Chapter 120: Ambush

Novel:

The demonic cultivation technique should not be helpful for Foundation Establishment; otherwise, Gu Tiannan would have already succeeded in establishing his foundation. Given Gu Tiannan's frenzied appearance during combat, the hidden dangers are probably significant. It's not just a matter of losing one's mind; his body might also undergo some kind of mutation. However, a definitive conclusion can only be made after seeing the demonic cultivation technique itself.

Originally, all they needed to do was stabilize Gu Tiannan, then bring in a few helpers from the sect to easily subdue Gu Tiannan and his disciple. The black-robed young man couldn't bring himself to kill, leaving a significant vulnerability. Given Gu Tiannan's caution, it's impossible he wouldn't have noticed something amiss. Perhaps only someone with the black-robed young man's disposition could resist the demonic cultivation technique's temptation, dedicating his entire life solely to avenging his family.

Qin Sang pondered for a moment, then said to the white cat, "You..." His words caught in his throat as he realized he hadn't yet asked the white cat's name.

The white cat, being intelligent, immediately replied upon seeing this, "My lord, my master from my youth named me Little White."

Qin Sang nodded, "Little White, my surname is Qin. You don't need to refer to yourself in such a humble way; 'I' will suffice."

The white cat lowered its head sheepishly, saying with embarrassment, "I... After I gained sentience, I overheard the women of a wealthy family refer to themselves that way, and since then, I've been living in seclusion in the mountains, cultivating and unaware of worldly affairs. Please forgive my ignorance, Master Qin."

Qin Sang shook his head dismissively and returned to the main topic, "If you were to face Gu Yuan alone, could you stop him?"

The white cat replied solemnly, "To be frank, Master Qin, the azure light emitted from my green bamboo has the effect of yin-yang transposition. It can only be used for escape and deception, at most trapping Gu Yuan for a period. Other than that, I have no other means and cannot defeat him. Do you intend to take action yourself, Master Qin?"

"That's enough. First, move all these people back to the cave dwelling."

Qin Sang waited for the white cat to move the people inside. Seeing that Gu Tiannan and his disciple had not yet returned, he discussed the details with the white cat. He was confident he did not fear Gu Tiannan. Although Gu Tiannan became powerful after his transformation, his rationality would be affected, leaving more vulnerabilities. With careful planning, defeating Gu Tiannan would not be difficult.

The white cat retracted its azure light and retreated back into the cave dwelling. Qin Sang regulated his breath for a while. Gu Tiannan and his disciple arrived belatedly and, upon seeing the battleground Qin Sang had deliberately messed up, had no suspicions. A flicker of imperceptible disappointment crossed Gu Yuan's eyes.

Gu Tiannan, however, appeared as usual and said, "Junior Brother Qin, I have already slain the demon. And you, Junior Brother Qin, must have driven away that cat demon, correct?"

Qin Sang's face showed a hint of exhaustion, and he said with great indignation, "That cat demon's methods are too bizarre. I instinctively aimed to behead it with a single sword strike, but it still escaped. It's currently inside the cave dwelling. Senior Brother Gu, you've returned just in time. If we attack it together, we will ensure this demon has nowhere to escape and will meet its end!"

Gu Yuan suddenly interjected with a smile, "There's no need to mind, Uncle Qin. That cat demon does possess some cunning methods and is very elusive. My master and I have let it escape several times. For Uncle Qin to have held it back for so long is already quite remarkable. Now that the three of us are working together, it certainly won't be able to escape."

As he spoke, Gu Yuan subtly exchanged a glance with Gu Tiannan. Gu Tiannan's eyes flickered, and he tacitly nodded in agreement.

After a brief rest, the three entered the cave dwelling. Gu Tiannan led the way, while Qin Sang walked at the back, his mind tense and a few spirit talismans secretly clutched in his palm. Although Qin Sang had agreed to cooperate with the white cat, he didn't fully trust her, harboring a degree of wariness. He also sensed that the cat demon had deliberately maintained a distance from him, also wary of him turning ruthless.

Fortunately, as the three, each holding their magical artifacts, delved deeper into the cave and reached a corner, the white cat appeared as expected. A faint azure light instantly enveloped the three. Then, after several angry shouts were heard, the azure light suddenly dissipated, and Gu Yuan was nowhere to be seen.

Gu Tiannan called out several times, his voice echoing in the cave. Receiving no response from Gu Yuan, he was about to use a movement technique to pursue him deeper into the cave when Qin Sang suddenly flashed forward, blocking his path.

Gu Tiannan's figure abruptly halted. He looked at Qin Sang with surprise and questioned in a deep voice, "Junior Brother Qin, what is the meaning of this?"

Qin Sang calmly replied, "Senior Brother Gu, stop being so stubborn. It's time to turn back. If you are willing to bind yourself and return with me to the sect to confess your sins, I will not make things difficult for you."

"I don't know what you're talking about!" Gu Tiannan's eyes suddenly widened. He stared intently at Qin Sang, "Junior Brother Qin, have you been enchanted by a demon, to the point of not recognizing your fellow senior brother?"

Qin Sang sighed softly, "The Blood Heart Pill... Senior Brother, you deliberately spread the demonic cultivation technique, bringing disaster to the world. Do you still wish to deny it?"

Gu Tiannan's expression changed drastically, and he exclaimed, "How did you know?"

"If you don't want others to know, you shouldn't do it in the first place." Qin Sang said sincerely to Gu Tiannan, "Senior Brother Gu, you were momentarily confused and strayed from the right path. It might not be a capital offense. It's still not too late to realize your mistake."

Gu Tiannan sneered, "Junior Brother Qin, do you think I'm a three-year-old child to be fooled? If I fall into their hands, will I have a way out? What about the demonic cultivation technique? I haven't personally killed anyone. I only killed those who succumbed to temptation and became murderers! Those people from Shaohua Mountain claim to be righteous, but which one of them doesn't have more blood on their hands than me?"

Then, Gu Tiannan's tone suddenly shifted, becoming filled with temptation, "Junior Brother Qin, this cultivation method is incredibly powerful. It can not only enhance your cultivation but also significantly increase your chances of breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage. I, your senior brother, only failed because I am too old and my vitality is waning. Junior Brother Qin, if you just let me go, I will give you the cultivation method. I promise to leave this place immediately, live under a different name, and ensure no one else ever knows."

Upon hearing this, an expression of surprise appeared on Qin Sang's face, and he asked somewhat eagerly, "Can it really increase the chances of breaking through to Foundation Establishment?"

"Absolutely! I'll give you the cultivation method right now, and you'll see for yourself!"

Gu Tiannan lowered his head, feigning to retrieve something from his mustard seed pouch. A cold glint flashed in his eyes, and he suddenly let out a low growl, his figure shooting out like an arrow. At that moment, his true cultivation level was fully revealed!

"You're asking for death!" Gu Tiannan let out a roar that was not quite human, a hint of madness flickering in his eyes. His face was filled with bloodthirsty killing intent, and his palm transformed into a blade, stabbing at Qin Sang with lightning speed.

Just then, a green light flashed before Qin Sang, and the Ebony Sword shot out.

*Bang!*

Gu Tiannan's bare palm collided with the Ebony Sword, yet it wasn't severed by the sword qi. The strength of his physical body was unlike anything Qin Sang had ever witnessed.

"Junior Brother Qin, I truly underestimated you. What an excellent spiritual sword!" Gu Tiannan shook his hand, licked the corner of his mouth, and looked at the Ebony Sword. Far from being afraid, he openly displayed greed.

Qin Sang retreated gracefully. As he moved back, he waved his hand, sending out six beams of black light that landed around Gu Tiannan, then transformed into six colossal banners, completely encircling him. The banners were as tall as a man, radiating an eerie Yin energy. Ferocious specters roared on them, emitting chilling cries. With a thought from Qin Sang, a surging surge of malevolent Yin energy burst forth from the banners, completely enveloping Gu Tiannan. The Ten Directions Yama Formation was complete!

Related

__Wuxia Novel