Great Red Immortal Sect

Chapter 42 Layout
Luoqing, Tianqing Peak.

Xu Xuan pondered the truth of Jingyan's words. After seeing the strange vision in the ancient painting, Xu Xuan also had his own guesses.

This matter involved a far-reaching plan that was beyond his control. He looked somewhat gloomy and said in a complicated tone:

"Thank you, Master Jingyan, for your advice. I just don't know why you came to tell me this specifically. Wouldn't that offend them?"

The monk opposite lowered his eyebrows and sighed:

"My Great Moonlight Temple should have kept its distance from this matter, but we have received the kindness of your ancestors, so I came to inform you."

Xu Xuan didn't know what he was thinking, he just whispered:

"Is there any chance of mediation?"

Jingyan stood up, put away the glass treasure box, looked in the direction of Wunan County, and said comfortingly:

"The return of [Poison] is the result of a compromise among all parties. That great witch resides in the Sky Poison Mountain in the Witch Wasteland. His cultivation has reached perfection, and he is hard to find in the world."

"It's not that this family doesn't remember our old friendship. I'm going to ask them this time. Master Xu and the headmaster of the Empty Sword Sect will place a bet on whoever cultivates the sword intent, and they will make sure that he or she reaches the Purple Palace at least."

"But we have to do it before the changes happen on the original land, otherwise they won't be able to wait any longer."

Xu Xuan nodded in agreement and was about to ask a few more questions when suddenly there was a loud buzzing of insects on the peak and many poisonous insects crawled out from the cracks in the rocks and the tiles.

Jingyan's face changed, and he said no more. He bowed towards the east, and then these poisonous insects turned into a black gas and dissipated.

Xu Xuan's heart sank to the bottom when he saw the strange changes around him. He sighed and said:

"Master, you are willing to take the risk to tell me this news. I will always remember this kindness."

Jingyan on this side didn't dare to say anything more. He just returned the greeting and said goodbye. He was going to go to the plain to see Kongjianmen and meet Zuo Mohe, and then go directly to Wuhuang.

Jingyan walked quickly, and his figure in a white robe disappeared into the mountains and was never seen again.

The hall was in ruins. Xu Xuan first cast a few spells to make the ground flat again, and then sat there thinking about the key to this matter.

"Tian Tuo, is there any hope for this situation?"

The old demon's voice rang out in my mind, this time very serious, as if a different demon had spoken:

"This is indeed a troublesome matter. An old witch has set her sights on you. Even if you run to the ends of the earth, she can still bring you back."

After saying that, a somewhat dark spell emerged from Xu Xuan's palm, twisting continuously.

"It seems that the guy from Sky Poison Mountain has already obtained your flesh and blood or something else, and has locked you down with his magical powers."

Tiantuo's tone was faint and ghostly.

"If it weren't for your sensitive identity and the fact that you were in Chiyun South, where the situation is so murky, they would have captured you long ago."

"So now my every move is in his sight?"

"Of course not. The concealment method used by the ancient tablet in your body is very sophisticated. It is a method of replacing the real with a fake. The other party can sense you, but your true words and actions are concealed."

Only then did Xu Xuan feel relieved, for he was afraid that the great witch of Tiandu Mountain would notice the clues and take action directly.

"According to what Jingyan said, the turning point of this matter lies with you. If you can cultivate the sword intent, the other party may even guarantee you entry into the Purple Palace."

"Sword Intentions are so difficult, I'm afraid there are only a handful of people who have mastered them outside of the country."

Xu Xuan sighed, if he really expected him to comprehend the meaning of sword, it would be tantamount to waiting for death.

"Why should they wait? According to Jingyan, they could have just refined Zuo Mohe and me directly and succeeded. Why would they care about a small pawn like me?"

"You are not a pawn. Hehe, I never thought that your shabby place actually inherited the Taoist tradition of ancient Shu."

Xu Xuan was tempted to ask for clarification, but Tian Tuo seemed to be hesitant about something and changed the subject, continuing:
"Once one has achieved the Golden Elixir, they are in harmony with the Dao. Every word and action of theirs is a sign of the Daoist tradition. If that old witch really harms the Daoist tradition, then the method of seeking gold passed down by his ancestors will be useless, which is tantamount to cutting off the path for future generations."

Tian Tuo's voice became serious and he continued:
"It's like the three of you signed a pact to jointly control the key to the [Poison]. Now that your family has fallen on hard times and dragged down the others, it's only natural that they're anxious."

"If you become the sword will, then Tiandu Mountain will become your support."

Xu Xuan's heart moved slightly, and he thought of another thing, and asked in a low voice:

"You said I still have the seal script of [Sword Rising from the Abyss] here. If I could fully manifest it, could I achieve the sword intent?"

Tian Tuo thought for a while and then answered:
"It's hard to say, but this is the most reliable way for you to comprehend the sword's will."

"If you want to succeed, you must do it before the demon disaster, otherwise they won't be able to sit still."

Xu Xuan sighed deeply. Over the years, the pure energy on the ancient stele had gradually increased. Apart from the half-finished seal script of [Five Poisons--], there should be another one that could be completed, but there was no movement.

"If you can't manifest yourself, why not hand it over to me? If I can cultivate again and my life is intact, I should be able to receive the seal directly."

Only then did Tiantuo reveal his true thoughts, and his tone was somewhat seductive.

"We'll talk about it then. I'll just give it to you. I'm afraid the first thing you'll do when you wake up is eat me and run away with the treasure."

Tian Tuo laughed loudly, and the sound echoed in Xu Xuan's mind. The monster changed his previous easy-going tone and said in a low voice with some madness:
"Immortal artifacts in this world are naturally owned by those with virtue. High cultivation is virtue, powerful supernatural powers are virtue, and a deep background is virtue."

"Boy, you have no moral integrity. Stealing the immortal weapon is a sin."

Xu Xuan was too lazy to argue with him. After a while, Tiantuo also became depressed, as if he was thinking about his own experience and felt a little down.

"Have you arranged the matter regarding the outer body?"

It will only be a few days before we go to Shanyan City, and this is the most urgent matter at the moment.

"This is the genuine [Xuan Yin Ni Scale]. Just follow the instructions in [Six Paths of Transformation] and water it with blood and energy."

Tiantuo agreed and handed something to Xu Xuan.

A dragon scale emitting a strong dark light appeared in Xu Xuan's hand. Its texture was like gold and iron, and its edges were extremely sharp. Xu Xuan even felt that this thing would be much better than [Dan Ting] if used as a magic weapon.

"Isn't this old demon just a remnant of his soul? Where did you get this thing from?"

Xu Xuan gently stroked his reverse scale, thinking deeply. It seemed that Tiantuo had hidden a lot.

Xu Xuan had no time to discuss this with the old demon. He simply returned to Juzhen Hall and sent a message to everyone in the sect, saying that he would be in seclusion and would not see anyone for the time being. This object was not at the Foundation Establishment level; it seemed to have been taken from a Purple Mansion Dragon King. Although the murderous aura had dissipated, if one probed with spiritual consciousness, it would be like hitting an iron wall.

Xu Xuan was just worrying about how to refine it when the seal characters of [Xuan Jiao Xing Lei] in his body moved slightly and a stream of clear air fell down. The [Xuan Yin Ni Lin] actually stopped resisting and obediently let Xu Xuan's consciousness enter.

According to the records of [Six Paths of Transformation], Xu Xuan transferred his blood and energy to the reverse scale, and soon the dark gray scale began to change, gradually transforming into a small dragon, with bared fangs and claws, like a living creature.

Xu Xuan quickly used his secret technique, and his mind was as small as a mustard seed, which fell on the little dragon. It was like a dream, and when he opened his eyes again, he had possessed the little dragon.

[Xuan Jiao Xing Lei] shone brighter than ever before. Xu Xuan recalled the method of changing shape and transformed himself into the same appearance he had in [Dong Yuan].

He wore armor with green scales, jade horns entangled with lightning, and a patch of black-gray scales on his neck. When he thought about it, a mysterious and dark light emanated.

The connection with Xu Xuan's original physical body in another place became weak, but it could also be easily sensed and controlled. Xu Xuan could even return to his previous physical body as long as he thought about it.

"This incarnation is of the Da Ming Ze bloodline through and through. Even if we ask the Dragon Court to identify it, they won't be able to figure out the origin."

Tian Tuo laughed playfully, his voice sharp.

Now, the cultivation level of this incarnation is synchronized with Xu Xuan's original body, reaching the seventh level of Qi Refining. It has completely imitated Xu Xuan's Qi Sea, and can use all kinds of skills and secret techniques as usual. Even his body is tougher than before.

Tian Tuo seemed still not satisfied and said:

"I have a secret scroll here that tells about the Dragon Court's training of its disciples. It explains the origins of the Daming Lake and how to cultivate while fighting in a demonic form. Watch carefully and make sure you don't let anything slip."

After he finished speaking, many words appeared in Xu Xuan's mind and changed into a jade slip, which was the "Mingze Secret Scroll".

Xu Xuan looked at it carefully and finally had some understanding of the Daming Lake.

This Dragon Court seems to have originated from the North Sea. It was when a true dragon's son landed and established a legacy. However, the bloodline of his descendants has degenerated and they can no longer be considered dragons, but only members of the Jiao family. This Dragon Court is now secluded in a cave for unknown reasons.

The rest of the secret scroll talked about how to fight and practice as a dragon. Xu Xuan read it very seriously. After all, he might have to meet a Purple Mansion Demon King. If he was allowed to see through his secrets, he would be dead.

Xu Xuan took the dragon body back into the [Upper Sky Thunder Cloud], but this incarnation had no spirituality, so it did not bring any benefits.

The biggest benefit Xu Xuan gained from his cultivation this time was that he used the colorful light and moonlight attracted by Jingyan to cultivate the second manifestation of the [Jade Blood Heavenly Heart Technique], which was the [Chongtian Eye].

He has an extra eye between his eyebrows, which can see through illusions. According to Tiantuo, this strange appearance is an imitation of a real lord from Shu. Although it is just a fake in appearance, it is also very magical.

If you are hit by some mind-enchanting spells, you can regain consciousness in an instant, which is suitable for use in battles.

"Next, I'll focus on the technique. I need to find at least a fourth-grade [Thunderbolt] technique, preferably one that's superior to my [Zhenyao Wenling Fa]."

Thinking of this, Xu Xuan calmed down. The road ahead was difficult, so he should focus on the present and take it one step at a time.
-
Chonghua County, Shanyan City.

This ancient city occupies one of the most spiritual places in Chonghua. It is a holy place for several monsters in Li Country, and many birds come here to practice.

In the Qiyu Tower, Yang Yuanxin is currently entertaining a distinguished guest, who is a figure from the immortal way.

The two sat opposite each other, and opposite was a cultivator wearing bright blue armor. He looked very young and had profound cultivation, having reached the eighth level of Qi Refining.

"Fellow Daoist Yuanxin, I, Chi Lei Dao, sincerely wish to make friends with the nobles and work together for great things. I hope you will consider this."

The man spoke respectfully and appeared very polite.

"Fellow Daoist Shunfu, my master has already told me about this matter. Although the immortals and demons in Li Country are friendly, there are still some inconveniences. I don't need your family to worry about the matter of [Surge Tribulation Heaven]."

Yang Yuanxin frowned slightly. The man in front of her was none other than Luo Shunfu, the direct descendant of Chi Lei Dao. She had heard some bad things about this man and didn't like him very much.

"In that case, I will not say any more. I am just worried that the nobles will not be able to find a suitable candidate. Even if they enter, it will be difficult to obtain spiritual objects."

After saying this, Luo Shun bowed and said goodbye. Yang Yuanxin didn't say farewell and watched him leave on a thunderbolt.

As soon as Luo Shunfu left, a great foundation-building demon in red clothes appeared. It was Yang Yuanyi, Yang Yuanxin's elder brother from the same mother.

"Yuanxin, please follow the master's instructions and politely decline this person from the Heavenly Order of Thunder."

"Don't worry, brother. That person is no longer bothering us and has already left."

Yang Yuanxin breathed a sigh of relief, but Yang Yuanyi beside him frowned and said softly:

"In a few days, it will be time. If that Dragon Son doesn't come, we can only let those casual cultivators who came before try to enter."

"If it weren't for the bad reputation of the Chi Lei Dao, there would be no problem in cooperating with them."

On the other side, Yang Yuanxin was a little dissatisfied. He snorted and complained:

"Brother, I've never heard of anything this family has done. If you cooperate with them, you'll have to be more cautious."

The two were talking about some trivial matters, but the red feathers on their temples became hot. They immediately changed color and ran straight to Fengyan Mountain behind Shanyan City. They reached the highest peak and entered a cave.

There are blazing flames everywhere. The outer layer is mostly foundation-building spiritual fire, and the inner layer is purple mansion-level spiritual fire. The slightest leak of fire is enough to burn the foundation into ashes.

The two stood outside the cave, awaiting their fate. In the firelight, a pair of crimson pupils appeared, almost as tall as the two of them. An old voice rang out from within:
"Did the person from Chi Lei Dao say anything else?"

Yang Yuanxin replied respectfully:
"Reporting to the Lord, Luo Shunfu did not linger any further and left."

The voice in the cave fell silent for a moment, then said in a teasing voice:

"Hey, that Lingming Zhenren has been coveting our clan's [Tribulation-Transforming Thunder Talisman] for a long time. He wasn't clean when he achieved the Purple Palace, and was stuck in the early stages for many years. This is retribution."

The two people outside the cave did not dare to say much. It was not their turn to comment on the old events between Zifu.

"Let's first see how genuine the dragon from Damingze is. If he's someone else impersonating me, I'll definitely tear his tendons and bones apart and give him a good beating."

The flames in the cave grew stronger, and the pair of red pupils flickered. The spiritual fire in the cave also surged, but it stopped inside the cave and did not flow outside.

"Sir, these outer palaces are sure to have suitable techniques. That dragon son is practicing the [Tribulations Heart Pool] technique, so I'm afraid it's missing."

"Yuanxin, don't worry. In the outer palace, there are three gods and two thunders. [Thunder] happens to have the upper position of [Jiexinchi]."

The voice in the cave seemed to sigh, and even the surrounding flames fell silent for a moment. The voice seemed to be reminiscing, and said in a trance:
"The fifth-grade 'Ze Lei Lu Long Jing' cultivates the immortal foundation [Jiang Lei Ze], originating from Ji Du, nurturing the sacred, lasting for hundreds of generations, and is the key to the birth and rise of [Zhen Lei]."

"I haven't seen it in hundreds of years."

As he finished speaking, dark clouds seemed to gather in the sky, and several bolts of lightning came down, deafening.

(End of this chapter)