Chapter 381: Carrying the Snake Back

Li Yuanjiao, carrying the half-dead Hook Serpent, flew away from the salty lake's south shore near Xuanyue Gate. He activated the Profound Rune Bottle, and mist began to spread all around them. The Hook Serpent continued to whimper, its mouth filled with pleas for mercy.

The Hook Serpent's enormous body was too large for the Profound Rune Bottle to conceal, making it quite conspicuous. Li Yuanjiao, carrying the serpent, had just reached the lakeshore when he frowned and was forced to descend.

'Wild mountains and abandoned temples are too noticeable... This monstrous creature is also incredibly heavy, draining my spiritual energy, and flaunting it openly is truly unwise.'

He quickly changed direction, flying north for a short distance. His plan was to travel upstream through the salty lake, follow the great river through the safest territory of the Xiuyue Sect, and then return from Xu Kingdom to the north shore of Wangyue Lake.

'Uncle Ling's travelogue once mentioned the surging great river, stating it was highly beneficial for cultivators practicing the Vast Sea technique. It's a perfect chance to witness it.'

Li Yuanjiao, whose Jing Dragon King form was a lake flood dragon, immediately felt the Hook Serpent in his hand become significantly lighter as he submerged into the lake, buoyed by the water.

He first summoned several crab demons, asking them about the distribution of demonic forces at the lake's bottom and the whereabouts of the various demon kings. Only then did he map out his route and slowly proceed, dragging the Hook Serpent, all the while considering Kong Tingyun's earlier remarks:

'I need to find assistance... Xuanyue Gate would be a good ally. Though I'm unsure of True Immortal Changxi's strength, he seems to have powerful backing, which could have been an excellent opportunity.'

'It's a shame my family doesn't have a cultivator capable of holding their own; otherwise, if this had worked out, things would have been much easier, and we would have gained an external ally to keep an eye on the Shanyue.'

Li Yuanjiao mused to himself:

'I wonder if this aligns with True Immortal Changxi's intentions... and whose game he's truly playing.'

He continued to ponder, disregarding the demon's incessant chatter. Seeing Li Yuanjiao's cautious disposition, the Hook Serpent grew dispirited and stopped begging. After a long silence, it sighed:

"All demons said the land was perilous, but I, coveting spiritual treasures, refused to believe them. Now I'm to be made into snake soup!"

Li Yuanjiao cast a glance and asked:

"What is your cultivation foundation?"

The Hook Serpent replied:

"The demon palace folks call it 'Morning Cold Rain,' though I'm not sure what the higher-ups call it. This lowly demon cultivates as a feathered serpent, while the High Immortal cultivates as a flood dragon, so perhaps I'm not suitable for consumption... If you insist on eating, I can find a flood dragon for the High Immortal..."

Li Yuanjiao listened thoughtfully as he moved along the riverbed, then leisurely remarked:

"Friend, you're overthinking this. My clan is neither a demon's lair nor a dragon palace; we possess no means to restrain spirits. Nor are we a Buddhist temple that understands how to refine demonic essence. How could I possibly trust you? The moment I release you, you'll instantly vanish."

The Hook Serpent understood perfectly, and curled up dispiritedly.

Li Yuanjiao, however, paid close attention, musing:

'Although this Hook Serpent seemed to be subdued by us in just a few moves, in reality, seventy to eighty percent of that was thanks to external forces. Besides the Green Ruler Sword and Profound Rune Bottle being Foundation Establishment artifacts, Kong Tingyun's Golden Mountain and precious pearl are undoubtedly powerful as well. It was only with the addition of that grand formation that the Hook Serpent was finally suppressed.'

He glanced at the Hook Serpent's forked, bare tail, which Kong Tingyun had severed the hook from, making it look rather unsightly.

'I wonder if Senior White Banyan Fox is still beneath that tree... I shouldn't rush to sacrifice this snake demon; I can inquire first.'

As Li Yuanjiao journeyed, he observed the riverbed alternately dimming and brightening. Several times, he stumbled upon demon palaces: grand and small shell-and-sand pavilions, and white karst caves, presenting a scene of vibrant prosperity.

Two Foundation Establishment demon generals were patrolling their territory when they unexpectedly encountered Li Yuanjiao, who was dragging the Hook Serpent. They were so terrified they dared not raise their heads and hastily scurried away.

However, Li Yuanjiao did not witness the surging river Li Xuanling had spoken of, nor did he gain any cultivation insights. The main river channel was exceedingly wide and long, and should contain numerous treasures.

Upon reaching the Xiuyue Sect's territory, Li Yuanjiao emerged from the water, still holding the Hook Serpent. Standing before him was a cultivator in white robes, with a sword on his back, seemingly engaged in divination. He showed no change in expression despite being interrupted by Li Yuanjiao, and spoke:

"Nian Yi of the Xiuyue Sect greets Senior. Congratulations on capturing the demon general."

Although the young man was merely a Qi Refining cultivator, Li Yuanjiao dared not be disrespectful, and said softly:

"Pardon my passage through your esteemed sect, and my intrusion, fellow Daoist."

Nian Yi nodded and, without further ado, began to draw a wisp of spiritual energy from the environment, his eyes half-closed, resuming his divination.

As Li Yuanjiao journeyed south, he observed that the Xu Kingdom was entirely peaceful, a stark contrast to its chaotic state years ago. There were no signs of demonic cultivators, and the cultivators flying along the roads were open and appeared to have no defenses.

The rogue cultivators he directly encountered were also very polite, congratulating him on capturing a great demon.

"As expected of the Xiuyue Immortal Sect, there truly is a significant difference."

Li Yuanjiao traversed the region and landed back above Wangyue Lake. Several Qi Refining cultivators from the Li family immediately rushed to greet him, with Li Xuanxuan at the forefront, his expression one of immense relief as he said:

"Jiao'er has returned safely!"

Having gained much from this journey, Li Yuanjiao chuckled and placed the Hook Serpent on the shore, reinforcing it with several restrictions. Instantly, Li family cultivators swarmed forward, some initiating seals, others setting up formations, and yet others calculating the shackles and nails needed to secure the sealed demon.

Once they returned to the mountain, Li Yuanjiao displayed the items acquired from his journey, and Li Qinghong and the others immediately rejoiced.

The Profound Rune Bottle and the Profound Yang Departing Fire were both excellent items, and they had even captured a Foundation Establishment snake demon. Li Qinghong picked up the Profound Rune Bottle, a Foundation Establishment artifact, and held it admiringly, though with a hint of regret:

'It's a pity my brother named it first. A dignified Foundation Establishment artifact is called something like a Qi-gathering bottle for Embryonic Breath cultivation. We'll just have to use it as is...'

The group exchanged and examined these two treasures several times. Then, an old man, appearing over ninety and incredibly frail, came up from below and bowed to them.

Li Qinghong quickly supported him, and Li Xuanxuan introduced:

"This is Qian, a rogue cultivator, now ninety-eight years old."

Handing the old man three storage bags, Li Xuanxuan said:

"As previously agreed, please proceed, old sir."

Old Man Qian nodded, took the storage bag, extended his spiritual sense into it, and a cascade of shimmering treasures spilled onto the ground.

Old Man Qian himself let out a sigh of relief. He then took out the second storage bag and poured out more spiritual items. Seeing no countermeasures, Li Xuanxuan nodded and handed him a spirit stone, bringing a smile to the old man's face.

Li Yuanjiao sat upright, his eyes slightly narrowed, watching Old Man Qian open the storage bag belonging to the demonic cultivator father and daughter. Next, he picked up the third storage bag, which belonged to the audacious demonic cultivator; it was black and translucent, appearing quite extraordinary.

The moment Old Man Qian's spiritual sense entered it, a burst of black mist erupted. Li Yuanjiao, having anticipated this, had already conjured a spell to resist. However, Old Man Qian only managed a single scream before he exploded into a pool of blood.

Li Xuanxuan retracted his spell, sending the blood, along with shimmering red and white bone fragments and minced flesh, out of the cave. He then said gently:

"Please invite Old Man Ding inside."

Li Yuanjiao quietly said:

"It appears to be a witchcraft blood art, set by a Foundation Establishment cultivator. It can corrode both spiritual sense and physical body, so it's no wonder that even an Embryonic Breath cultivator couldn't endure it for a moment."

Li Qinghong, standing nearby, subtly shook her head and asked:

"How much compensation will be given?"

"Three spirit stones, to be sent to his eldest son, who will also be granted a position on the peak."

As the two conversed, another old man, his face beaming, ascended from below. He generously saluted the three, then extended his spiritual sense into the fine black brocade pouch, which finally spilled its contents onto the ground with a rustle.

Old Man Ding paused, then cried out in profound sorrow:

"But wasn't there supposed to be witchcraft in it!"

As he spoke, Li Xuanxuan handed over a bag of spirit rice, and two clan guards promptly led him away. Li Qinghong watched with a frown, and Li Xuanxuan said:

"This rogue cultivator, Old Man Ding's eldest son, has attempted to refine his impure Qi twice, failing both times. He's merely waiting for a pill to try one last time."

Li Yuanjiao had already sorted through numerous items. Setting aside the demonic cultivation techniques and pills, he gathered all the spiritual items and artifacts suitable for Embryonic Breath and Qi Refining into one storage bag.

Of the remaining fifty-two spirit stones, the audacious demonic cultivator had accounted for the vast majority. Li Yuanjiao, with a sweep of his hand, deposited all of them into the treasury. He then repeatedly examined the remaining items, finding them truly unremarkable.

"After reaching Foundation Establishment, these items will no longer be of much use to me!"

Li Yuanjiao shook his head, distributed everything below, and thought to himself:

'Now that I've attained Foundation Establishment and possess the Profound Rune Bottle to conceal my presence, I no longer fear being discovered by that pig demon. I can finally venture into the outer reaches of Mount Dali and pay a visit to Senior White Banyan Fox.'

Donghuo Cave Heaven.

Within Donghuo Cave Heaven, the tallest peak was Lihuo Peak. The formation atop it was still active, shimmering with golden light, as countless mysterious runes flowed up and down. Cultivators from various sects and schools gathered around, yet a profound silence permeated the air.

"Attack!"

At the very center, Chi Zhiyun, clad in a shimmering azure daoist robe, with white light swirling around his longsword, casually gave an order. Immediately, disciples from the three sects and seven schools received their commands, each casting spells and activating their artifacts, launching an assault on the grand formation.

This grand formation was already dilapidated. With a considerable number of Foundation Establishment cultivators present, it quickly became unstable. It endured for another half an hour before emitting a dazzling golden light and suddenly dissolving.

The cultivators cheered, preparing to swarm in. However, a person flew out from within the formation on the wind, wearing a crimson Chi Dragon mask, holding a long spear, and of towering build, burst into laughter:

"Many thanks to all fellow Daoists for breaking the formation for me, Chu. I, Chu Yi, will gladly accept the Dongli Daoist scripture collection!"

His words were polite, yet the sarcasm in his tone was evident. As he finished speaking, he conjured a talisman in his hand, and immediately, someone below cooperated by shouting:

"A Purple Mansion Talisman! A Void Yuan Escape Talisman!"

Chu Yi laughed heartily, and using the talisman, vanished into the void.

The cultivators became enraged, as if they had been thoroughly played, yet each wondered why the Purple Mansion cultivators had not intervened. Chi Zhiyun, in the center, also appeared furious, but secretly smirked sarcastically after the person had departed.

'Why didn't the True Immortals act? If Yuansu and Qiushui had intervened out of greed for these Daoist scriptures, not only would they offend Luoxia Mountain, but how could they have possibly stopped him? Losing face severely, or being utterly humiliated, would be considered mild... If the True Lord of Luoxia Mountain were to show no respect, even killing a True Immortal on the spot wouldn't be considered an offense...'

He rose on the wind, dispatching people one by one into the designated areas pre-allocated to the three sects and seven schools. He himself descended onto the mountain peak, gazing at the empty pavilion, a wave of emotion stirring within him:

'The Dongli Sect... The two peak Purple Mansion True Immortals, Dongli and Donghuo... ultimately met their end, their sect was annihilated, and their Daoist lineage absorbed by Luoxia...'

True Immortals Yuansu and Qiushui watched him depart triumphantly from within the void, yet neither made a move, only silently observing his departure. The two remained silent for a long time, until the number of people in the Cave Heaven dwindled.

"That's enough."

Yuansu felt the fluctuations in the void gradually diminish. Only then did he tear through the void and step into Donghuo Cave Heaven. True Immortal Qiushui likewise entered the Cave Heaven with him, saying gently:

"As expected of his Golden essence. In just three short years, Chu Yi is already on the verge of collapse... Judging by his current state, he'll likely explode and die before long."

Yuansu softly acknowledged, then looked up. The entire Cave Heaven seemed to be veiled in a layer of hazy mist, with dark hues floating amidst it and hardly any figures visible.

The colors within Donghuo Cave Heaven grew progressively dimmer. The disciples from various sects, having amassed great wealth, retreated one by one, leaving only the two Purple Mansion cultivators from the immortal sects suspended in mid-air, gazing at the grey world below.

"Chu Yi took the Dongli Daoist scripture collection."

True Immortal Yuansu stood suspended in mid-air, his tone calm. The golden spring water ceaselessly gushed beneath his feet, which should have been sparkling, but in the dim world, it appeared dull and lifeless.

"It's rather pitiful."

True Immortal Qiushui stood quietly beside him, casually remarking. Yuansu, however, chuckled sarcastically and whispered:

"How could a True Lord require our pity? Cui Mu gambled and lost, made the wrong move on the chessboard, and destroyed the Mingyang Daoist lineage. This outcome is well-deserved."

True Immortal Qiushui's robes fluttered as she said softly:

"Luoxia Mountain has been corrupting Mingyang for five hundred years, and now they can reach Donghuo Cave Heaven. If they continue to corrupt for another five hundred years, perhaps it will be Ancient Wei Huang Heaven that falls. At that time, Luoxia Mountain could gain another True Lord... or even a High Immortal."

"Is everyone within the realms just watching, and no one will intervene...?"

True Immortal Yuansu's expression was quite peculiar after hearing her words. Playing with the small golden seal in his hand, he chuckled:

"You, Jinyu, are always the most eager to curry favor. Back then, it was 'Luoxia Supreme Sect' with every breath, and now you adopt a stance of sowing discord. Constantly switching between these two faces is truly revolting."

"Tiaoxiao!"

True Immortal Qiushui sighed, her composure faltering slightly, and replied:

"Whether immortal or mortal, the sight of someone enduring humiliation to preserve the whole is never pleasant... Don't take it too seriously."

True Immortal Yuansu shook his head and replied:

"How could I not know? I only say these things to you."

True Immortal Qiushui's slender hand trembled slightly, and the golden spring water on the ground cascaded into her hand. She softly said:

"This matter no longer requires our concern. Head north to Xiuyue and Lotus Temple; the rest is their business."

"Once this matter concludes, with yang diminishing and yin balancing between heaven and earth, it will be the perfect Mysterious Harmonious Atmosphere, bringing us closer to the auspicious moment for the Shangyuan breakthrough. We will have plenty to keep us busy."

True Immortal Yuansu stood with his hands clasped behind his back, allowing her to collect the spiritual water, and replied:

"Bu Zi went to the East Sea, Yuan Xiu went to the Southern Borders, and Yuan Wu is solely focused on his own opportunities. He talks a good game about 'troubling junior brother,' but how many Purple Mansion spiritual artifacts has Yuanwu Peak refined? And we haven't seen him contribute anything."

"Only I, with my Dao path broken, am condemned to a life of toil, constantly rushing about."

True Immortal Qiushui smiled slightly and simply replied:

"You won't be short-changed on benefits!"

Yuansu's face showed disgust as he replied:

"I only dare speak such words here in Donghuo Cave Heaven. Those few in Qingchi Cave Heaven are accustomed to ordering people around. Whether there are benefits or not is one thing, but this whole affair is far from clean."

My thanks to Alliance Leaders Yihu Laojiu and Shen Xi.(I can't possibly finish this, there's no end to adding...)I really want to write a story about a cult leader of a secret sect; I can't help but start brainstorming.(The extra chapters will have to wait; I'm currently stuck on them.)(End of Chapter)