wan Wuying glanced at Chu Xuan and bowed, "I am Wan Ying, newly joined to the Myriad Souls Sect, greetings to fellow daoist."

Chu Xuan smiled, "Lin Fan of the Black Evil Peak, pleased to meet fellow daoist."

Wan Wuying nodded and then continued browsing the treasures. He didn't pay much mind to Lin Fan. In the Myriad Souls Sect, there were many Golden Core cultivators, and he, being a cautious person, had quickly familiarized himself with the ins and outs of the place. He was well aware of Lin Fan's status as a Golden Core stage cultivator, but that was all.

Wan Wuying was a Golden Core fifth level himself; a mere first-level Golden Core cultivator was not worth his effort to remember. Rather, it was Bai Jinkun by his side who deserved more attention.

Chu Xuan observed Wan Wuying closely. Wan Wuying was a cautious and ruthless person. It seemed unlikely that he would join the Myriad Souls Sect of his own volition. Perhaps he was coerced or kept in the dark.

Chu Xuan could be sure that Wan Wuying did not fully understand what kind of sect the Myriad Souls Sect truly was. Myriad Souls Elder would surely impose soul restrictions on his Golden Core disciples.

To outsiders, they appeared as illustrious Golden Core cultivators, direct disciples of a Nascent Soul elder. In reality, they were nothing more than slaves to the Myriad Souls Elder, without any time to cultivate themselves and constantly serving the Elder's needs.

However, Chu Xuan could not say much at the moment. He just nodded to Wan Wuying and continued his search for millennium ice crystals. Once teacher and student, and formerly senior brothers, they still shared some camaraderie. If convenient in the future, he might lend Wan Wuying a hand.

Shortly, Chu Xuan exchanged for three pieces of millennium ice crystals and turned to leave the Treasure Pavilion. Bai Jinkun noticed Chu Xuan's actions and pondered. He smiled and asked, "Junior Brother Lin, you practice a metal attribute technique, right? Why do you need millennium ice crystals? I still have a few millennium ice crystals; if you need them, I can sell them to you at a low price."

Chu Xuan had his excuses ready and immediately claimed he needed them to practice a powerful ice attribute secret technique.

"Millennium ice crystals are precious. Doesn't Senior Brother also need them for cultivating ice attribute techniques? I'll find them on my own," Chu Xuan replied with a humble demeanor.

Bai Jinkun saw nothing amiss and nodded, "Go ahead then, Junior Brother, and remember to cultivate diligently. The master has expressed some dissatisfaction with you."

Chu Xuan expressed his gratitude, "Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother," and then he left.

Wan Wuying watched Chu Xuan's retreating figure, suddenly feeling an inexplicable sense of familiarity. He didn't know why, but he felt that this Lin Fan, with his hidden agendas and profound thoughts, reminded him of someone deeply etched in his memory...

Returning to Black Evil Peak, Chu Xuan stroked his chin, lost in thought. Wan Wuying, Zhao Wuya, and Huang Yuanwu had witnessed "Huikong" kill Yun Zhongyu. They must have also heard about the skilled alchemist, He Liang, from the extraterritorial battlefield's City of Heavenly Swords. With their cleverness, they should have guessed that "He Liang" was him, Chu Xuan.

However, Chu Xuan had yet to see those three seeking him out. The collapse of the extraterritorial battlefield had been too abrupt, leaving many matters unresolved before he had to return to Mystic Azure. Naturally, he hadn't met them since.

"Wan Wuying survived and left the extraterritorial battlefield, but what about the other two?" Chu Xuan wondered briefly but then dismissed the thought. The affairs of others were none of his concern. He had returned to Blue Star and continued his cultivation.

...

After five years of cultivating on Blue Star, Chu Xuan suddenly furrowed his brows. He instantly used the Blood Mirror to return to his cultivation chamber at Black Evil Peak. Outside the door, Zhu Jie's respectful voice could be heard, "Elder, Elder Bai Jinkun has sent someone."

"What for?" Chu Xuan inquired.

"Elder Bai has made progress in his cultivation, advancing to the late stage of Golden Core, and is inviting all the elders of the Myriad Souls Sect to a banquet," Zhu Jie explained with respect.

"Do you need me to decline the invitation for you?" he added.

Chu Xuan sighed lightly but stepped out of his chamber. The discomfort of role-playing was palpable. As Lin Fan, with his character, strength, and status, he could not afford to miss such a gathering. Absenting himself without a good reason would only arouse suspicion among the other Golden Core cultivators. He had no choice but to attend.

"Why must the promotion happen now of all times? It's just an advancement from the sixth to the seventh level of Golden Core. Is there really a need to host a banquet for this?"

Chu Xuan grumbled internally. He prepared a modest gift, suitable for Lin Fan's status. It was not overly expensive, but it was presentable enough.

Then, he made his way to Scorpio Peak, where Bai Jinkun's dwelling was located.

Chapter 247: Being Seen as Low-level invites Disdain

At the summit of Scorpio Peak, Bai Jinkun, overflowing with excitement, raised his wine cup.

"Hahaha! Thank you all for coming to Scorpio Peak!"

Chu Xuan, Wan Ying, and two other Golden Core cultivators sat among the guests, all raising their cups in return, "Congratulations to Senior Brother Bai on advancing to the late Golden Core stage!"

A seductively dressed female cultivator tilted back her pale neck and downed her drink in one gulp, exclaiming, "For someone as frugal as Senior Brother Bai to bring out the Drunken Immortal Brew, I must drink a few more cups today."

Bai Jinkun laughed heartily, his spirits high, "Drink, drink, drink! I am the host today! Let's enjoy ourselves to the fullest, no leaving until we're all drunk!"

An elderly cultivator with white hair smiled and said, "Junior Brother Bai's talent is the best among us. Advancing to the late stage of the Golden Core is only natural for him! Truly, it makes me envious."

He, the eldest disciple under the Myriad Souls Elder, had been stuck at the fifth level of the Golden Core for a long time. He often had to carry out missions and rarely had time to settle down and cultivate. Now with his lifespan running out, he feared he might die at this stage.

Watching Bai Jinkun, who was in the prime of his life and powerful in magic, he couldn't help feeling jealous, wishing he were the protagonist of the banquet.

The seductive female cultivator suddenly said, "Why isn't Third Senior Brother here? Even if he has some grievances with Senior Brother Bai, he should at least send a gift at a time like this."

Bai Jinkun's smile faded slightly, and he just snorted coldly, "If he doesn't want to come, then let him be."

Chu Xuan took all this in silently, just making a few polite remarks with the others, without saying much. After all, as a mere first-level Golden Core cultivator, he was the weakest among all the Golden Core cultivators in the Myriad Souls Sect. As long as he didn't draw attention to himself, nobody would notice him.

However, he made a mental note of those present. The seductive woman was named Zhong Yan, a mid-level Golden Core cultivator and the ninth disciple of the Myriad Souls Elder, rumored to have an ambiguous relationship with the Elder.

The white-haired elder was Fu Peng, the Elder's eldest disciple. Wan Ying, now going by Wan Ying, was the twelfth disciple of the Elder. There was also talk of a Third Disciple, Cao Mo, who had a known rivalry with Bai Jinkun and had even fought him openly; he did not attend the banquet.

After chatting for a while, Bai Jinkun, slightly tipsy, turned his gaze to the quiet Chu Xuan. "Junior Brother Lin... hic... Why hasn't your cultivation progressed at all? If this continues, the master is going to be furious."

His face bore a hint of mockery. Zhong Yan and Fu Peng also smiled, but their laughter was not kind. The Myriad Souls Elder had already reprimanded Lin Fan once. If there was no room for progress, the outcome might not be very pleasant.

Chu Xuan gave an awkward smile, "My talents are modest, and despite diligent practice, I have not yet grasped the essence of the path. Do you, Senior Brother Bai, have any advice to help junior brother out?" he asked tentatively.

Bai Jinkun seemed to sober up instantly, shaking his head repeatedly, "Well... I hardly have time for my own cultivation, so there's no chance to guide a junior brother."

"Junior brother should just focus on his own practice," he added with a cough. His amusement was evident when he saw that Lin Fan had not made any progress, especially when he compared it to his own rapid advancement. He certainly had no intention of generously helping such a junior brother.

The Myriad Souls Sect was not a righteous sect, and the relationship between the Myriad Souls Elder and his disciples was not a typical mentor-disciple relationship. Everyone was essentially out for themselves, and there was little concern for the well-being of others.

As the night deepened, the banquet finally concluded. Chu Xuan returned to Black Evil Peak, his expression indifferent.

"Being seen as low-level invites disdain," he mused. "And that, in turn, can lead to numerous troubles..."

"Being at the first level of the Golden Core is indeed insufficient; I should strive to advance to the second level." Shaking his head, Chu Xuan continued his closed-door cultivation and returned to Blue Star to practice.

...

On Mystic Azure Star, in the Southern Wilderness, True Master Tiancang had searched extensively but was left confused.

"The Heavenly Seal Sect is long gone," he lamented. "And this He Liang is even more elusive. There was indeed a He Liang in the Hundred Refinements Sect in the past... but he fell at the hands of demonic cultivators. This He Liang from the Heavenly Seal Sect seems to be a fabricated identity."

True Master Tiancang sighed deeply. With the Heaven Shaking Divine Sect growing restless, he had used the excuse of patrolling Mystic Azure Star's defenses to search the Southern Wilderness. During this time, he also employed divination using He Ze as a medium but still failed to locate He Liang's whereabouts.

"Could he have died on the extraterritorial battlefield?" he wondered regretfully. "What a pity... what a pity..."

He Liang, possessing a spirit suitable for alchemy, might have even surpassed Zhao Qian in talent. Finding him could have meant the creation of elixirs that might extend his life by decades.

"No matter, I cannot stay here too long," he resigned. "But this He Ze's soul is quite peculiar; having devoured numerous living souls, it has become a Ghost Commander, incredibly swift. He might be worth cultivating in the future, refined into one of my own ghosts."

Unable to find what he sought, True Master Tiancang had no choice but to leave...

Three years had passed on Blue Star.

Outside the stone chamber, Zhu Jie respectfully announced, "Elder Lin, the Ancestor has sent a new task!"

The heavy stone door of the cultivation chamber thundered open as Chu Xuan strode out, his brow furrowed. "It's only been a little over three months; why is there another task already?"

Three years on Blue Star equated to just over three months on Mystic Azure. It hadn't even been a year since he last completed a task for the Myriad Souls Elder.

According to the rules set previously, he was supposed to have a year of rest after each task. Why was the Elder sending another task so soon? His peaceful cultivation was constantly being interrupted.

Zhu Jie whispered, "It seems a few youngsters from the righteous sects have intruded into the Yin Soul Mountain Range. Elder Bai Jinkun has spotted their traces. All other Golden Core elders are in seclusion, so the Ancestor has asked you to assist Elder Bai in capturing these youngsters from the righteous sects."

Chu Xuan's frown deepened. Indeed, appearing too weak on the surface also had its drawbacks; all sorts of trivial matters ended up being his responsibility.

"It seems I need to take control of the Myriad Souls Sect myself to avoid future troubles," he thought, although his expression revealed none of these thoughts. Slightly displeased, he commanded, "Call Wang Hu and the others over."

Zhu Jie replied respectfully, "Apart from those who must guard our assets, all other Foundation Establishment cultivators from Black Evil Peak are here. Wang Hu and the others are waiting outside."

Chu Xuan nodded, "Good, well done."

Wang Hu and his group were Foundation Establishment cultivators from Black Evil Peak. Chu Xuan only needed to oversee the operation to capture the young cultivators from the righteous sects; the actual work would naturally fall to the Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Shortly afterward, Chu Xuan led Wang Hu and the others to Scorpio Peak to meet with Bai Jinkun.

"Hahaha, Junior Brother Lin, you finally made it," Bai Jinkun greeted him with a laugh. "Eh, your aura seems a bit stronger. Did your realm increase?"

Chu Xuan nodded, "I've had some insights recently and managed to break through to the second level of the Golden Core."

Bai Jinkun nodded, "Not bad, not bad." While he spoke politely, it was clear he didn't take Chu Xuan seriously. Advancing from the first to the second level of the Golden Core over so many years indicated to Bai Jinkun that Chu Xuan's talents were mediocre. He didn't see Chu Xuan as his equal.

"Now that your men are here, let's set off," Bai Jinkun said with a sly grin. "We can't let those youngsters from the righteous sects come and go as they please."

Chapter 248: Demonic Cultivators Are All To Be Eliminated!

In the Yin Soul Mountain Range, chilling winds blew ceaselessly, and the trees resembled twisted, ghastly arms stretching up from the ground. As the wind passed, the leaves rustled loudly, resembling the faces of people. Despite it being broad daylight, the interior of the mountain range was shrouded in darkness, giving it the appearance of dusk.

A group of five was speeding towards the edge of the Yin Soul Mountain Range. These five individuals hailed from the Golden Phoenix Sect of Zheng Country, one of the most renowned righteous sects in the neighboring nations.

In every major battle between righteous and demonic forces, the Golden Phoenix Sect had been the leader, spearheading assaults against the Three Demonic Sects of Wu Country.

Because of this, disciples of the Golden Phoenix Sect generally held themselves in high regard, believing that their life's purpose was to punish the wicked, promote the good, and act heroically. They felt it would be a lifelong regret if they couldn't eliminate several demonic cultivators. These five, driven by their conviction to punish demons, had stealthily made their way to the Yin Soul Mountain Range.

Among the Three Demonic Sects of Wu Country — the Corpse Yin Sect, the Poison Gu Sect, and the Myriad Souls Sect — the Myriad Souls Sect was recognized as the weakest. Thus, the group chose the Yin Soul Mountain Range as the first destination for their external training expedition.

The leader of the group was a young male cultivator who had recently reached the Golden Core stage. He was strikingly handsome and carried a pair of swords, embodying the ideal of a born hero.

His name was Xiao Tianjiao. From a young age, he was identified as possessing a ultimate-grade Golden Spirit Root and was taken as a direct disciple by a Nascent Soul elder of the Golden Phoenix Sect when he was only one year old, essentially born with a golden spoon in his mouth. He had always been the apple of the Nascent Soul elder's eye, cherished above all others.

The others in the group, Ding Yi at the late stage of Foundation Establishment and Zhao Rong, Zhu Ang, and Tang Feng at the early stage of Foundation Establishment, greatly admired Xiao Tianjiao, bordering on fanatical devotion. When they heard that Xiao Tianjiao planned to venture into the Yin Soul Mountain Range for training, they eagerly volunteered to join him.

"I never imagined the Myriad Souls Sect could commit such heinous acts, using the heads of over a hundred thousand mortals to craft such a vile object!" Zhao Rong said, looking at the object in her hand that resembled jade but was not, her face showing a look of revulsion.

Xiao Tianjiao spoke calmly, "This object is known as Spirit Mechanism Jade. The demonic cultivators value it for its ability to enhance one's comprehension of cultivation techniques and scriptures when worn over long periods. That's what sparked their malicious intent."

Ding Yi, filled with righteous indignation, declared, "This item must be destroyed! Such cruelly crafted things should not exist in this world!"

Xiao Tianjiao nodded in agreement, "Indeed, it should be destroyed. However, with our current power, destroying it will be challenging." He extended his hand, "Give it to me. I'll take it back to our sect, and have my master dispose of it."

Zhao Rong respectfully handed the Spirit Mechanism Jade to Xiao Tianjiao. She then asked, "Uncle Master Xiao, are we to leave the Yin Soul Mountain Range now?"

Xiao Tianjiao confirmed, "Indeed, we should leave. The Myriad Souls Sect's response has been slow, and it would be safer to leave the Yin Soul Mountain Range sooner rather than later. I brought you here; it's my responsibility to ensure your safety."

The four Foundation Establishment disciples were immensely grateful, looking at Xiao Tianjiao with even greater admiration.

Zhu Ang expressed regret, "It's a pity we couldn't personally slay any demonic sect cultivators!"

"Yes, indeed," sighed Tang Feng. "We came here hoping to kill one or two demonic cultivators, yet we haven't managed to fulfill that wish."

Xiao Tianjiao smiled and said, "No matter, I have already scouted the area. Not far to the southeast, there's a stronghold of the Myriad Souls Sect called Yin Wood Villa, which is surely guarded by some demonic cultivators."

"I will provide support; the task of punishing the evildoers will be yours," he delegated.

The four disciples rejoiced, "Thank you, Uncle Master Xiao!"

Moments later, they arrived at Yin Wood Villa. True to its name, the area around the villa was abundant with Yin wood, which is why the Myriad Souls Sect had established a villa there and stationed several Qi cultivators to oversee the mortals who chopped and planted the Yin wood.

Their eyes lit up, eager for the confrontation.

Xiao Tianjiao instructed with a smile, "Go ahead. This villa is a property of the Myriad Souls Sect—slaughter its cultivators. But remember, the mortals are just pitiful souls. Do not become blinded by bloodlust and harm them as well."

"Understood!" The four disciples, led by Ding Yi, activated their magic tools and charged forward.

Xiao Tianjiao watched them depart, then quickly made his escape. "Having obtained two pieces of Spirit Mechanism Jade, this trip has already been highly profitable," he thought, chuckling softly. "I have a way to escape, and with these fools causing such a commotion, it's sure to draw the attention of the Myriad Souls Sect's Golden Core cultivators. This will allow me to save a trick up my sleeve."

He accelerated away from the Yin Soul Mountain Range. Before long, Yin Wood Villa was a scene of carnage.

The four Golden Phoenix Sect's Foundation Establishment cultivators retracted their magic tools, while a few mortals who had miraculously survived knelt on the ground, continuously kowtowing and pleading for their lives, their foreheads bleeding from the impact.

"Didn't I tell you not to lose control? Why did you still end up harming mortals?" Tang Feng said discontentedly.

Zhu Ang scoffed coldly, "These mortals work for the demonic sect; aren't they also accomplices, aiding the enemy? They deserve to die; there's no need to spare them."

Ding Yi sighed lightly, "Although that's true, killing mortals will only increase our bad karma…"

Zhao Rong whispered, "We've already killed some, we might as well finish the job to prevent these few from escaping and tarnishing our Golden Phoenix Sect's reputation."

Hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement. Adding to their bad karma was a minor issue. Damaging the reputation of the Golden Phoenix Sect, a paragon of righteousness, was far more serious. With a splatter of blood, the remaining few mortals met their end, their pleas for mercy unable to save their lives.

As the four were about to leave, a sudden gust of chilling wind swept through the area, and in the blink of an eye, three Foundation Establishment cultivators appeared—it was Wang Hu and his companions from Black Evil Peak.

Zhu Ang, far from alarmed, was actually pleased. He immediately activated his magic tool and positioned himself for battle, "Excellent! More demonic cultivators have arrived, this time at the Foundation Establishment stage! I can finally fight with all my strength!"

Ding Yi, however, remained vigilant, scanning the surroundings for potential sneak attacks. After all, demonic cultivators were known for their lack of martial honor, excelling in ambushes and poisoning.

Seeing the carnage at Yin Wood Villa, Wang Hu's expression darkened drastically. This villa was an asset of Black Evil Peak, and one of the Qi cultivators stationed there was his younger brother, for whom he had worked hard to secure this advantageous position. To find him slaughtered by these Golden Phoenix Sect disciples was infuriating.

Wang Hu's eyes reddened with fury, "You will pay for my brother's life!" With that, he charged directly at Ding Yi and Zhu Ang.

The other two Black Evil Peak cultivators engaged Zhao Rong and Tang Feng, respectively. The battle became three against four, with Ding Yi, a late-stage Foundation Establishment expert, quickly gaining the upper hand against the trio from Black Evil Peak.

Meanwhile, Bai Jinkun and Chu Xuan were perched on a tree nearby, observing the fight.

"Junior brother," Bai Jinkun said as he noticed a figure escaping in the distance, "there's a Golden Core cultivator fleeing that way, probably just at the early stage. Go and bring back his head."

He pointed in the direction where Xiao Tianjiao was escaping, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Chapter 249: Not only does the enemy not flee, but he dare to strike back.

Chu Xuan nodded slightly, "I'll need the assistance of Senior Brother Bai for these few subordinates of mine."

Bai Jinkun chuckled, "Of course, my men are already on their way. Those four young disciples from Golden Phoenix Sect being captured alive is just a matter of time."

During their conversation, four of his Foundation Establishment cultivators joined the battle, clashing against seven demonic cultivators from the Myriad Souls Sect. Despite the considerable power of those in the later stages of Foundation Establishment, breaking out was nearly impossible.

With a fierce thrust of his long saber, Wang Hu, fearless in the face of death, traded wound for wound, ignoring the spells cast by Zhu Ang. He pierced Zhu Ang straight through.

Zhu Ang, facing his demise, hadn't even realized what had happened. Wasn't he on a mission to eliminate demons and punish evil? How had he ended up dying at the hands of a demonic cultivator from Myriad Souls Sect?

Ding Yi, Zhao Rong, and Tang Feng were also covered in injuries. Ding Yi looked to the heavens and roared, "Uncle Master Xiao, save us!" His voice carried through the mountain winds, but no response came. His idolized Uncle Master Xiao seemed to have vanished into thin air.

A sinister laugh echoed. Bai Jinkun slowly appeared, his presence as imposing as a mountain. As soon as he showed up, Ding Yi and the others found it hard to breathe.

"A Golden Core cultivator just fled towards the outskirts of the Yin Soul Mountain Range, seems the very Uncle Master Xiao you speak of. You four fools, left behind as bait, unaware and pitiful indeed," Bai Jinkun laughed heartily, his words dripping with scorn.

Ding Yi and the others were wide-eyed with disbelief. The prodigy of the Golden Phoenix Sect, known for slaying demonic cultivators, had abandoned them to escape alone? In the eyes of Xiao Tianjiao, they were merely bait to delay the pursuers of the Myriad Souls Sect?

"No, I refuse to believe it! Uncle Master Xiao isn't that kind of person!" Tang Feng's face paled, and her composure lost.

Ding Yi and Zhao Rong felt the same. Soon after, they were captured by the Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Myriad Souls Sect.

"Take them back. These two female cultivators will make fine cauldrons," Bai Jinkun sneered sinisterly.

"Yes," the cultivators nodded respectfully.

Bai Jinkun watched Chu Xuan leave, his expression a mix of amusement and intrigue. "Although Xiao Tianjiao is just a newly advanced Golden Core, he's no easy target. Junior Brother Lin, can you kill him? Just don't end up being killed by Xiao Tianjiao instead. Heh, it would be best if they both end up injured, then Black Evil Peak will be mine," Bai Jinkun's eyes gleamed dangerously.

He had previously encountered Xiao Tianjiao and recognized his aura. He had intentionally sent his junior brother to pursue him, not going himself.

He knew well that Xiao Tianjiao, as the beloved descendant of Golden Phoenix Sect's Nascent Soul elder, carried several trump cards. By sending Chu Xuan after him, perhaps he could force Xiao Tianjiao to reveal some of those cards.

When the moment was right, he would appear and reap the benefits like a fisherman.

Meanwhile, Chu Xuan swiftly navigated through the dense mountain forest. His escaping technique, the Mahayana Swift Escape, surpassed ordinary Golden Core stage techniques in speed. The person ahead intrigued him with their varied skills.

"Perhaps this is a prodigy from a righteous sect," Chu Xuan thought, contemplating capturing his target alive.

Xiao Tianjiao's expression gradually shifted from calm to furrowed brows. He hadn't anticipated that his escaping technique would fail to shake off his pursuer. As the distance between them closed, he recognized his pursuer. "That's Lin Fan from the Black Evil Peak of Myriad Souls Sect."

"Why does someone at the first level of the Golden Core have such speed?" Xiao Tianjiao wondered. "Something's not right... He must have encountered some fortune to possess such a swift escaping technique! And he's definitely hiding his true power; he's not just a first-level Golden Core."

A sense of elation rose in Xiao Tianjiao's heart—he, too, was not merely a first-level Golden Core. He had advanced to the second level some time ago. However, with his meticulous nature, he had kept his true level hidden, never declaring it openly. Publicly, he maintained that his progress was slow, claiming to still be at the first level.

Confident in his own concealed strength, Xiao Tianjiao was certain he could eliminate his opponent. Killing a Golden Core cultivator from the Myriad Souls Sect would significantly bolster his reputation.

Not long after consolidating his Golden Core, defeating a cultivator who had been in the Golden Core stage for much longer would surely endear him further to the Nascent Soul elders. Moreover, he could gain the treasures carried by his adversary.

Convinced of the value Lin Fan carried, Xiao Tianjiao suddenly stopped fleeing. Instead, he activated three magic treasures and launched a simultaneous attack!

A shadow also silently flew from his sleeve, blending with the shadows of the towering trees around, striking towards Chu Xuan close to the ground.

Chu Xuan raised an eyebrow. "Not only does my enemy not flee, but he dares to counterattack? Excellent."

Chu Xuan's spiritual sense swept out, manifesting as the formidable Sky-Tearing Cold Palm, bypassing the three magic treasures and blasting directly into Xiao Tianjiao's sea of consciousness.

With a crack, Xiao Tianjiao's soul was violently pulled from his body. The shadow skimming close to the ground, which turned out to be a Brain Boring Mouse, notorious for its preference for living human brains and adept at stealth attacks, was impaled by the Evil Soul Chain, screaming as it died among the decaying leaves.

Upon closer examination, Chu Xuan recognized it as a Brain Boring Mouse, a creature commonly bred by beast-taming sects. Evidently, this man had fed it plenty of live human brains.

"You..." Xiao Tianjiao's soul trembled in terror. He sensed an indescribable mighty force from his opponent, a power not possible for an early-stage Golden Core cultivator to possess, a feeling he had only ever felt from a Nascent Soul ancestor!

Chu Xuan, uninterested in further talk, tossed Xiao Tianjiao's soul into the Sky-Shielding Umbrella for later soul searching, while his physical body was thrown into the corpse tower.

"This man's magic treasures are impressive; truly a prodigy," Chu Xuan mused. "Dealing with such a prodigy, I should have sustained quite some injuries."

He picked up Xiao Tianjiao's magic treasures and inflicted a few wounds upon himself. His robe was torn, and he was covered in bloodstains and wounds. Anyone seeing him would believe he had endured a fierce battle.

After a while, Bai Jinkun, following the trail, arrived at the scene. He found Chu Xuan meditating against a tree, apparently recovering, but Xiao Tianjiao was nowhere to be seen. Chu Xuan appeared injured but not gravely so.

Bai Jinkun approached slowly. Suddenly, Chu Xuan spoke, "Senior Brother Bai, why have you arrived so late? If you had come sooner, I might not have suffered these injuries."

Bai Jinkun offered an awkward smile, compelled to show himself, "Those young ones from Golden Phoenix Sect were quite troublesome, forcing me to intervene directly, which delayed me."

"Junior Brother, are your injuries serious? I have some healing pills here," Bai Jinkun offered.

Chu Xuan slowly stood up, chuckling lightly, "It's nothing serious, thanks for your concern, Senior Brother. I haven't even used the life-saving item our master bestowed upon me yet."

Bai Jinkun's pupils shrank slightly, but he quickly masked his reaction. He understood his junior brother was warning him not to harbor any ill intentions.

Bai Jinkun then burst into laughter, adopting a facade of deep fraternal affection, "Indeed, Junior Brother Lin, you have hidden your skills well; I must have been mistaken about you."

Chapter 250: Make the most of people

Bai Jinkun suddenly chuckled, "Junior Brother, among those young disciples from the Golden Phoenix Sect, there are two fine female cultivators. Would you like Senior Brother to share one with you to serve as a cauldron?"

A knowing smile appeared on Chu Xuan's face, "Sure, please have her sent to my Black Evil Peak."

Lin Fan, aside from his epicurean tastes, never turned away a high-quality female cauldron. He could tell Bai Jinkun was testing him. If he refused Bai Jinkun's offer now, it would likely arouse more suspicion in the other's mind.

"Junior Brother, just wait, I'll send someone right away, hahaha!" Bai Jinkun laughed heartily and turned to leave.

A few hundred zhang later, his expression gradually darkened. "With Lin Fan's strength, killing Xiao Tianjiao should have been difficult, yet he managed it, surely hiding some trump cards."

"Lin Fan's talent is only above average; he must have had some fortunate encounter to be able to kill Xiao Tianjiao..." Bai Jinkun considered another possibility, "It's also possible he's possessed by a powerful being, though that's highly unlikely. Which great power would care about a minor sect like Myriad Souls?"

"However, I can use this opportunity... Master will surely be surprised to learn how this little junior brother managed to kill Xiao Tianjiao." Bai Jinkun sneered and flew directly towards the main peak of Yin Soul Mountain Range.

Meanwhile, Chu Xuan returned to Black Evil Peak with Wang Hu and other Foundation Establishment cultivators. A cultivator from Scorpio Peak was already waiting there with Zhao Rong.

"Elder Lin, this is the cauldron my master instructed me to deliver to you," he said respectfully.

Chu Xuan nodded and instructed Zhu Jie, "Clean her up and place her in my cultivation chamber."

Zhu Jie snickered, "Yes, I'll make sure she's fresh and fragrant!"

Zhao Rong's face was pale. She knew what was to come. Yet... becoming a cauldron was somewhat acceptable to her. Having been captured by demonic cultivators, she felt fortunate just to be alive.

Moments later, inside the cultivation chamber, Zhao Rong, draped only in a light gauze, anxiously awaited the arrival of the peak's master.

Boom.

The stone door burst open. Chu Xuan, having had his fill, strode into the cultivation chamber.

"Master... I am willing to serve you... just treat me well," Zhao Rong said tremblingly, her fair skin blushing with shame from her humiliating plea.

Chu Xuan glanced at her oddly. Without letting her speak further, he said indifferently, "Rest assured, I always make the most of people."

Zhao Rong was stunned by Chu Xuan's statement, sensing something odd about it. Before she could ponder further, her soul was swiftly extracted by Chu Xuan and tossed into the Sky-Shielding Umbrella, her physical body thrown into the Corpse Tower without any hesitation. The entire process was executed flawlessly and without delay.

"Ha, a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator dares covet my body," Chu Xuan said coolly. To him, even using such a person as a cauldron was a waste of time.

"But Bai Jinkun's suspicions about me are growing," he mused. "Tonight, I should visit the Myriad Souls Elder, and take complete control over him. Through him, controlling Bai Jinkun will follow."

Chu Xuan calmed his mind and retrieved Xiao Tianjiao's soul from the Sky-Shielding Umbrella to perform a soul search.

"So, he was a prodigy of Golden Phoenix Sect," Chu Xuan discovered. "Quite cunning, too, using the excuse of 'destroying the jade' to privately hoard the Spirit Mechanism Jade, leaving his juniors to attract hatred while he escaped."

"He thought I had treasures, which prompted his attempt to counter-kill? Young man, you hid a minor realm, but I've concealed a major realm," Chu Xuan chuckled to himself. Xiao Tianjiao was merely at the beginning stages of survival on the path; Chu Xuan was a master of it.

"However, this prodigy was from Golden Phoenix Sect. His death in the Yin Soul Mountain Range will surely enrage them. I expect Golden Phoenix Sect will soon ignite another war between the righteous and demonic paths."

With this in mind, Chu Xuan stood up. "It's indeed time to take control of Myriad Souls Sect, to secure my peace."

Meanwhile, at the main peak of the Yin Soul Mountain Range.

"Bai Jinkun, kneeling before the grand hall, respectfully called out, "Master, disciple Bai Jinkun requests an audience!"

"Kun'er, speak from outside," the hoarse voice of the Myriad Souls Elder came from within the hall.

"Master, this matter is of great importance. I wish to see you in person," Bai Jinkun stated firmly.

After some rustling noises, the Elder finally responded calmly, "Then come inside."

The wooden doors of the grand hall creaked open, revealing a darkness that resembled the gaping maw of a giant beast. Bai Jinkun seldom entered this grand hall, but he was always impressed by its immense strength and solidity.

Decades ago, the Myriad Souls Elder had taken in an exceptionally talented disciple, even considering him as a potential successor. However, this disciple refused to be controlled by the Elder.

Secretly, he cultivated up to the False Soul realm and acquired several powerful magic treasures, planning to ambush the Elder during a meeting. This disciple also secretly contacted Bai Jinkun, hoping to join forces with him.

Bai Jinkun, wary of the Myriad Souls Elder's capabilities and after much deliberation, had chosen not to ally with that daring disciple. That disciple had acted alone, and by the next morning, his soul had become one of the ghosts refined by the Myriad Souls Elder.

Following this incident, the Elder's control over his disciples tightened further, causing many of them to secretly resent the recklessness of the one who had provoked such a fate. "Why couldn't he just accept his role as the chosen successor quietly?" they thought. "His foolish actions only tightened the noose around all our necks!"

Bai Jinkun was acutely aware that the grand hall was inscribed with a powerful array, designed to be impervious not only to external threats but also to internal betrayals. No sound from inside could escape unless, like the Myriad Souls Elder, one condensed sound into a focused beam to be projected outward.

Taking a deep breath, Bai Jinkun stepped confidently into the dark chamber. The door closed behind him with a loud clang, leaving him facing the faint green glow of the Elder's eyes in the darkness.

"Speak, what is it?" the Myriad Souls Elder asked calmly.

Bai Jinkun recounted all the day's events, concluding with, "Junior Brother Lin managed to kill Xiao Tianjiao of the Golden Phoenix Sect, which I find astonishing. I suspect he has concealed his talent and secretly obtained powerful magic treasures. He must have also seized numerous treasures upon killing Xiao Tianjiao, yet he has mentioned none of this to you, Master. I worry... that Junior Brother Lin might repeat the mistake of the fourth junior brother."

The "fourth junior brother" referred to the once talented disciple who had betrayed the Elder. At the mention of this, the Elder's gaze sharpened. Since the betrayal, he had increasingly regarded his disciples not as individuals but as tools.

Lin Fan's actions—hiding his talent, concealing his level, keeping treasures secret, and killing Xiao Tianjiao without surrendering any of the spoils—were pushing the boundaries of what the Myriad Souls Elder was willing to tolerate.

The Elder took a deep breath and commanded, "Go, bring Lin Fan to me!"

Chapter 251: Don't Bother Me Unless Necessary

Bai Jinkun's lips curled into a sneaky grin as he affirmed, "Yes!"

He was about to turn around when he heard a voice from outside the door.

"Master! Your disciple Lin Fan seeks an audience!"

Bai Jinkun paused, then his face lit up with joy. Lin Fan's timing was perfect—it saved him a trip to Black Devil Peak.

The gaze of the Myriad Souls Elder deepened. "Fan'er, come in," he beckoned. "Your Senior Brother Bai is also here."

The wooden door swung open with a bang.

Chu Xuan entered cautiously, mimicking Lin Fan's usual prudent demeanor.

Bai Jinkun couldn't help but snicker upon seeing his expression. He, at least, had been inside the grand hall before and managed to maintain his composure. In his memory, this capable junior brother had never stepped inside.

Chu Xuan's sudden invitation by Myriad Souls Elder this time was bound to surprise him.

"Greetings, Master!" Chu Xuan bowed.

Myriad Souls Elder asked calmly, "Fan'er, what brings you here this time?"

Chu Xuan pointed at Bai Jinkun, "I have come to ask Master to preside over justice! The proud Xiao Tianjiao was slain by me, yet Senior Brother Bai has seized my treasure. Moreover, he came to you ahead of time, obviously to distort the truth! Master, you mustn't believe him!"

Bai Jinkun's eyes widened in disbelief. He hadn't expected Chu Xuan to accuse him of twisting the truth right off the bat.

Myriad Souls Elder was momentarily taken aback. Both disciples stood their ground, looking to him for justice.

In that moment of distraction, Chu Xuan struck like thunder.

Two Arms and Four Arms soared out from the Sky-Shielding Umbrella. Five life-bound ghost artifacts hurtled towards Myriad Souls Elder.

Hu moved like a flash, swooping down like an eagle capturing a chick, and snatched Bai Jinkun single-handedly, tucking him under his arm. Bai Jinkun's chest nearly caved in from the pressure.

Myriad Souls Elder faced the fierce assault of two ghost kings, thrown into a panic.

Chu Xuan's spiritual sense, concentrated into the Sky-Tearing Cold Palm, was particularly ferocious. It shot straight at Myriad Souls Elder!

Caught off guard by this sudden attack, Myriad Souls Elder and Bai Jinkun were overwhelmed.

Bai Jinkun, merely a Golden Core cultivator, was easily subdued by Hu.

Myriad Souls Elder, attacked simultaneously by two ghost kings, was utterly flustered.

Chu Xuan's sudden spiritual attack left him speechless. It was overpoweringly strong—far surpassing his own capabilities!

In the blink of an eye, Myriad Souls Elder was left feeble and collapsed on the ground.

Chu Xuan raised an eyebrow in surprise. He had thought the Nascent Soul elder of the Wanhun Sect would be formidable. Yet, he turned out to be merely for show.

His realm seemed to be the fourth level of the Nascent Soul, but his strength was merely at the second. Even his life-bound magic treasure was full of cracks.

Struck by Chu Xuan's Sky-Tearing Cold Palm, it shattered instantly.

"It's too dark, why not light the place?" Chu Xuan remarked as he casually released a stream of Blood Evil Yin Fire, instantly illuminating the grand hall.

He quickly surveyed the situation inside. Surprisingly, the hall was impeccably clean, furnished only with a set of cold jade furniture and a bed.

Myriad Souls Elder appeared emaciated and skeletal, as if a gust of wind could carry him away, lacking any semblance of the aura expected from a Nascent Soul cultivator.

Myriad Souls Elder looked at Chu Xuan incredulously. After a moment, he slowly knelt down, "Fellow daoist, I am Wan Hun, please, spare my life. I will be eternally grateful."

Lin Fan, no matter how powerful, could not have reached the Nascent Soul phase in such a short time, nor could he control two ghost kings and a corpse king. The only possibility was that this person was not Lin Fan but a Nascent Soul cultivator far superior to him.

Bai Jinkun's complexion turned ashen, nearly collapsing on the spot.

Chu Xuan gave a faint smile, "You're quite perceptive."

"Swallow this," he said as he tossed over a bee egg.

Myriad Souls Elder managed a bitter smile and obeyed. He scanned his entire body with his spiritual sense but couldn't detect the bee egg at all, which made his expression turn grim.

Chu Xuan then said lightly, "The gu insect will hide in places you cannot find and will not affect your cultivation."

The Blood Bee Queen, having consumed vast amounts of nether crocodile blood and flesh, had hatched a new breed of bee. The type injected into Myriad Souls Elder was known as the Hidden Bee. Once inside a body, unless aided by a Deity Transformation stage cultivator, they were impossible to locate.

At Chu Xuan's command, the Hidden Bees would immediately hatch and voraciously consume the cultivator's flesh, rapidly forming thousands within the body and leaving nothing but a hollow shell.

Myriad Souls Elder sighed deeply, "I understand, Master. Command as you wish."

He resigned himself to his fate, "Everything as before," Chu Xuan stated calmly. "I want to cultivate; don't bother me unless necessary."

Myriad Souls Elder was startled, "Is that all?" He had expected his new master to demand relentless collection of various cultivation resources to satisfy a greedy desire. Was the request really so simple and straightforward?

"Can you not even manage that?" Chu Xuan looked at him coldly.

Myriad Souls Elder nodded vigorously, "It can be done, it can be done! Rest assured, Master, your cultivation will not be disturbed in the slightest!"

Chu Xuan continued, "Also, unless necessary, do not involve yourself in any disputes. If I need any treasures, I will send you a command."

"Understood, understood," Myriad Souls Elder nodded again, a smart man grasping his new reality.

Chu Xuan strode out of the grand hall, stepping under the pristine moonlight that washed over his face. Once again, he adopted the careful and prudent demeanor of Lin Fan.

The formidable presence of the Nascent Soul cultivator who had just suppressed everything with thunderous might seemed to vanish without a trace. The dramatic shift in aura left both Myriad Souls Elder and Bai Jinkun stunned.

Turning back to the hall, Chu Xuan bowed respectfully, "Master, your disciple takes his leave."

Myriad Souls Elder managed a wry smile, "Go then…"

Chu Xuan cast a glance at the dazed Bai Jinkun and offered a warm smile, "Senior Brother Bai, aren't you leaving? What are you waiting for?"

Jolted back to reality, Bai Jinkun replied, "Yes! I'm leaving now!" He walked out of the hall in a daze, only to find Chu Xuan had already disappeared.

Reflecting on the past few years, Bai Jinkun felt a shiver down his spine and involuntarily swallowed his saliva. When had Lin Fan been replaced by this Nascent Soul powerhouse? He probably had encountered this Nascent Soul cultivator long ago without realizing what had happened.

"I often looked down on Lin Fan, thinking his talents were mediocre. He hadn't advanced to the second level of Golden Core for so many years…"

"I sent Lin Fan after Xiao Tianjiao, hoping to use him to exhaust Xiao's defenses and then reap the benefits myself…"

"Thankfully, I didn't rashly approach him. Now that I think about it, a moment's impulse back then could have led to my beheading."

The more Bai Jinkun thought about it, the more panicked he became. After a while, he chuckled bitterly again, "My celebration for advancing from the sixth to the seventh level of the Golden Core was attended by a Nascent Soul cultivator, who even brought a modest gift and congratulated me with humble respect…"

He looked up at the sparse stars, "Just by that alone, I might be the first in history, huh?"