Chapter 380: Hooked Snake

The world unfolded in the mirror.

As Li Yuanjiao journeyed from desolate mountain temples to Shanji Prefecture, Lu Jiangxian had reviewed 131 embryonic breathing techniques, 36 Qi cultivation methods, and 2 foundation-building techniques. All were piled high on his desk, filling the space. He noted the arrival of two more foundation-building techniques: "Wood Sigil Art" and "Mountain Mist Peak Sea Art," which corresponded to the Dao foundations of complete Wood and returning mist Yin, respectively.

The scrolls on Lu Jiangxian's desk had already formed a small mountain. He held Tu Longjian's "Leap Yang Method," examining it carefully. This technique was the longest secret art he had ever read, truly an eye-opener. He mused that it was the first time he had encountered someone naturally endowed with a destiny.

Li Yuanjiao spared Tu Longjian because Lu Jiangxian had not intervened, allowing Li Yuanjiao's thoughts to be swayed and the man to be released. Under the illumination of the Law Mirror, Tu Longjian's back glowed crimson, exuding an astonishing aura. Li Yuanjiao couldn't perceive it, but Lu Jiangxian saw it clearly. He thought that if Tu Longjian were to die by Li Yuanjiao's hand, disrupting the destined path, and the Violet Palace traced it back, it could lead to significant trouble.

Lu Jiangxian had also interacted with many Violet Palace cultivators. While they couldn't foresee every change in the world or specifically monitor individuals daily, they had cultivated destiny-related divine abilities and acted in concert, thus knowing the general trajectory of future events. Li Yuanjiao was not supposed to find this person, but destiny proved no match for the Law Mirror. Had he killed or captured Tu Longjian and seized the "Leap Yang Method," it could have jeopardized a significant Violet Palace undertaking. Although the alliance between the Xiao and Li families bore the brunt, the various Violet Palace cultivators would naturally suspect Xiao Chuting, who in turn would suspect the Li family's Violet Palace. However, Xiao Chuting was already treading on thin ice. Lu Jiangxian feared that the old man might not withstand the pressure, and also that some Violet Palace cultivators might directly suspect the Li family.

He pondered what exactly this destiny was, noting it was vastly different from divine abilities, affecting others without leaving any trace. Lu Jiangxian witnessed firsthand the blood-red destiny surging behind Tu Longjian, which transformed Li Yuanjiao's murderous intent into a desire to recruit him. Subsequently, a bloody glow also appeared behind Li Yuanjiao. Yet, Li Yuanjiao himself grew suspicious, forcibly altering the outcome from recruiting Tu Longjian—which would have led to family ruin and death—into avoiding disaster through a financial loss. He mused that there was a faint resemblance to Qi circulation and spirit absorption, as if two destinies were compromising with each other. He then wondered why, if Li Yuanjiao also possessed a destiny, he had never seen it. He wondered whether it was destiny toying with people, or people toying with destiny.

Meanwhile, Li Yuanjiao flew effortlessly on clouds and mist. He had recently acquired a new treasure and was so engrossed in experiencing its subtle wonders that, without realizing it, he had flown into the territory of Xuanyue Gate. His mood was perpetually relaxed and content, filled with an inexplicable joy as if he had survived a great calamity. This reinforced his conviction that Tu Longjian was indeed endowed with destiny. He stopped before the formation and put away his magical artifact.

A few breaths later, Kong Tingyun emerged, dressed in a saffron feathered robe, appearing far more formal than when they had last met. She smiled and greeted him, announcing that he had arrived and she had been waiting for a long time. Li Yuanjiao returned a polite bow, then asked her to accompany him to Xianhu, suggesting they could discuss matters in detail on the way.

As the two ascended on the wind, Li Yuanjiao initiated the conversation. He inquired about her sect's gains at the sea entrance. Kong Tingyun smiled, her eyes crinkling, and replied that it was a rare and significant harvest. She added that for such a major event involving the division of a grotto-heaven, even what slipped through Green Pond's fingers would be enough to satiate them.

Seeing no unusual expression on her face, Li Yuanjiao nodded. He then gazed at the vast lake before them, a deep black expanse that reflected golden glints under the scorching sun. He informed her that he had once fought the Hooked Serpent, finding it difficult to deal with. He explained that it had feared the Immortal Sect backing him, thus refraining from lethal force and fleeing over a hundred miles to a new lair. He hadn't pursued it further, fearing he might scare it away.

Kong Tingyun explained that they would search separately. Since the Hooked Serpent had its family with it, it wouldn't be difficult to locate, requiring only half a day of searching. She advised him to be very careful not to disturb the demonic creature. Li Yuanjiao replied that such trouble was unnecessary. He shook his head and descended to the water's surface on the wind. The lake immediately became turbulent, with faint movements of serpents occasionally revealing black scales or claws.

Soon after, a dark-green armored shrimp leaped out, its body shrunken and trembling as the waves held it suspended in the air. Li Yuanjiao whispered, asking where the Hooked Serpent was. After listening intently, Li Yuanjiao tossed the armored shrimp back into Xianhu and smiled. He informed her that seventy-two miles east of there, a desolate mountain in the lake served as the Hooked Serpent's place of secluded cultivation. Kong Tingyun exclaimed that she had forgotten about his Vast Ocean ability.

Kong Tingyun complimented him, and as the two ascended on the wind, Li Yuanjiao spoke. He asked about her earlier statement concerning the Hooked Serpent being driven out by the Green Water Dragon, inquiring what kind of demonic creature the Green Water Dragon was. Kong Tingyun explained that she had inquired with Scarlet Dragon Island overseas. The Green Water Dragon, though not very powerful, was sent by a certain Dragon Palace at the bottom of the sea and possessed a profound background, which was why it had driven away the Hooked Serpent. Concerned only with the foundation-building demonic creatures in the sea, Li Yuanjiao asked doubtfully if there were many demonic creatures in the sea with little background, like this Hooked Serpent. Kong Tingyun nodded slightly and replied that overseas, demonic creatures were countless. The East Sea, in particular, was teeming with demonic caves. Even Xianhu held many, but the Hooked Serpent was simply the weakest among them.

As they chatted, the desolate mountain appeared in the distance. Kong Tingyun cast a spell, and clouds and mist rose beneath their feet. Li Yuanjiao whispered that he possessed an aura-concealing artifact. Kong Tingyun's eyes lit up. She nodded understandingly and replied that Tingyun would proceed first, and Brother Jiao could follow behind.

Li Yuanjiao watched her descend into the water on the wind. He then activated his Xuanwen Bottle, surveying the surroundings to ensure no humans or demonic creatures were lying in ambush. Only when certain did he enter the water. The lake was already churning, with various fish and shrimp scattering for their lives. Li Yuanjiao gazed at the emerald-green formation plate before him, feeling a touch of envy. He remarked that, as expected from one of the Three Sects and Seven Gates, their artifacts were always foundation-building level formation plates.

He approached slowly, the formation vibrating incessantly. Li Yuanjiao pondered to himself that this woman probably wouldn't collude with a demonic creature to kill him, and with the Law Mirror present, he had no fear. He then used his Xuanwen Bottle to release mist, concealing himself before submerging into the great formation. Inside, foulness surged everywhere, revealing a snake's body as thick as a water tank. Its scales glistened, each the size of a palm.

The Hooked Serpent's voice resonated with endless vibrations as it pleaded mournfully. It explained that it had cultivated for many years and only achieved its current Dao foundation by fortunately consuming many spirit beasts. It claimed its presence in Xianhu was merely for devouring spiritual resources, with no intention of offense. It implored her to consider the difficulty of its cultivation and spare its life, promising to leave immediately and never return to Xianhu.

Knowing Li Yuanjiao had entered the great formation, Kong Tingyun remained silent, exerting herself to sustain it. As Li Yuanjiao silently moved forward, the Hooked Serpent, realizing it couldn't persuade her, spoke again fiercely. The serpent roared that the young woman was arrogant to dream of killing it with a formation. It threatened to devour her and flee to the depths of the East Sea, questioning if Changxi could really travel ten thousand miles to seek revenge.

As the serpent spoke, Li Yuanjiao was already within one zhang of it. Realizing that any closer might alarm the demonic creature, he pressed his sword, accumulating power, waiting for the creature to raise its head high and draw a sword arc. A roar of pain erupted. The sword light flashed for an instant in the water, erupting in a spray of blood as it carved a massive wound into the Hooked Serpent's vital spot. Kong Tingyun was momentarily stunned and exclaimed what brilliant swordsmanship it was.

A black dragon manifested, coiling and entwining with the Hooked Serpent. The Hooked Serpent had no time to resent its opponent's treachery as Kong Tingyun's spells and Li Yuanjiao's sword qi repeatedly struck its body, tossing it about. The Hooked Serpent, whose immortal foundation was unknown, spat out two green lights, and the two venomous hooks on its forked tail lashed out. Kong Tingyun chuckled lightly and stated that she had borrowed the treasure just for him. From her sleeve, a small, light-golden bead flew out. It swayed as it moved, emitting waves of golden light that halted the snake demon's tail. Her shield-shaped magical artifact simultaneously blocked the two green lights. She called out that it was up to Brother Jiao now.

Kong Tingyun used her artifact to immobilize the creature's most threatening twin tails and continued to command her artifact to defend against the demon. Li Yuanjiao, in turn, drew his sword again and pressed closer, greatly distressing the snake demon. It opened its large mouth and spat out a bead. The bead spun, releasing a stream of shimmering white cold air that froze the surroundings, causing shattered ice to appear. Li Yuanjiao's expression, however, was slightly peculiar. He immediately hooked a finger, activating his Qi circulation and spirit absorption. A small portion of the cold air instantly rushed into his hand. Li Yuanjiao laughed heartily. He exclaimed that it was a good snake bead, but unfortunately, it didn't understand magical arts, only knowing how to use cold air to repel enemies, which was laughable. He clasped his hands together, and the cold air continuously flowed into them. The white bead stopped spinning, pulling relentlessly towards Li Yuanjiao. The white energy surged into his hands like a storm, leaving a narrow, long ice pillar in the water. He thought, "As expected, Immortal Sect disciples possess many immortal arts."

The Hooked Serpent, filled with despair and having lost its snake bead, was then suppressed by a golden mountain Kong Tingyun threw from her hand. The Hooked Serpent became increasingly powerless, desperately revealing that there was only one portion of Primeval True Water beneath the mountain, and asking how the two of them would divide it. As soon as these words were spoken, Kong Tingyun's expression changed dramatically. Slightly annoyed, she formed hand seals, causing the golden mountain to shine brightly and smash the Hooked Serpent, making it vomit blood. The female cultivator chastised it to stop talking nonsense.

Li Yuanjiao saw her expression and instantly understood. He stepped forward, seized the snake bead in his hand, severed their connection, and placed it into his storage bag. He then said in a deep voice, urging her to quickly dismantle the formation. No sooner had he spoken than he was in front of Kong Tingyun, one hand resting on his sword, his face filled with vigilance. Kong Tingyun pursed her lips and dismantled the great formation, and Li Yuanjiao unhesitatingly took the formation plate into his hand. Only then did he slightly relax. He thought, 'I was afraid she might be blinded by greed and try to trap and kill me here. Although she certainly couldn't defeat me, offending Xuanyue would be a significant problem.'

Li Yuanjiao quickly landed before the mountain, sealing the snake demon's Dao foundation. Only then did he turn back and say in a deep voice, asking Kong Tingyun if she wouldn't explain herself. Kong Tingyun put away both the bead and the golden mountain artifacts. She said apologetically that Tingyun had indeed deceived him, explaining that although the two long hooks on the Hooked Serpent's tail were also things she needed, what she truly wanted was the Primeval True Water. She gently explained that Xuanyue possessed a secret technique, and many years ago, Tingyun had observed changes in the water veins there, indicating that a spiritual water would emerge. Fearing it would be taken by others, she had secretly concealed the water veins, intending to retrieve it herself shortly thereafter. She added that she never expected this place to later be occupied by the Hooked Serpent. She had simply wanted to find a helper to eliminate the demon and obtain the spiritual water.

Li Yuanjiao, having traveled extensively, also possessed many deceptive tactics of his own. Considering it a matter of who was more capable, he showed little anger and nodded. He stated that she had never actually fought the Hooked Serpent, having known it was there all along, and that all her previous tactics were merely to conceal the desolate mountain. He surmised that as for not seeking help from fellow disciples, it was perhaps because she feared her water vein concealment technique would be exposed to them. Kong Tingyun nodded with a smile and replied that he was correct, adding that she never expected the snake demon to discover it as well, thus wasting all her painstaking efforts.

The two exchanged glances. Kong Tingyun then said in a deep voice that the tail hooks and the Primeval True Water were things Tingyun must obtain, and asked him to part with them. Li Yuanjiao squinted slightly, picked up the weakened Hooked Serpent from the lake bed, and replied that he wanted the Hooked Serpent and its snake bead, plus another portion of heavenly and earthly spiritual water as compensation. Kong Tingyun shook her head and replied that he was asking for too much, and as Tingyun didn't have any heavenly and earthly spiritual water, she requested him to propose a different condition.

Li Yuanjiao pondered for a moment before replying. He asked if her esteemed sect had someone who could open fire veins, and requested her to cultivate a fire vein for his Li family. Kong Tingyun smiled faintly and said that yes, of course they did. She explained that her senior brother was currently away, but he could visit his esteemed clan once he returned to cultivate a fire vein for them. However, she then asked him why he believed she wouldn't go back on her word. Kong Tingyun, looking slightly cunning, blinked her large eyes and stared at him with a smile. Li Yuanjiao shook his head, then pulled an emerald-green formation plate from his storage bag and said steadily that her foundation-building great formation was still in his hands and was presumably much more valuable than a fire vein.

Kong Tingyun froze for a moment, having not anticipated that he had already thought three steps ahead when taking the first. She gritted her teeth, glared at him, but then laughed aloud, saying that Li Yuanjiao was indeed the most cunning person she had ever met. Li Yuanjiao retrieved the formation plate. In his mind, he was already calculating how to maximize the benefits of being able to use the great formation for free for a period. He replied that she flattered him, stating that under the rule of Green Pond, those who weren't cunning and treacherous had all long since perished.

Kong Tingyun smiled faintly, formed hand seals, and silently searched for the spiritual water. Li Yuanjiao took the opportunity to ask what kind of treasure the Primeval True Water was. Kong Tingyun seemed to be in a good mood, humming a tune and laughing. She told him that the Primeval True Water was a premium quality heavenly and earthly spiritual water. She added that he was cunning and decisive, and she was afraid that if she told him its use and value, he would immediately turn hostile and seize it from her. Given that the great formation was also in his hands, she claimed she was truly terrified.

Li Yuanjiao immediately froze, then retreated sulkily. Kong Tingyun glanced at Li Yuanjiao and said softly, asking if his clan had any other foundation-building brothers, specifically someone with a similar temperament to him who had not yet married into the Xiao family. Li Yuanjiao, thoroughly bewildered, frowned and replied that no, there wasn't. Kong Tingyun sighed softly, lowered her brows, and began to lament, explaining that she had spent years in secluded cultivation as a child, and in the blink of an eye, over forty years had passed. Yet, it was hard to find a true confidant within the sect. The few male cultivators at the Foundation Building stage were all, she said, indescribable.

Li Yuanjiao immediately understood and offered consolation. He advised that the matter of a Dao companion truly required caution. He suggested waiting a little longer, as the great Dao was fraught with perils. Choosing a foolish partner, he warned, could bring disaster upon three generations and affect a hundred years, which would be an unsightly affair. Kong Tingyun agreed, asking rhetorically who would say otherwise. Kong Tingyun gritted her teeth and replied faintly that the ancient past was vast and obscure, with losses untraceable. Even in recent antiquity, she stated, there were Dao embryos harmed by their own Dao companions. How could mere cultivators possibly explain such complexities? It was, she concluded, much safer to remain single.

Li Yuanjiao remained silent, which seemed to deepen Kong Tingyun's worries. She held her jade bottle and silently cast spells in the air, only showing some joy when the light-blue spiritual water finally emerged from underground. Li Yuanjiao and Kong Tingyun erased all traces in the lake. Only then did he bid farewell and departed on the wind. Kong Tingyun escorted him out of the Immortal Sect's territory, watching him disappear into the horizon, carrying the massive Hooked Serpent. She sighed, remarking what she had been thinking. Kong Tingyun patted her forehead, rode the wind back, and returned to face the complexities of her sect alone.