vstars Chapter 288 Looking for a ghost
Chapter 288 Looking for a ghost
"I see."
Fang Qing's heart stirred.
My cursory glances were ultimately no match for Xuan Tu, a local who had lived there for many years and knew the inside story of the outer seas.
"A hegemonic nation? A hegemonic nation? That's quite fitting..."
He knew in his heart that compared to the Central Plains, the outer seas were actually a relatively poor and weak place.
However, the area is vast, and there's bound to be some profit if you plunder it thoroughly.
Meanwhile, the forces like the Dragon Palace in the deep sea, along with the demon kings, didn't pay much attention to the nearshore areas.
Therefore, the coastal areas were within the sphere of influence of the human race, and were also influenced by the Northern Zhou and Eastern Wu...
As for the "Heavenly Corner Gate"?
Since it's called a "gate," it's clear that it can only act tough within the Purple Mansion realm. When it encounters Golden Core sects like the Nine Heavens Fire Palace or the Wu Yue Sword Pavilion, it still doesn't have much confidence...
If the Heavenly Horn Sect is in such a predicament, then the other Purple Mansion forces are naturally in an even worse situation.
Even though the Xuan Tu Master of this small Xuan Tu Temple, in order to cultivate, inevitably controls a few small countries in secret and collects some spiritual resources...
Then they took turns harassing them, including Zhenhai Prefecture, Langya Prefecture, Tianjiao Gate, and the Demon King of the Outer Sea...
"But even so, why is True Immortal Xuan Tu stubbornly refusing to return to Ancient Shu?"
"It seems he clearly distinguishes between two priorities: money and life."
Fang Qing inwardly scoffed, then silently calculated: 'That Rhinoceros-Scaled Demon King should be far away in the Great Void by now. What if I draw my sword and cleave the Xuan Tu in two?'
Several plum blossoms appeared, transforming into scattered hexagrams.
"Hmm, I'm very confident... and I have the Heavenly Secrets Technique protecting me. This Xuan Tu Zhenren's supernatural powers aren't like the 'Camphor Willow God' or similar methods focused on espionage and divination; he won't be able to detect my killing intent. It's a case of using intention to counter unintentional attacks, and using metal to kill earth... the chances are very high."
"But... further calculations reveal that if we don't kill this person for now and continue down this path, there might be an opportunity? Perhaps even a hidden connection to Chu Zhaohuang's karma?"
"Fine, then let's wait and see..."
Fang Qing was never short of patience, especially at times like this.
Furthermore, he didn't actually have any major grudge against Xuan Tu Zhenren, and he didn't have much affection for Miao Feng and the other Mingzi back then...
It was even the White Bone Path that forced True Man Xuan Tu to abandon his sect, which was extremely disgraceful. In fact, it should be True Man Xuan Tu who sought revenge against the White Bone Path.
Unfortunately, this world is a dog-eat-dog world, and the weak should not harbor resentment.
Even without harboring resentment, having the capacity for revenge is sin!
If True Man Xuan Tu was merely at the Foundation Establishment stage, or even just at the Qi Convergence stage... Fang Qing wouldn't even bother to glance at him.
Unfortunately, this person is a True Person of the Purple Mansion. If there is any discord in the White Bone Path in the future, and this person finds out a flaw, it is indeed possible that the White Bone Path will suffer heavy losses.
Fang Qing chatted with Xuan Tu Zhenren for a few more minutes before taking his leave.
Xuan Tu Zhenren gazed at the departing light of Xuan Jian Zhenren, his eyes filled with deep contemplation...
……
After leaving Xuantu Temple, Fang Qing went directly to a deserted island and opened a cave to cultivate.
call out!
The seventh-level "Kill the Wolf" transformed into a sky full of starlight, filled with excitement. It suddenly plunged into the sea, circling for a long time before piercing through a large white-scaled fish.
This large white-scaled fish carried a faint demonic aura, indicating that it was actually a demonic creature that had been subdued.
"well……"
Fang Qing rubbed his hands together, and a ball of flame flew out, roasting the large fish. He thought to himself, "This Daoist sect really doesn't have much spiritual energy or spiritual objects in the mortal world..."
"If this were the cultivation world of the East Sea, such a large area would be enough to catch at least one second-tier demonic beast... and if you're lucky, you might even encounter a third-tier one..."
After eating the fish, he returned to his cave and took out a third-tier demon core from his storage bag.
This was a generous gift from a third-tier demon beast they encountered when exploring the outer sea with Yu Xiang'er in the Little Huan Sea.
He swallowed one and began cultivating silently...
After all, the previous breakthrough attempt failed and the Devouring Sea Technique suffered considerable damage. Now is the perfect time to devour demon cores to replenish it.
Time passed by little by little. During this time, Fang Qing occasionally patrolled the outer sea, but unfortunately he couldn't find any Purple Mansion spiritual items. He only had good luck twice and managed to get a few Dao Foundation spiritual items. He also visited the Xuan Tu Temple twice and barely managed to become familiar with the Xuan Tu True Person.
This day!
Inside the cave.
Fang Qing was sitting cross-legged, practicing the "Sea-Swallowing Technique," when suddenly his brow twitched, and he opened his eyes: "Hmm? Someone is divining about me?"
"But it's just an ordinary Purple Mansion..."
"Even without using the Dao Sheng Pearl's 'as if it were within the calculation,' my Purple Mansion rank and mastery of Heavenly Secrets are enough to confuse the opponent's outcome."
He did some quick calculations and concluded, "It's True Man Xuan Tu! He had someone divine my fate; it seems he can't bear to part with such a valuable henchman... Is that opportunity about to arrive?"
Fang Qing nodded silently, then examined himself again: "Not bad, not bad... Not only has my Yuan Qi been fully restored by the Devouring Sea Technique, but it has also improved... I'll go there a few more times to replenish my energy, and with that breakthrough pill, perhaps I can break through to the late stage of Core Formation?"
……
a few days later.
Xuan Tu Temple.
A flash of golden light appeared on the horizon, and Fang Qing arrived at the foot of a pine tree behind the temple.
"Fellow Daoist Xuanjian has arrived..."
Master Xuantu rose, a smile on his face: "This humble Daoist has just invited several fellow Daoists to join us for this grand event..."
"Oh?"
Fang Qing's pure golden eyes lingered on the Rhinoceros Scale Demon King for a moment before landing on another female Taoist priest.
This female Taoist priest wore a lotus crown and a plain white Taoist robe with a slit at the hem, revealing her jade-like thighs. She held a jade whisk in her hand, but her expression was very aloof, exuding a contradictory and unique aura.
"You've already met this Rhinoceros Scale Demon King, fellow Daoist... And this one is Su Huanzhen from the Heavenly Horn Sect..."
Xuan Tu Zhenren introduced Fang Qing.
"There's an air of divine secrets about her; it seems this was the woman who divined my fate last time."
Fang Qing thought to himself, then greeted Su Huan and Si Lin, before looking at Xuan Tu Zhenren: "Xuan Tu, you never do anything without a reason. I wonder what brings you here this time... Have you discovered some blessed land, or some grotto-heaven? I've heard... that Mo Yun Cliff has always been interested in the East Sea Blessed Land. Could it be this?"
Mentioning the blessed land, not only did Su Zhenhuan's expression change slightly, but even the Rhinoceros Scale Demon King licked his lips and his eyes shone with green light.
It's no wonder these real people are greedy; they are truly convinced that the spiritual resources in the mortal world are too scarce!
The slightly better resource points, such as blessed lands, are basically controlled by the major powers.
Therefore, while powerful cultivators of the Purple Mansion Realm are alright, those from smaller, less influential families face considerable difficulties.
For independent cultivators, it is even more difficult.
"Fellow Daoist actually knows about the Blessed Land of the East Sea?"
Master Xuan Tu was startled, then smiled bitterly: "What merit do I have to dare to compete with a Grand Master? This is merely a small secret place..."
"It turns out to be a secret place. Xuan Tu, you're quite lucky."
A smile forced onto Fang Qing's stiff face.
"Haha, it was just luck... I was cultivating the Gu technique in a sea area when I accidentally touched the restrictions of that secret place... That secret place is formed by the [Wall Water] array, full of vitality, and I just happened to be cultivating the 'Life-Devouring Gu', so I was particularly sensitive to it..."
Xuan Tu Zhenren waved his hand and said, "The key is that the sea area is very close to Langya Prefecture, so it's a bit troublesome... If we attack and activate the formation, it will inevitably cause the Taixu to tremble, and then other fellow Daoists from nearby will come to get a share... That Chu Zhaohuang is a cultivator of different flames!"
"Not only is he a cultivator of different fires, but he also has the backing of the Golden Core sect, Nine Heavens Fire Palace. Although he seems to have been neglected and exiled now, his fire techniques and treasures must be extraordinary."
Silin smiled and said.
"Therefore, I have invited several fellow Daoists... Su Huanzhen is a high-ranking cultivator of the Tianjiao Sect, and he doesn't need to give face to the Nine Heavens Fire Palace in the outer sea. There is also the Rhinoceros Scale Demon King representing the Jiao Palace... And Fellow Daoist Xuanjian is the number one sword cultivator in terms of killing power. Are you afraid of cultivators with different fire?"
Master Xuan Tu smiled slightly and looked at Fang Qing.
"I was just wondering which was sharper, my flying sword or that withered, green fire."
Fang Qing sneered, and a faint sword hum could be heard.
In his heart, he thought: 'I came to cause trouble for Xuan Tu, and Xuan Tu just happens to be going to cause trouble for Chu Zhaohuang... Is it a coincidence?'
"Pah! In this world of Taoist cultivation, where are there any coincidences?"
"【Wall Water】Secret Land? I wonder what's hidden inside... but it's not a blessed land, so it probably can't hold anything of great value..."
"Very well, let's not delay. I can set off immediately, but what about the allocation?"
Even Fang Qing, who usually acts aloof, became focused when this was mentioned.
The Purple Mansion True Man needs resources even more, and he will not yield an inch in the struggle for interests.
A moment later, the allocation of quotas was finally agreed upon, and the three True Immortals and one Demon King immediately tore through the void and headed towards the edge of Langya Prefecture...
……
A vast blue sea.
Several streaks of light were chasing each other.
Upon closer inspection, they discovered that the group consisted of several Qi-cultivating cultivators chasing after a white-robed female cultivator.
"Quick... don't let that woman get away!"
"You vile woman... hand over the 'Jade Water Temple's Wondrous Instructions' and I'll spare your life!"
The few fierce-looking cultivators behind them chased after them while shouting angrily.
suddenly!
The wind stopped, and the sea seemed to be smoothed by some force, becoming as smooth as a mirror, without the slightest ripple.
The void shattered, and several True Immortals appeared, each with a different form and radiant light around them. Their divine power was as heavy as a mountain, and looking at these cultivators was like looking at ants.
Fang Qing quickly calculated and understood: "These are cultivators from the nearby 'Three Waters Society.' The society leader is a [Wall Water] Foundation Establishment cultivator. This woman who is on the run stole a foundational cultivation technique and actually consumed sixth-order True Qi. Not bad..."
"Hehe... Fellow Daoist, you really have plenty of free time."
Su Huanzhen smiled slightly and said, "How about we make a bet and see which of these minor cultivators will ultimately obtain the opportunity to acquire that cultivation technique... We only need to offer ten percent of what we've gained this time as a wager, how about that?"
Fang Qing snorted coldly and ignored the woman.
This woman, relying on her supernatural abilities, is biased towards divination and always feels that her family hasn't received enough, so she wants to rip them off more.
"If we really have to compare, I'm definitely better than her, but then we'll end up making a scene, which won't be good..."
Fang Qing was like this, and Si Lin, as a great demon of the Purple Mansion, only had the ability to calculate based on his own rank, so he would not humiliate himself and shook his head repeatedly.
Upon seeing this, Master Xuantu simply smiled and lightly flicked his sleeve.
Those cultivators who had submitted to the Qi, whether they were female cultivators who were chasing or fleeing, all trembled and froze as if they were statues.
Then, tiny insects crawled out of their mouths and noses, spread their wings, and flew into the sky...
Once the swarm of insects had left, the spot was completely empty...