Chapter 2180: True Cooperation

The buildings on the mountain caught Qin Sang's attention. Their style looked familiar, reminding him of the island connected to the Thunder Palace, where the architecture was strikingly similar.

Qin Sang had once suspected that the owner of the *Hu Shan Pearl* was a human cultivator. Given the similar architectural style, it seemed as if they belonged to the same lineage. Could this mountain also be the dojo of an ancient human senior?

The buildings didn't look like treasure vaults but rather quiet rooms or dormitories. Qin Sang then shifted his gaze to where the Jade Scorpion Ancient Palace had collided with the mountain.

The impact was incredibly violent, severely damaging the Jade Scorpion Ancient Palace and leaving the mountain covered in cracks. They hadn't disintegrated on the spot because both were protected by array formations. However, the formations themselves had collided, creating a chaotic and perilous zone.

One could vaguely see that the majority of the Jade Scorpion Ancient Palace had sunk into the Crimson Lake, but it hadn't been destroyed. To reach the core hall of the Jade Scorpion Ancient Palace, one would have to pass through that dangerous area.

Given this situation, even the Xie Gou Clan Chief, who could manipulate the ancient restrictions of the Jade Scorpion Ancient Palace, would likely hesitate.

Xie Tianjiao also noticed this, his eyes gleaming with excitement. He exclaimed joyfully, "Haha... this is a heaven-sent opportunity! The Xie Gou Clan's ancestor surely didn't anticipate that the Jade Scorpion Ancient Palace would collide with another secret realm after falling, blocking even his own descendants. Daoist Qingfeng, the Xie Gou Clan Chief is currently hiding somewhere. Should we flush him out first, or head straight for the core hall?"

Qin Sang swept his gaze over the collision point between the Jade Scorpion Ancient Palace and the mountain. The two array formations clashed, creating a chaotic display of light. Some areas were so obscured that even the Heavenly Eye Butterfly couldn't see clearly.

If the Xie Gou Clan Chief deliberately hid there, it would be difficult to track him down. However, he wouldn't be able to sit still once he saw the treasures left by his ancestor about to be taken.

Qin Sang remained noncommittal, calmly retorting, "I can only say we'll take it one step at a time. Daoist friend seems very confident, but how certain are you that you can open that core hall?"

With that, he feigned discussing something with his Glazed Avatar. Without waiting for Xie Tianjiao's reply, he and the Glazed Avatar descended toward the Crimson Lake.

The Crimson Lake was located underground, devoid of wind and rain. However, the array formation powers from the two secret realms disrupted the calm, creating continuous towering waves.

They stopped about three feet above the water's surface, with the waves lapping at their feet. Qin Sang channeled his true essence, wrapping a ball of lake water to sense its toxicity. The result was unexpected: the lake water's toxicity was no more intense than the toxic mist. In fact, when the Jade Scorpion Ancient Palace was intact, the toxic mist, enhanced by the array formations, was far more dangerous than the lake water.

After a moment of contemplation, Qin Sang considered a possibility: the toxic mist and this Crimson Lake were clearly connected. The Xie Gou Clan ancestor built the Jade Scorpion Ancient Palace here precisely to draw the lake's poison to condense the toxic mist and set up a poisonous array.

As long as the Crimson Lake didn't dry up, the toxic mist would never deplete!

However, why was the mountain, suspected to be a human senior's dojo, hidden within the Crimson Lake, and what was its connection to the lake? Did the Xie Gou Clan ancestor know about this mountain?

Perhaps, the two had no connection at all!

Qin Sang dissipated the lake water in front of him and carefully observed the mountain. In his palm, the golden page mark's vibrations grew clearer, pointing directly below this mountain!

He suspected that this mountain was not originally at the bottom of the lake, nor even in this space. Instead, it was in that quiet, desolate space. The radiant light pierced the barrier between the two spaces, causing the Jade Scorpion Ancient Palace and this mountain to collide.

They could only see a corner of the mountain now, as most of it was still within the desolate space.

Qin Sang wasn't sure how close this speculation was to the truth, but one thing was certain: if the Xie Gou Clan ancestor had left guidance for future generations in the Jade Scorpion Ancient Palace, he certainly hadn't anticipated this situation. Otherwise, he should have made it easy for his descendants to retrieve the treasures quickly. Creating such an obstacle would be meaningless and only give outsiders an opportunity.

*Whoosh!*

Another wave crashed over.

Qin Sang and the Glazed Avatar moved slightly to avoid it, then suddenly accelerated, charging towards the collision point.

Xie Tianjiao frowned slightly but quickly followed.

They soon reached the edge of the collision zone. Ahead, shimmering, multicolored lights formed a beautiful yet perilous landscape.

Qin Sang gazed at the streams of light, seemingly deducing the path ahead.

The Glazed Avatar finally acted, emitting a cold current from her palm, freezing the lake surface to avoid disturbing Qin Sang.

After a short while, Qin Sang's figure flickered, suddenly rushing dozens of feet forward, with the Glazed Avatar closely following him.

Xie Tianjiao's reaction was also swift. He caught up, chuckling, "It seems Daoist Master is also skilled in array formations. Then I shall trouble you to scout the way; I won't show off my limited skills. However, we must be careful of the Xie Gou Clan Chief using the remaining ancient restrictions to set traps ahead."

"The two array formations are already intertwined. Even if he wanted to do something, he would be powerless," Qin Sang said plainly, not denying his skill.

In fact, even cultivators not well-versed in array formations could claim expertise with the help of the Heavenly Eye Butterfly.

Xie Tianjiao followed behind Qin Sang, with the Glazed Avatar to his left and right, clearing interference for him, allowing Qin Sang to focus on his deductions. But as they delved deeper, Qin Sang appeared increasingly strained.

*Bang!*

*Bang!*

Xie Tianjiao and the Glazed Avatar simultaneously struck, dispersing two turbulent currents, then both looked at Qin Sang. Qin Sang's tightly furrowed brow slowly relaxed, as if he had found another path.

Qin Sang opened his mouth, about to speak, when his expression suddenly changed drastically. He roared, "Watch out!"

*Whoosh!*

A sword light shot from his sleeve, striking towards the Glazed Avatar's feet, but it was a step too late.

*Splash!*

The lake surface suddenly erupted in a spray of water, and a colossal red-scaled python shot out, opening its gaping maw to spew toxic mist. A swirling vortex formed at the center of the mist, rotating rapidly and exerting a powerful suction force, almost right at the Glazed Avatar's feet.

The Glazed Avatar reacted swiftly, a burst of cold light erupting from her feet. The intense cold froze the toxic smoke, but couldn't freeze the giant python. It seemed she was about to be swallowed whole.

At this critical moment, the Gray Oriole Sword arrived just in time to assist. Unexpectedly, the red-scaled python's eyes widened, and a multicolored stream of light appeared out of thin air, blocking the sword shadow. It was the remaining ancient palace restriction.

The sword shadow was obstructed, but it bought the Glazed Avatar a sliver of life. The cold light at her feet exploded violently, and she seized the opportunity to ascend.

But then, Xie Tianjiao appeared behind her like a ghost, still with a playful smile. "My apologies, fellow Daoists! I believe it's better to cooperate with the master of this place!"

As he spoke, the round cauldron hovering above Xie Tianjiao's head inverted its opening, facing the Glazed Avatar. A ball of red-and-white toxic smoke shot out, instantly engulfing her before she could retaliate.

At the same time, the giant python lunged, swallowing the toxic smoke and the Glazed Avatar together.

The combined poisons of the giant python and the round cauldron meant certain death, even for cultivators of equal cultivation. Xie Tianjiao turned, intending to focus on Qin Sang, when his smile suddenly froze.

"Roar!"

*Boom!*

The giant python let out a mournful cry, its head exploding, sending countless ice shards mixed with shattered flesh flying.

The python's remnants crashed violently into the Crimson Lake, raising an even larger splash.

Facing Qin Sang, who was looking at him coldly, Xie Tianjiao could still manage a smile, though it contained a hint of realization and self-mockery.

Qin Sang said coldly, "When did you two conspire?"

Qin Sang and the Glazed Avatar had suspected Xie Tianjiao might have ulterior motives, but they hadn't expected him to team up with the Xie Gou Clan Chief. The two sides were inherently hostile, and Xie Tianjiao's fierce battle with the Xie Gou Clan cultivators outside hadn't seemed feigned. It was impossible for him to have anticipated their arrival and put on such a show in advance.

However, Xie Tianjiao's choice didn't surprise them: first eliminate the weaker Glazed Avatar, then focus on him.

"Just now! But Daoist Master, you are superior. When did that fairy leave?"

Xie Tianjiao now clearly understood that only a Glazed Avatar had died. He secretly remained vigilant but couldn't find any trace of the Glazed Avatar nearby.

"The second time you saw her, she was already an avatar," Qin Sang said calmly, without a hint of anger on his face.

His aura rapidly transformed. A blue shadow appeared behind him, summoning the Azure Phoenix Dharma Form, which merged with his body. The Bright Mountain Armor, Great Vajra Wheel Seal, and Sun Wheel Seal, along with other spiritual treasures, were simultaneously deployed, instantly bringing him to the peak of his body cultivation strength.

Xie Tianjiao's smile turned somewhat grim. "Does Daoist Master intend to kill both of us alone?"

He looked down at the lake, where a shadow floated, exuding astonishing sword intent.

The Xie Gou Clan Chief's aura had vanished within the sword intent, clearly trapped within the sword formation. The Xie Gou Clan Chief's attack had revealed his location, and Qin Sang immediately seized the opportunity. Rescuing the Glazed Avatar was a pretense; trapping the chief with the sword formation was the true goal.

Seeing the situation in the Crimson Lake just now, Xie Tianjiao had changed his mind.

If this place only had the Jade Scorpion Ancient Palace, then as its master, the Xie Gou Clan Chief would undoubtedly be the strongest party. He would have to unite with Qin Sang to suppress the Xie Gou Clan Chief.

However, Xie Tianjiao knew that the Xie Gou Clan Chief had been injured by the radiant light earlier and was now unable to utilize the power of the array formations, making him the weaker party.

Thus, eliminating Qin Sang and the Glazed Avatar first was more in line with his interests.

As expected, compelled by the threat of an external enemy, the Xie Gou Clan Chief agreed. However, they hadn't anticipated that their planned attack would only kill an avatar, and Qin Sang's stance seemed to indicate he intended to keep them all here!

"Why not give it a try?" Qin Sang laughed heartily, his spirit soaring. Behind him, a golden sun slowly rose, its golden light illuminating everything.

"The power of a Dharma Form? Are you human or demon!" Xie Tianjiao snorted coldly. The round cauldron righted itself, spewing a cloud of white smoke from its mouth, which condensed into white clouds between him and Qin Sang, blocking the golden light.

Qin Sang's body cultivation was only at the early Void Refinement stage, but the Sun Wheel Seal integrated the powers of both the Dharma Form and body cultivation, not to be underestimated. The golden sun burst forth with brilliant golden light, and the white clouds were immediately dispelled.

The round cauldron clanged violently, almost falling from Xie Tianjiao's head.

Xie Tianjiao's expression changed slightly. Qin Sang's cultivation was already comparable to his own; he had only been confident in dealing with Qin Sang by teaming up with the Xie Gou Clan Chief. He hadn't expected Qin Sang to be a dual cultivator of both Dharma Form and body, and the Xie Gou Clan Chief, trapped in the sword formation, had remained silent, indicating Qin Sang's sword cultivation was likely also formidable.

Skilled in the way of the sword, knowledgeable in the art of poison control, and possessing a Dharma Form like a demon cultivator—just whom had he provoked?

*Rumble!*

The round cauldron swelled rapidly, instantly transforming into a giant cauldron over ten feet tall. A crimson glow shot out from its mouth.

The crimson glow's aura was similar to the surrounding toxic mist. This was the result of the cauldron secretly devouring and refining the toxic mist over this period, originally intended as a surprise killing move with even more mist, but now forced into premature use.

*Whoosh!*

The crimson glow pierced the air, sweeping through the golden light. Xie Tianjiao immediately felt the pressure on him greatly reduced and seized the opportunity to retreat.

Xie Tianjiao chose not to rescue the Xie Gou Clan Chief. Their cooperation was a temporary alliance. If he felt his life was in danger, he would abandon the Xie Gou Clan Chief without hesitation.

At this moment, Xie Tianjiao vaguely sensed something amiss. He retreated repeatedly, attempting to leave the battlefield first, then look for another opportunity.

Just then, a sudden, strong warning signal flashed in Xie Tianjiao's mind, sensing an even greater danger than before was about to descend.

*Rumble...*

Thunder roared overhead.

Blue light overshadowed the golden light, its momentum even more terrifying than the golden sun. At that instant, Xie Tianjiao's scalp tingled, and he screamed in his mind, "Thunder! This person even knows thunder spells! And his mastery is so profound!"

The threat posed by this thunder was no less than that of the late Void Refinement cultivators he had encountered before.

Xie Tianjiao's face showed fright. He truly regretted his decision, but the Five Thunder Heavenly Heart Seal wouldn't give him a chance to repent. The blue lightning descended!

*Buzzing...*

The round cauldron spun rapidly.

Ignoring his heartache, Xie Tianjiao maneuvered the round cauldron to directly meet the blue lightning with its body. At the same time, he flicked his sleeve, sending out over a dozen blue light points.

Each light point was a grain-sized beetle, its back shell a vibrant, pure green, like the most exquisite jade.

They carried no living aura but were remarkably agile, instantly forming a circle that spun above Xie Tianjiao's head.

*Boom!*

The blue lightning struck the round cauldron squarely. The cauldron's spiritual light suddenly dimmed, swallowed by the lightning.

Xie Tianjiao's face turned pale, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood, which landed on the beetles and was completely absorbed by them.

The beetles' back shells became even more vibrant, erupting with pure blue light. They spread their wings and charged towards the lightning, like moths to a flame.

The round cauldron was struck away by the blue lightning, and then the beetles were also engulfed by the lightning.

The lightning paused slightly, then continued straight down, piercing through the blue light.

Qin Sang let out a soft "咦," for Xie Tianjiao was nowhere to be seen within the blue light. This person must have used this technique earlier to deceive that Xie Gou Clan cultivator.

However, in front of him, such secret arts might not be effective.

Qin Sang activated his Heavenly Eye Divine Ability and swept his gaze around, indeed discovering a clue. Surprisingly, Xie Tianjiao was not using a flying escape technique to flee, nor had he gone far; he was right at the edge of the lightning.

But his figure was rapidly fading, seemingly about to vanish from his original spot.

Recalling the spiritual herb from earlier, Qin Sang didn't hesitate. A cluster of five-colored light appeared on his chest, and as the Five Elements Crown rotated, it shot out a beam of pure five-element divine light.

*Bang!*

Just as Xie Tianjiao was about to disappear, the five-element divine light struck him. He immediately shifted from illusory to solid, an expression of shock on his face, frozen at that moment.

Qin Sang flashed before Xie Tianjiao, seized him by the neck, sealed him, and then, holding him, entered the sword formation.

Within the sword formation, the Xie Gou Clan Chief's long tail had transformed into a sky-reaching giant python, thrashing wildly in the sea of stars, trying its best to break the formation. Seeing Xie Tianjiao in Qin Sang's grasp, it instantly froze in place, its long tail retracting. It then sighed deeply.

"Wait! I surrender."