Chapter 917: Insisting on Traveling with Lao Liu

"As for your senior disciple brother, we will deliver him to you once our task is complete."

Lan Yao spoke these words slowly and softly, yet they were startling, causing both Feng Lintao and Xu Qing to show a change in expression.

Feng Lintao spoke almost immediately. "That's impossible!"

"Oh, perhaps Fellow Daoist Feng has other, better methods, or are you confident you can kill this person without any loss?" Lan Yao chuckled, a charming smile gracing her face. "If you can, this humble sister has no objection!"

Xu Qing remained silent, his eyes flickering.

Hearing this, Feng Lintao hesitated, countless thoughts surfacing in his mind. Regardless, even he had to admit that Lan Yao's suggestion was indeed the most suitable solution for the current situation. It almost perfectly resolved all their problems. They were wary of Xu Qing's killer aura and were uneasy about letting him leave, yet it was difficult to simply trap him or kill him without sustaining damage. Therefore, bringing him into their fold could resolve the current stalemate. As for subsequent matters, they could naturally adapt as needed. His only lingering concern was that he suspected Lan Yao might have ulterior motives, but currently, there was genuinely no other alternative. Furthermore, the most crucial point was that this human boy's senior disciple brother was in his grasp. This meant the initiative was with him. After some thought, the gloom on Feng Lintao's face suddenly vanished, replaced by a smile.

"Fellow Daoist Lan has a point. With this person's combat strength, he is indeed qualified to join us. What do you say, Fellow Daoist human? Are you willing to participate? It's a tremendous opportunity." As he spoke, he lightly squeezed the neck of the Second Ox in his hand. The Second Ox shuddered, his brows furrowing as if he could feel pain even in his unconscious state.

Xu Qing glanced at the Captain, muttering a few things under his breath. If he weren't so confident in the Captain's acting skills and didn't know him so well, he might genuinely believe the Captain's life hung in the balance. However, he naturally showed no trace of his inner thoughts on his face. In this situation, Xu Qing sneered inwardly, but on the surface, he looked distressed, unwilling to participate, yet hesitant due to concern for his fellow disciple's life, like someone afraid to throw a rat for fear of breaking a valuable utensil.

"How can I know if you will release my senior disciple brother as promised after your task is done?" Xu Qing spoke in a low voice.

"That's simple. Couldn't Fellow Daoist Feng just make a heart oath?" Lan Yao looked at Feng Lintao.

Feng Lintao pondered, then, perhaps after some consideration, actually nodded. He made a heart oath in front of Xu Qing, stating that violating it would result in significant repercussions and backlash. Such an oath, though seemingly preposterous, held a certain efficacy and would become active once Xu Qing agreed. However, Xu Qing still hesitated. "And how can I know if you have other ways to eventually avoid the backlash from the heart oath?"

Lan Yao frowned. Feng Lintao also did, but he wasn't surprised by Xu Qing's words. On the contrary, if the other party had believed so easily, he would have found it suspicious. After all, if he were in Xu Qing's shoes, he would react the same way. However, on his face, he naturally displayed displeasure, scoffing coldly with a grim expression. "Don't push your luck. We have already compromised. If you persist like this, then don't blame me for killing your senior disciple brother first. As for you, if I wasn't unwilling to get injured, how could I have come this far with you?" His voice was cold and menacing, his killing intent seemingly rising again. "But if you continue to press your advantage, then I might have to kill you, even if it means incurring some losses!"

Lan Yao remained silent, but the icy coldness in her eyes conveyed her stance.

After a moment of silence, Xu Qing slowly spoke. "So be it for the heart oath, but may I ask, Fellow Daoists, what is your objective this time?"

Hearing Xu Qing acknowledge the heart oath, Feng Lintao's expression softened, and Lan Yao also smiled. "Alright, now that we've reached this point, we're practically allies. May I ask the name of this Fellow Daoist human?"

"Yan Xuanzi," Xu Qing said blandly.

"Fellow Daoist Yan Xuanzi, this is not the place for talk. Why don't we discuss it in detail as we travel?" Lan Yao's beautiful eyes glinted as she spoke with a smile.

Xu Qing sighed lightly and nodded.

Soon, the three transformed into three streaks of light, heading towards the distant horizon. However, each maintained some distance from the others. Along the way, Lan Yao conveyed information to Xu Qing, informing him of the item they sought. As for how much of it was true, that was subject to individual judgment.

And so, several days later, the three arrived at a large canyon in the southwestern part of Liaoxuan Prefecture. The canyon was massive, like a scar on the earth, dark within and seemingly unfathomable. Mist flowed through it, and the surroundings were saturated with strange energies, causing all vegetation to wither. From time to time, horrifying shrieks echoed from within the canyon, unsettling the soul. Standing at the edge of the canyon, Feng Lintao still held the Second Ox. He hadn't loosened his grip at all throughout the journey. His gaze now fell upon the canyon, a flicker of excitement in his eyes.

"This is the place!" Lan Yao took a few steps, standing at the canyon's edge and looking down. Xu Qing, who was over ten zhang away from the two, gazed at the canyon, contemplating the objective they had discussed on the way.

"Liaoxuan Liquid," Xu Qing murmured inwardly. He had never heard of this substance before. According to Lan Yao and Feng Lintao's account, Liaoxuan Liquid was the essence of the Liaoxuan Fruit Tree. Before the arrival of the Crumbling Face, it was already considered a supreme treasure, far surpassing the Liaoxuan Fruit in effect, and even a sacred artifact of the Liaoxuan Clan. Years ago, the Liaoxuan Clan built a hidden underground palace beneath the Liaoxuan Fruit Tree, gathering all the tree's roots to form a Liaoxuan Pool. This pool would be opened once every hundred years, and all the Liaoxuan Liquid within would be extracted. However, the quantity was not large, only a few hundred drops. The liquid's efficacy was similar to that of the Liaoxuan Fruit, but its effect was more than a hundred times greater, enabling individuals to achieve an incredible level of assistance in comprehending laws. In the past, even a single drop required an enormous price to obtain, and now, with the demise of the Liaoxuan Fruit Tree, it was exceedingly rare.

"This Liaoxuan Prefecture truly used to be rich in Liaoxuan Fruits..." Xu Qing murmured to himself. As he mused, Lan Yao's voice reached him. "If Fellow Daoist Feng hadn't shown me your ancestral bloodline scroll, I truly wouldn't have believed that such a supreme treasure still existed."

Hearing this, Feng Lintao spoke calmly. "Back then, when the Liaoxuan lineage left Wanggu, they indeed took all the pool water and destroyed the tree, causing Liaoxuan Fruits and liquid to become extinct in Wanggu. They only took the branches, intending to replant them in the Holy Land. However, the Liaoxuan Holy Land's attempt at cultivation failed; this tree could not survive once it left Wanggu. Subsequently, with the unexpected demise of the Liaoxuan Sacred Ancestor, the Liaoxuan Holy Land also disintegrated and was divided among various factions. As a half-blood Liaoxuan, my grandfather and I narrowly escaped that calamity. Then, due to the activation of my Demonic Plume bloodline, I arrived at your Demonic Plume Holy Land. However, no one knows that an ancestor of my lineage was once in charge of exterminating this tree. During the chaos back then, while performing this task, he secretly left behind a section that was not destroyed... This was so that one day, when his lineage returned, they would also possess their own heritage. Before his passing, he passed this secret down through generations! Now, I am the only one who knows!"

Xu Qing listened silently as the two conversed, analyzing the truthfulness of their words in his heart. Lan Yao, for her part, nodded, a flicker of anticipation in her eyes. "Ordinary Liaoxuan Liquid is one thing, but I'm more interested in the potential appearance of Liaoxuan Sacred Liquid that Fellow Daoist Feng mentioned!"

Feng Lintao smiled. "It is highly probable. After all, tens of thousands of years have passed, and the place where my ancestor hid that root section is incredibly secretive. So, unless some unforeseen incident occurred during this period, it's highly likely that a large quantity of Liaoxuan Liquid has accumulated, and after sedimentation, it will naturally become Liaoxuan Sacred Liquid!"

Xu Qing's eyes narrowed in suspicion.

At this point, Feng Lintao glanced at Xu Qing, then continued to look at Lan Yao. "Once we enter below, when I cast spells to break the restrictions, I will need Fellow Daoist Lan to protect me. Also, remember the agreement you made with me after the task is complete; do not go back on your word!"

Lan Yao smiled, twirling a strand of hair that had been displaced by the wind, and spoke leisurely. "Rest assured, Fellow Daoist Feng. Didn't you seek my cooperation for that item of my husband's? I will not go back on what I promised you!"

Feng Lintao nodded and said no more. He raised his right hand and waved it, instantly releasing a terrifying pressure that transformed into the shadow of a five-colored peacock, descending towards the canyon. A roar immediately erupted within the canyon as black mist swirled and spread, revealing a passage. Feng Lintao's body flickered, heading straight for the passage and instantly disappearing into it.

"Fellow Daoist Yan Xuanzi, please." Lan Yao's beautiful eyes fixed on Xu Qing.

Xu Qing said nothing, stepping forward and entering the path opened through the mist. After a few blinks, he was gone from sight. Seeing Xu Qing's caution, Lan Yao's eyes flickered slightly. She seemed to casually glance into the distance, then took a graceful step and entered the passage.

Shortly after the three disappeared, the passage was refilled by the surrounding mist, and everything returned to normal. The desolate roars emanating from within suddenly intensified but then quickly fell silent, completely isolating everything.

Several hours later, a figure silently approached the canyon from the horizon. It was a woman of exquisite beauty, possessing a gentle demeanor, flawless fair skin, and a graceful figure adorned with silver wings. Her attire, like that of Feng Lintao and Lan Yao, consisted of a black robe embroidered with gold mystic patterns, complementing her ethereal charm and adding to her lightness. Her eyes, in particular, were clear and bright like cut water, now calmly scanning her surroundings.

"That Feng Lintao is indeed cautious and suspicious. Besides setting up 'Eyes of Nothingness' here, there are also 'Shattered Space' thoughts, and even a wisp of 'Grand Luo Sacred Breath'! All this to secretly detect if anyone arrives." Her voice was soft. "However... what use are these when I am prepared?"

This woman was none other than Yuetong, who had originally descended with Feng Lintao and Lan Yao. Her eyes flickered slightly as she took a step, directly entering the canyon's mist and vanishing from sight.