Chapter 1589: With Wisdom in Grasp to Secure Victory, A Divine Hand Also Strikes Invincibly

"Stop!"

A frantic shout echoed from the distance.

It seemed to have little effect—in fact, it only made things worse.

Xu Xiaoshou and his companions quickly sped up their movements, grabbing the outer clothing of Dao Qiongcang's physical body and yanking it downward together.

Rip!

The steaming hot meat bun was roughly stripped of its white skin, revealing the plump and juicy filling inside.

Without a moment's hesitation!

Xu Sang, Shui Cen, and Bai all acted on instinct—their heads lowered in unison, eyes dropping downward, flames of desire burning in their gazes, as if they could already see...

Tianji Daowen?

"What?"

They hadn't seen what they expected, and the group was startled simultaneously.

Before them, the dazzling Tianji Daowen lit up, completely obscuring the lower half of Dao Qiongcang's body. Their sacred thoughts and spiritual senses hurriedly swept inward...

"Great Soul Seizing Technique!"

From the area hidden by the Tianji Daowen, an illusory face of Dao Qiongcang suddenly appeared, laughing.

The face opened wide and inhaled, sucking in the sacred thoughts and spiritual senses of the five people.

Then, seizing the opportunity, it traced back through those thoughts and senses to latch onto their owners' souls, drawing them in fiercely.

Buzz!

Their heads throbbed with pain.

This unexpected ambush left the several half-saints utterly stunned.

"Damn it, it's a trap!"

Cen Qiaofu slapped his forehead and struggled desperately.

No wonder the flashy old Daoist was so cunning—this guy used his clothing as a barrier, and even after being stripped naked, he could still activate the Tianji Daowen to cover himself...

It was all about feigned modesty and hidden exposure.

Who wouldn't take the bait?

Anyone without strong curiosity wouldn't have tried to strip Dao Qiongcang's clothing in the first place!

But the flashy old Daoist had perfectly exploited that human psychology. The moment the voyeurs' sights were blocked a second time, and they deployed their sacred thoughts and spiritual senses...

The trap was triggered!

It was a classic case of luring them into the net, with the four half-saints eagerly sending their sacred thoughts in without any defense, as if rushing to their own demise.

Once he controlled their sacred thoughts, he went straight for their souls.

What started as a simple undressing show...

Had now turned into this: the four half-saints stood frozen, their eyes fixed like they were glued, their bodies unable to pull back their souls, and their feet involuntarily dragged toward the central point by some strange force.

The scene was utterly bizarre!

A naked Dao Qiongcang stood there in terror, surrounded by three men and one woman, all bent over and shuffling mindlessly toward the glaring light of the Tianji Daowen beneath him...

"What's wrong with this guy, designing his body like that?"

Xu Xiaoshou glanced at the sight and felt like his eyes were burning.

He was the first to break free, not because of some spiritual awakening or system prompt.

Dao Qiongcang's design played on human psychology and carried no guiding power at all.

Xu Xiaoshou escaped because he had cut his losses too many times before...

Even before Dao Qiongcang's laughing face fully formed and the Great Soul Seizing Technique activated, he sensed something was off and directly severed his spiritual sense, smothering his excessive curiosity in its cradle.

That was how he avoided capsizing in the gutter!

Now, watching the four half-saints fall into the trap and risk losing their souls entirely, he had no choice but to turn and address the newcomer with a plea:

"Stop!"

From the distance flew a middle-aged man in black, around forty or fifty years old, with an ordinary appearance and the cultivation of the Severing Path realm.

Without a doubt, this was Dao Qiongcang.

"I told you to stop, and you didn't listen?"

"Well, that's the consequence of not listening."

The newcomer approached with a helpless expression, neither hurried nor slow, but he didn't lift a finger to save them.

Since Dao Qiongcang could truly resurrect and return so quickly, he was using a Severing Path physical body that had never set foot in the eighteenth heaven before.

Undoubtedly, the entire first heaven of the Shen Zhi Yiji was part of his resurrection backup plan.

Killing him now would achieve little, and it was impossible anyway. The only option was to steer things toward cooperation... In a flash, Xu Xiaoshou pieced it all together, plastered a smile on his face, and chuckled:

"Leaving your physical body here—wasn't that just another clever scheme from the enigmatic Dao Dianzhu?"

Flatterer!

Dao Qiongcang rolled his eyes inwardly, not buying into the young man's act.

He still harbored a shadow from that Finger of Illusion and Destruction and didn't dare return to his body because of it. How could a few words of flattery from Xu Xiaoshou make him lose his head?

"Even if you say that... a win is a win for you, and when it's my turn to strike back, I won't hold back." Dao Qiongcang said calmly, raising his hand lightly:

"Great Manifestation Technique!"

"Great Shielding Technique!"

"Great Imprisonment Technique!"

With a wave, the Cangqiong Scroll unfolded, unleashing three Tianji techniques.

The four half-saints hunched before Dao Qiongcang's naked body, and beneath their feet, the Dead Sea appeared, sealing their sacred power instantly.

At the same time, their connections to the heavenly dao rules were blocked, their bodies imprisoned, and their wills confined to their flesh.

Their souls, now severed from those connections, were instantly drawn out by the Great Soul Seizing Technique and held captive, about to be absorbed into Dao Qiongcang's physical body.

"Good one..."

Xu Xiaoshou's eyes narrowed slightly.

The gap between siblings was clear in an instant.

A momentary lapse, and even an Ouyi half-saint would be left with no chance.

Yes, Dao Qiongcang was making a statement: You severed one of my souls, so I'll seize four of yours, no mercy.

But Dao Qiongcang's unyielding stance, even wanting to absorb souls like Sang Lao and Shui Gui, didn't trouble Xu Xiaoshou at all.

What he feared most was if this flashy old Daoist returned all polite and accommodating—that would be truly problematic.

"I severed your soul because you scared me." Xu Xiaoshou ignored the frantically struggling souls of the four saints.

"You were scared of me, ultimately because you're timid." Dao Qiongcang shook his head. "Besides, that wasn't meant to scare—it was just a joke."

"I'm not one for jokes, as you know."

"That's perfect, because I..." Dao Qiongcang smiled slyly at him, "love jokes the most."

You bastard!

Xu Xiaoshou was fuming, realizing he couldn't outtalk him, so he decided to act.

He swiftly pulled out a recording pearl and, faster than lightning, captured the scene of the "four saints bowing to the Dao, revealing the patterns."

"Kill them!"

After swallowing the recording pearl to prevent any theft, Xu Xiaoshou gestured with his chin: "When I return to Sheng Shen Dalu, I'll help spread your deeds, Dao Qiongcang. For example..."

"Enough!"

Dao Qiongcang's mouth twitched, and he waved it off, not wanting to hear the rest of Xu Xiaoshou's nonsense.

He could already imagine the scene.

But Xu Xiaoshou wasn't one to be silenced; he stubbornly continued:

"For example... even with your soul destroyed and your body exposed, you, Dao Qiongcang, could still turn the tables, using your body as bait and mumbling incoherently to make the four saints' souls vanish and gods fall."

Even with his impeccable composure, Dao Qiongcang couldn't help but feel a twinge at those words, almost blurting out, "Mumbling incoherently—what's that?"

His face darkened, and he thought, At this point, Xu Xiaoshou would probably flash that smug grin and pull out an enlarged, enhanced version for the world to see.

—Exactly like that!

Fine, fine...

His thirty years of reputation would be ruined in one night by this kid?

But did he really think that would pin him down?

Dao Qiongcang sneered coldly: "Never mind who would believe you—just try pulling out that recording pearl, and those four won't agree."

The four, now under his control—including two Ouyi half-saints—were his elders. Would they let you run wild and tarnish their reputations?

Dao Qiongcang felt he had the upper hand.

So, you've shown your hand—you don't want to kill them; you're just using this as leverage for negotiations...

Xu Xiaoshou shrugged indifferently at the sight.

"Here."

With a flip of his left hand, he produced a massive painting depicting a figure whose face was obscured, except for a hollow golden beast mask that couldn't be fully erased—a blatant exhibitionist.

The figure had stripped off his lower garments, revealing sexy pink-and-purple striped underwear in the water.

"Here."

With his right hand, he rubbed and revealed another massive painting.

This one showed a bald head with only a few strands of hair countable in the center, facial features blurred except for dark circles under the eyes and roaring flames of Jinzhao White Flame at his feet that hadn't been removed.

Above his head floated terrified words...

Who said words can't convey sound? Dao Qiongcang clearly heard Wuxiu's trembling voice:

"Xiaoshou, save me!!!"

And faintly, a robust response like a savior's:

"Sangzi, don't be afraid—your master is coming to save you!"

In that moment, Dao Qiongcang fell silent.

You saints play such dirty games...

"Heh heh."

Dao Qiongcang suddenly forced a smile and said appeasingly, "Xu Xiaoshou, you know, I don't actually like jokes that much."

"That's too bad!"

Xu Xiaoshou flung his hands, retracting the two massive paintings, raised an eyebrow, and said: "I'm already someone who loves jokes."

"Passive value from being glared at: 1."

"Passive value from being disliked: 1."

"Passive value from being cursed: 1."

Dao Qiongcang took several deep breaths to calm himself, then released the four saints' souls back to their bodies—he chose to back down first.

Boom, boom, boom, boom!

In an instant, the ground exploded with four waves of energy, dust billowing everywhere.

Xu Xiaoshou looked up to see the four half-saints already a hundred li away, controlling their bodies and staying on guard.

The Severing Path body of Dao Qiongcang collapsed softly to the ground.

The naked Dao Qiongcang himself stirred, his consciousness returning.

He raised his hands, and a white robe fluttered up with the wind, gently draping over him.

As he tied his belt, the black marks on his hands, feet, and neck quickly faded.

Soon, when Dao Qiongcang lifted his head with a smile, his long hair cascading down, he had returned to his elegant and refined appearance.

Glancing around, Dao Qiongcang flicked his sleeve and chuckled: "No need to retreat that far, right?"

"We've dealt with each other so many times—how about we become friends this time?"

Who wants to be friends with you?

Whether it was Sang Lao of Fenqin, Shui Gui of the Void Island, or Cen Qiaofu, whom he'd only heard of but never faced directly, or Bai Zhou, the lord of Xuyue Gray Palace, who had long operated under the oppression of the Sheng Shen Hall...

Dao Qiongcang was in the light.

They were each in the shadows, and none of them wanted—or could—befriend this hypocrite!

Their paths diverged, so no alliance was possible.

That summed up the situation perfectly.

But this time, Dao Qiongcang's words were ostensibly for the four of them, yet his eyes never left Xu Xiaoshou.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

In no time, the four half-saints recovered from their near-soul-seizure and regrouped around Xu Xiaoshou.

Sang Lao even stepped directly in front of him, only to be pushed aside by Xu Xiaoshou.

"This rascal..."

He rolled his eyes.

Indeed, Xu Xiaoshou no longer needed his protection.

Just look...

Dao Qiongcang's true form appeared, and the four saints retreated a hundred li.

That was the pressure of his long-standing fame and their instinctive reactions after living like rats for so long.

It was laughable, but better than dying.

Yet Xu Xiaoshou, young as he was, hadn't backed down a single step from start to finish!

"Friends?"

The noble lord of Tianxia's First Tower showed no interest in befriending the outcast from Guizhe Sheng Mountain, scoffing: "Dao Qiongcang, besides your title as one of the Ten Venerables, thirty years as hall master, and some strength and schemes, what do you have to offer as a friend?"

Xu Xiaoshou's words left the four beside him stunned at first, then turning to look back.

Wasn't that enough?

Xu Xiaoshou, how lofty are you? He's weakened himself ten thousand times in your mind, hasn't he?

"Interesting."

Dao Qiongcang, of course, caught the implication in the young man's words.

Friendship was possible, but you'd better bring something of real value.

"I spared them."

Dao Qiongcang raised an eyebrow playfully, glancing at the group around Xu Xiaoshou.

"That's boring..."

Xu Xiaoshou shook his head, implying that if we're playing that game, he could say the same—earlier, he had spared Dao Qiongcang too.

After all, not following up the Finger of Illusion and Destruction with a passive punch was already a huge show of respect.

Dao Qiongcang clearly understood, but he refused to let the negotiation rhythm fall to others—or occupy a passive position in any future partnership:

"I won't die."

"If one me falls, thousands more can resurrect at any time."

Dao Qiongcang spread his arms, fearless: "I'm the eternal winner."

Xu Xiaoshou shook his head noncommittally:

"I read Taizai Ci's soul—you didn't show up right away; you hesitated."

"I destroyed your divine soul with one finger, and you didn't return to your body immediately; you hesitated again."

"The Dao Qiongcang I remember wasn't so 'afraid' of anyone... Care to make a bet?"

Cen Qiaofu and Bai Zhou looked confused—their conversation was jumping all over, like it didn't connect.

But Sang Lao and Shui Gui seemed to grasp something, subtly vigilance rising as they prepared to seal the battlefield.

"Bet on what?"

Dao Qiongcang stood with his hands behind his back, undiminished arrogance: "Bet on whether in a fight between us, you win or I lose?"

"No, no..."

Xu Xiaoshou shook his head even more, smiling: "Let's bet on whether the one who entered the Shen Zhi Yiji this time is your true body!"

The atmosphere in the field tensed suddenly.

At first glance, Xu Xiaoshou's words seemed obvious.

But soon, even Cen Qiaofu and Bai Zhou realized the implication.

Those entering the Shen Zhi Yiji had to be their true bodies, and Dao Qiongcang was skilled at schemes, not necessarily excelling in direct combat...

So, what Xu Xiaoshou really meant was...

If Dao Qiongcang fell here in the Shen Zhi Yiji, the Ten Venerables would lose one member with no chance of resurrection.

And to make Dao Qiongcang fall, did they really need all five of them?

This was the Shen Zhi Yiji, with Shen Yi, the Diying Shengzhu, and the even more mysterious will of the Zhanshen Guan Ranming lurking...

Even if they sacrificed everything—even if Xu Xiaoshou and the four saints all died—just to take Dao Qiongcang's life...

From Dao Qiongcang's perspective, was he willing to create such a scenario?

—He absolutely wasn't!

And if he didn't want to face the saints, the mysteries, or everyone targeting the one they should target first, then Dao Qiongcang shouldn't provoke anyone and should seek cooperation with one side immediately...

So now, it was Dao Qiongcang begging for their cooperation, yet he dared to maintain such a high posture?

Lower your head!

After Cen Qiaofu figured it all out, his confidence soared, his blood pumping.

Xu Xiaoshou had truly changed today.

He used to need guidance, but now, in a few sentences, he could spar verbally with someone like Dao Qiongcang.

Faced with the five piercing gazes, Dao Qiongcang remained composed and said lightly:

"You think I'll die?"

Xu Xiaoshou couldn't stand this flashy old Daoist's stubborn denial and scoffed:

"Everyone who enters Ranming's site must be their true body."

"I could go back to the first heaven, activate the Life Ouyi, kill everyone, and erase all living imprints."

"Then, where would the Great Divine Seal imprint exist?"

Drawing from the information he'd gotten from that doll earlier, Xu Xiaoshou added with a smirk:

"Worst case, I'd blow the entire Shen Zhi Yiji apart from top to bottom, plow it over, and summon Shen Yi to trace everything back, wiping out every trace you left."

"You think you won't die?"

That's too ruthless, too extreme!

Even Bai Zhou thought Xu Xiaoshou wasn't human—to eliminate one Dao Qiongcang, he'd sacrifice so many lives.

But Dao Qiongcang's expression didn't change; he struck at the root:

"You think the Shen Zhi Yiji only allows true bodies to enter, and that Tianji puppets or half-saint avatars can't get in—where did all of you get that information from?"

His question stumped everyone on the spot.

Of course, each group lacked Tianji puppets and spare half-saints for testing.

Most intel had been stolen through secret channels from Guizhe Sheng Mountain.

So...

"Your bait?"

Bai Zhou was shocked. Was this Dao Qiongcang not his true body? If he died, could he resurrect on Sheng Shen Dalu?

Dao Qiongcang shifted his gaze, opened his palm, and pressed it down gently, his lips curving into a slight smile:

"What do you think?"

Damn it, now he's the one asking the questions! Bai Zhou gritted his teeth.

"Enough."

Xu Xiaoshou suddenly raised his hand, cutting off the conversation.

Dao Qiongcang, with the air of holding all the cards, smiled and looked over—his thirty-plus years of enigmatic reputation was no empty boast!

He was indeed here in his true body.

But with a few words, he could make others second-guess, planting doubt.

And when they were doubtful, Dao Qiongcang knew he had succeeded.

But...

Xu Xiaoshou was done debating!

He didn't even know if Dao Qiongcang was telling the truth or lying, and he couldn't verify it.

Though his second true body had entered the Shen Zhi Yiji before...

It didn't matter!

None of it mattered!

Xu Xiaoshou knew exactly how to deal with the wise—he pulled out a jade talisman:

"Never mind the rest, Dao Qiongcang, if I crush this jade talisman now and summon Shen Yi..."

"Do you think he'd chat with you or just force his way in?"

Shen Yi?

Sang Lao, Shui Gui, and the others kept their faces neutral, but inwardly they were alarmed.

On the way here, Xu Xiaoshou had told them Shen Yi had opened the Four Sheds and ascended to a higher realm.

He was probably chasing the Diying Shengzhu and had reached the thirty-third heaven, with no news since.

Where would he get a jade talisman to summon Shen Yi?

Did he think he was Xiang Yaoyao?

Before Cen Qiaofu and Bai Zhou could show surprise, Dao Qiongcang saw Xu Xiaoshou tighten his fingers to crush the jade talisman, and his face turned pale:

"Wait!!!"

That shout carried three parts disdain, three parts fear, three parts concession, and one part helplessness.

"Xu Xiaoshou, wait, just wait..."

Dao Qiongcang didn't know if that jade talisman worked like Xiang Yaoyao's great summoning, but he couldn't risk it.

He finally lowered his proud head, waving his hands:

"I'm here to make friends with you, sincerely. We're not enemies right now..."

He knew exactly what Xu Xiaoshou wanted and put on a respectful expression, smiling appeasingly:

"What do you say, I'll do whatever you ask, okay?"

Ha ha ha ha!

Xu Xiaoshou nearly burst out laughing, hands on his hips.

Scholars fear theories, but the wise fear barbarians.

Even with your silver tongue that could turn black to white, when I play the Shen Yi card, what can you do?

"Making friends, huh?"

Xu Xiaoshou finally raised his head again, putting on an ugly, self-satisfied smirk that even his own people couldn't stand, and said with a crooked smile:

"To make friends, you need to pay a friendship fee first. You get that rule, right, Dao boy?"