Finally, Gu Bei felt some pressure from the strength of this 3-fate expert before him. However, his heart was boiling as his fighting spirit soared into the sky. He no longer had to conceal his own strength, allowing his power to shoot towards the pinnacle of the 1-fate realm. However, Gu Bei’s aura didn’t stop there. Pressured by the 3-fate aura, the barrier within Gu Bei’s soul realm finally broke.

Gu Bei issued a painfully deep howl as the energy inside his body surged. His cultivation had reached the 2-fate stage as the second fate soul slowly formed within his soul realm.

He’d finally obtained the opportunity for a breakthrough!

A light flashed through Gu Bei’s eyes and he suddenly merged with his demon spirit. His body rapidly grew larger, turning into the shape of a gigantic Dragon Bone Winged Tiger. The tiger was five meters tall with a huge pair of skeletal wings protruding from its back, burning with black soul flames and emitted heavy pressure.

A Dragon Bloodline God Level growth rate demon spirit: the Dragon Bone Winged Tiger. Gu Bei’s cultivation had just now reached 2-fate level and the Scarlet Titanic Flame Bear was still a stage above him. However, with that kind of demon spirit in his possession, Gu Bei had the absolute advantage.

*Roar!*

The Dragon Bone Winged Tiger’s furious roar made the Scarlet Titanic Flame Bear look like a child!

They were of two completely different strengths!





Chapter 327: Successor’s Position


The Scarlet Titanic Flame Bear trembled with fear. It was immobilized by the terrifying pressure of the Dragon Bone Winged Tiger.

The Dragon Bone Winged Tiger lifted its huge palm and slammed the Scarlet Titanic Flame Bear, the wind whistling as it went by.

*Boom!*

The terrifying energy slammed the Scarlet Titanic Flame bear into the ground. Its bulky legs constantly twitched.

This Scarlet Titanic Flame Bear was on par to a Dragon Bloodline Excellent Level growth rate demon spirit. Furthermore, both Gu Bing and his Scarlet Titanic Flame Bear were already at the 3-fate realm.

However, the Scarlet Titanic Flame Bear was smashed into the ground with just one strike from the Dragon Boned Winged Tiger.

At the sight of this, Gu Ya abruptly stood up. With his keen eyesight and his perception of auras, how could he not sense that Gu Bei’s Dragon Bloodline demon spirit had a God Level growth rate?

He couldn’t mask the astonishment in his heart. He understood exactly what having a Dragon Bloodline God Level growth rate demon spirit meant.

A Dragon Bloodline God Level growth rate demon spirit meant pinnacle pillar strength. Once Gu Bei grew up, he would definitely become an important existence within the Divine Feathers Sect.

Over the years, the Gu Clan had been constantly hunting demon beasts in the outside world and had only obtained two Dragon Bloodline God Level growth rate demon spirits. One of them had been given to Gu Lan, but since her meridians had been blocked, it was impossible to change the owner. As for the other one, it’d been given to Gu Heng. However, Gu Heng’s talent had always been inferior to Gu Lan’s.

But now, another Dragon Bloodline God Level growth rate demon spirit had appeared in the Gu Clan!

Where did Gu Bei get that demon spirit from?

Under normal circumstances, demon spirits of that level could only be found in the hands of some major family; they were simply too hard to find. You’d have to kill thousands or even tens of thousands of demon spirits to find one Extraordinary Level growth rate demon spirit with a Dragon Bloodline. As for God Level growth rates, those were entirely dependent on luck. Even with the entire family hunting nonstop, the Gu Clan would be lucky to find one after several years.

However, Gu Bei had actually got a Dragon Bloodline God Level growth rate demon spirit!

Although Gu Ya had no idea where Gu Bei might have gotten it from, he was certain of one thing. With such a powerful demon spirit, Gu Bei would definitely become second-in-line to the Gu Clan. Furthermore, the first successor’s position would also be reconsidered.

Dragon Bloodline God Level growth rate demon spirits were extremely rare. However, someone with heaven-defying luck might be able obtain one from hunting a Dragon Bloodline demon beast. After all, it was something of low probability. It didn’t matter where Gu Bei got it from. The important point was that another talented member of the younger generation had appeared within the Gu Clan!

This matter would shake the entire family!

Gu Heng was watching from the sidelines with unrestrained shock. Gu Bei actually got himself a Dragon Bloodline God Level growth rate demon spirit! Suddenly, Gu Heng felt his own position had become unstable.

All this time, Gu Heng had never placed Gu Bei with much importance; but now, Gu Bei had actually become a huge threat.

This brother and sister. One was crippled and still wasn’t resigned to the fact. Now the other wanted to come out and fight?

A vicious light flashed across Gu Heng’s eyes. Since Gu Bei appeared with the intention of fighting for position, then he should have a certain amount of confidence. ‘Since that’s the case, then I’ll play with you!’ Gu Heng knew that trying to poison Gu Bei definitely wouldn’t work again. First, Gu Bei would definitely have precautious. Second, if both sister and brother had their meridians clogged, it’d start smelling fishy. The family would investigate the matter to its end. If that happened, then Gu Heng would definitely be suspected and it’d affect his prestige within the family.

He had to think of another way to prevent Gu Bei from growing up!

If Gu Bei intendeds to fight for his position, then Gu Bei would definitely have to build his own force in the outside world. Out there, Gu Heng definitely wouldn’t give Gu Bei any trace of a chance.

Gu Lan, who was sitting on her chair, swept her gaze over Gu Heng. Her expression remained calm, no one knows what she was thinking about. Gu Heng would never expect that Gu Lan had already recovered fully. His opponent wasn’t Gu Bei alone; it was the two of them together!

Gu Bing, who was a 3-fate, had also lost. The bystanders all looked at Gu Ya, curious to see whether Gu Ya would send anyone else to test Gu Bei.

Gu Ya waved his hand as he laughed, “Gu Bei’s test will end here! We will host an urgent meeting of the elders now. All clansmen of the Gu Clan, listen up! Gu Bei will become one of the successor candidates to the Gu Clan. As to the line-up of the successors, we’ll decide that later!”

Gu Heng stood up as he laughed, “Congratulations to Younger Cousin Gu Bei for obtaining a Dragon Bloodline God Level growth rate demon spirit and becoming one of the successors as well. I never imagined that this would happen. Younger Cousin Gu Bei has indeed given us a huge shock!”

Hearing Gu Ya’s words, everyone couldn’t help discussing among themselves.

“Gu Bei’s Dragon Bone Winged Tiger is a God Level growth rate demon spirit?”

“Where did his Dragon Bloodline God Level growth rate demon spirit come from?”

“I never imagined that our Gu Clan would have another genius who’d integrated with a Dragon Bloodline God Level growth rate demon spirit! Although his cultivation can’t match up to the other successors’, with the Dragon Bloodline God Level growth rate demon spirit, he could probably become the second-in-line successor!”

“Second-in-line successor” was probably in Gu Bei’s gasp. After all, within the entire Gu Clan, there were only two people of the younger generation who’d integrated with a demon spirit of such a level!

Very quickly, the news spread. Gu Bei had integrated with a Dragon Bloodline God Level growth rate demon spirit and became one of the successors. The news spread so far that even the other families were also made aware. Some were depressed because the Gu Clan’s strength had grown again. Meanwhile others were happy that another genius had emerged in the Divine Feathers Sect.

Gu Bei and Gu Heng looked at each other as their fighting spirits started to burn in their eyes. Both of them would undoubtedly fight for the successor’s position of the Gu Clan.

Gu Clan.

Gu Ya and the other elders rushed back to the family grounds and soon launched an Elder’s meeting.

Dozens of elders sat in the hall of the Gu Clan.

The current Patriarch of the Gu Clan, Gu Tianlong, was seated at the front.

Gu Tianlong’s gaze swept past the elders as he asked, “Regarding this matter with Gu Bei, what are your opinions?”

“We have to thoroughly investigate how Gu Bei obtained his Dragon Bloodline God Level growth rate demon spirit.” The third elder spoke in a solemn voice as he continued, “Furthermore, he has violated the family rules by integrating with a Dragon Bloodline God Level growth rate demon spirit without notifying the clan. He should be disciplined. Otherwise, people will start following his lead and integrating with demon spirits as soon as they obtain them. Wouldn’t that ruin the family rules?!”

Gu Ya lightly smiled as a ray of brilliant light flashed in his eyes, “Third elder, you’re going to discipline a genius who has integrated with a Dragon Bloodline God Level growth rate demon spirit? Gu Lan’s meridians are already clogged. As her brother, he’s also suffered quite a bit. Furthermore, he’s been enduring and keeping a low profile. In the end, he amazed all of us with a single brilliant feat. Wouldn’t it be too sad to punish him further?”

“However, it’s a fact that Gu Bei violated a family rule!”

“There are many who’ve violated family rules!” Gu Ya looked at Gu Yu as a chill flashed through his eyes. “Gu Heng is also one of them!”

Gu Yu’s brows twitched as he asked, “What rule has Gu Heng violated?”

“Hmph, hmph! If you don’t want anyone to know, then don’t do it! Third elder, do you want me to continue speaking?” Gu Ya glanced at Gu Yu with slanted eyes.

Gu Yu opened his mouth, but remained silent in the end, feeling depressed in his heart. Could Gu Ya have found out the truth? That Gu Heng had poisoned Gu Lan?

All the elders began to discussing as Gu Tianlong remained silent and pondered for a long while.

Finally, one of the elders turned to Gu Tianlong and said, “Regarding this matter, why doesn’t the Patriarch make a decision? In my opinion, this child, Gu Bei, seems to be a good-for-nothing on the surface. But in reality, he’s been working hard behind the scenes. Add on the fact that he’s integrated with a Dragon Bloodline God Level growth rate demon spirit, he totally qualifies to be the second-in-line successor.”

“I agree!”

“I agree!”

Very quickly, more than half of the elders agreed for Gu Bei to become the second-in-line successor. Everyone looked at Gu Tianlong, since the final decision was still his.

Gu Tianlong said calmly with a deep voice, “I have decided to make Gu Bei the first-in-line successor. What are you opinions?”

Half of the elders were instantly stunned at those words. Making Gu Bei the second-in-line successor was already shocking enough; however, Gu Tianlong actually wanted to put Gu Bei as the first-in-line successor? What was going on?

“Patriarch, Gu Bei’s cultivation is still insufficient, nor has he established his own force in the outside world. If we were to set him as the first successor of the Gu Clan, doesn’t that seem a little too impetuous?” the third elder, Gu Yu immediately said as he stood up.

Gu Tianlong glanced Gu Yu. His voice contained a trace of sharpness as he replied, “Gu Heng’s character is dishonorable. Although his strength and talent are satisfactory, he still isn’t qualified to become the first-in-line successor. For the time being, he will be the second-in-line successor and we will observe him!”

After hearing Gu Tianlong’s words, Gu Yu no longer dared to dispute. He sat down, feeling dejected.

The other elders also discussed in soft voices. There should be a reason why the Patriarch made this decision. Gu Tianlong said that Gu Heng’s character was dishonorable, but they couldn’t see a problem in Gu Heng’s usual performance. However, linking it with Gu Lan’s meridians had been clogged and that Gu Bei had actually been hiding his talent for many years. It didn’t take them long to put two and two together.

“I agree with the Patriarch’s decision!”

“I agree with the Patriarch’s decision as well!”

In a moment, ninety percent of the elders agreed. Since Gu Bei’s current strength was still insufficient, he would be the first-in-line successor in name only. There was no harm in giving Gu Bei the title as it could also be considered some sort of compensation for his years of suffering.





Chapter 328: Second Fate Soul


Gu Heng thought it was a secret that he’d poisoned Gu Lan and clogged her meridians. However, Gu Tianlong and his men had already investigated the truth to its end. However, they faced a problem. Now that Gu Lan was out of the picture, Gu Heng was left as the only one amongst the younger generation who possessed a Dragon Bloodline God Level growth rate demon spirit; he was the only qualifying successor. If the matter was revealed, then Gu Heng’s prestige within the clan would be completely lost. If the Gu Clan couldn’t find someone to replace Gu Heng, then the clan’s decline would be unavoidable.

After all, a God Level growth rate demon spirit wasn’t easy to find.

Gu Tianlong and the others were gratified. When Gu Bei finally revealed himself, he’d already cultivated sword intent and possessed a God Level growth rate demon spirit. Their previous worries were solved. First, they’d remove Gu Heng from his position of first-in-line successor to beat him down a little. Otherwise Gu Heng might really start taking matters into his own hands!

The meeting ended. Few hours later, the elders’ decision was made known throughout the Gu Clan.

All of the Gu Clan’s clansmen were stunned. They originally thought that Gu Bei would only be promoted to the position of second-in-line successor. They never imagined that Gu Bei would be moved to the first-in-line successor’s seat. Many of the clansmen were unable to digest this news for some time.

They all vaguely sensed that something was up, but no one dared to say anything out loud. After all, this matter could be considered a family scandal.

Who would’ve thought that the Patriarch would’ve made the decision so quickly. The news made its way back to the martial field.

Gu Heng felt gloomy when Gu Ya and the other elders had left some time ago. However, he wasn’t terribly hung up on it; he thought that the Patriarch would only arrange Gu Bei as the second-in-line successor. He believed his position as first-in-line would still be very stable. However, when he received the news, he was no longer able to remain calm.

He never thought that the Gu Clan would remove him from first-in-line successor. After all, Gu Bei still hadn’t established any forces in the outside world!

How could Gu Bei be qualified?

Gu Heng was so angry that his lungs nearly exploded. His blood surged. He wanted to find the Patriarch and demand a reason. However, his rationality returned after a while. It seemed that the Patriarch knew something, so he was trying to give Gu Heng some setbacks! Gu Heng felt even more dejected and looked at the distant Gu Bei. That kid must be feeling very proud right now.

Gu Heng became the second-in-line successor. So what?

Gu Heng narrowed his eyes. Back then, that person had helped him pull Gu Lan down from her position. He would most likely help him again. It’s simply impossible for Gu Bei to rise!

Nie Li and his group were chatting amongst themselves.

“I never imagined that the Patriarch would actually make me the first-in-line successor!” Gu Bei was astonished in his heart. He showed a smile and said with narcissism, “Could it be that the Patriarch has noticed that I’m a one-in-ten-thousand genius? That I’m the only man who can save the Gu Clan?”

Nie Li couldn’t help rolling his eyes at Gu Bei’s words. “You’re thinking too much. It’s secondary that the Patriarch did something to support you, no matter how talented you are, there’s no need to make you first-in-line in one go. He probably did it to give Gu Heng a setback. The Patriarch probably knew about matter between Gu Heng and your sister. However, he couldn’t do anything, since that left Gu Heng as the only one with a God Level Dragon Bloodline demon spirit. But now that you’ve made yourself a second one, they’re worried that Gu Heng might try to repeat things. That’s why they gave Gu Heng a setback, so they can restrain him!”

Gu Bei smiled, “Gu Heng deserved it! Now that the first-in-line successor seat is no longer his, he’ll probably be depressed for some time!”

Gu Lan looked at Gu Bei and said, “Although Gu Heng couldn’t maintain his first-in-line successor position, he’s established a powerful force in the outside world. You have none. When the time comes for the final selection of the Patriarch, Gu Heng will still take first because the Patriarch’s seat definitely won’t be passed to someone who has no foundation!”

Gu Lan’s words were meant to warn Gu Bei not to be complacent after becoming the first-in-line successor.

Gu Bei nodded. “I understand, Elder Sister.” Although they’d already got some capital to fight against Gu Heng, it was still too shallow. The only way to gain a solid foothold was by building their own forces in the outside world.

Right now, Gu Bei was a little excited in his heart.

Nie Li, Xiao Ning’er, Xiao Yu, along with Gu Bei and Gu Lan, went to watch the other matches.

Gu Heng eyed Nie Li and his group as they left. When he saw Nie Li’s figure, his expression turned sullen. That kid “refused a toast and has to be forced”. Then so be it. He’s been together with Gu Bei and Gu Lan for a while now. Although it was impossible for him to do anything to Gu Bei and Gu Lan for the time being, dealing with Nie Li would be easy.

Gu Heng coldly snorted, “Let’s go!”

He lead a group of people and left.

“Nie Li, the sun will rise soon and I’ll have to return to the Heavenly Note Sect with my Junior and Senior Sisters.” Xiao Ning’er raised her head and looked at Nie Li as tears flickered in her eyes. She couldn’t bear the thought of leaving him.

“Alright. Remember to take good care of yourself in the Heavenly Note Sect!” Nie Li patted her on the shoulder and gave her a small smile. Although he felt the sorrow of parting in his heart, after experiencing that endlessly long life, he’d learned to see things more mildly.

Xiao Ning’er looked at Nie Li, turned on tiptoe, and kissed him on the cheek. Her face boiled hot. Just as she was about to turn and run, Nie Li pulled her back he passed her an interspatial ring. “Inside are some spiritual stones and things like Dragon Bloodline Extraordinary growth rate demon spirits. Take them with you and split them up!”

Xiao Ning’er kissed Nie Li and felt embarrassed to death. However, she was pulled back by Nie Li.

“Oh right, I’ve also written some words and placed them inside. If there’s anything you lack, let me know right now.” Nie Li held onto Xiao Ning’er’s hands. He had to admit that her hands were very smooth and soft. He couldn’t help smiling when he saw how embarrassed she was.

Xiao Ning’er’s face was boiling and she couldn’t help stomping her feet.

“If there’s nothing else, then I’ll be going now!” Xiao Ning’er felt embarrassed to death. She didn’t dare to raise her head to look at his eyes.

Nie Li couldn’t help smiling as he watched her leaving. A girl’s heart is like a piece uncarved jade: pure and extremely beautiful. Both Ziyun and Ning’er were people who he’d give up his life to protect!

The Heavenly Note and Skyblaze Sect’s disciples all gathered together. Xiao Ning’er waved to Nie Li from far away.

Mingyue Wushuang couldn’t help glancing at Nie Li before shifting her eyes to Xiao Ning’er with a tranquil smile. It seemed like Nie Li and Xiao Ning’er had a pretty good relationship.

Yan Yang walked over to Nie Li and lightly smiled. “Junior Brother Nie Li, it’s a pity that time was limited and I couldn’t have a good chat with you. I’ll bid you farewell today. If we meet again in the future, or you come to the Skyblaze Sect, please find me anytime. We can have a pleasant chat to our heart’s content.”

“Many thanks to Senior Brother Yan Yang. When such an opportunity presents itself, I’ll definitely pay you a visit!” Nie Li said with his hands cupped. Regardless of anything, building a good relationship with the future Sect Master of the Skyblaze Sect would be the right move!

Yan Yang wasn’t as hard to approach as the rumours said!

What Nie Li didn’t know was that Yan Yang couldn’t be bothered about ordinary people, or even people like Long Tianming. However, Yan Yang had looked at Nie Li in a new light.

The disciples of the Skyblaze Sect all saw how courteous Yan Yang was acting towards Nie Li. They took note and engraved Nie Li’s profile into their minds. If any of them encountered Nie Li in the future, they definitely won’t cause a conflict with him. It’d be in their best interest to make things more convenient for Nie Li as well; after all, he was someone who the Holy Son regarded as important!

Even the Holy Son have acknowledged Nie Li. If ordinary people were to provoke Nie Li, they’d definitely receive a miserable lesson from the Holy Son.

In the Skyblaze Sect, Yan Yang possessed an extraordinary position!

“Then I’ll go ahead and take my leave!” Yan Yang nodded before he lead the disciples of the Skyblaze Sect and left.

As Ye Xuan left with Yan Yang, he afforded Nie Li one last cold glare. The fact that Xiao Ning’er and Nie Li had spent a night together left a tight knot in his heart. Ye Xuan was even more pissed by the fact that he himself couldn’t do anything to Nie Li; he could only secretly hope that Murong Yu would take care of it for him.

Lu Piao and Xiao Xue also bid each other farewell.

The disciples of the two major sects. Nie Li watched Xiao Ning’er wave her little hand as she faded away into the distance.

Xiao Yu couldn’t help sighing as he watched Nie Li and Xiao Ning’er bid each other farewell. Indeed, the two of them made a good pair. He turned his gaze into the distance. No one knew what he was thinking about.

After sending Xiao Ning’er off, Nie Li retracted his gaze.

For the sakes of Ziyun, Ning’er, his clansmen, and his friends and brothers, Nie Li knew that he had to raise his strength as quickly as possible. He had to reach the 2-fate realm so that he could head to the outside world, establish his own forces, and compete for power and position within the Divine Feathers Sect.

Together with Xiao Yu and Lu Piao, they returned to the courtyard.

Nie Li immediately entered the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting to cultivate. A few hours later, his aura abruptly burst as the second fate soul slowly formed in his soul realm.

Outside of his expectations, this second fate soul was actually blue in colour. One red and one blue. He was stunned as he had no idea what was going on.

An ordinary person’s fate soul should be colourless!

Nie Li opened his eyes from his cultivation state. Everything else was to his expectations. By using the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting as a catalyst, he only needed a few hours to complete his rank-up. However, he was bewildered by the state of things afterwards. Since he couldn’t figure it out, Nie Li decided that there was no use thinking about it.

Nie Li finished consolidating his cultivation, then turned to Yu Yan and Jindan who were cultivating. Both their cultivations had risen a lot compared to before entering the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting.

After Nie Li finished cultivating, he made a trip to the soul hall and placed his fate soul inside.

Now that he’d finally reached the 2-fate realm, he could finally to the outside world. The best part of the show was about to begin!





Chapter 329: Total Annihilation


The outside world, north of the Divine Feathers Sect. Ling Jade Deity’s Lake.

The Ling Jade Deity’s Lake was a small floating mountain with springs flowing down its sides. At the bottom of the mountain was a pool of water that occasionally produced spiritual stones.

The Deity’s Lake would absorb a large amount of Heavenly Energy from the surrounding area and use it to produce spiritual stones. Because there were many Deity’s Lakes around, they thinned out the Heavenly Energy in the Draconic Ruins Realm. However, people could obtain Heavenly Energy from the spiritual stones produced from these lakes.

A Deity’s Lake is similar to a flower or a plant in that they have life spans. A Deity’s Lake that is within three thousand years old is at its prime, and thus its most flourishing period. It will produce large numbers of spiritual stones annually. Once those three thousand years have passed, a Deity’s Lake will gradually begin to dry up.

The Ling Jade Deity’s Lake had already existed for five thousand years. At most, it could only produce a few thousand spiritual stones annually. Normally, decently sized forces wouldn’t pay any attention to the Ling Jade Deity’s Lake. Therefore, this Deity’s Lake had become occupied by Hua Ling and his men.

Hua Ling was patrolling the Ling Jade Deity’s Lake when he received some good news which greatly improved his mood. The first was that the Ling Jade Deity’s Lake was actually showing signs of recovery. The second was that Xiao Yu had been killed by one of his men. Both pieces of news made Hua Ling rather happy.

Since long ago, Hua Ling couldn’t stand Xiao Yu long ago. Xiao Yu always looked down at him with a cold and prideful expression. On top of that, for a man, Xiao Yu’s looks were actually even better than a girl’s. Everytime he went out, he’d attract screams of excitement from the girls, which greatly annoyed Hua Ling.

“Xiao Yu asked for it. In the future, when he comes to the outside world again, I’ll make sure that he’s killed whenever I see him! Who let that father of his fight against my father for that position?” Hua Ling coldly snorted, then turned around to look at the Ling Jade Deity’s Lake. This was his foundation in the outside world. Every year, they received few thousand spiritual stones from it. Although that wasn’t a huge sum, it was still a fairly decent quantity.

Hua Ling had a total of sixty men under him. Every one of them could receive quite a bit every year. Not only that, they could cultivate while they guarded the lake, since no forces came to fight with them over it.

Of course they weren’t the only force from the Little Heaven Realm. In the far depths of the outside world, the other Little Heaven Realm experts also occupied their own Deity’s Lakes.

While they cultivated, three auras entered their perceptions.

A chilly look flashed through Hua Ling’s eyes, followed by a loud peal of laughter. “Xiao Yu that trash still dares to show his face around here? He really is tired of being alive. Did he really think that bringing two others would accomplish anything?”

Hua Ling had a clear perception regarding the powers behind Xiao Yu. There really weren’t a lot of experts from the Tiny world; the number of them in the Divine Feathers Sect was even fewer!

Even if they killed Xiao Yu, there was no one who Xiao Yu could seek help from.

However, Xiao Yu actually dared to come! He must have his head sandwiched by a door!

Nie Li, Xiao Yu and Lu Piao stood in the sky and looked at the people stationed by the Ling Jade Deity’s Lake.

Nie Li’s gaze fell onto the distant Hua Ling.

“Hua Ling, come out!” Lu Piao yelled towards the Ling Jade Deity’s Lake.

*Woosh!* *Woosh!* *Woosh!* Over sixty people flew into the sky.

Hua Ling’s eyes fell onto the three of them and the corner of his mouth leaked into a cold smile. “Xiao Yu, it seems like you want to die even more. While coming to get yourself killed, you actually brought along two short-lived lives!”

“Hua Ling, you had so many people to deal with Xiao Yu. You’re too shameless!” Lu Piao’s left hand was on his hip, while his right hand pointed at Hua Ling. “How should we settle this? Are you going to compensate us or will you kowtow and admit your wrongs?”

“Compensate? Kowtow and admit my wrongs?” Hua Ling laughed as if he’d heard a hilarious joke. “Has your brain been soaked in water? You guys think that this outside world is the same as the Skysoul Institute? You three fools!”

Everyone behind Hua Ling burst into laughter. The three of them really were ridiculous. Just the three of them would dare to joke around them?

Nie Li appeared calm as his eyes swept sharply past Hua Ling and his men. “You hurt my people. For that, you’ll pay the price. Leave everything you have behind; that will be Xiao Yu’s compensation. If you do that, I can spare all of you.”

At Nie Li’s words, Xiao Yu’s face couldn’t help to slightly heating up as he lowered his head. Who knew what he was currently thinking?

“Ridiculous! You demand compensation? In the outside world, the strong feed on the weak. You really are tired of living, since you’re daring to be so arrogant without the strength to back it up.” Hua Ling waved his hand as he barked, “Brothers, send this trash back to the Soul Hall.”

Sixty people quickly surrounded Nie Li and his friends.

“It was you who said that the strong feed on the weak. That being the case, then there’s nothing else I can do!” Nie Li shrugged he coldly stared at Hua Ling.

When Nie Li finished speaking, a surge of powerful aura had locked onto Hua Ling and his underlings, immobilizing them.

It was an absolute suppression through power!

Li Xingyun had sent a bunch of Heavenly Star Realm experts and one Heavenly Axis Realm expert to heed Nie Li’s orders. As for Hua Ling’s underlings, they were just bunch of Heavenly Fate Realm experts. They were totally not on the same level.

Hua Ling turned his head around with great difficulty and realised that he’d already been surrounded by a group of no less than two hundred people. Hua Ling could recognise the one leading them. These were Li Xingyun’s men!

“Hua Ling, it seems that your memory is a little rusty. Boss Xingyun said to distance yourself from Nie Li. Since you guys refused to take heed, then don’t blame us!” Li Hu said with a solemn voice as a surge of pressuring aura bore down on Hua Ling’s men.

Under that frightening pressure, Hua Ling nearly spat out a mouthful of blood as he felt depressed. It turned out that Nie Li had actually brought help with him. But even if Nie Li and Li Xingyun had a little business relationship with each other, how could Nie Li have gotten Li Xingyun to send so many people to help him? Hua Ling couldn’t figure it out; after all, Nie Li doesn’t have any family background!

Li Xingyun’s Heavenly Path League was an extremely powerful force among the armies of the younger generations. It wasn’t something that Hua Ling could confront!

“Boss Xingyun and I have no bad blood, so why is he helping them fight me?” Hua Ling looked at Li Hu as he asked in dejected tones.

“That’s none of your concern! Right now, we obey Young Master Nie Li’s orders. All your fates are in his hands!” Li Hu said with disdain. If it wasn’t for Li Xingyun’s orders, people like Hua Ling wouldn’t be worth his time!

“Kill them all!” Nie Li’s voice sounded solemnly. Indeed, it was just as Hua Ling had said. In the law of the outside world, the strong prey on the weak. Countless numbers of people competed and killed each other to obtain more cultivating resources so that they could grow stronger.

These people killed Xiao Yu. As the saying goes, “if you give them an inch, they’ll ask for a mile”. Unless Nie Li and co. return a tooth for a tooth to Hua Ling and his men, then they’d grow bold and outrageous!

Li Xingyun’s underlings closed in on Hua Ling’s men.

In order to avoid danger, Li Xingyun had arranged two hundred people to accompany Nie Li. Quite a few of them were Heavenly Star Realm, while one was a Heavenly Axis Realm: Li Hu.

Hua Ling understood that trying to be humble now was useless. His face went cold as he looked at Li Hu. “I don’t understand why Li Xingyun would help those three fellas fight against me! What I want to say is that the Little Heaven Realm isn’t that easy to pick on. If you guys kill us, then you’ll have a war against the experts of our Little Heaven Realm! Doesn’t Li Xingyun fear the vengeance of the experts of Little Heaven Realm? Li Xingyun is just the third in line successor of the Ashen Flames Family! Making many enemies would only harm, no benefit him while he’s competing for the Patriarch’s position!”

Hua Ling tried to persuade Li Hu, but his words were useless.

For anyone other than Nie Li, Li Xingyun definitely wouldn’t have spent such a huge force to annihilate Hua Ling and risk making enemies. However, this was Nie Li he was talking about. Nie Li had given him a Dragon Bloodline God Level demon spirit. What could such a small favor be considered?

Li Hu casually smiled, “Are you threatening us? Our Heavenly Path League has never feared anyone before! If you want to start a war, so be it!”

Hua Ling’s last hope was shattered by Li Hu’s words. “If that’s the case, then today I, Hua Ling have fallen. However, I’ll definitely seek vengeance!”

Suspended in midair, Li Hu released palms of energy. *Boom* *Boom* *Boom* Hua Ling and his men exploded and blood rained from the sky.

This was a one sided massacre!

Lu Piao was speechless inwardly. After interacting with Li Hu for so long, he knew that Li Hu was absolutely loyal to Li Xingyun and followed behind him like a servant. However, he never expected that Li Hu’s strength was so powerful. Even though there were so many Heavenly Fate Realm experts, they were all killed in just one minute.

Li Hu’s strength had fully suppressed Hua Ling and his men.

Killing this bunch of Hua Ling’s could also be considered taking revenge for Xiao Yu!

“Young Master Nie Li, these are the interspatial ring retrieved from Hua Ling’s group!” Li Hu made a pulling gesture through the air, sucked the interspatial rings from Hua Ling and his men, and passed them over to Nie Li.

If you die in the outside world, you drop everything you have on you, including interspatial rings and artifacts. Everything gets left behind and taken by someone else. Therefore, people usually didn’t bring items that were too precious. That’s why the interspatial rings collected from Hua Ling and his men didn’t have many good items inside.

Nie Li looked at Li Hu and smiled, “Many thanks to the brothers of the Heavenly Path League for your help. Since your brothers have come to help us, how can I let them return empty-handed? Why don’t you split these among yourselves?” With a move of his right hand, Nie Li threw an interspatial ring, which contained a large quantity of spiritual stones, over to Li Hu.

Li Hu hurriedly followed up. “This task was entrusted to us by our Young Master. How can we have the cheek to accept your item?”

“No worries. It’s only right of me to do this. You guys ran an errand for me, so I should at least pay the toll booths along the way. Otherwise, wouldn’t it make me look petty? I’ll speak to Li Xingyun. If you don’t accept it, then you’re not giving me any face!” Nie Li straightforwardly laughed.

Li Hu pondered for a moment, then decided not to reject the interspatial ring. He stored it away.

“You guys wait here awhile, I’ll be back in a bit!” Nie Li flew over to the distant Ling Jade Deity’s Lake.





Chapter 330: Opening of the Demon League


In reality, the people from the Heavenly Path League also had some complaints stored in their hearts. Two hundred people had been sent to deal with the likes of Hua Ling. That was far too many than needed. It was just a waste of their time! However, since it was Li Xingyun who’d sent them, they didn’t dare to voice their complaints.

And when Li Hu split the spiritual stones that Nie Li had given him, all their pent-up complaints evaporated entirely.

Nie Li was indeed generous to give so many spiritual stones at once. When the stones were split among them, each person actually received fifty spiritual stones. Such a simple trip had earned them so much, so of course they were happy about it. Such a sum was actually even more than their monthly allowance. For just one trip, Young Master Nie Li had actually given out ten thousand spiritual stones!

Great heavens! Such wealth was simply too shocking!

Li Xingyun had sent two hundred people just to help Nie Li deal with Hua Ling and his men. Now, they were starting to see why Li Xingyun treated Nie Li with such value. This Young Master Nie Li definitely wasn’t a simple man! These people had spent years in the Draconic Ruins Realm and knew that such fortune was almost unheard of. All of them immediately withdrew their contempt and dissatisfied thoughts.

When they saw Nie Li fly over to the Ling Jade Deity’s Lake, Li Hu and the rest looked at Nie Li in confusion. What was he going to the Ling Jade Deity’s Lake for?

Although the Ling Jade Deity’s Lake did produce spiritual stones, it was only a few thousand, annually. Nie Li was able to shell out tens of thousands of spiritual stones in one go, so why would he bother with such a paltry sum of spiritual stones?

Xiao Yu and Lu Piao wanted to follow him, but Nie Li stopped them. They stood and watched as Nie Li reached the Ling Jade Deity’s Lake.

The Ling Jade Deity’s Lake.

Nie Li’s calves were submerged in water as he quickly wrote inscription patterns.

The inscription patterns fell, one after another.

*Boom!* *Boom!* *Boom!*

The patterns blasted into the depths of the Deity’s Lake and caused the water to splash around. Nie Li’s mysterious inscription pattern arrays quickly gathered at the bottom of the Deity’s Lake. The entire lake started to shake intensely.

The inscription pattern array emitted a dazzling light. Then, in the depth of the lakes, a black shadow slowly floated up. Though the shadow was a little snake-like, it definitely wasn’t a snake.

This was the origin of the Deity’s Lake, the legendary Deity Root!

Mysterious things were born in the depths of the Draconic Ruins Realm, and this Deity Root was one of them. It’s said to possess intelligence and is deep underground, absorbing the essences between Heaven and Earth. After being nurtured that way for thousands of years, it would gradually amass a mountain of earth and slowly float into the sky, forming a Deity’s Lake. Then, it would produce spiritual stones and it grew from absorbing the ambient Heavenly Energy.

No one else knew about the existences of the Deity Roots, since they concealed themselves deep inside the earth and made themselves hard to find. When a Deity’s Lake dried up, the Deity Root would also disappear. The only way to remove a Deity Root from the earth was to use special inscription pattern arrays.

Nie Li extended his hand and grabbed the Deity Root. The root struggled, trying to escape.

Trying to run? Not so easy!

With a flick of his right hand, Nie Li threw it into the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting.

The first Deity Root, captured!

The captured Deity Root would be nurtured within the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting. Although the Ling Jade Deity’s Lake was nearly dried up, it was still better than nothing!

Nie Li flew back.

Li Hu saw Nie Li take something from the Deity’s Lake, but he couldn’t tell what it was.

Nie Li smiled as he arrived back. “Let’s go!”

The group returned.

After Nie Li and his group left, the floating Ling Jade Deity’s Lake began crumbling and rapidly fell from the sky.

The Ling Jade Deity’s Lake thoroughly disappeared.

Several days later, Hua Ling led a huge group of people and returned to that place. At this moment, where was the Ling Jade Deity’s Lake? When Hua Ling saw it, he roared furiously and veins popped out all over his body. “Nie Li! Li Xingyun! Killing me wasn’t enough?! You actually destroyed my Deity’s Lake?! I will definitely seek revenge!”

Hua Ling couldn’t understand it. Just killing them should’ve been enough, so why did they destroy the Deity’s Lake? Who the hell would destroy a Deity’s Lake after killing its occupants? Weren’t they taking this grudge too far? The Ling Jade Deity’s Lake only produced a few thousand spiritual stones per year. Was there really a need for them to be so ruthless?

In the outside world, fighting over and stealing others’ Deity’s Lakes was a common occurrence. But no one had ever destroyed a Deity’s Lake after killing its owners.

Just what was going on?!

Hua Ling was so angry that his lips were trembling. This was utterly heartless!

Without the Ling Jade Deity’s Lake, it’d be hard for Hua Ling to provide for all of his men with just his own earnings. He didn’t have the strength to fight for a new Deity’s Lake either. Destroying Deity’s Lake, this grudge is absolutely irreconcilable! As he thought about his destroyed Deity’s Lake, Hua Ling had the urge to vomit blood.

Xiao Yu’s courtyard.

Nie Li was quietly cultivating in the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting. The Deity Root that he’d previously captured had already formed another floating mountain with a small Deity’s Lake at the bottom.

Furthermore, Nie Li sensed that this Deity Root was receiving an extremely large amount of nourishment in the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting. The quantity of Heavenly Energy in the Draconic Ruins Realm was extremely thin; therefore, there was a limit to how much Heavenly Energy a Deity Root could absorb. However, the amount of Heavenly Energy in the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting was simply endless.

The Heavenly Energy flowed like a tidal wave into the Deity’s Lake.

Once nourished by Heavenly Energy, Deity Roots would start to flourish as they matured.

The Deity’s Lake was producing more spiritual stones than it ever had before.

Indeed, the interior of the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting was the most suitable place to nurture a Deity’s Lake! Nie Li didn’t know why, but none of the previous owners of the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting did not nurture Deity’s Lakes within the painting. What Nie Li didn’t know was that the scenery of the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting didn’t always look like it did now. After enduring many great battles, the landscape within the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting returned to its original state.

Nie Li concentrated on his cultivation. By coincidence, the Skysoul Institute’s League Hall was hosting an event that helped leagues recruit new members.

Gu Bei and Lu Piao were yelling loudly.

“The Demon League is recruiting! Twenty spiritual stones a month and all kinds of bonuses! Those with Earth Spiritual Roots get thirty spiritual stones a month. Those with Heaven Spiritual Roots get forty spiritual stones a month!”

“No deadline, those who sign the league contract get an allowance of thirty spiritual stones immediately!”

Once an expert signed a contract, they would be bound to it. Despite that, the majority of the newcomers still joined various large forces. When an expert reached 2-fate, they’d head for the outside world. However, a person’s strength is insufficient! In order to obtain more resources, it was a must for them to be part of a larger force.

Gu Bei and Lu Piao’s loud yelling attracted attention.

Many people crowded in their direction. Usually, a newcomer would only receive an extremely low allowance upon joining a large force; ten spiritual stones a month was already pretty good. But Gu Bei and Lu Piao were offering several times that amount, per month!

However, many people were still hesitant. Before these newcomers joined a force, they’d make sure that their potential boss had prospects. After all, once the contract was signed, its effects would always be in place, unless special circumstances occurred. If they broke their league contracts, it’d be hard for them to gain a foothold within the Divine Feathers Sect. They’d become objects of disdain.

The newcomers stood in groups, discussing it amongst themselves.

“Where are these two from?”

“Don’t you know? That youth is Gu Bei! It’s confirmed that he had integrated with a Dragon Bloodline God Level demon spirit and promoted to the first-in-line successor’s seat of the Gu Clan!”

When the newcomers heard that, their eyes lit up. The first-in-line successor of the Gu Clan. Who knows, he might become the Gu Clan’s Patriarch in the future! Furthermore, Gu Bei had yet to establish any forces of his own in the outside world. If they joined now, once Gu Bei became the Patriarch of the Gu Clan, they’d become honorable subordinates who helped raise the dragon!

This was definitely a great temptation!

Furthermore, Gu Bei was also giving such shocking and tempting conditions.

Soon, one after another, the newcomers started signing the league contract with Gu Bei.

However, these newcomers quickly realised that the boss of the Demon League wasn’t Gu Bei, but actually someone else. Curiosity arouse within them for this mysterious person. Just who was this person? To make someone like Gu Bei serve him willingly?

The other recruiters all dumbfoundedly watched the flood of newcomers moving towards Gu Bei and Lu Piao. Only a few headed in their own direction.

After all, the difference in salary was too much!

They looked at the salary that they themselves were offering and looked at the salary that Gu Bei was offering. No one spoke a word. Even some of the recruiters felt the urge to join the Demon League.

“Take it easy, take it easy!” Lu Piao immediately shouted after he realised that too many people were crowding over. However, his face still betrayed his excitement.

He never thought that so many people would be willing to join Demon League, especially since they’d just formed it. As Lu Piao looked down on the crowd, he couldn’t help imagining them conquering the world. With just a wave of his hand, thousands or tens of thousands of experts would flood the sky and ground. He became even more excited at the thought of it.

Gu Bei proudly announced what Nie Li had told him. “As long as you spare no effort for the Demon League, we’ll definitely treat you fairly. As long as you come to our Demon League, we’ll give each of you a suitable cultivation technique that could help you reach the Martial Ancestor Realm. If you reach the Heavenly Star Realm, we’ll give you a Grade 3 Artifact. If you reach the Heavenly Axis Realm, we’ll give you a Dragon Bloodline demon spirit with an Excellent or even Extraordinary Level growth rate! Mark my words, the words of Gu Bei!”

When everyone heard Gu Bei’s announcement, the excitement bubbled up to another level.

This kind of treatment was simply too shocking! Not to mention one Martial Ancestor Realm cultivation technique for everyone! He was actually giving artifacts and distributing Dragon Bloodline Excellent and Extraordinary Level growth rate demon spirits?! Great heavens!

Everyone felt their blood boiling. Finally, some of the hesitating geniuses made up their minds to follow Gu Bei!

The recruiters from other factions gloomily looked at their empty areas. The boiling voices of the Demon League recruiters depressed them even further. Just what was going on? This was simply defying the rules! Wasn’t Gu Bei afraid of plunging the Gu Clan into poverty?





Chapter 331: Medium Grade Deity’s Lake


After one entire day, Gu Bei had recruited a total of six hundred people. The majority of them were of the Heavenly Fate Realm and three of them were Heavenly Star Realm experts. For various reasons, those three Heavenly Star Realm experts hadn’t joined a faction before. However, after seeing the generous terms of the Demon League, they decided to join.

The other factions only recruited about a dozen people in a day.

But just in one day, the size of the Demon League had swelled to over six hundred people. It was about time that they moved out and occupied a Deity’s Lake or two.

Gu Bei’s newly established force attracted the attention of various other factions. However, due to Gu Bei’s status, no one dared to start a conflict with the Demon League. Are you joking? Gu Bei was the first-in-line successor to the Gu Clan! If they provoked him now, what would happen when he became the Gu Clan’s Patriarch? Wouldn’t they be inviting a storm-like revenge?

Nie Li had taken that into consideration, which was why he’d asked Gu Bei to help him recruit. As for those whom they aren’t on good terms with, like Gu Heng and Murong Yu, it didn’t matter what they did. Those people would still go against them. Only the forces that had no conflicts with them would take care not to offend Gu Bei. On the contrary, they might even send some people to establish good connections.

Once the Demon League finally started its mad expansion, it’d be huge. People like Gu Heng, Hua Ling, and Murong Yu had their eyes turning red. The Demon League had formed only recently and they’d already expanded such a degree. If this continues, would people like themselves have a place left in the future of the Divine Feathers Sect? Their hearts would be extremely down.

Xiao Yu’s courtyard.

After the Deity Root is placed into the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting. Certain thoughts proceeded to cross his mind. One Deity Root wasn’t enough. He needed several more, at the very least. That way, they’d continue to produce lots of spiritual stones which he could use to support an enormous force!

After experiencing defeat in his previous life, Nie Li understood something. Fighting alone wasn’t the way to win. If he wanted to win against the Sage Emperor, Nie Li would have to establish his own enormous force that could contend against him! Only then, would he be able to destroy the seal that the Sage Emperor had imposed on the endless time and space.

The Sage Emperor had control over the space inside the Draconic Ruins Realm. He was the true ruler of the Ancestral Demonic Saint Land.

In his previous life, only the inhabitants of the mysterious Ancestral God Land had the power to confront the Sage Emperor. However, the Holy Maiden of the Ancestral God Land suddenly disappeared and the entire Ancestral God Land was burned to the ground by golden flames. Only then did the Sage Emperor become the most domineering existence.

Before the Ancestral God Land was destroyed and the darkness descended, Nie Li had to establish his own power that could confront the Sage Emperor!

The first step was to ascend to the Sect Master’s position of the Divine Feathers Sect!

Over the next month, Nie Li, Gu Bei, and Lu Piao reorganized the entire Demon League and imparted Martial Ancestor Realm cultivation techniques to the members. After that, they picked out members with decent characters who were worth being groomed, and prepared to turn them into true elites and the backbone of the Demon League.

The entire Demon League entered into intense training.

During this period, Li Xingyun visited several times to teach Gu Bei and Lu Piao how to lead their underlings, how to be impartial with reward and punishments, and when to retreat or advance as an army. Gu Bei and Lu Piao to grew quite a bit from these lessons.

Although the Demon League hadn’t truly stepped into the outside world, they’d stirred the attention of the Skysoul Institute and became the focus of attention for many people.

Gu Bei looked at Nie Li as he bitterly smiled, “Nie Li, the Yin League released a notice stating that if we dare to head to the outside world, they’ll hunt us!”

“The Yin League?” Nie Li furrowed his brows for a brief moment, “What kind of force is that?”

“It belongs to the Yin Clan. Their existence is second to the three major families. The one leading is called Yin Wufeng, and he’s the first successor of the Yin Clan. He’s roughly in the Heavenly Axis Realm and has close connections with Gu Heng. Since Gu Heng belongs to the Gu Clan, it isn’t a good idea for him to show his face. That’s why he’s borrowing the hands of the Yin League to suppress our Demon League,” said Gu Bei.

“I understand. But this isn’t much. Quite a fights are a given if we want to gain a foothold in the outside world. Right now, it’d be too hard for us to deal with the Yin Clan head on. Therefore, we need to rely on Li Xingyun’s hand to help us slowly expand. I’ve already spoken with him, and his underlings will bring ours into the outside world!”

“What about you?” Gu Bei curiously asked.

Nie Li mysteriously smiled. “I have other matters to attend to.”

Gu Bei was a little curious, since he had no idea what Nie Li was planning to do. However, he didn’t ask.

The day gradually darkened. Nie Li paid a visit to Li Xingyun’s courtyard. Together with Li Xingyun, they headed to the outside world.

“Brother Nie Li, I’ve already contacted a seller for you. Why would you want to buy almost dried up Deity Lakes?” Li Xingyun asked out of curiosity.

An almost dried up Deity’s Lake could only produce a few thousand of spiritual stones a year, not to mention the fact that they’d have to send some people to look after it. There wasn’t much profit there.

However, that was because Li Xingyun is rich and wealthy. For people like Hua Ling, an almost dried up Deity’s Lake was extremely important to them.

“Of course have a use for it, but I wish for Brother Li to keep it a secret!” Nie Li lightly smiled. Since he’d placed the Deity Root into the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting, it formed itself a new Deity’s Lake and was producing two to three thousand spiritual stones per month.

And it wasn’t just spiritual stones!

Nie Li was shocked. Usually, it was rare for a Deity’s Lake to produce something like spiritual stone essence. Even high grade Deity’s Lakes had a one in a thousand chance of it. However, the Deity’s Lake within his Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting actually produced three spiritual stone essences in a month!

One spiritual stone essence was equivalent to a thousand spiritual stones!

After the numbers were crunched, the sheer quantity of spiritual stones that the Deity’s Lake produced was shocking.

Even the most pricy dried up Deity’s Lake would take only about six or seven thousand spiritual stone to purchase. All Nie Li needed was two months to earn it back. And he’d still gain a profit on top of that!

Under Li Xingyun’s lead, Nie Li met a blue-robed youth. This youth pointed at the mountain in the distance and said, “That’s the Fiery Rain Deity’s Lake. Since you’re a friend of Boss Xingyun, I’ll go ahead and warn you. This Deity’s Lake doesn’t have much prospects. It only produces two thousand spiritual stones a year. If you want it, five thousand spiritual stones will do!”

This blue robed youth, guarded this Deity’s Lake along with seven others. They depended on it to gain some spiritual stones.

Li Xingyun looked at that blue robed youth and said, “Teng Ze, Nie Li is my brother. Three thousand five hundred spiritual stones, no second price!”

Hearing Li Xingyun’s words, Teng Ze pondered for a brief moment. Then he bitterly smiled and said, “Alright then. Since Boss Li Xingyun said so!”

Nie Li paid three thousand five hundred spiritual stones to Teng Ze and completed the transaction.

Teng Ze’s group left.

“Those guys have been guarding this Deity’s Lake. Although it’s nearly dried up, there are still people trying to snatch it. Who knows when it’ll land in the hands of others? They should be happy with three thousand five hundred spiritual stones in their pocket. They probably couldn’t ask for better!” Li Xingyun smiled, “Although we could’ve snatched it from them, your methods are more just. Those who’re just deserve help; those who’re unjust deserve to be neglected. We can’t bully and humiliate others just because they’re weak.”

“Yeah.” Nie Li smiled as he nodded. Then, he went up high into the sky before landing on the Deity’s Lake and began to scribbling inscription patterns on it.

Li Xingyun’s eyes widened as he looked at Nie Li. Just what was Nie Li planning to do?

Then, Li Xingyun saw Nie Li grab the Deity Root of the Fiery Rain Deity’s Lake and quickly store it. He asked in shock, “What was that?”

He never expected that there’d be such a thing in the Deity’s Lake.

“This is the Deity Root. Without it, the Deity’s Lake will crumble very quickly. You absolutely cannot tell this secret to a second person. Otherwise, the consequences will be extremely severe!” Nie Li warned in a serious tone.

“Understood!” Li Xingyun couldn’t help feeling a little surprised as he nodded his head seriously.

Another Deity Root acquired! Not only that, but it was through a transaction instead of force. It was a faster method and didn’t offend anyone.

Next, with Li Xingyun’s help, Nie Li acquired another seven Deity Roots. Added the two previous ones, Nie Li had a total of nine Deity Roots. These Deity Roots would be nourished and grow in the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting. In the future, they’d produce an endless amount of spiritual stones!

Of course, Nie Li didn’t plan to end it at that. He planned to take in more Deity Roots!

Nie Li thought for awhile before he said to Li Xingyun, “Brother Li, do you have any Deity Lakes to sell me?”

Li Xingyun made a difficult expression as he said, “I won’t hide it from Brother Nie Li. I control a total of three low grade Deity Lakes. These they’re all pretty decent and produce twenty to thirty thousand spiritual stones a year. They’re the foundation to the huge force I control. But if Brother Nie Li wants them, I can give one to you!”

Nie Li had given him a Dragon Bloodline God Level demon spirit. How could a low grade Deity’s Lake compared?

“There’s no need to gift it. I’ll buy from Brother Xingyun. Price-wise, how about a hundred thousand spiritual stones?” Nie Li said as he lightly smiled. He’d been wondering just how many spiritual stones a Deity’s Lake that wasn’t nearly drying up could produce?

“No need for that. I insist on gifting it. Brother Nie Li has given me a Dragon Bloodline God Level demon spirit. If I, Li Xingyun couldn’t even take out one low grade Deity’s Lake, I’d be too petty. Luckily, I’ve discovered an unmanned medium grade Deity’s Lake in the depths of the outside world! The only problem is that the Deity’s Lake is guarded by Dragon Bloodline Demon Beasts and I couldn’t make up my mind to attack it. It just so happens that I can make use of this chance to lead my men to attack that medium grade Deity’s Lake!” Li Xingyun smiled.

Although Li Xingyun appeared relaxed, Nie Li understood that since Li Xingyun wasn’t willing to attack that medium grade Deity’s Lake. This meant that the Dragon Bloodline Demon Beast guarding wasn’t a small matter.

Nie Li thought awhile, then opened his mouth and said, “I’m interested in that medium grade Deity’s Lake. Could Brother Li bring me to it and let me have a look?”

Li Xingyun was slightly shocked when he heard that. He immediately replied, “Brother Nie Li, it’s best if you don’t go. That place is too dangerous!”





Chapter 332: Formally Becoming a Disciple


Nie Li looked at Li Xingyun and lightly smiled. “Danger is unavoidable. But right now, I’m already at 2-fate, so what is there to worry about? If Li Xingyun could protect me and help me reach the heart of the Deity’s Lake, it’d be greatly appreciated!”

At Nie Li’s words, Li Xingyun’s heart slightly shook as looked at Nie Li and understood his true meaning.

Since Nie Li had a way to remove the Deity Root, all Li Xingyun needed to do was escort Nie Li to the heart of the Deity’s Lake.

Trying to get that medium grade Deity’s Lake would still be rather difficult, since there were many Heavenly Axis Realm Dragon Bloodline Demon Beasts guarding it, and even one of the Dao of the Dragon Realm. If Li Xingyun wanted to strike down that medium grade Deity’s Lake, his own forces alone were insufficient. He would have to form an alliance with other forces.

But if he did join forces, then the distribution of the rewards from that medium grade Deity’s Lake would no longer be his decision alone. That was also why Li Xingyun couldn’t make up his mind about attacking the medium grade Deity’s Lake.

Compared to take over the Deity’s Lake, just entering the heart of it would be much easier.

Since Nie Li needed his help, how could he refuse?

“Alright! Since Brother Nie Li needs it, I’ll make a trip with my men and help Brother Nie Li capture the Deity Root of that Deity’s Lake!” Li Xingyun nodded, “When will we move out?”

“Two days from now!” Nie Li said after a brief thought. Once placed in the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting, a medium grade Deity’s Lake would definitely produce a shocking quantity of spiritual stones. Therefore, it was definitely worth the risk!

Li Xingyun nodded. “Alright. I’ll go and gather my men to fight for this success!”

Nie Li followed Li Xingyun and reached a Deity’s Lake that was guarded by five to six hundred people. All of them were Li Xingyun’s underlings. This Deity’s Lake was also one of Li Xingyun’s safehouses in the outside world.

Li Xingyun began gathering his men from the area.

Ever since Nie Li had obtained those Deity Roots, he could feel a trace of energy flowing out from the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting and nourishing his soul. Suddenly, he felt some insight, so he sat down in an empty area near the Deity’s Lake and began cultivating the [Heavenly God] cultivation technique.

Among all the cultivation techniques, the [Heavenly God] cultivation technique was one of the most powerful to exist between heaven and earth. As time passed, Nie Li slowly floated into the air as surges of violent and majestic energy rotated around him.

Complicated inscription patterns revolved in his soul realm, around the mysterious vine.

Slowly, the vine’s first flower bud bloomed and released a clear and fresh fragrance that filled his entire soul realm.

After that, his two fate souls also started blazing as the impurities inside were slowly removed, and they were purified. The instant that fragrance was released, Nie Li felt his entire body heating up as though he was engulfed in flame.

*Boom!*

His soul realm felt as though it’d exploded. Nie Li’s face turned ashen pale and beads of sweat dripped from his face.

Although he had no idea as to what kind of cultivation path he was walking, Nie Li still relied on his senses to keep refining his fate soul. The third fate soul began forming within his soul realm.

Time passed. One hour, two hours.

*Fwoosh!*

Another fate soul ignited in Nie Li’s soul realm. He hadn’t expected himself to enter 3-fate so quickly. Furthermore, this fate soul was actually yellow in colour.

Red, blue, and yellow.

These mystical fate souls baffled Nie Li. He could also sense his own cultivation was getting out of his control. Sometimes, it’d be extremely slow. No matter how many spiritual stones he absorbed, his cultivation wouldn’t budge. Other times, he’d miraculously rank up with no challenges at all.

Was it because of the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting?

However, it’s still a good thing that his cultivation had risen.

Nie Li continued to consolidate his cultivation on 3-fate.

Suddenly, outside the Deity’s Lake, a vigorous figure flew over. A beautiful girl.

“Who are you?” Li Xingyun’s underlings immediately surrounded her.

Long Yuyin stood still as she observed the people surrounding her. Finally she said, “My name is Long Yuyin! I’m here to look for Nie Li! I’m his disciple!”

Everyone exchanged glances. They’d heard that Long Yuyin was from the Dragonseal Family. As to whether she was really Nie Li’s disciple, they had no idea if that was true. However, since Long Yuyin’s cultivation was only at Heavenly Fate Realm. That was entirely within their control.

One of the Heavenly Star Realm experts said, “Young Master Nie Li is currently cultivating. You cannot approach him. You may only sit here to wait for his cultivation to end!”

“Okay,” Long Yuyin nodded in acknowledgement.

Long Yuyin sat on a stone dozens meters away from Nie Li and stared at him as he cultivated. The aura on Nie Li made her feel a powerful pressure.

She had no idea what cultivation technique Nie Li was practising.

Long Yuyin only realised it recently. Everything that’d happened before only gave her confirmation. Nie Li’s comprehension on the Martial Dao had reached an absolutely unimaginable height.

Since the beginning, aside from her original master, he was the only one who she’d accepted!

Only Nie Li could lead her to the pinnacle of the Martial Dao!

Therefore, she’d decided to be Nie Li’s disciple!

Even though Nie Li was Ying Yueru’s disciple, and that’d mess up the seniority between them, Long Yuyin didn’t care. To someone like her who was obsessed with the Martial Dao, something like that was trivial. How could those common views obstruct her determination towards the Martial Dao?

Right now, Nie Li was still in the middle of cultivating; therefore, she could only obediently sit to the side and wait.

Nie Li was still immersed in his cultivation as he constantly operated his newly-formed, third fate soul. The power of the fate soul surged as it decorated itself around the the vine. Nie Li sensed a surge of energy entering the Bloodwing Saint Jiao-dragon. The strength of his demon spirit was rising like crazy. 1-fate, 2-fate, 3-fate. Gradually, it surpassed Nie Li’s own cultivation, only stopping after reaching 5-fate.

Luckily it was bound by the vine; otherwise, the Bloodwing Saint Jiao-dragon would definitely struggle free.

Nie Li quickly condensed his cultivation and withdraw his own power. In order to avoid letting the Bloodwing Saint Jiao-dragon go out of control, he couldn’t let its strength raise any higher.

The strength of a Dragon Bloodline God Level demon spirit was indeed formidable. Although the Fanged Panda and Shadow Devil demon spirits were also around 5-fate, the battle strength of the Bloodwing Saint Jiao-dragon was several folds above them.

After a long while, Nie Li finally opened his eyes. When he did, Long Yuyin’s clear and elegance cheeks entered his line of sight.

“Why are you here?” Nie Li asked in puzzlement.

Long Yuyin stood stiff and straight as she puffed out her chest. “I’ve thought about this for a long time when I got home. I’ve decided that I want you as my master! Please take me as your disciple!”

When Nie Li saw how serious Long Yuyin was being, he was slightly stunned. Finally, he smiled and said, “This is against customs. You’re my Master’s Junior Sister, but you want me to be your master?” Nie Li waved his hand, “Forget it!”

Finishing his words, Nie Li turned around and started to walk away.

“Wait!” Long Yuyin stopped Nie Li. “That’s not a problem. In the path of the Martial Dao, anyone who’s attained understanding of the Martial Dao can be a master! Please, accept me!”

Nie Li turned back and looked at Long Yuyin’s anxious, yet unyielding face. He understood that once Long Yuyin made a decision, even nine bulls couldn’t drag her back. This woman really was too obsessed with the Martial Dao. Long Yuyin should’ve sensed that aside from Nie Li, there wasn’t a second person who could guide her in the Martial Dao.

“Are you joking?” Nie Li smiled as he continued walking. In his heart, he’d actually started to wonder if accepting Long Yuyin as his disciple wasn’t a bad idea.

“I’m not joking. I’m serious about it,” Long Yuyin immediately followed up. “As long as you’re willing to take me as your disciple, I’ll agree to anything you ask of me!”

“Are you sure?” Nie Li turned his head as he looked at Long Yuyin with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile.

“I’m sure!” Long Yuyin nodded, though she hesitated for a brief moment before she continued, “As long as it’s not something that will betray the Divine Feathers Sect or my family!”

“Really?” Nie Li took several steps toward Long Yuyin, until he was only a single step away from her. He was close to being in contact with her chest. The corner of his mouth curled into a sinister smile as he lowered his head to see Long Yuyin’s face, leaving only a tiny distance between them.

As she noticed Nie Li’s posture, Long Yuyin’s chest heaved up and down as her face blushed all the way down to her neck. She lowered her head as her heart pounded wildly. Both her fists were clenched and her breathing seemed to have quickened a little. However, after she thought about it, she still stubbornly raised her head and looked at Nie Li.

Long Yuyin’s skin was pearly white. She was picturesque and he could faintly smell the scent of a woman from her body. Nie Li had to admit that her fiery temper aside, she was definitely a beauty.

Nie Li was just teasing Long Yuyin a little bit. Looking at how nervous she was, he couldn’t help laughing as he retracted his gaze and turned around. “Okay, then!”

Although she had a stubborn and fiery temper, she was still an inexperienced young girl.

“What?” Long Yuyin raised her head and asked in a trembling voice. She never expected Nie Li to actually agree so straightforwardly.

“I can take you as my disciple, but it’ll depend on your performance. If I’m not satisfied, I’ll kick you out!” Nie Li said as he lightly smiled. All the events were progressing as he’d expected. He knew that Long Yuyin would definitely seek him out. He also knew that once she made up her mind, it was simply impossible to make her give up. It was just that Nie Li didn’t expect Long Yuyin to use the method of Master and Disciple.

Long Yuyin gazed at Nie Li’s silhouette for a moment, then happily quickened her steps and followed up.





Chapter 333: Heaven’s Divination Technique


Long Yuyin lightly chewed her lip, before asking, “Then, Master, may have a look at your ‘sword’?”

“Sword intent is not suitable for you. I’ll write another one for you to slowly comprehend!” Nie Li smiled. He was well aware that Long Yuyin was hung up on that.

“But I still want to give it a try!” Long Yuyin said. She still felt rather unresigned in her heart. Why could Gu Bei comprehend it, but not her?

“Alright then. But there are thousands of paths on the Martial Dao, everyone has something that they’re good at. Comparing your shortcomings against the strengths of others is a silly thing to do,” Nie Li lectured sincerely. “Once it takes the form of obsession, one could become stuck that realm, forever unable to take a step forward.”

Long Yuyin’s heart shook at Nie Li’s words. She nodded, “Yes.”

Seeing how serious Long Yuyin was, Nie Li smiled and couldn’t help thinking that the current Long Yuyin was just an ignorant young lady. What did she encounter in his previous life that’d change her into that vicious woman? However, there was no way that Nie Li could investigate those past events.

After his rebirth, it’s pretty good if he could reform Long Yuyin.

Next, he’d have to get Long Yuyin to participate in the competition for the Dragonseal Family’s Patriarch’s seat.

Nie Li looked into the sky, showed a solemn look and sighed. “In this universe, there are many things that you’re unaware of.”

“What is Master speaking of?” Long Yuyin asked in puzzlement.

“Aren’t you at all curious? Even though I’m the same age as you, my insight in intent has greatly surpass yours? That’s because I know many things that many people in this world don’t. Martial Ancestor Realm isn’t the limit to the Martial Dao. In this world, there’s an absolute existence called the Sage Emperor. He’s sealed the once endless space and time and controls the three worlds within the Draconic Ruins Realm. Once someone emerges to go against his absolute authority, he’ll ensure them a miserable death. In the hundreds of thousands of years, there’ve been countless numbers of people who’ve divinated fate and fought against time and space just to confront him.”

Nie Li’s words made Long Yuyin’s eyes widen. What Nie Li was saying was simply unimaginable to her.

Nie Li continued, “There are many things that you’re unaware of. Only those who’ve learned the Heaven’s Divination technique could come in contact with this. Ancestral Master Phaseless, Ancestral Master Profound Sky, and your Master, Venerable Witchfeather of the Divine Feathers Sect, all wielded the Heaven’s Divination technique. The technique constantly evolves within their body. Before it reaches the pinnacle, they’d have to die; otherwise, it’d bring annihilation to the Divine Feathers Sect. That’s because when the technique reaches the pinnacle, the Sage Emperor would be able to divinate their existence! Those who’ve practice the Heaven’s Divination technique are the mortal enemies of the Sage Emperor!”

“In the tens of thousands of years, the number of supreme geniuses who’ve died at the hands of Sage Emperor is simply countless. He wants to maintain his absolute supremacy!”

“Naturally, there are some people who’ve rebelled against him. Many geniuses who wield the Heaven’s Divination technique have tried all sorts of methods in order to reverse the seal on timespace and fight against the Sage Emperor. However, no one has succeeded.”

At Nie Li’s words, Long Yuyin vaguely understood.

Back when her Master, Venerable Witchfeather, died she’d said to her, “Heaven is brutal and humans are destined to break. Millions of souls will not die in vain. Long Yuyin, time will have an end, and the life of each person is just a node to the boundless time and space. You don’t have to mourn me. But no matter what, you must not practise the Heaven’s Divination technique! Only one inheritor for the Heaven’s Divination technique is needed!”

The Heaven’s Divination technique was a powerful cultivation technique that had once aroused Long Yuyin’s strong curiosity. She wanted to learn it. However, it was snatched away by Ying Yueru and she wasn’t able to learn it.

So that was the truth!

Long Yuyin’s heart trembled as tears flickered in her eyes.

Didn’t that mean that her Senior Sister, who’d learned the Heaven’s Divination technique, could die at any time?! Long Yuyin’s misunderstandings towards Ying Yueru were lifted along with her doubts. Now, she couldn’t help worrying for her Senior Sister.

Nie Li looked at Long Yuyin as he said in a low voice, “Long Yuyin, everything that I’m planning to do is meant to confront the Sage Emperor. Are you willing to help me?”

At Nie Li’s words, Long Yuyin looked deeply into his eyes. So it turns out that Nie Li was actually so selfless and great! Fighting the Sage Emperor was a task that no one had ever succeeded. However, Nie Li still didn’t back down. He’d set his heart to it.

“No matter what you ask of me, I’ll listen to you!” Long Yuyin said seriously.

Nie Li looked at Long Yuyin as he said, “Long Yuyin, facing the Sage Emperor alone won’t be enough. I want you to gain control of the Dragonseal Family and become its Patriarch!”

At Nie Li’s words, Long Yuyin’s face went blank, “You want me to become the Patriarch of Dragonseal Family? How could I accomplish that? After all, Long Tianming is so much stronger than me!”

Nie Li looked at Long Yuyin as he seriously said, “Once you’ve set your heart to it, it can definitely be done. Your talent isn’t worse than Long Tianming’s, it’s just that he started cultivation way earlier than you. Furthermore, you also have a Dragon Bloodline God Level demon spirit. Now that you have me to guide your cultivation, you’ll definitely surpass Long Tianming in time! But before that, I need you to form a force in the outside world under your name. I will fully support you with that!”

At Nie Li’s words, Long Yuyin’s blank gaze gradually turned clear and firm as she nodded, “Okay, I’ll listen to you!”

“You have the Blood Dragon Bloodline flowing within your body. There are still some crucial meridians that have yet to unlock. Once those meridians are unlocked and all of your potential is released, your strength will rise to a frightening stage. That kind of power isn’t something that Long Tianming can touch either. Since I’m your Master, I’ll help you open up your meridians! We’ll find a secret location someday to settle this matter for you!” said Nie Li.

Unlock the meridians in her body?

Although she couldn’t quite understand Nie Li’s words, Long Yuyin had a feeling Nie Li’s words weren’t false. Once her meridians opened, what kind of level would her strength reach?

Long Yuyin couldn’t help raising her expectations.

If Long Yuyin could help him take control of the Dragonseal Family, then Nie Li would be a step closer to being Sect Master of the Divine Feathers Sect.

In order to fight for the Sect Master’s position, there were still many key qualifications that needed to be fulfilled! Even people like Long Tianming had yet to fulfil them. Therefore, Nie Li could afford to take it slowly.

A brief moment later, Li Xingyun returned. When he saw Long Yuyin beside Nie Li, he became stunned, before laughing and giving Nie Li a thumbs up.

Nie Li really was powerful. He just saw Xiao Ning’er off not long ago, and here he’d already made another beauty surrender to him. Furthermore, it was that Long Yuyin, who was renown for her fiery temper. When he how obediently Long Yuyin was, standing beside Nie Li, Li Xingyun was suspected that his eyes were deceiving him.

Indeed, when a vicious woman meets a man who can subdue her completely, she’ll lose her viciousness.

Nie Li knew that Li Xingyun had misunderstood, so he bitterly smiled. “It’s not what you think. She was just asking me to be her master!”

Li Xingyun was stunned for a moment, then he nodded and smiled, “Okay then, I still think that she’s your woman!”

Long Yuyin’s face turned red and she became embarrassed hearing Li Xingyun’s words.

Li Xingyun sure was direct. He didn’t give a second thought about Long Yuyin’s face as a lady.

In reality, Li Xingyun rather admired Nie Li. Whatever the relationship between Long Yuyin and Nie Li was, he was still well aware of her temper. It’s said that she’d even crippled her fiancé. And yet, she stood beside Nie Li so obediently.

“Brother Xingyun, Long Yuyin has decided to fight for the Patriarch’s seat of the Dragonseal Family. If she wants to establish her own force in the future, I’d like to ask Brother Xingyun to help her out.” Nie Li lightly smiled.

Hearing Nie Li’s words, Li Xingyun was stunned for a moment. This was even more shocking to him.

Somehow, Gu Bei had become the first-in-line successor to the Gu Clan. Under Nie Li’s instigation, Long Yuyin had also decided to fight for the Patriarch’s position. Without anyone knowing, two families were already inside Nie Li’s pocket. And Li Xingyun as well was was being forced to participate in the competition for the Patriarch’s position of the Ashen Flames Family.

Was this a coincidence?

Or was it all by Nie Li’s intentions?

If this was intended, then it was simply too shocking!

Li Xingyun reasoned it out a little. His business transactions with Nie Li should’ve been purely by coincidence; therefore it couldn’t have been by Nie Li’s intentions.

Li Xingyun recovered from his thoughts and lightly smiled. “Rest assured. Leave this matter to me. Before Gu Bei and Long Yuyin’s forces have fully grown, I’ll definitely do my best to aide them.”

Long Yuyin said, “It’ll be easy to establish a force of my own. Some of my father’s subordinates are all near retiring since I wasn’t fighting for the Dragonseal Family’s Patriarch position. But once I decide to fight for it, they will definitely return at my call.”

This was part of the reason why Long Yuyin’s position within the Dragonseal Family was so special.

She wasn’t the first-in-line successor, but her father could afford to leave behind a Dragon Bloodline God Level demon spirit for her. One could imagine how powerful her father once was.

Since some old subordinates were still loyal to Long Yuyin, no one in the Dragonseal Family dared to touch her. Even if she was only the seventh-in-line successor, she didn’t regard Long Tianming very highly.

Nie Li somehow understood why his Master said that Long Yuyin was a crucial point towards his plan to become the Sect Master of the Divine Feathers Sect!

Once Long Yuyin obtained the Patriarch position of the Dragonseal Family, then it’d be easier for Nie Li to fight for the Sect Master’s position. However, Long Yuyin still had to step over Long Tianming if she wanted to get the Patriarch’s position!

However, Nie Li wasn’t anxious about that. He could take these matters slowly.

After arranging a few more things, he asked Long Yuyin to return ahead of him and her gather her father’s subordinates.

Three days later, Li Xingyun brought Nie Li along and a few of his men to the depths of the outside world.





Chapter 334: Mantis Stalks the Cicada [1]


Li Xingyun gathered over five hundred people. Sixteen of them were Heavenly Axis Realms, and thirty-six were Heavenly Star Realms. This was all in order to help Nie Li obtain that medium grade Deity’s Lake. You could say that Li Xingyun was doing his very best.

Nie Li said, “Brother Li, please tell your brothers that if we succeed, those who’ve accompanied us will earn two hundred spiritual stones. If someone dies, a Heavenly Fate Realm will receive an extra one hundred as compensation, a Heavenly Star Realm will receive two hundred, and a Heavenly Axis Realm will receive five hundred! I will be the one to pay them!”

Li Xingyun turned to Nie Li in shock as he thought about it. Right now, Nie Li was a moneybag, so of course he’d be generous about it. “In that case, I’ll thank you on behalf of my brothers!”

“That’s what I should be doing.” Nie Li lightly smiled.

Li Xingyun brought so many brothers to risk their lives in the outside world. Although all these experts willingly heeded Li Xingyun, there was certain to be complaints in their hearts if they weren’t given any form of compensation, even if they didn’t voice them aloud. Nie Li was helping Li Xingyun resolve the issue.

Li Xingyun felt that his interactions with Nie Li were just too good for comfort.

When everyone heard Nie Li’s announcement, they were extremely excited. Once they succeed, the reward would be extremely generous.

The group gradually moved deeper into the outside world.

As Nie Li and the group flew on, a different group of people followed them from a distance.

Their leader was Gu Heng, with a total of seven hundred people in tow. Quite a few of them were Heavenly Axis Realm and Heavenly Star Realm experts.

The Heavenly Axis Realm experts that Gu Heng sent to scout had returned.

Gu Heng looked at the Heavenly Axis Realm expert and asked, “Have you investigated their intentions?”

“Report, Boss Gu Heng, I’ve used the Sound Gathering technique to eavesdrop on their conversations. It seems that they’ve discovered a medium grade Deity’s Lake deep in the outside world and are preparing to take it down,” the Heavenly Axis Realm immediately reported.

A medium grade Deity’s Lake?

Gu Heng’s eyes lit up at the Heavenly Axis Realm expert’s report. A trace of smile smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. “I never expected them to discover a medium grade Deity’s Lake! There’ll definitely be lots of Dragon Bloodline demon beasts guarding it! Li Xingyun can be the mantis stalking the cicada while we’re the siskin behind. 2 We’ll wait until they’ve taken down that medium grade Deity’s Lake, then we’ll take action and snatch it from them. Let them suffer a waste of effort!”

Hearing this, Gu Heng’s men became excited.

A medium grade Deity’s Lake has extraordinary value!

“Boss Gu Heng, Li Xingyun’s forces aren’t small at all. In fact, they’re comparable to ours. If we snatch their Deity’s Lake, wouldn’t it invite their vengeance?” one of his underlings voiced his worries.

“Fool! With that medium grade Deity’s Lake on our side, is there anything to fear from them? When we take that Deity’s Lake from them, there’ll certainly be a huge quantity of spiritual stones gathered there. At least tens of thousands, or hundreds of thousands, or even millions of spiritual stones. There’ll still be lots of spiritual stone essences as well. With all those spiritual stones, we can recruit some experts to keep watch over that medium grade Deity’s Lake. After that, what could Li Xingyun possibly do to us?” Gu Heng’s brows twitched. Although Li Xingyun’s forces really weren’t small, Gu Heng had been the first-in-line successor to the Gu Clan for so many years. How could his force be inferior? How could he fear Li Xingyun?

Who asked him to protect Nie Li anyways?

Nie Li and Gu Bei, the two of them must die!

Gu Heng led his men after Nie Li and Li Xingyun.

Nie Li and Li Xingyun’s group flew on for a while before one of Li Xingyun’s underlings quickly flew to the front with a report.

“Boss Xingyun, we’re being followed!” the underling whispered in a soft voice.

“Followed? Who is it?” Li Xingyun asked with his brows frowned.

“We’re still unsure. There seems to be six to seven hundred people. After sensing them, I immediately came up to report and didn’t dare alert our enemy!”

“Well done.” Li Xingyun nodded as he exchanged looks with Nie Li.

Although they didn’t know who the other party was, their intentions were easy to guess. Most likely, the intel about the medium grade Deity’s Lake had been leaked. Someone was trying to pluck their peaches while their backs were turned!

“What are we going to do next? Since we’re already here, we can’t hide the medium grade Deity’s Lake anymore.” said Li Xingyun. Right now, it was too late to retreat.

The enemy would definitely find the location of the medium grade Deity’s Lake!

After pondering for a moment, Nie Li said, “There’s no reason to rush. Since our motive isn’t to occupy that medium grade Deity’s Lake, but to remove the Deity Root. The other party definitely won’t know our motive. They’ll think we’re struggling with the guardian of the Deity’s Lake. Since we’re on guard, they get won’t pull one over us!”

Indeed, their aim wasn’t to win the medium grade Deity’s Lake, but to remove its Deity Root. That was something that the other party definitely wouldn’t think of!

Li Xingyun pondered for a brief moment, then and his eyes lit up with a sudden idea. If they wanted to follow, then so be it! He, Li Xingyun, wasn’t someone who feared others!

Their group advanced further in the outside world. Along the way, they carefully hid from the Dragon Bloodline demon beasts that would occasionally streak over the sky.

A majestic Deity’s Lake appeared in front of them at a distance. The size of this Deity’s Lake was roughly three times that of the Ling Jade Deity’s Lake. This floating mountain had a densely packed forest with many scarlet winged snakes entrenched in it. Some of these demon spirits were roughly a dozen metres long, while others were only a few metres.

At the mountain’s summit sat a gigantic Infernal Lightning Winged Snake that was dozens of metres in size. Its scales were a dazzling scarlet luster.

“Those are Infernal Lightning Winged Snakes. They’re extremely irritable and they’re extremely territorial. If any living creature, other than their own, approaches, they’ll take the initiative to attack.” Li Xingyun continued, “One of the Infernal Lightning Winged Snakes is at Dao of the Dragon Realm. Its extremely strong and commands over thirty Heavenly Axis Realms.”

Nie Li looked into the distance and said, “We’ll go in as originally planned. Send some Heavenly Axis Realm experts to lure them from the west side. They only need to lure, no need for a hard battle. After that, take a small group and escort me in!”

“Alright, leave it to me,” Li Xingyun said as he nodded.

As Li Xingyun and his group closed in on the Deity’s Lake, Gu Heng’s men slowly enveloped them. However, they were just watching from afar and carefully concealing themselves. They didn’t plan to move just yet.

Gu Heng’s heart was filled with excitement as he looked at the medium grade Deity’s Lake from a distance. After all, all the lakes that they’d occupied in the past were low grade Deity’s Lakes. A medium grade Deity’s Lake was extremely hard to obtain. Who knew how old this Deity’s Lake was? Who knew how many years it’d gone unharvested?

After Li Xingyun and his group finished making preparations, they began taking action.

Gu Heng and his men waited for a long time; however, there weren’t any movement in the distance.

“What are they doing?”

“No idea. It doesn’t look like they’re trying to take down that medium grade Deity’s Lake!’

Gu Heng couldn’t understand Li Xingyun’s actions anymore. They weren’t intending to attack it from the front. He suddenly thought of a possibility. Could it be that they weren’t interested in taking down the Deity’s Lake, but instead only wanted to stealing the accumulated spiritual stones?

Gu Heng furrowed his brows. If that was the case, then there was nothing in it for him!

When Li Xingyun and his group successfully removed the spiritual stones, they’d place it into their interspatial rings. Even though Gu Heng had so many people on his side, trying to stop Li Xingyun would still be difficult.

“No. We’ll follow up and obstruct them in their retreat!” Gu Heng said solemnly after some thinking.

Under Gu Heng’s lead, the group slowly approached the medium grade Deity’s Lake.

Li Xingyun and Nie Li stood beside the lake and exchanged glances with light smiles.

“Let’s begin!” said Nie Li.

On the west side of the Deity’s Lake, six of Li Xingyun’s Heavenly Axis Realm experts charged at the Deity’s Lake and started their attacks.

Those six Heavenly Axis Realm experts killed several low grade Infernal Lightning Winged Snakes with their strength, causing a disturbance among the demon spirits as those demon spirits charged at them.

A group of Infernal Lightning Winged Snakes were attracted. Not long after, another group of six Heavenly Axis Realm experts charged into the Deity’s Lake, attracting the attention of another batch of Infernal Lightning Winged Snakes.

Tssss! Tssss!

The Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor that on the summit swept an eye over the area. Those few Heavenly Axis Realm experts weren’t enough to make it feel threatened. However, it still remained on alert.

Demon beasts and humans alike wanted to snatch this Deity’s Lake from it. Who knew if there might be some expert concealed in the area!

If these humans thought that it’d fall for their trick so easily, then they’ve seriously underestimated its intelligence!

On the east side of the Deity’s Lake, Nie Li and Li Xingyun exchanged glances. If that Dao of the Dragon Realm Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor didn’t leave, it’d be hard for them to reach the heart of the Deity’s Lake!

However, they still patiently waited for their chance. This was just the beginning of their plan!

* * *



Pursuing a narrow gain while neglecting a greater danger behind.



The mantis preys on the cicada while the siskin preys on the mantis. While Li Xingyun and his group are after the Deity’s Lake, Gu Heng’s men will be waiting for them from behind.





Chapter 335: Bastard


Suddenly, an explosion sounded from the bottom of the Deity’s Lake. The entire lake began quaking, as if it were about to crumble.

The rupture inscription patterns that Nie Li had placed were finally doing their job.

It was impossible for the rupture inscription patterns to destroy the Deity’s Lake, but it still caused quite a considerable commotion with its series of explosions.

At last, that Dao of Dragon Realm Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor couldn’t stand it anymore. What a huge commotion! Was someone trying to destroy its Deity’s Lake?

*Woosh!*

The Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor soared into the sky. With a *woosh*, it turned into a streak of light, on its way to see what was going on at the bottom of the Deity’s Lake.

Once the Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor left, Nie Li and Li Xingyun immediately took action.

Their window of opportunity wasn’t very large!

Nie Li and Li Xingyun entered the Deity’s Lake. The remaining Infernal Lightning Winged Snakes realised that strangers were invading. They flapped their wings and pounced towards Nie Li and his group.

“Kill them!” Li Xingyun barked and immediately charged forward with his men.

*Boom!* *Boom!* *Boom!*

A chaotic war burst out as Li Xingyun and five hundred of his men attacked the Infernal Lightning Winged Snakes.

“Brother Nie Li, we’ll stall them! You go in! Hurry!”

“Yes!” Nie Li nodded as he merged with his Bloodwing Saint Jiao-dragon, flapped his wings, and flew down.

*Boom!* *Boom!* *Boom!*

Nie Li collided with several Infernal Lightning Winged Snakes; however, he powered through with his powerful physique.

*Boom!* *Boom!* *Boom!*

More infernal lightning attacks struck Nie Li, but thanks to the Bloodwing Saint Jiao-dragon’s physique, Nie Li possessed a powerful resistance towards fire-attribute attacks. Therefore, he didn’t suffer many injuries.

Three Heavenly Star Realm Infernal Lightning Winged Snakes surrounded Nie Li, trying to stop him. However, Li Xingyun and his men quickly intervened.

Swords flashed and blood splattered. The three Infernal Lightning Winged Snakes were diced and sent writhing as they fell from the sky.

At last, Nie Li broke through the heavy siege, landed on the Deity’s Lake, and rapidly laid down his inscription patterns. One by one, the designs fell into the lake and blasted its bottom.

There were many spiritual stones and spiritual stone essences lying at the bottom of the Deity’s Lake, but Nie Li didn’t give them a second thought as he continued to focus on writing the inscription patterns.

Li Xingyun and his men entered a harsh battle that brought death to many of his subordinates. However, many of the Infernal Lightning Winged Snakes were also being killed.

As Li Xingyun and his men were caught up in a heated battle, the enormous Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor appeared again. This was their king, a demon spirit of the Dao of Dragon Realm. Once it realised that the bottom of the Deity’s Lake were just merely explosion, it quickly returned to the surface find Li Xingyun and his men closing in on the Deity’s Lake. It was instantly enraged.

The Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor shrouded itself in a rolling cloud of Infernal Lightning and dived down. Its blazing flames seemed as though they were trying to melt everything.

Li Xingyun and his group never expected the emperor to return so quickly. His face changed as he barked, “Get over there and obstruct it!”

Li Xingyun’s voice sounded

*Woosh!* *Woosh!* *Woosh!*

Countless figures charged the Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor.

The emperor hissed as it flicked its red tongue and ruthlessly whipped its tail.

The tail struck dozens of people, turning them into explosions of flesh, burnt to ashes. Among them were a few who were at least of the Heavenly Star Realm.

The strength of that Dao of Dragon Realm Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor was unimaginable.

However, there were still many people who charged towards it.

While Li Xingyun and his men were fighting, Nie Li concentrated on writing inscription patterns.

The inscription patterns dived downwards into the lake and gradually merged into one huge inscription pattern array, emitting a dazzling luster.

The Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor issued an angry roar as it sensed the array. All of a sudden, it charged downwards.

Li Xingyun’s face went cold. He couldn’t allow that Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor to approach Nie Li. Otherwise, everything that they’d done up to now would end up in vain.

“Move together!” Li Xingyun furiously roared as he lead his remaining men and charged the Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor.

Li Xingyun roared and merged with his Dragon Bloodline God Level Demon Spirit. His subordinates also merged with their own demon spirits.

The Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor furiously spat out more flames, filling the sky and turning the area into a flaming sea. Hundreds of people were instantly vaporized. The flames also headed in Nie Li’s direction.

Li Xingyun, who’d already transformed into a Gold-Scarlet Blooded Jiao-dragon, brandished his sharp claws and dispersed the flames. In the process, his palms were charred black.

“Your opponent is me!” Li Xingyun coldly stared at the Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor. Although the emperor before him was of Dao of Dragon Realm, Li Xingyun didn’t feel the slightest fear. On the contrary, a powerful fighting spirit burst forth from him.

The Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor never expected that an ant would actually dare to challenge the likeness of itself. It locked its aura on Li Xingyun, roared, and pounced with wings flapping.

That terrifying might instantly bored down on Li Xingyun, pressuring him to the point where he couldn’t move.

“Boss Xingyun, be careful!” Two Heavenly Axis Realm experts charged the Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor.

*Boom!* *Boom!*

The two Heavenly Axis Realm experts died from the Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor’s impacts.

Li Xingyun managed to escape, but when he saw that two of his brothers had been killed in front of him, his field of vision instantly turned red. However, the emperor’s powerful bursts of aura made him realise that, at his current strength, it was impossible for him to confront it. Instead, just obstructing its path would be enough!

Li Xingyun exhaled a dragon’s breath from his mouth that exploded at it landed on the Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor. However, his dragon’s breath was unable to cause any damage to the creature.

The Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor swept a glance at Li Xingyun. This demon spirit had an intelligence that was comparable to a human’s; it could tell that Li Xingyun was only trying to stall it. The linchpin was that human standing in the middle of the Deity’s Lake!

The Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor ignored Li Xingyun and charged towards Nie Li.

The Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor got closer and closer to Nie Li and it breathed its flames towards him.

“No!” Li Xingyun wanted to charge up there, but it was already too late. He was way too slow compared to the Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor.

Nie Li was about to be devoured by the blazing heat, but he continued calmly writing the inscription patterns, until the design was finished. A snake-like object flew up from the center of the lake, struggling as it went.

This was the Deity Root of this Deity’s Lake!

Nie Li grabbed the Deity Root and threw it into the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting.

Now that he’d finally gotten his hands on it, a smile showed at the corner of his mouth.

The moment Nie Li obtained the Deity Root, he merged with his Shadow Devil and activated its void-form.

*Boom!*

Flames blasted the Deity’s Lake, evaporating the water upon contact. A thick, white steam filled the sky.

How dangerous!

Nie Li dodged the flames and immediately moved away from the lake, quickly flying out. The steam had created a good cover for his escape.

The Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor blankly stared at the lake for a while; it hadn’t realised what had actually happened. It still thought that it’d killed Nie Li. As it stared into the depths of the Deity’s Lake, it could sense that something was off; however, it couldn’t tell exactly what that “something” was.

Back while Li Xingyun was fighting the Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor, Gu Heng was observing from few meters away with his men.

“Haha! It seems that Li Xingyun’s men were beaten quite badly!” Gu Heng said, feeling a little joy at Li Xingyun’s misfortune. That Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor was too powerful. After Gu Heng pondered for a moment, it was best for them to not provoke it.

After coming all the way here and realising that he couldn’t do anything, Gu Heng felt a little unhappy. He could only look at the medium grade Deity’s Lake in front of him and feel gloomy.

Suddenly, the Deity’s Lake filled with cracks and started to crumble.

What was going on?

Gu Heng was stunned for a moment. Why would a perfectly good Deity’s Lake suddenly crumble?

Only now did the Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor react. It didn’t know what the intruders had done to its Deity’s Lake, but it could sense that the lake’s strength was being sucked dry. Rage filled its heart. Someone was actually trying to destroy its Deity’s Lake!

Those damnable humans!

As that was happening at the Deity’s lake, something happened thousands of metres away. Another aura had appeared.

The person who’d been standing at the heart of the Deity’s Lake wasn’t dead!

That person definitely took something from the Deity’s Lake!

The Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor flapped its wings and chased after Nie Li. Its entire body turned scarlet red as it became consumed with rage.

The moment Nie Li appeared, a pair black and white wings quickly unfurled behind him. He became like a meteor, streaking away through the sky.

“Brother Xingyun, don’t follow me. Take your brothers and quickly retreat!” Nie Li yelled as he ran. At that moment, the Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor definitely had its eyes on him. If Li Xingyun were to follow, there’d definitely be an increase in casualties.

Li Xingyun frowned for a moment. Nie Li had obtained the Deity Root, but it should be stored in his interspatial ring. If Nie Li died, then the Deity Root would be gone! However, under the current situation, he didn’t too much time to dwell on it. He followed Nie Li’s suggestion and led his men in retreat.

What Li Xingyun didn’t know was that Nie Li’s Deity Root wasn’t inside an interspatial ring; it was actually inside the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting, which was fused with Nie Li’s fate soul. Such a treasure wouldn’t drop, even if Nie Li was killed.

Therefore, as he ran, Nie Li made mental preparations for his own death.

After all, escaping from the claws of a Dao of Dragon Realm Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor wasn’t going to be easy. If at all possible.

However, Nie Li suddenly saw Gu Heng’s men from afar. An idea flashed across his mind and he flew in Gu Heng’s direction.

Gu Heng was rejoicing at the carnage that’d been wrought on Li Xingyun’s army. But suddenly, he noticed a figure turn into a streak of light and fly in his direction. That person was Nie Li. Behind him was the titanic Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor, roaring as it emitted frightening might from its body. It was an existence that was at least of the Dao of Dragon Realm.

Gu Heng’s smile froze on his face, then turned black and he cursed, “Nie Li, you bastard! Everyone evacuate!”





Chapter 336: Failed to Steal the Chicken [1]


Nie Li violently charged into the middle of Gu Heng’s group.

An instant later, the Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor caught up and smashed into them too.

“Mommy!”

“Save me!”

Gu Heng’s large army instantly devolved into chaos.

*Boom!* *Boom!* *Boom!*

The Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor was simply going way too fast. When its titanic body slammed into Gu Heng’s army, it instantly crushed dozens of them. When it bellowed out flames, dozens more were instantly turned into ashes.

It was a was an invincible existence!

Gu Heng was dumbstruck as he stared at the scene. He lead a small group of people, turned tail, and fled.

Gu Heng didn’t have any thoughts about confronting that Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor. After all, it was a Dao of Dragon Realm existence!

Nie Li’s eyes located Gu Heng. The slight lift at the corner of his mouth turned into a faint smile. Nie Li knew that he couldn’t escape death. But since Gu Heng was here, then Nie Li have to be sorry. He flapped his black and white wings, turned into a streak of light, and charged in Gu Heng’s direction.

Realising that Nie Li was behind him, Gu Heng started cursing in rage. “Bastard! Don’t follow me! If you follow me, I’ll guarantee you a gruesome death! Nie Li, I’ll definitely have your soul destroyed!”

Although Nie Li was only at Heavenly Fate Realm, he was extremely fast. His speed wasn’t any inferior to Gu Heng’s!

However, what made Gu Heng even more afraid was the Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor’s speed. It was gaining on them.

Nie Li flapped his wings as he charged onward, closely tailing Gu Heng. He said fakely, “Young Master Gu, I’m not going this on purpose. That Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor keeps following me and I have no idea where to run!”

“Go die by yourself! Don’t drag me down with you!” Gu Heng continued cursing as he flew.

“I’m not trying to drag Young Master Gu down, I don’t really have a choice. Why don’t you send some men over to delay it for a bit? If you’ll do that for me, then I won’t follow you anymore!” Nie Li was grinning. He couldn’t help feeling joy at the sorry state of Gu Heng and his men.

Gu Heng’s lungs nearly exploded from the anger. Nie Li was simply shameless! He wants him to send people to delay that snake so that he can escape?

“Everyone, delay that man! Stop him here!” Gu Heng roared. Several of his underlings turned around and went to stop Nie Li.

Powerful aura locked onto Nie Li, which slowed him a little.

After all, Nie Li was only a 3-fate while Gu Heng had many Heavenly Star Realms serving him. They thoroughly blocked his path.

It looked like Nie Li wasn’t going to be able to escape. However, everything had already gone as expected. Making Gu Heng lose so many men was the cherry on top.

The Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor behind them suddenly opened its mouth and breathed out blazing flames.

*Boom!*

The flames penetrated through Nie Li’s body. He instantly blacked out.

Since coming to the outside world, this was his first death.

After killing Nie Li, the Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor was confused for a moment. Nie Li’s aura had completely disappeared; however, nothing fell from his body. This human definitely took something from the Deity’s Lake. So why couldn’t it find the stolen object?

From a distance, the Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor could see its Deity’s Lake crumbling, but it didn’t know why or how to stop it. Its heart was filled with rage.

This bunch of cunning humans! That one must have passed the item to someone else while escaping!

A ferocious light flashed through the Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor’s eyes. In a fit of rage, it turned into a streak of light and massacred the surrounding people.

Gu Heng felt a sense of peace when he saw Nie Li die. That hateful fellow finally wasn’t chasing after him anymore. That means that the Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor should stop chasing them too!

However, when Gu Heng turned around to look, he was frightened stiff. After Nie Li was killed, the Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor had gone on a rampage and started a massacre. It chased after his men and killed them one by one.

After all, it was an Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor of the Dao of Dragon Realm; Gu Heng’s underlings didn’t stand a chance.

After it’d killed several dozen of his men, and started coming towards Gu Heng himself. Gu Heng became scared stiff.

“Hurry! Protect me as we retreat!” Gu Heng barked.

Gu Heng’s men nearby gathered around him, desperately running while protecting him.

After that Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor killed dozens of people, its eyes landed on Gu Heng’s small entourage. Thanks to its intelligence, a single look told it that Gu Heng was the most important person among that group. All the others were protecting him in his escape!

The Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor flapped its wings, ignoring the other experts and chased after Gu Heng.

At the sight of this, Gu Heng instantly understood what was going on and gloomily cursed, “Don’t follow me, lure that snake away!”

*Woosh!* *Woosh!* *Woosh!*

The group dispersed.

But even after the group had dispersed, the Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor continued to chase after Gu Heng.

At the sight of this, Gu Heng was simply speechless. There were so many people, so why was this Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor going after him? He felt the urge to cry.

The Infernal Lightning Winged Snake Emperor quickly pounced on him.

As that was going on, Li Xingyun had completed the evacuation with his subordinates. They’d lost over two hundred men this time. As for Gu Heng’s side, Li Xingyun didn’t give a damn. It’d be wiser for them to leave before the Infernal Lightning Winged Snake started eyeing them.

Soul Hall of the Skysoul Institute

The Soul Hall was a majestic construct, with a spacious interior. Pitch-black metal boxes hovered around, densely packing the air. The few hundred of them crowded together looked like a strange world.

Suddenly, a yellow soul emitted a dazzling luster as a body gradually formed.

Six to seven hours later, Nie Li walked out from the Soul Hall.

His cultivation had dropped to 2-fate. For the time being, his fate soul was still unstable; therefore, he couldn’t place it in the soul hall. Which meant that he couldn’t head for the outside world.

He had to wait for his fate soul to stabilize!

Although his cultivation had returned to 2-fate, Nie Li felt that something was off. There were still three fate souls inside him: red, blue, and yellow. Except that the yellow fate soul seemed to be slightly weaker.

Usually, when dropping from 3-fate to 2-fate, a fate soul should be extinguished. However, Nie Li’s fate soul was still there.

Since his fate soul hadn’t been extinguished, he could cultivate it back very quickly!

Nie Li stretched his body a little. The profits from this trip to the outside world this time were enormous. He’d acquired a medium grade Deity Lake’s Deity Root. He wondered how many spiritual stones that Deity Root could produce in the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting? Even though he’d died to get it, it was still worth it.

Li Xingyun and his men saw Nie Li from far away and stood up.

“Pity, we weren’t able to protect you. That Deity Root was also lost, right?” Li Xingyun bitterly smiled at Nie Li.

Nie Li shook his head as he smiled, “I still have the Deity Root! Many thanks to Brother Xingyun!”

Hearing Nie Li’s words, Li Xingyun was slightly stunned. He didn’t know how Nie Li had kept the Deity Root, even when he died. However, since he had the Deity Root, this trip wasn’t wasted.

“Let’s head to Brother Xingyun’s courtyard!” Nie Li lightly smiled.

“Okay.” Li Xingyun nodded.

Just as they were about to leave, a stream of people flowed out from the Soul Hall.

They were all Gu Heng’s men!

From far away, they saw Gu Heng coming out with a black expression. When he saw Nie Li and Li Xingyun, he was as if he’d seen his enemy.

Li Xingyun smiled when he Gu Heng’s condition. “Oh, if it isn’t Young Master Gu? What happened to you? Why’d you come out from the Soul Hall?”

“Li Xingyun, Nie Li, remember this. I’ll definitely remember this!” Gu Heng said as he ground his teeth.

“Young Master Gu is too heavy with your words. How have we offended you, that you’d say something so heartless?” said Li Xingyun as he faked innocence. But in his heart, he was beyond happy. Gu Heng and his men tried to steal his peaches while his back was turned. But in the end, they failed to steal the chicken and ended up losing the rice; they paid for it with their lives.

Gu Heng felt like his heart was bleeding. He’d brought over seven hundred people with him. Although he didn’t know how many had died, he knew that it was more than just three or four hundred. He knew that if he stayed in front of the Soul Hall, he’d only be mocked by Li Xingyun and Nie Li. He said with a sullen face, “Don’t get too happy. Better start watching your backs from now on!”

Gu Heng led his men and left.

As they watched Gu Heng and his men leave, the corner of Li Xingyun’s mouth turned up. In the outside world, he’d experienced all sorts of battles. At least tens of thousands of them, or at the very least, thousands. There wasn’t anyone who he feared!

Nie Li smiled, “This will probably make Gu Heng depressed for a long time. Let’s go!”

Together, they headed for Li Xingyun’s courtyard. Nie Li did a few quick calculations and estimated that he’d spent at least tens of thousands of spiritual stones for Li Xingyun’s subordinates. However, that was nothing but a hair from nine oxes to Nie Li.

After finishing his business, Nie Li returned to Xiao Yu’s courtyard and concentrated on his cultivation.

The day gradually darkened and the bright moon rose into the sky.

*Knock!* *Knock!* *Knock!*

The sound came from outside.

Nie Li opened his eyes and stood up. When he opened the door, he saw Long Yuyin standing there. She wore a white dress and appeared so different from her usual self that Nie Li was almost unable to recognise her. Usually, she like to wear tight-fitting clothes, which made her look heroic and formidable. But today, she gave a different impression.

The white dress gave her a touch of gentleness. Nie Li had to admit that Long Yuyin truly was a beauty. No matter what she wore, she’d always look good in it.

“Master, could you help me open my meridians today?” Long Yuyin looked at Nie Li with eyes of hope. Nie Li had told her that he could open her meridians and unleash all of her potential. For someone like her, who was obsessed with the Martial Dao, there was no way that she could endure waiting. She rushed over the moment she’d heard that Nie Li had returned.

She wondered what it’d feel like once her meridians were opened.

* * *



The full idiom is “failed to steal the chicken, and ended up losing the rice”. Means that they tried to gain an advantage, but ended up worse off than before.





Chapter 337: Opening the Meridians


Long Yuyin was deeply curious about Nie Li’s mysterious cultivation technique and the Martial Dao intent that he grasped.

This was the Martial Dao realm that she’d never come in contact with before!

Long Yuyin was filled with admiration towards Nie Li.

After Nie Li asked her to start fighting for the Dragonseal Family’s Patriarch position, she sent the news to her father’s old subordinates. They’d probably return before long.

Long Yuyin raised her head to look at Nie Li.

Next on the list, he was supposed to help her open up her meridians. Nie Li removed a set of acupuncture needles from his interspatial ring.

Long Yuyin appeared nervous; her face looked like it was slightly boiling and her state of mind was a mess. After all, this was the first time she’d been alone with a boy in the room.

After Nie Li finished his preparations, he turned to Long Yuyin and said, “Take off your clothes.”

“What?” Long Yuyin cried out in shock.

“If you don’t take off your clothes, how am I supposed to put the needles in?” Nie Li said. As far as he was concerned, she was only a young girl; therefore, he wasn’t too bothered by it.

Long Yuyin’s face started boiling even more, all the way down to her neck. After a brief moment, she grit her teeth and slowly removed her dress. As the silk fell away, it revealed the smooth skin of her shoulders. A white bandage tightly bound her chest, but you could still see that astonishing curve, plump and full.

It was hard to imagine how they’d look once released.

She raised her head, snuck a glanced at him, and ground her teeth in hesitation. Since Nie Li still didn’t say anything else, she extended her hand to the white bandage on her chest.

“Hold on, that’s enough!” Nie Li immediately stopped her. He couldn’t help being drenched in sweat. This was good enough; he didn’t need any more to put the needles in. In fact, if she went any further, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to control the situation anymore.

Long Yuyin retracted her hands, but she was still nervous. Luckily, the bandage on her chest didn’t need to be removed. Otherwise, it’d be way too awkward.

Nie Li walked to her side and. Under the candlelight, her skin looked like smooth gemstone. She used a blue ribbon to tie her hair up into a bun, which added another kind of charm to her.

As Nie Li moved behind her, his gaze fell onto Long Yuyin’s pearly white neck. He took a long, thin needle and slowly pierced the skin in the middle of her spine, a little off to the side.

“En.” Long Yuyin couldn’t help letting out a moan. Under normal circumstances, she shouldn’t feel the pain from just this needle, especially with her Dragon Blood lineage. However, when Nie Li’s needle pierced her, Long Yuyin felt a strong pain circulate through her entire body. It felt like tens of thousands of ants biting her body.

After the pain came a warm current that flowed from her spinal column, which also circulated through her body and ended at her limbs.

What shocking energy!

Long Yuyin couldn’t quite wrap her head around the fact that such powerful energy was actually hidden within her bloodline.

Nie Li took the second needle and placed it in her spinal column.

Third needle, fourth needle, fifth needle…

Very quickly, there were dozens of needles poking out of Long Yuyin. Her skin was slightly blushed. The heavy sweat on her body made her seem as if she was boiling.

“I’ve already placed acupuncture needles in your important meridians. Your Blood Dragon lineage should be slowly awakening. Once it does, it’ll rush to all of your meridians. Concentrate on cultivating!” Nie Li said as he exhaled a mouthful of air. It was finally done.

Nie Li had used quite a bit of energy on Long Yuyin’s acupuncture. He looked at her, who was sitting cross-legged as she cultivated. Then he opened the door, walked out, and softly closed it behind him.

Suddenly a figure appeared beside Nie Li, which startled him. It was Xiao Yu.

“You frightened me. What combat ability did you use? There wasn’t any sound when you appeared?” Nie Li couldn’t help asking. He wasn’t really on guard for Xiao Yu’s aura; therefore, Xiao Yu was able to get so close without him noticing.

Xiao Yu’s face was black with an annoyed expression on his face.

Seeing how furious Xiao Yu was, Nie Li asked, “What’s going on? You couldn’t have been killed by someone else in the outside world again, right?”

Xiao Yu stared at Nie Li as he said in a solemn voice, “Nie Li, how could you be doing these things? Aren’t you letting Ning’er down?”

“What did I do? What’s the matter?” Nie Li was stunned for a moment, before he immediately realised what Xiao Yu was talking about. He smiled, “Is this about Long Yuyin? Hahaha, what are you talking about? How is that letting Ning’er down?”

“You know exactly what you’ve done!” Xiao Yu snorted as he turned around and stalked off.

“Hey, Xiao Yu, you’ve misunderstood!” Nie Li yelled facing Xiao Yu’s back.

However, Xiao Yu wasn’t willing to listen to Nie Li as he quickly returned to his own room and shut the door.

Nie Li was stunned. What was up with Xiao Yu? He didn’t even give him a chance to explain himself! Furthermore, this wasn’t really something that Xiao Yu should care about, right? Could it be that Xiao Yu was interested in Long Yuyin? If that was the case, then it’s reasonable for Xiao Yu to be angry. But how many times had Xiao Yu and Long Yuyin seen each other anyways? Did they even know each other?

That sissy couldn’t be interested in myself, right? Nie Li couldn’t help feeling a chill run down his spine. Could it be that Xiao Yu swung that way? Not interested in only women, but also in men?

Nie Li had once suspected that Xiao Yu was a woman. After all, that fellow was simply too beautiful. However, Nie Li had already confirmed that Xiao Yu wasn’t a woman. That left “sissy” as the only option.

After pondering over it for awhile, Nie Li shook his head and pushed those thoughts away. He must be overthinking it.

Roughly an hour later, a powerful aura surged from within Nie Li’s room.

The Blood Dragon lineage within Long Yuyin’s body had been unleashed. According to this aura, she should be at least 5-fate now; furthermore, her future cultivation would continue to soar in leaps and bounds.

Nie Li knew that Long Yuyin had finished opening her meridians, so he pushed opened the door and walked in.

“Ah!” Long Yuyin shrieked.

Nie Li was stunned as he stared into the room. All of Long Yuyin’s clothes had been burnt to ashes. She’d covered herself from Nie Li’s view, but she couldn’t cover up the radiance of “spring”1. Nie Li immediately looked away and awkwardly walked out.

A brief moment later, Long Yuyin finished changing into a new set of clothes and walked out with her head lowered and a red face.

The atmosphere was a little weird.

Nie Li scratched his head and changed the topic. “How is it? Have your meridians all opened up?”

“En, they’re all open.” Long Yuyin’s face was faint red as she nodded. Nie Li’s method was powerful. It’d allowed her cultivation to soar by several stages. She felt like she was dreaming.

“That’s good now that they’re all unlocked.” Nie Li gave her a small smile.

Long Yuyin softly nodded in acknowledgement. She was filled with gratitude towards Nie Li. But aside from that, there was also something else in her heart. A weird emotion that she couldn’t figure out.

“When you get home, consolidate your cultivation a little. Your cultivation will definitely continue to soar by leaps and bounds!” Nie Li smiled as he continued, “Your cultivation is already so strong, I’m no longer suitable to be your Master!”

Long Yuyin raised her head as she looked at Nie Li and said in an urgent voice, “No matter what, you’ll always be my Master!”

Nie Li laughed, “I’m just joking. It’s getting late, so you should probably head back soon. If someone sees you at this time of night, who knows what they might think?”

“Okay,” Long Yuyin’s face boiled as she nodded. She took several steps forward before she turned back. “Master, I’ll be back again soon!”

She sprung out the door and was very quick with her steps, as she feared that Nie Li would try to stop her.

Nie Li retracted his gaze and couldn’t help smiling bitterly. This was the first time she’d come here, and Xiao Yu had already misunderstood. If she showed up at night, again, who knows what might happen?

Long Yuyin left Nie Li’s place and started down the small path towards the Skysoul Institute.

A figure suddenly stood out and blocked Long Yuyin. It was Hu Yong. His face was black and his eyes were fixed on Long Yuyin.

“Long Yuyin, where did you go in the middle of the night?” His hands were clenched into fists and veins popped out from his arms. His expression also looked enraged.

“You followed me?” A chill flashed through Long Yuyin’s eyes. She walked to the side and coldly snorted, “It’s none of your business where I go! If you follow me again, don’t blame me for being impolite!”

“Long Yuyin, I’ve thoroughly seen through you. You’re a slut inside. You actually find other men in the middle of the night! You’re just shameless!” Hu Yong pointed a finger at Long Yuyin as he insulted her. He couldn’t endure it anymore.

“What did you say? Say that again?” Long Yuyin coldly stared at Hu Yong.

Hu Yong pointed at Long Yuyin as he threw more insults. “Long Yuyin, so what if I’ve insulted you? Don’t forget that you’re my fiancée! Since you’re unfaithful, I’ll kill that man of yours sooner or later!”

Long Yuyin’s expression turned ugly, but she wasn’t the kind who’d quarrel with the likes of Hu Yong. Her aura locked onto him as she approached with a face of anger.

Sensing Long Yuyin’s frightening murderous aura, Hu Yong couldn’t help swallowing a large mouthful of saliva. A few moments ago, he was blinded by anger; that’s why he dared to say such things. But now, he felt a trace of fear.

“You trash, how could you possibly be my match? You think that you’re something with your family supporting you. Is a weakling like you suited to be my fiancé?” Long Yuyin walked towards Hu Yong. Her right, slender leg suddenly lashed out, landing on his crotch.

Hu Yong’s mouth turned into an ‘O’ shape, but he couldn’t issue any sound. His face slowly turned ashen white. Both his hands trembled as he held onto his crotch. Both his legs trembled as he fell to the ground and assumed fetal position.

Cold sweat formed on him. Long Yuyin’s leg had landed nicely on his crucial point, just like last time.

The pitiful Hu Yong had been crippled by Long Yuyin before. And it looked like he hadn’t learned his lesson.

“Young Master, are you alright?”

“Young Master!”

Several followers cried out in concern as they appeared from the bushes nearby.

Long Yuyin took one more look at Hu Yong, who was surrounded by his underlings. Then she snorted and flew off.

* * *



The Chinese describe life by the four seasons. Spring is youth, summer is adulthood, autumn is old age, and winter is death.





Chapter 338: Taking


After Long Yuyin left, Nie Li immediately started cultivating.

Even Long Yuyin’s cultivation had already reached 5-fate. If he didn’t catch up soon, he’d be left behind in the dust.

Nie Li entered the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting.

Deity’s Lakes were floating all around inside the painting. Soon, they’d start producing an endless supply of spiritual stones.

Nie Li looked towards, Yu Yan who was cultivating in the distance. The golden flames on body were blazing more than ever, looking like a cloud of golden fire in the sky. Nie Li had no idea how far Yu Yan’s cultivation had reached. Since she was still in the middle of cultivating, he didn’t want to disrupt her.

As for Jindan, that little guy was already twice his original size. It kept up with its routine of eating and sleeping. This Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting was like a utopia for it.

Nie Li settled down and began cultivating. But unlike before, he was absorbing pure spiritual stone essences, instead of spiritual stones.

The Heavenly Energy contained in spiritual stone essences was purer by several folds.

A single piece of spiritual stone essence was equivalent to a thousand spiritual stones. Ordinary cultivators couldn’t enjoy such goods; but for a moneybag like Nie Li, it wasn’t much.

After absorbing three spiritual stone essences, his cultivation returned to 3-fate. However, he continued to absorb even more spiritual stone essences.

For now, Nie Li’s fate soul was still unstable, so he didn’t think about heading to the outside world for the time being. Instead, he cultivated and continued to raise his strength in peace.

Time pass quickly. five days later, Nie Li had already used dozens of spiritual stone essences and his cultivation had finally stepped into 4-fate. He’d finished forming his fourth fate soul, and it was black in colour.

Red, blue, yellow and black. Then what would color of his fifth fate soul be?

Nie Li was a little bewildered.

However, he didn’t stop cultivating once he reached 4-fate. Instead, he continued on.

Meanwhile, in the outside world, Gu Bei and Lu Piao led the Demon League and finally took down a Deity’s Lake. This was their first Deity’s Lake since the league’s establishment. Although it was just an ordinary low grade Deity’s Lake, it was a pretty good start for them.

With that Deity’s Lake as a base, they’d be able to recruit more experts than ever, especially since they weren’t lacking in funds. After all, the terms that they provided were several times better than those of the other factions.

As they were cultivating by the Deity’s Lake, a subordinate hurried in.

“Master Bei, there’s a faction called the Ancient Jade League that’s come to join us!”

“Ancient Jade League? Where are they from?” Lu Piao frowned as he asked Gu Bei. Ever since they came to the outside world, Lu Piao had become even more cautious.

“They’re a small faction in the outside world with roughly sixty men who are all around the Heavenly Fate Realm.” Gu Bei continued, “However, they don’t have any associations with other factions!” After reaching the outside world, Gu Bei had conducted a few investigations on all the large and small forces out there. Gu Bei also had an amazing memory. As long as the faction had a name in the outside world, Gu Bei would know of them.

“Did you ask why they’d like to join us?” Gu Bei asked after pondering for a brief moment.

“They said that wandering the outside world is too tough for them. They said that, they’ve come in contact with some of the major factions, but those major factions didn’t give them any regard and weren’t willing to take them. After hearing that Master Bei was establishing your own force, they decided to quickly pay a visit and ask!” that underling reported.

Under normal circumstances, those major factions wouldn’t be willing to take them; their strengths were too ordinary. After all, it was quality rather than quantity that counted. Having more people would mean that they’d have to spend more spiritual stones to maintain the force. After those major factions weighed the factors, of course they weren’t willing to accept those who were weak.

“Are we going to take them?” asked Lu Piao as he looked at Gu Bei. This was the first time an entire faction had decided to join them!

“Of course! Nie Li is a moneybags anyways, so we can afford it!” Gu Bei smiled as he continued, “Other factions have to worry about having too many burdens, so they aren’t willing to take them. But that’s not a problem for us, since Nie Li already told us to recruit as many people as possible!”

A short while later, the group that called themselves the Ancient Jade League appeared before Gu Bei and Lu Piao.

“Master Bei, my name is Heng Yan!” The leader of the Ancient Jade League cupped his hands towards Gu Bei. He was a youth in his twenties and didn’t have any family background worth speaking of. However, he acted neither humble nor pushy as he stood before Gu Bei and Lu Piao.

“If you join our Demon League, you’ll have to follow our rules. Will you comply?” Gu Bei’s face turned serious as he looked at Heng Yan.

Heng Yan immediately bowed and said, “I understand.”

Joining the Demon League would require them to sign a contract. Once the contract was set, they wouldn’t dare to betray him, especially with Gu Bei’s family background. After all, Gu Bei was the first-in-line successor of the Gu Clan!

“Good! Then sign the contract!” Gu Bei lightly smiled.

Heng Yan looked at Gu Bei as he asked, “Master Bei, we control a low grade Deity’s Lake. Although it’s nearly dried up, there are still dozens of people guarding it right now. Do you want it?”

Gu Bei straightforwardly said, “Naturally! After joining our Demon League, we will send some men over to collect your Deity’s Lake. Since you’ve decided to join us, you’ll be treated the same as everyone else who’s in the Demon League.”

Hearing Gu Bei’s words, Heng Yan and his group had their eyes light up. According to the rumors, the Demon League’s monthly salary was equivalent to their former yearly income! How could they possibly be unwilling?

Very quickly, Heng Yan and his people disbanded the Ancient Jade League. Once everyone present signed the contract, they became a part of the Demon League.

To Heng Yan, exchanging a nearly dried up Deity’s Lake for the generous treatment of the Demon League, was a profited for them. As far as Nie Li was concerned, it was a profit for him as well. All he had to do in exchange for a nearly dried up Deity Root, was pay Heng Yan and his group a tiny allowance every month.

The news travelled quickly. The Ancient Jade League had disbanded and its members had joined the Demon League.

The other smaller factions were also deliberating. Guarding a Deity’s Lake was bitter work. And in return, they received only a dozen or so spiritual stones per year. But if they chose to follow the Demon League, then they could get dozens of spiritual stones every month!

Some of the bosses of the smaller factions weren’t willing to disperse their own factions. However, they saw their brothers’ hearts shaking and understood that their factions couldn’t hold out for much longer. They too, disbanded and joined the Demon League.

In just a single month, dozens of factions had disbanded and joined the Demon League. The league itself was swelling and growing at a ferocious pace. Aside from accepting large numbers of new members, the Demon League had also received and controlled dozens of Deity’s Lakes. However, Nie Li had quickly removed the Deity’s Roots from all those lakes.

After taking dozens of factions, the Demon League’s size swelled to over three thousand experts. However, not everyone had a high cultivation. There were only a few dozen Heavenly Star Realm experts. However, their expansion was already extremely shocking, given the league was only a few months old.

The major factions of the outside world were extremely puzzled. How could the Demon League possibly afford the massive quantity of spiritual stones required daily to support? If any other force spent so much just to maintain so many people, then they’d have crumbled a long time ago!

However, what they didn’t know was that not was Nie Li capable of supporting them all, the amount of spiritual stones in his possession was still madly increasing.





Chapter 339: Surrounded


The inside Nie Li’s Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting was dotted with Deity’s Lakes. Every low grade Deity’s Lake could produce close to ten thousand spiritual stones a month. The lone medium grade Deity’s Lake produced an even more shocking quantity. In a single month, it could produce fifty to sixty thousand spiritual stones and hundreds of spiritual stone essences.

Just some scraps from these lakes was already more than sufficient to support the three thousand plus Demon League members.

Therefore, Nie Li had told Gu Bei to take in more underlings. The more, the better, since he could easily accommodate all of them.

Although the strength of Gu Bei’s three thousand plus didn’t amount to much, with the large amount of spiritual stones provided by Nie Li, their cultivations would rise much faster than those of ordinary Divine Feathers Sect disciples.

As far as other were concerned, the fact that Gu Bei’s faction had already grown to such an extent in a single month was indeed quite frightening.

Several people were gathered together in a courtyard of the Skysoul Institute.

Among them were Gu Heng, Murong Yu, and a few dozen other bosses of their own factions.

Gu Heng swept an eye over the gathering and said, “By now, you all should know my aim, why I’ve gathered you all here today. The faction that Gu Bei has established has already recruited over three thousand members in such a short amount of time. If we don’t stop its expansion now, then one day, we might not even have the power to speak freely anymore.”

“Boss Gu Heng, we’ve calculated their spendings. As of right now, that kid has to pay hundreds of thousands of spiritual stones every month. It’ll probably be hard for him to expand any more! If he were to continue expanding, how many spiritual stones would he have to exhaust every month? Before long, they’ll probably have to disband, right?”

“That’s what I feel as well. Hundreds of thousands of spiritual stones every month isn’t a small amount! How is that kid, Gu Bei, able to keep it up?”

These factions all felt that if Gu Bei continued to play around like that, then there’d be a day when he could no longer continue on. When that time came, the Demon League would automatically be disbanded, even if they didn’t do anything.

Gu Heng coldly swept his gaze at everyone as he said with a solemn voice, “You guys are making a huge mistake in thinking like that. I’ve heard that not only is the Demon League not putting a halt to their recruitment, they’ll take anyone who’s above 2-fate.”

“How is that possible?” Several bosses furrowed their brows.

“I’ve investigated and found out that it’s true!” Murong Yu continued on with a solemn voice, “I’ve no idea where they’re getting so many spiritual stones from. But right now, their supply of spiritual stones doesn’t look like it’s depleting. That kid spent nearly four hundred thousand spiritual stones on the auction! I’m guessing that he’s obtained some ancient supreme’s treasure. That’s why he dares to be so extravagant!”

An ancient almighty’s treasure?

Hearing Murong Yu’s words, the eyes of the bosses all lit up.

It’s a pity. Even if Gu Bei and his group had obtained some ancient almighty’s treasure, it was absolutely impossible to expect them to bring it to the outside world. Therefore, trying to snatch it was basically impossible.

Murong Yu swept an eye over everyone’s expressions. The corner of his mouth raised into a smile, and said, “What if they really do have an endless supply of spiritual stones? With such high-quality treatment being offered from the Demon League, your subordinates would definitely be shaken as well. If that happens, would they still be as willing to work as hard as before? Can you guys offer the same treatment as the Demon League?”

Gu Heng spoke up. “What Murong Yu just said is correct. The Demon League is breaking regulations. If they keep this up, then along with Gu Bei’s extraordinary talent, they’ll be stealing the Gu Clan’s Patriarch seat one day. If that happens, then we’re all finished!” Gu Heng said with a solemn voice as he looked at everyone, with a ferocious look flashing through his eyes. “Some of my thoughts received support from a certain person. The Demon League won’t make it far; however, I’ll need the help of everyone gathered here!”

“Boss Gu Heng, pray tell!” The bosses all cupped their hands.

Although they didn’t know who Gu Heng was speaking of, the knew that that person definitely wasn’t a simple individual. After all, Gu Heng was treating them with such esteem.

“If we join forces, the number of people that we’ll be able to mobilise will be almost fifteen thousand. We can absolutely crush the Demon League with that. If we take the initiative before the Demon League has developed to a real threat, then we’ll be able to thoroughly destroy them while they’re still young!” Gu Heng’s face was smeared with a sinister smile.

All the bosses had hesitation on their faces.

“Boss Gu Heng, right now, Gu Bei is the first-in-line successor to the Gu Clan. We can understand your thoughts; however, we’re not like you, who has no worries. We don’t dare to offend the Gu Clan’s successor!”

Everyone gathered here was capable of commanding a faction in the outside world; that proved that they were smart people. They understood that Gu Heng wanted them to lend their strengths to deal with Gu Bei, so that Gu Bei couldn’t compete for the Gu Clan’s Patriarch seat anymore. However, Gu Heng was currently out of favor in the Gu Clan; the gathered faction bosses didn’t want to get dragged into the whirlpool either.

A trace of chilling light flashed through Gu Heng’s eyes. He understood that these people wouldn’t do anything without profit, so he said in a solemn voice, “This matter isn’t for my interest alone. If the Demon League continues to develop, none of you will have a good time in the future, either. Everyone present is one of us. As long as you aid me in removing the threat of the Demon League, I’ll make a copy of the [Dharani] technique for you!”

At Gu Heng’s words, the hearts of these bosses shook.

“Is Boss Gu Heng serious about this?”

“That’s right.” Gu Heng nodded, “Since I’ve said as much, not even four horses can drag it back!”

“Okay! I’ll do it!”

“Me too!” the bosses agreed.

The [Dharani] cultivation technique was a secret of the Gu Clan. Rumors said that only the truly talented younger generations were capable of learning it. Once the [Dharani] technique was leaked, the Gu Clan would definitely dispose of him. These bosses never imagined that Gu Heng would actually be willing to use it as a bargaining chip!

A chilling light flashed through Gu Heng’s eyes again. In order to make these people move for him, he had to use his trump card. As for the [Dharani] technique, what a joke! How could he, Gu Heng, possibly give out the genuine one? When the time comes, he’d just give them a fake one, since they wouldn’t be able to tell if it’s genuine or not.

Asking Gu Heng to fork out money was simply impossible. This method didn’t require him to hand over a single stone. At the same, he could accomplish his greatest goal.

“Boss Gu Heng, write a contract so we can have confidence in your words!” someone suggested.

“I can write a contract; however, I’ll seal it with an inscription pattern array. When the time comes, bring the sealed contract to me and we’ll unseal it together!” Gu Heng said after he thought a bit. Of course, he’d already made plans in his heart.

“Okay!” The bosses exchanged glances and nodded in agreement. As long as they held the contract, they could use it against Gu Heng. That way, they wouldn’t have anything to worry about.

In reality, they also understood that the Demon League was a great threat. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have gathered at Gu Heng’s place. After Murong Yu discussed the countermeasures, they all feigned indifference so that they could wheedle some benefits out of Gu Heng.

As for the possibility that Gu Heng might double cross them, they had their own countermeasures. If Gu Heng burned the bridge after he crossed the river1 they could band together to cause a disturbance for him. There were so many of them gathered here; if they used their numbers to do something, then Gu Heng’s seat as a successor candidate would probably become unstable.

Gu Heng will deal with it when the time comes. For now, he had to find a way to suppress Gu Bei. He couldn’t be bothered about anything else.

Quickly, Gu Heng started gathering experts from various factions and planning out how they’d deal with the Demon League. Fifteen thousand experts would be sufficient to wipe the Demon League’s existence from the Skysoul Institute.

A group of experts left the Skysoul Institute and headed for the outside world.

On a floating Deity’s Lake.

This Deity’s Lake was also nearly dried up. However, Nie Li hadn’t found a chance to remove its Deity Root yet. Therefore, it became the perfect gathering point for the Demon League. Thousands of men were stationed here. The others were out hunting for demon beasts.

Gu Bei and Lu Piao were presently training the newcomers who’d just joined. Nothing could be accomplished without routines and standards. Only with strict and impartial discipline can there be fighting strength. As for how to be impartial, Li Xingyun had taught them a lot.

Suddenly, Heng Yan flew back with wounds covering his body. It was as though he’d experienced an intense battle.

“Master Bei, we were ambushed! Hundreds are dead!” Heng Yan gasped as a pained expression was displayed on his face. His wounds were still dripping with fresh blood.

“This is a spiritual medicine for healing wounds. Take it quick!” Gu Bei tossed him an elixir, then asked in a solemn voice, “Speak clearly about what just happened!”

Heng Yan swallowed the healing elixir, caught his breath, then reported, “We were ambushed by a group of experts. The other party had nothing but Heavenly Star Realm experts. We couldn’t win against them. Only I managed to escape.”

A group of Heavenly Star Realm experts?

Gu Bei frowned his brows for a brief moment. The only people they weren’t on good terms with were people like Gu Heng and Murong Yu. And the one with the greatest motive to suppress the Demon League was definitely Gu Heng!

Gu Heng finally couldn’t hold back anymore and had decided to take action!

“Recall the remaining people! We must return to the Skysoul Institute!” Gu Bei said after pondering it over. With their current strength, trying to fight against Gu Heng would be too hard.

Just when Gu Bei was about to lead his army in evacuation, the sky at a distance began filling with black dots. A surge of powerful auras rolled over them.

Over ten thousand people had surrounded the Demon League. The one leading them was Gu Heng.

“Younger Cousin Gu Bei, it’s been a long time.” Gu Heng flew towards Gu Bei, then stopped once there was about a hundred meters of space between them. He looked at Gu Bei.

Gu Bei calmly returned the look as he said, “I trust that you’ve been well since we last met, Elder Cousin Gu Heng. You’ve brought so many people to visit me; however, this doesn’t seem like it’s just for a simple greeting, right?”

“I came over to discuss some matters with Younger Cousin Gu Bei.” Gu Heng’s eyes flashed with cold and proud look.

“What matters? I’d like to hear the details!” Gu Bei swept any eye over the surrounding area. The number of people that Gu Heng had brought was too great. It wouldn’t be easy to leave. Today, the entire Demon League probably wouldn’t be able to leave.

Gu Heng’s eyes slightly narrowed as he looked at Gu Bei. “If Younger Cousin Gu Bei is willing to withdraw from the competition for the Patriarch’s seat and disband the Demon League, then I’ll let our past enmity be bygones. I’ll allow Young Cousin Gu Bei to control the Gu Clan with me in the future. What do you say?”

* * *



Abandoning one’s benefactor upon achieving one’s goal.





Chapter 340: Ancestral Sword Intent


Control the Gu Clan together?

Gu Bei coldly laughed in his heart. With Gu Heng’s character, ghosts would have to be real for him to be willing to share control of the Gu Clan with someone else. People like Gu Heng, who couldn’t tolerate the slightest grain sand in his eyes, had always seen Gu Bei and his sister as a thorn by his side. Otherwise, Gu Heng wouldn’t have gathered so many people to destroy the Demon League.

Gu Bei looked at Gu Heng and laughed. “I think disbanding the Demon League should be possible. I’ll go back to think about it and give Elder Cousin Gu Heng an answer three days. How about it?”

Naturally, Gu Bei wasn’t stupid. ‘If you want to pretend to be humble, then I’ll play with you.’

A penetrating chill came from Gu Heng’s eyes. A reply in three days? He’d already gathered so many people to surround the Demon League. Was he really going to return and wait for three days? What kind of joke was that?

“Younger Cousin Gu Bei could’ve chosen any name for your force, but you came up with “Demon League”. With such a name, it’s easy for others to think about the Demon God’s Sect!” Gu Heng lightly smiled as he waved his hand. All the experts under him started towards Gu Bei and Lu Piao.

Gu Heng wanted to destroy the Demon League. Since they weren’t willing to disband by themselves, then he’d gang up on them until they disbanded. If anyone from the Demon League stepped into the outside world, they’d only meet death!

“Elder Cousin Gu Heng is joking. It’s just a casual name. How could it be connected to the Demon God’s Sect?” Gu Bei casually replied as he exchanged glances with Lu Piao, who was preparing their members to lead a charge out in a different direction.

“I wish to prevent Younger Cousin Gu Bei from straying to the dark side. Therefore, as the Elder Brother, I’ll educate you well!” Gu Heng said. With a cold smile and a wave of his hand, he signalled everyone under him to charge at the Demon League.

There were over ten thousand people under Gu Heng’s control, whereas there were only a few thousand on the Demon League’s side. Furthermore, Gu Heng’s underlings were obviously much stronger than the Demon League’s.

“Kill them!”

An intense battle broke out in an instant and became a one sided massacre for the members of the Demon League.

The difference in strength was simply too great!

“Master Bei, Master Lu, we’ll escort the two of you to safety!” Heng Yan coldly snarled as he charged out, leading a group of Heavenly Star Realm experts to guard Gu Bei and Lu Piao.

Gu Heng’s palm energy pushed back and killed several of the Demon League’s Heavenly Fate Realm experts.

“Trying to leave? It’s not that easy!” Gu Heng coldly snorted as he turned into a streak of light that chased after Gu Bei.

Gu Heng was a Heavenly Star Realm expert and had already reached the pinnacle. He was much stronger than anyone in the Demon League. And when he used his palm to attack, the surrounding Heavenly Energy would gathered together and turn into a huge palm force directed at Gu Bei.

Silver lightning poured down like rain from that huge palm.

*Boom!* *Boom!* *Boom!*

The silver lightning landed on two Heavenly Star Realm experts, easily destroying them.

From a short distance away, Lu Piao urgently barked, “Gu Bei, careful!”

Gu Heng coldly smiled. Gu Bei was trying to leave in front of him? Wishful thinking. Gu Bei wasn’t even on the same level as himself!

The palm headed towards Gu Bei and countless bolts of silver lightning enveloped him.

With the sky full of silver lightning, and that huge palm coming towards him, Gu Bei felt as though his entire body was about to be shredded.

He was going to be killed by Gu Heng? He felt extremely unresigned to this!

Just as he was about to be killed by Gu Heng, Nie Li’s “sword” word suddenly flashed across Gu Bei’s mind.

Gu Bei was an undoubted genius in terms of his insight towards sword intent. Nie Li’s “sword” word had given him endless enlightenment.

At that moment, Gu Bei felt as though he’d entered into a profound state.

Like a great river, a boundless torrent of Heavenly Energy flowed into Gu Bei’s body. Endless visions of stars appeared to him in the space between heaven and earth. In the center of that starry landscape, there suddenly appeared an ancient sword. The blade was one meter long, three inches wide.

So this was the endless profound intent concealed in that “sword”!

Gu Bei focused on his right hand. That ancient sword seemed to have its own intelligence as it flew like a spiritual snake and shot towards Gu Heng’s energy palm.

*Boom!*

A huge explosion sounded as the ancient sword penetrated the palm and continued towards Gu Heng’s head.

Gu Heng sensed the razor sharp sword intent shooting towards him, and felt that it could penetrate through everything. Just as the ancient sword was about to hit his head, Gu Heng quickly dodged it.

*Woosh!*

That ancient sword scraped past Gu Heng’s cheek, leaving behind a trace of blood on his face. Fresh blood splattered on the ground.

After the ancient sword streaked past Gu Heng’s face, it disappeared.

Gu Bei spat out a mouthful of blood. Forming that sword intent had exhausted all of the Heavenly Energy within his body. It was a pity that his comprehension towards that sword intent still wasn’t sufficient; otherwise, Gu Heng would already be dead!

Although his Heavenly Energy was exhausted, he couldn’t repress the excited look on his face.

This was the first time he’d come in contact with the Ancestral Sword intent!

Even if he died, only his cultivation would fall by a stage. His comprehension of Ancestral Sword intent would remain and open up endless possibilities towards the future.

“Hahaha, Gu Heng, you never imagined this, did you? You tried to suppress me, and instead, you’ve actually allow me to gain insight towards the Ancestral Sword intent! As long as I have that, even if my cultivation forever remains in the Heavenly Fate Realm, my strength will one day surpass yours! Do you really think that you can keep me suppressed?” Gu Bei proudly glared at Gu Heng. So what if he died today?

Gu Heng finally snapped out of the shock from that frightening sword intent. However, his heart was lingering in fear. If he’d reacted a second later, he would’ve been sliced open by Gu Bei’s sword intent. He never expected Gu Bei, who was only at the Heavenly Fate Realm, an ant-like existence to him, to have nearly killed him!

Deep denial appeared in his eyes.

How was Gu Bei able to comprehend the Ancestral Sword intent? Why was Gu Bei the one who could comprehend it?

That was a realm that was only heard of in legends!

Gu Bei would continue to cultivate the Ancestral Sword intent. Once it reached a certain level, even if his cultivation remained in Heavenly Fate Realm, he’d still be able to defeat people who are ranked higher than himself.

This Ancestral Sword intent wasn’t something that just anyone could cultivate. Only geniuses with deep insight towards the sword Dao could accomplish it!

Once the higher-ups of the Gu Clan knew that Gu Bei managed to cultivate the Ancestral Sword intent, there would no longer be a place for Gu Heng in the Gu Clan!

“What Ancestral Sword intent? What you did was nothing but a child’s joke that you tried to pass off as the Ancestral Sword intent. Hahaha! Hilarious!” Gu Heng absolutely wouldn’t admit that Gu Bei had actually cultivated the Ancestral Sword intent. “You’re still far too weak to contend against me!”

*Boom!* *Boom!* *Boom!*

The experts of the Demon League were mercilessly killed, one after another.

Only about two hundred people were left from the thousands who were originally present. Those remaining couldn’t hold up anymore, either.

“I’ll see how much Heavenly Energy can you still use!” Gu Heng condensed another palm of energy and made a grab for Gu Bei. “Die!”

Gu Heng was cautious with his attack. He had his guard up, since he’d nearly gotten killed by Gu Bei’s ancestral sword intent. A surge of powerful palm energy blasted towards Gu Bei.

When Gu Bei saw that the palm energy was about to land onto him, he knew he couldn’t block it. He could only bitterly smile.

Suddenly, an energy wave came and destroyed Gu Heng’s palm energy, sending him flying out with a jolt.

Gu Heng scowled and looked out, to where he saw a white clothed youth standing in the sky.

“It’s you?” Gu Heng’s eyes slightly narrowed.

That youth was Li Xingyun!

Li Xingyun was standing in the sky as his white clothes fluttered in the wind. He, who possessed handsome features, casually stood before Gu Heng. One could feel a powerful and towering pressure from him. Multiple figures flew over from the distant horizon, like meteors in the sky. They swelled to about two or three thousand people.

The entire Heavenly Path League had arrived!





Chapter 341: Countermeasure


Gu Heng coldly stared at Li Xingyun and said, “Li Xingyun, are you going to stick your neck out for the Demon League?”

Although Gu Heng’s strength couldn’t be compared to Li Xingyun’s, Gu Heng’s mobilized army was still much stronger than Li Xingyun’s Heavenly Path League. There were only two to three thousand people from the Heavenly Path League, whereas there was ten thousand on Gu Heng’s side!

Gu Heng snorted as he said with murderous intent, “If you insist on sticking up for them, I don’t mind destroying you too!”

Li Xingyun brightly laughed. “I, Li Xingyun, only worship one creed: loyalty. I, Li Xingyun, can endure fire and water for my brothers. Some of my brothers are inside the Demon League. Those who want to go against them will also go against my Heavenly Path League!”

Gu Heng sneered, “Li Xingyun, since you want to throw your entire Heavenly Path League into this as well, then don’t blame me!”

At that moment, the dozens of bosses under Gu Heng began to hesitate.

It was fine for them to deal with the Demon League, but they felt unsettled within their hearts at the thought of dealing with the Heavenly Path League as well.

Who was Li Xingyun? Although there were only about three thousand people in the Heavenly Path League, Li Xingyun had many brothers who were bigshots. Once they started a war with the Heavenly Path League, and once it escalated, who knew what scales the war would reach?

However, there’s no turning back once you’ve fired the arrows. Even if the small bosses had their own qualms, they still had to take action! If they were to retreat like this, they’d be left with no reputation once the news spread out. Furthermore, the brothers under them would also think that they were afraid of the Heavenly Path League.

“Since your Heavenly Path League insists on sticking up for the Demon League, then don’t blame me, Gu Heng, for not leaving you with any face!” A ferocious look flashed through Gu Heng’s eyes as he coldly barked, “I don’t care if they’re from the Demon League or the Heavenly Path League! Kill them without regard! Go!”

Gu Heng’s men started intense attacks towards the Heavenly Path League.

A great war exploded.

Three thousand people against ten thousand. It was the same disadvantage as before.

What the Heavenly Path League lacked in numbers, they made up with quality; many of their members were Heavenly Axis and Heavenly Star Realm experts. They weren’t as easy to deal with. Both armies charged. The seam of contact turned into a huge meat-grinding machine as experts from both sides fell, one after another. Both sides suffered quite a bit of loss.

Palm energies and sword auras exploded in the sky as the battle turned more and more intense. Experts from both sides had their visions dyed red from the massacre.

Li Xingyun took the lead and charged to the front, killing dozens of experts who were the same rank as himself. Several Heavenly Axis Realm experts did their best to guard him, killing as they went.

A short distance away, a group of Heavenly Axis Realm and Heavenly Star Realm experts were also escorting Gu Bei and Lu Piao in a charged out.

Although the Heavenly Path League was brave and fierce, in the end, they were still outnumbered. The death count continued to accumulate.

“Boss Xingyun, we’re still not their proper match!” One of the Heavenly Axis Realm experts killed a Heavenly Star Realm expert with a palm of energy, then looked at Li Xingyun.

As the intense siege wore on, their allies started to feel more and more pressure. They watched as their brothers continued to fall. Of course, they’d also make their enemy pay a painful price.

Li Xingyun frowned his brows for a brief moment. Indeed, Gu Heng simply had too many people on his side. They’d gathered a total of twenty forces and had come in a hurry. It was impossible to confront them with just the Heavenly Path League’s strength.

Li Xingyun looked at Gu Heng, who was observing the battle from afar. He coldly snorted, “Since Gu Heng wanted to start a war, then we’ll play with him ‘til the end. We’ll leave for now and look for him next time! Everyone, follow me tightly. We’re charging out!”

In every war that the Heavenly Path League had participated in, Li Xingyun always stood heroically on the frontlines. When his men heard Li Xingyun say that they were going to charge out from the side, everyone followed.

“Block them!” Gu Heng furiously roared. Since Li Xingyun had showed up on this battlefield, why should they let him leave?

Thousands of people surrounded Li Xingyun and his men, trying to cut them down.

“Kill them!”

Although Li Xingyun and his group were outnumbered, their morale was high. Under Li Xingyun’s lead, they charged out of the siege and flew away.

Gu Heng and his group chased after them and killed another five to six hundred people before Li Xingyun managed to escape.

Once the Heavenly Path League and Demon League fled too far, Gu Heng became extremely enraged. However, even though Li Xingyun managed to escape, both the Heavenly Path and Demon Leagues still suffered great losses. This was just the beginning. In the future, Gu Heng and his allies would make sure to thoroughly erase the Heavenly Path League and the Demon League from the outside world!

In the Skysoul Institute, Xiao Yu’s courtyard.

A group of people had gathered there.

Nie Li had just finished cultivating. However, since his fate soul was still unstable, he didn’t head for the outside world. Therefore, he only heard about what’d happened after Gu Bei, Lu Piao, and Li Xingyun returned.

“What are our losses?” Nie Li looked at the three of them as he asked. He knew that both the Demon League and the Heavenly Path League had suffered greatly.

“I’ve summarised the information. Because our Demon League was ambushed, only a few hundred survived, out of the original three thousand men.” Lu Piao bitterly smiled, glanced and Li Xingyun, and continued, “The Heavenly Path League also suffered quite a few losses. They have close to two thousand deaths!”

Gu Bei apologised, “Actually, Brother Xingyun didn’t have to come and cause the Heavenly Path League such a great loss for our sake!”

“What are you saying? If the Heavenly Path League knows that our brothers have met trouble in the outside world, how could we hole ourselves up? Although my Heavenly Path League has suffered some losses, Gu Heng’s side has suffered as well. Based on my estimations, we killed at least two thousand of his men!” Li Xingyun said proudly. Although Gu Heng’s side had the advantage of numbers, the Heavenly Path League members had better combat abilities.

Li Xingyun looked at the situation mildly. After all, this wasn’t the Heavenly Path League’s first day out in the real world. They’d experienced countless battles before; to them, today’s skirmish was relatively small-scale.

“Gu Heng’s Blood Moon League has gathered a dozen factions to start a war with you guys. How do you plan to deal with them?” Li Xingyun looked at Nie Li as he asked, “If you’re going to start a war with them, I can contact some brothers of mine to deal with the Blood Moon League! We can easily gather eight or nine thousand people!”

Gu Bei and Lu Piao looked at Nie Li as they awaited his decision.

Nie Li pondered for a moment, looked at Li Xingyun, then said, “I’ll deal with Gu Heng’s Blood Moon League. There’s no need to gather other factions. It doesn’t seem right to bring more people into our problem. However, I’ll still need Brother Xingyun’s help. I wonder if Brother Xingyun is willing?”

“How could I not be willing? As long as Brother Nie Li says the word!” Li Xingyun proudly said as he continued, “You really don’t need me to gather other forces?”

“Not for the time being.” Nie Li lightly smiled.

“You have other plans?” Li Xingyun looked at Nie Li as he curiously asked. With just the Demon and the Heavenly Path Leagues, they were still lacking in manpower.

“Has Brother Xingyun seen how hooligans fight before? An entire group surrounds a single person. How does guy in the middle counterattack?” Nie Li smiled meaningfully.

“He throws everything else aside, grabs the leader and bashes him to death!” Lu Piao immediately said. Upon finishing his words, his eyes lit up. “Yes! Why should we bother with those factions of his? Since they don’t really have grudges with us anyways, we can just bash those guys from the Blood Moon League.”

Li Xingyun was a smart person, so he immediately understand Nie Li’s meaning. The corner of his mouth curled up as he smiled. “That’s a really good method. After we take care of the Blood Moon League, the other factions will probably fear us. Furthermore, Brother Nie Li can also take their Deity Roots. We’ll just take care of all of the Blood Moon League’s Deity’s Lakes! We’ll leave them without a place to even cry in peace!”

Gu Bei added, “Taking their Deity Roots won’t be enough. It’s best if we can bribe some people who are on the inside to closely watch over Gu Heng, and kill him whenever there’s a chance. We can make him so paranoid that he’d fear walking out of his own front door!”

The four birds of a feather exchanged glances and evil smiles.





Chapter 342: Hierarch Skycloud


After Li Xingyun, Gu Bei, and the rest made their preparations, they started to take action.

Things like fate souls are extremely profound. Having a fate soul in the Soul Hall was equivalent to having a false body. Once the body was destroyed, a new one would form from the stored fate soul. Upon reforming, the person would only have eighty to ninety percent of their original strength left. That was also why their cultivations decreased.

Without the fate soul, the human race probably would’ve already been annihilated by the dangerous Draconic Ruins Realm!

Only with fate souls could the human race expand in the outside world.

Because resources, spiritual stones, demon spirits, and ancient treasures were scarce in the outside world, there was constant competition. Only an individual who has established their own force in the outside world and dominating other factions could become a Patriarch of a powerful family, such as the Dragonseal Family, the Gu Clan, or the Ashen Flames Family.

That was also why the various successors of each family always competed against one another in the outside world.

No one would approve of a weak Patriarch!

If the Demon League was being hunted by the Blood Moon League, the family wouldn’t provide any aid; on the contrary, they’d watch from the sidelines. If Gu Bei couldn’t snatch his place back, then it’d be another point in deciding whether Gu Bei had the qualification to become Patriarch.

In a world where the weak are preyed upon by the strong, only the strong could continue living!

The Blood Moon League had gathered dozens of factions to suppress the Demon League and flaunt their strength. If the Demon League wanted to continue existing and gain a foothold, their only option was to attack the Blood Moon League head-on and prove their own strength!

Over five hundred elites from the Demon League and the Heavenly Path League combined set out under Li Xingyun and Gu Bei’s lead. Their targets were the Deity’s Lakes that the Blood Moon League controlled!

As for Nie Li, he’d remain in the Skysoul Institute and continue cultivating.

A short while after they left, a guest visited Nie Li. It was Venerable Redsoul.

“Does the Venerable have any matters to be looking for me?” Nie Li said respectfully.

“Hierarch Skycloud wants to see you.” Venerable Redsoul lightly smiled as he continued, “Are you willing to make a trip with me?”

“Of course.” Nie Li nodded. From his previous life, he already knew what kind of person Hierarch Skycloud was. Nie Li had some positive impressions of him. After all, Hierarch Skycloud was a rather honorable individual in the Divine Feathers Sect.

Nie Li followed Venerable Redsoul along a small path.

Skycloud Hall.

An elder with a dignified expression quietly floated in front of the hall. His clothes fluttered in the wind from his surging majestic energy. The power of the stars endlessly revolved as it surrounded him. The entirety of the Skycloud Hall was within his control.

This elder was Venerable Redsoul’s master, and one of the five major figures of the Divine Feathers Sect: Hierarch Skycloud!

Aside from Hierarch Skycloud were five youths. They stood around and possessing powerful auras that penetrated the skies. These five youths who stood respectively on either side were probably Hierarch Skycloud’s disciples.

When Nie Li and Venerable Redsoul arrived at the Skycloud Hall and looked in front of them, they saw that Hierarch Skycloud had also directed his gaze towards them.

After seeing Hierarch Skycloud, Nie Li’s heart shook. The aura on Hierarch Skycloud stood out from the masses. He thought about it and realised that it was somewhat similar to Ying Yueru’s. Could it be that the Hierarch Skycloud also practised the [Heaven’s Divination] technique?

Nie Li only thought about that inwardly in his heart and didn’t dare ask Hierarch Skycloud about it. After all, knowledge about the [Heaven’s Divination] technique was extremely classified.

Hierarch Skycloud lightly smiled. “You must be Nie Li?’

“Yes, Lord Hierarch.” Nie Li lightly bowed his body, appearing extremely respectful. After all, the other party was one of the five major figures.

The five disciples of the Hierarch Skycloud also directed their eyes onto Nie Li.

They’d obviously known about Nie Li prior to this meeting, since they were just standing to the side, examining Nie Li with various expressions.

Hierarch Skycloud looked at Nie Li and kindly said, “I’ve seen your calligraphy. The intent concealed within those words was so profound that I even I was astonished. You are indeed exceptional, to be able to write such words at your level of cultivation. I heard that you’ve taken Ming from the Tiny World as your master.”

“Indeed.” Nie Li nodded respectfully. He’d indeed taken the Master of the Nether Realm as his master. Of course, what they didn’t know was that he also had another Master: Ying Yueru.

“Speaking of Ming, we have some relation. He’s the disciple of a friend. I wish to take you as my thirty-ninth disciple. I wonder if you’re willing? As for Ming, I’m certain that he won’t refuse!” Hierarch Skycloud revealed a benevolent smile.

Nie Li never imagined that Hierarch Skycloud would actually raise such a request. Even for Nie Li, this was a little unexpected.

To become the disciple of the Hierarch Skycloud, was absolutely beneficial thing for Nie Li. If he could gain Hierarch Skycloud’s support, then he’d be a step closer towards becoming the Sect Master of the Divine Feathers Sect.

A golden-robed youth stood out from the side, coldly glared at Nie Li and said, “Master, I don’t think that this is appropriate!”

Hierarch Skycloud frowned his brows for a brief moment as he asked, “What’s inappropriate?”

“Before each of us became Master’s disciple, we’re rulers among our age group. Each of us had reached the Heavenly Axis Realm, at the very least. Right now, this Nie Li is only in the Heavenly Fate Realm. Not only that, but before he came here, he was Redsoul’s student. If you take him as your disciple, won’t that disturb the seniority rankings?” said the golden-robed youth, as he tried to stop Hierarch Skycloud.

Venerable Redsoul immediately cupped his hands and bitterly smiled, “Lord Master, although Nie Li is my student in name, the truth is that, there isn’t anything I can possibly teach him! He’s always been cultivating on his own!”

“Even so, we still can’t just erase the teacher-student relations!” The gold robed youth said with resolution and decisiveness.

Hierarch Skycloud waved his hand and smiled. “We don’t need to be bothered over such worldly views. As for one’s realm of cultivation, that’s secondary. In terms of comprehension towards Dao intent, Nie Li’s understanding is probably much higher than many Heavenly Axis Realm experts’!”

At Hierarch Skycloud’s words, the five disciples exchanged glances. It seemed that Hierarch Skycloud was determined to have Nie Li as his disciple. The other four disciples didn’t have much of an opinion on the matter; only the gold robed youth appeared unhappy.

Nie Li secretly transmitted his voice to Venerable Redsoul and asked, “Teacher, who is he?”

“He is Venerable Flameless, my master’s eldest disciple. When Master is busy cultivating, he’s left in charge of the Skycloud Hall. It looks like he doesn’t like you,” Venerable Redsoul transmitted his voice back to Nie Li as he helplessly smiled. He was very frank.

Nie Li raised his head, cupped his hands, and said towards Hierarch Skycloud, “Many thanks for Hierarch Skycloud’s favor. I’m very willing to become Hierarch Skycloud’s disciple. However, I’m used to freedom; I won’t be willing to obey the commands of others. If I become the disciple of Hierarch Skycloud, I hope to have freedom in the Skycloud Hall.”

“Impudence!” Venerable Flameless furiously glared at Nie Li as he barked, “The fact that Lord Master is willing to take you as his disciple is already the greatest honour for you. Instead of immediately thanking his grace and, you actually spoke of conditions?”

Nie Li frowned his brows for a brief moment at Venerable Flameless’s words. He didn’t have the slightest hint of a good impression from Venerable Flameless. The reason Nie Li had raised such a request was because he was afraid that Venerable Flameless would crowd him out. Although becoming Hierarch Skycloud’s disciple was good for his future developments, it’d be meaningless if he couldn’t remain his freedom for his future plans!

If he couldn’t have control over his own freedom, then Nie Li would rather not become Hierarch Skycloud’s disciple!





Chapter 343: Taking in a disciple


Hierarch Skycloud had been paying attention to Nie Li’s expressions and he was slightly surprised by them. Any other Skysoul Institute disciple would’ve jumped for joy if they’d known that Hierarch Skycloud was taking them as his disciple. However, Nie Li’s expression remained calm and tranquil.

Hierarch Skycloud was admiring Nie Li even more for his ability to remain calm. This boy was just like his calligraphy. In his calligraphy’s Dao intent, Nie Li had reached a transcendent state.

Venerable Redsoul transmitted his voice over to Nie Li, “Nie Li, don’t let your emotions affect your decision. This is definitely a great opportunity for you to become the disciple of my master. Don’t give it up just because of Venerable Flameless. Venerable Flameless’s father once saved Master’s life, and he’s also Master’s eldest disciple. Therefore, Master takes very good care of him. That’s why Venerable Flameless occasionally lets it get to his head and lets it narrow his judgement. But don’t let it get to you. Once you become Master’s disciple, you won’t have to worry about anything that he’d do to you!”

Nie Li transmitted his voice back to Venerable Redsoul. “Venerable, I know what I’m doing.”

Asking Nie Li to compromise was impossible. If it came to it, Nie Li would just give up being Hierarch Skycloud’s disciple.

Venerable Flameless was also someone who weighed Hierarch Skycloud’s words while observing his expression. Seeing as the Hierarch Skycloud wasn’t speaking, a chilling light flashed through his eyes and he coldly smiled. “Just what kind of place do you think this Skycloud Hall is? Do you think it’s a place where you can come and go as you wish? Hilarious! A Heavenly Fate Realm thinks of himself as some grand figure?”

Nie Li wasn’t angered, even after Venerable Flameless’s words. Instead, he responded in a neither servile nor overbearing tone. “Venerable, I respect Hierarch Skycloud very much and am very eager to become his disciple. I am only presenting my own requests and seeking Hierarch Skycloud’s opinion. Whether he agrees or not, the decision is his alone. Aren’t your opinions a little unnecessary?”

“You…” The Venerable Flameless was extremely enraged. If this was the outside world and an ant from the Heavenly Fate Realm, like Nie Li, dared to speak to him like that, he would’ve already killed them long ago.

The other four Venerables, aside from Venerable Flameless, couldn’t help taking another glance at Nie Li. He was acting neither servile nor overbearing when he dared to rebuke Venerable Flameless. He probably wasn’t an ordinary Heavenly Fate Realm expert.

The other four Venerables were also guarded against Nie Li. However, they weren’t people who’d take the initiative to provoke others. Therefore, they didn’t interrupt as they observed Nie Li.

Hierarch Skycloud smiled and said, “What Nie Li said is correct. The process of taking in a disciple has always been done under mutual consent. Even for me, I can only take in a disciple if he is willing. Others have no reason to voice their opinions.”

“But, Master…” Venerable Flameless was unable to accept this in his heart.

Nie Li was being so untactful, yet Hierarch Skycloud was actually bearing with it?

“There’s no need for more words!” the Hierarch Skycloud slightly frowned, appearing displeased.

Venerable Flameless ceased speaking when he saw Hierarch Skycloud’s expression. He knew that his Master was already a little angry with him, so he could only respectfully stand off to the side.

Hierarch Skycloud looked at Nie Li and smiled. It was time to give Nie Li a little test. “Nie Li. Among the words you gave me was a ‘none’. What’s your opinion on it?”

“The meaning of that word is: In doing nothing, a path shall appear. Allowing things to happen naturally. In doing nothing, everything can be done. In doing nothing, you are doing something,” replied Nie Li.

“In doing nothing, a path shall appear?” Hierarch Skycloud was obviously stunned. He thought that his own comprehension of tranquil inaction was already considered quite profound. He never imagined that Nie Li’s ‘in doing nothing, a path shall appear’ would be even more profound than his own understandings. He couldn’t help muttering, “in doing nothing, you are doing something…” A brief moment later, he actually sighed, “It truly is profound, to the point that even I admit defeat!”

Hearing Hierarch Skycloud’s words, everyone there was stunned. Venerable Redsoul also couldn’t help being at a loss for words.

Hierarch Skycloud actually admitted defeat?

After all, who was Hierarch Skycloud?

He was a Martial Ancestor Realm expert, and one of the major five of the Divine Feathers Sect!

In the eyes of Venerable Flameless and Venerable Redsoul, Hierarch Skycloud was a superior existence. However, his understandings on Dao intent were actually inferior to Nie Li’s? This completely toppled their views of the world!

That boy, Nie Li, had probably obtained some secret manual and was using it to bluff others! Venerable Flameless couldn’t help thinking that in his heart. Of course he wouldn’t believe that an ant-like existence such as Nie Li could actually have such profound comprehension of Dao intent. If Nie Li’s comprehension in Dao intent truly was that deep, his cultivation should’ve leaped by soars and bounds long ago. How could he possibly still remain at the Heavenly Fate Realm?

What Venerable Flameless didn’t know was that Nie Li’s cultivation on Dao truly had reached that height. Originally, his cultivation should’ve leaped by soars and bounds, and he might have already reached Heavenly Star Realm. But because of that vine in his body, Nie Li’s cultivation wasn’t able to make any major breakthroughs.

After the four other Venerables exchanged glances, they looked at Nie Li with peculiar expressions on their faces. No matter what, even their Master had admitted defeat; therefore, they couldn’t help re-examining this youth before them. They’d have to at least put Nie Li on the same level as themselves.

“Hierarch Skycloud must be joking. It’s just something that I’ve comprehended by coincidence. Compared to the Hierarch Skycloud, my understandings are still too inferior,” Nie Li immediately said. After all, he couldn’t mention that he’d been reborn.

Hierarch Skycloud lightly smiled. “You’re too modest. Even if you did comprehended it from some ancient books, the fact that you could write your insight into your calligraphy is already something exceptional. Although there’s nothing I can teach you in terms of Dao intent, I can still provide many guidances to you in terms of cultivation. If you’re willing to become my disciple, you may come and go in the Skycloud Hall as you wish. You will not be under anyone’s control!”

“Then many thanks to Lord Master!” Nie Li immediately bowed. For Hierarch Skycloud to take him as his disciple, the Nether Master probably wouldn’t say anything about it. He might even be extremely happy about it.

How many people had tried to have a relation with Hierarch Skycloud, but could only shrink back due to the wide difference in identity?

Having Hierarch Skycloud as his Master would definitely be extremely helpful in the future, so that he could on stand firmly in the Divine Feathers Sect!

“Good, good, good!” Hierarch Skycloud laughed. Of all the disciples he’d accepted in the past, he admired Nie Li the most.

Venerable Redsoul was also slightly shocked. He never thought that his Master would actually agree to Nie Li’s terms. This was the first and only exception that the Skycloud Hall had ever seen! Hierarch Skycloud was normally extremely strict with controlling his disciples, yet he was being especially lenient with Nie Li.

The remaining four Venerables were also a little surprised. It seemed that Nie Li would be the most special within the Skycloud Hall. Furthermore, since Hierarch Skycloud regarded Nie Li very highly, they had to get along well with this Junior Brother of theirs.

A rage of jealousy flashed through Venerable Flameless’s eyes. Nie Li’s appearance before him made him feel greatly threatened. He’d always been the eldest disciple of Hierarch Skycloud, and the one most highly regarded. But presently, Hierarch Skycloud had actually made an exception with Nie Li. This showed his exceedingly high regard for him.

“The rest of you can leave. I’ll stay here and have a good talk with Nie Li about Dao intent!” Hierarch Skycloud brightly laughed.

Venerable Redsoul and the other four received their instructions of Hierarch Skycloud, bowed, and backed out the door. Venerable Flameless gave Nie Li one last furious glare, then backed down as well.

Nie Li remained in the Skycloud Hall and conversed with Hierarch Skycloud for several hours, discussing Dao intent.

The eyes of Hierarch Skycloud grew brighter and brighter. Everything that Nie Li said was actually something that he could benefit from! He’d truly picked up a precious jade! With Nie Li’s talent, he’d definitely be able to unleash a dazzling light before long. There was also a possibility that he’d become a major backbone for the future Divine Feathers Sect!

Since the Divine Feathers Sect was approaching a crisis, Hierarch Skycloud was even more attentive with Nie Li.





Chapter 344: Threatened


Outside of the Skycloud Hall, in a certain courtyard.

Venerable Flameless was drinking with dejection in his heart and indignation on his face.

A youth with handsome features walked over and laughed. “Brother Flameless seems to have encountered some unhappy matters?”

This person was the first-in-line successor of the Dragonseal Family, Long Tianming.

“Brother Long, since you’re here, come have drink with me!” Venerable Flameless looked at Long Tianming and waved his hand.

Long Tianming sat down, raised a glass of wine, and said, “I wonder what trouble Brother Flameless may have encountered?”

Venerable Flameless said dejectedly, “Sigh. Don’t even talk to me about. I’ve followed that old man and cultivated for thirty long years. In these thirty years, I’ve always been loyal and devoted to him. However, I’ve always sensed that he’s been guarded against me and won’t pass me the most crucial chant for the [Skycloud] cultivation technique. Whenever I mentioned to him that I want to cultivate that last chant, he’d always say that the time is unripe.”

“Hierarch Skycloud is impartial. He spares no effort for the Divine Feathers Sect. He sets an example for our generation. Could it be that Brother Flameless is just overthinking the matter?” Long Tianming said while remaining calm and collected.

“Impartial? Haha, I’ve spared no effort for him, so why isn’t he impartial to me? Does he fear that he’ll get replaced once his disciple learns everything? He didn’t consider that if my father didn’t save his life, would he even have lived to see this day?” Venerable Flameless sneered.

“If that’s all you’re concerned about, then Brother Flameless shouldn’t worry over it too much. Amongst his disciples, Brother Venerable in undoubtedly the one he regards the most. If Hierarch Skycloud intends on choosing a successor for the [Skycloud] cultivation technique, then it’ll probably be you!” said Long Tianming.

Venerable Flameless snorted and said resentfully, “Previously, I thought the same. But now, the old man has recruited another disciple called Nie Li. The old man seems to dote on the boy a lot, like he’s looking at a treasure!”

A peculiar light flashed through Long Tianming’s eyes when he heard Venerable Flameless’s words. He said, “Hierarch Skycloud recruited a new disciple named Nie Li?”

“Yeah. You know him too?”

“I’ve heard of him before. This Nie Li came from the Tiny World. You could say that he’s the most outstanding amongst the newcomers.” Long Tianming’s brows slightly twitched. Nie Li’s methods truly weren’t simple. He was able to become Hierarch Skycloud’s disciple in such a short amount of time. Furthermore, Long Yuyin had been in close contact with Nie Li recently. She seemed to heed Nie Li’s words and since started gathering her own forces to fight for the Dragonseal Family’s Patriarch seat.

“Hmph, hmph! A brat who’s only at the Heavenly Fate Realm could only resort to some strange methods to gain favor of the old man! What capabilities does he have?” Venerable Flameless said in disdain.

“If Venerable Flameless doesn’t put him in any regard, then it’s a huge mistake. From my perspective, that person isn’t so simple. If he’s not dealt with soon, he’ll probably become a calamity for our future. Who knows? He might even deceive Hierarch Skycloud to impart the [Skycloud] cultivation technique to him in the future!” Long Tianming said with his brows frowning.

“So, what does Brother Long think we should do?” asked Venerable Flameless, as he looked at Long Tianming. He never expected that even Long Tianming would pay so much attention towards Nie Li.

“Why don’t we do this…” Long Tianming made a long speech in Venerable Flameless’s ears.

Venerable Flameless’s brows slowly loosened up.

Nie Li exited the Skycloud Hall in a pretty good mood. Becoming Hierarch Skycloud’s disciple was definitely be a great boost towards his future plans. One of the Divine Feathers Sect’s conditions to become Sect Master was to gain the support of at least one of the five major figures. Otherwise, the candidate wouldn’t qualify for the position.

Since he’d just recently become Hierarch Skycloud’s disciple, Nie Li still couldn’t gain huge support from Hierarch Skycloud. However, he believed that he could definitely gain it in the future, a bit at a time.

Shortly after Nie Li returned to Xiao Yu’s courtyard, Li Xingyun, Lu Piao, and Gu Bei also returned with excitement plastered over their faces.

Nie Li looked at the three of them and lightly smiled. “How did it go?”

“We ambushed two of the Blood Moon League’s gathering points and killed at least a thousand of them. We’ve only suffered about sixty casualties. Unfortunately, those whom we managed to kill weren’t very strong, there wasn’t much Heavenly Axis Realm experts. However, it’s still a damaging blow to the Blood Moon League!” Lu Piao said with excitement.

“These results are still pretty good. We’ve gained some intel and now have a clear picture on the Blood Moon League’s situation. Let’s wait until your fate soul has stabilised, then we’ll find a chance to take down their Deity’s Lakes and make Gu Heng so poor that he can’t even boil water!” Li Xingyun smiled.

“I’ve received some other news. One of Gu Heng’s trusted aides has been embezzling spiritual stones from the Blood Moon League through some unknown method. However, Gu Heng trusts him very much and the people of the Blood Moon League don’t dare speak about it. Perhaps this might be our breakthrough. This is a person who values money heavily. If we lure him with sufficient benefits and threaten him a little, he might be willing to betray Gu Heng!” Gu Bei lightly smiled and said, “Shall we go and have a little chat with this person?”

“Of course, that’s for certain!” Nie Li lightly smiled in return.

Divine Feathers Sect, Mingshan Stronghold.

This was the Divine Feathers Sect’s center for trade. The majority of disciples chose to make their transactions here, instead of at the Skysoul Institute’s market; this place was simply bigger. Furthermore, there were many restaurants, brothels, auction houses, and various other businesses gathered in this area.

Many beauties and merchants from various cities and small realms were gathered here.

Dozens of streets bustled with people.

In a brothel, a group of people were drinking and being merry to the pleasure of life. One robust man embraced a girls in each arm and laughed. “If you serve me well today, I’ll reward everyone with one spiritual stone!” This robust man was a Deacon who held authority among Gu Heng’s underlings. His name was He Gui.

Upon hearing He Gui’s words, the eyes of the two beauties lit up.

A **1 walked towards He Gui’s side and whispered, “Deacon He, there are several lords who want to meet you!”

“What lords? They’re disturbing my current interests. I’m not meeting anyone!” He Gui said, appearing a little dull.

“These lords are saying that they want to make a deal of a hundred thousand spiritual stones with you,” the ** continued.

A deal of a hundred thousand spiritual stones? He Gui’s brows twitched. What a huge tone! Because his heart was moved, he stood up and said, “Okay then, I’ll go meet them!”

Under the **’s lead, He Gui walked along the long corridor and entered a chamber.

“You guys are…” He Gui raised his head and saw Nie Li, Gu Bei, Lu Piao, and Li Xingyun. His eyes flashed with a trace of fear. He immediately tried to escape, but the door was already shut tight.

“Deacon He, It’s been a long time!” Gu Bei lightly smiled.

“Young Master Gu Bei, why are you looking for me?” He Gui’s voice trembled a little as he looked at Gu Bei. He sensed that there were at least five Heavenly Axis Realm experts guarding them behind the scenes. Escape was impossible.

“Deacon He, we just need some help from you!” Gu Bei lightly smiled.

“What do you want?” He Gui asked nervously.

Gu Bei sat on the chair, sipped a mouthful of tea, and calmly said, “In the future, no matter where Gu Heng goes, you must let us know of his location!”

He Gui immediately said, “Asking me to betray Young Master Gu Heng is impossible!”

“He Gui, a wise man would submit to these circumstances. There’s nothing in it for you to follow Gu Heng. Being a Deacon only gets you a few hundred spiritual stones in your pocket. We’re not forcing you, but if you’re willing to cooperate, then we’ll give you two thousand spiritual stones every time you report his location to us. If you’re unwilling to cooperate… I, Gu Bei, might not be able to do anything to Gu Heng, but do you really think that I won’t be able to take care of the likes of you? Not to mention that your hands aren’t clean. If Gu Heng knew about what you’ve done, you should know your outcome!” Gu Bei laughed as he looked at He Gui, “This all depends on whether you cooperate with us!”

Gu Bei said it easily, but He Gui could sense the obvious threat within his words. Sweat filled his forehead. At the end of the day, Gu Bei was still the first-in-line successor to the Gu Clan. If he decided to dealing with He Gui, then he can’t really resist.

Furthermore, Gu Bei’s words were true; He Gui’s hands weren’t clean. If he was exposed, then he definitely wouldn’t be able to remain as Gu Heng’s subordinate.

Gu Bei signaled the other three with his eyes. “Since you’re not willing, then forget about it! Nie Li, Brother Xingyun, let’s leave!”

“Young Master Gu Bei, wait!” He Gui immediately shouted to stop Gu Bei.

* * *



** is indeed from the raws. Since this is a brothel, it’s probably a pimp or servant.





Chapter 345: Li Yufeng


Hearing He Gui’s words, Gu Bei sat back down and appeared as if he wasn’t in a hurry.

He Gui clenched his teeth and finally made the decision. “I can cooperate with Young Master Gu Bei; however, this matter has to be a secret!”

“Naturally. If you cooperate with us, then you’re one of us. We’ll definitely conceal it well for your sake. Furthermore, this arrangement will definitely be better for you than following Gu Heng! I definitely won’t be stingy to those who are useful to us!” Gu Bei smiled.

He Gui’s reaction was entirely within his expectations. However, they still had to be on guard, in case He Gui decided to double-cross them.

He Gui raised his head and said after pondering it over, “Young Master Gu Bei, I have a request. I wonder if Young Master Gu Bei can agree to it?”

“What request?”

“Among the trusted aides of Young Master Gu Heng, there’s another named Chai Yue. That person has never gotten along well with me. I want Young Master Gu Bei to help me pull him down!” He Gui’s eyes flashed with a trace of viciousness.

“No problem!” Gu Bei nodded on the spot. Chai Yue was a trusted aide of Gu Heng who was said to be absolutely loyal and devoted. In dealing with Gu Heng, the first thing they’d do was clip off both his wings, of course! Gu Bei considered it briefly, then said, “When you return, spread a rumor that Chai Yue is secretly contacting us.”

“A rumor alone probably won’t be enough to make Young Master Gu Heng suspect Chai Yue!” He Gui said after thinking it over.

Gu Bei smiled, “The next part depends on your performance. If you can report Gu Heng’s location to us just once and let us kill him, Gu Heng will probably start suspecting Chai Yue. Then, we’ll add more fuel to the fire and make it hard for Gu Heng not to suspect Chai Yue!”

“Young Master Gu Bei is wise!” He Gui praised.

Gu Bei looked at He Gui and lightly said, “Alright. Everything after this depends on your sincerity. I want you to write a few letters stating that you’ve been secretly writing to us. If you dare to play any tricks during this cooperation, these letters will definitely fall into Gu Heng’s hands!”

This meant that He Gui would be handing over his own weakness. If he didn’t cooperate when the time came, Gu Bei would have an easy method to deal with him. “I hope that you won’t play any tricks. Otherwise… you should be aware of the outcome.”

He Gui understood it clearly. If he didn’t follow Gu Bei’s requests today, then he definitely wouldn’t have an easy future. He went silent for a moment before he finally sat down, lifted a brush, and started writing. He wrote a total of six letters, according to Gu Bei’s request, all stating his loyalty to Gu Bei.

“Not bad, not bad!” Gu Bei nodded and patted He Gui on the shoulder. With a flick of his right hand, he tossed an interspatial ring to He Gui, which contained two thousand spiritual stones. “This is your reward. As long as you keep helping us in the future, you’ll definitely be well-treated!”

He Gui accepted the interspatial ring and swept through its contents. His brows couldn’t help twitching. There really were two thousand spiritual stones in the interspatial ring. When he followed Gu Heng, he had to risk his life every month just to earn two or three hundred spiritual stones. However, Gu Bei had casually given him two thousand spiritual stones.

Indeed, there were many more prospects in following Gu Bei!

“Many thanks to Young Master Gu Bei!” He Gui said, appearing deeply grateful.

A brief moment later, He Gui left.

“Nie Li, what do you think?” Gu Bei looked at Nie Li as he asked, “Is He Gui reliable?”

“This person highly values money and we’ve already given him such a huge sum. Not to mention we have two of his weaknesses in our pocket. There’s nothing to fear. He’ll listen obediently. He probably have already thought through it as well that there would only be suffering in going against us!” said Nie Li.

“There are two people who serve directly under Gu Heng. He Gui is a petty man, but that Chai Yue is very talented!” Li Xingyun couldn’t help sighing, “It’d be such a pity if Gu Heng disposed to him!”

Nie Li looked towards Li Xingyun as he asked, “Has Brother Xingyun had contacts with Chai Yue before?”

“We’ve had a few contacts before. I once invited him to my Heavenly Path League but was refused!” Li Xingyun sighed in great pity.

“If that’s the case, then Brother Xingyun should stay in touch with him. If there’s a day where he no longer has a place as Gu Heng’s subordinate, then he’ll definitely think of Brother Xingyun! After all, no other factions are willing to accept a traitor!” said Nie Li.

“Alright.” Li Xingyun nodded. As long as it’s a talent, he definitely won’t miss it.

“Since we’re already in the Mingshan Stronghold, why don’t we buy some things before going back!” Nie Li said after pondering it over.

“Sure!” the three of them nodded.

The group headed towards the Celestial Treasure Pavilion, an artifact trading company in the Mingshan Stronghold. This was also the largest artifact trading company in the Mingshan Stronghold; even some higher-ups would shop here. In the Draconic Ruins Realm, there existed powerful forces other than the various major sects. For example, there was the Gods Craft Pavilion, which was in charge of forging artifacts and selling them to the major sects. There were also a few powerful trading companies that were on par with the major sects.

Inside the Celestial Treasure Pavilion.

The four of them entered a huge hall and were immediately greeted by an elderly man wearing a long robe. He walked up to them, smiled kindly, and said, “Four Young Masters, welcome to our Celestial Treasure Pavilion! May I ask, what do you require?”

Lu Piao swept his gaze over the walls and said, “Boss, do you have any artifacts used to kill and protect?”

The elderly man couldn’t help smiling, “The majority of our items are used for protection and killing. May I ask what grade you four Young Masters are looking for?”

Nie Li said, “Bring the best out and let’s have a look!”

At Nie Li’s words, the elderly man’s brows slightly twitched, appearing to be extremely shocked. He took several more glances at the four, then immediately smiled. “Please follow me!”

Although the four of them were dressed quite simply, they were probably Young Masters of some major forces. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have asked for the best upon walking in the door.

Under the senior’s lead, they entered the deepest area.

In the deepest vault of the Celestial Treasure Pavilion was a secret room, where hundreds of high-grade artifacts of all sorts were on display.

Nie Li could sense that there were many powerful experts concealed in this room. Each of them was at least of Dao of Dragon Realm.

The four of them entered.

“Why is there someone else in here as well?” An annoyed voice sounded from inside.

“Honored Young Master, we’re very sorry about that. However, any customer of the Celestial Treasure Pavilion who wishes to purchase an artifact of Grade 5 or above would come here!” A lady’s voice patiently explained.

Li Xingyun’s gaze fell on the other party and his brows furrowed.

The person inside had also raised his head as he swept his gaze at the four of them. When his eyes met Li Xingyun’s, he revealed a slightly cold expression.

Nie Li noticed Li Xingyun’s expression, so he transmitted his voice and asked, “Who is he?”

Li Xingyun settled down his mood and replied softly. “Li Yufeng!”

Upon hearing Li Xingyun’s words, the three of them understood. Indeed, “enemies walk on a narrow path”. To think that they’d encounter Li Xingyun’s archenemy in a place like this. This Li Yufeng was the one who stole Li Xingyun’s Dragon Bloodline God Level demon spirit! Li Xingyun recalled that incident and remembered that Li Yufeng had also wanted to devour the Heavenly Path League as well.

“I never expected Younger Cousin Xingyun to be here as well. Since you’re here, come, let us sit together!” Li Yufeng laughed. “I never imagined that Younger Cousin Xingyun would also have the money to buy the Celestial Treasure Pavilion’s artifacts!”

With anyone else, perhaps Li Xingyun would’ve still exchanged a greeting. Li Xingyun couldn’t even be bothered to that much with Li Yufeng. However, he didn’t appear angry. Instead, he calmly sat down beside Li Yufeng and treated him as if he was air.

Nie Li and the other two noticed what was going on. They sat next to Li Xingyun and ignored Li Yufeng as well.

Even though Li Xingyun had replied to him unhappily, Li Yufeng wasn’t bothered by it. But the fact that the four of them were actually so arrogant as to treat him as air, enraged Li Yufeng. The corner of his mouth slightly twitched. He no longer bothered himself with those four.





Chapter 346: Slashing the Price!


“My name is Cai Die. May I ask what the four Young Masters are looking to buy?” A sweet and cute girl sat down before Nie Li and the other three. Her voice softened the bones of those who heard it.

“The Celestial Treasure Pavilion really knows how to do business. They sent such a beauty over! It’ll probably be impossible for us to not spend money!” Gu Bei laughed.

“Young Master is flattering me. How could Cai Die’s appearance possibly warrant such high praise?” the girl said a little bashfully.

Gu Bei once again, showed his colours as a hedonist. He looked a little lustful, which made Cai Die’s face boil.

“Enough. Let’s talk about serious matters.” Nie Li sighed as he patted Gu Bei’s shoulder.

Nie Li looked at Cai Die and asked, “Miss Cai Die, I wish to purchase several artifacts of Grade 6 and above. What sort of goods do you have that would fit that description?”

“Artifacts of Grade 6 and above?” Cai Die was slightly stunned. A single Grade 6 artifact was worth tens of thousand of spiritual stones! They only had a few dozen of them in the entire Celestial Treasure Pavilion. As for those that are ranked above Grade 6, they had even fewer. And the first thing that Nie Li had said, when he opened his mouth, was that he wanted to purchase several?

A set of Grade 6 artifact armour was so tough that even a Heavenly Axis Realm expert would have a hard time breaking through it. As for artifacts of higher grades, you could only find them in the legendary Gods Craft Pavilion. It’d be impossible to find them so close to the Divine Feathers Sect.

Li Yufeng sat to the side, acting a little absent-minded.

The girl who sat before him called to him. “Young Master, do you still want this artifact?”

“This artifact is a little expensive. Bring out a different one!” Li Yufeng shook his head and appeared a little embarrassed. The Grade 6 artifact before him cost over fifty thousand spiritual stones. So pricy! If he purchased it, he wouldn’t have very many spiritual stones left over.

“Oh.” That girl appeared a little disappointed as she continued, “If Young Master still wants to see the other artifacts, then Wu Die will bring them out for you!”

Li Yufeng looked up at the walls, which were filled with artifacts. The lowest-graded among them was a Grade 5. His gaze fell on one of the Grade 5 artifacts as he said, “Miss Wu Die, bring me that piece!”

Nie Li’s side of the table wasn’t bothered by Li Yufeng whatsoever. They simply continued chatting amongst themselves.

“Things like artifacts are easily stolen if you get killed. However, if you have a Grade 6 artifact, then even a Heavenly Axis Realm expert won’t have an easy time killing you. As for the Dao of Dragon Realm experts, they generally won’t appear this close to the Divine Feathers Sect. They’d definitely head out deeper in the outside world!” said Gu Bei.

Li Xingyun looked at Nie Li as he smiled, “Let’s hear Nie Li’s opinion.”

Nie Li said, “Since we’re planning to buy something, then of course we’ll buy a set for everyone. Not just for myself!”

Everyone was stunned as they looked at Nie Li. A set of Grade 6 artifacts was worth tens of thousands of spiritual stones. And Nie Li planned to buy several? He was going to buy a set for each of them?

Nie Li swept an eye over the nearby wall, observing the artifacts on display. Then, he pointed to one in the distance and said, “Miss Cai Die, please bring that artifact to me!”

That was a Grade 6 artifact — Meteorite Sword.

“Young Master truly has good taste. This is a Grade 6 artifact — Meteorite Sword. It’s definitely the best among our Grade 6 artifacts. Its sharpness can even cut through ordinary Grade 6 armour!” Cai Die smiled. She gracefully removed the Meteorite Sword from the wall and carried it to the table.

“It’s a good sword.” Gu Bei appraised the chilling sharpness of the sword and his eyes lit up. Since he practised sword intent, he was naturally fond of swords.

“How many spiritual stones for this sword?” Nie Li asked Cai Die.

Cai Die pursed her lips and smiled. “This Meteorite Sword costs seventy-six thousand spiritual stones!”

Seventy-six thousand spiritual stones? Their hearts shook. This sword was barbarically expensive.

At Cai Die’s words, Nie Li smiled. “Mis Cai Die, would you sell it for thirty-six thousand spiritual stones? If you’re willing, we’ll take it!”

Cai Die was momentarily stunned by Nie Li’s words. This Meteorite Sword’s retail price was seventy-six thousand spiritual stones; however, it’s base price was roughly thirty-five thousand spiritual stones. It was the Celestial Treasure Pavilion’s bottom-line for this sword.

A normally extravagant child who could afford the Meteorite sword would start slashing at the price with a pale face. However, they wouldn’t slash it so ruthlessly like Nie Li had. He was too formidable and slashed it down to half price in one go! That was their lowest possible selling price. Cai Die was still unable to snap out of it.

“Young Master, I’m afraid that our Celestial Treasure Pavilion cannot accept this price.” Cai Die pretended to be in a difficult position.

“This is my only offer. If you ask for any more spiritual stones, then I don’t want it anymore.” Nie Li laughed as he looked at Cai Die.

Cai Die bitterly smiled. “Cough Cough Alright then. This Meteorite Sword has been sold to the Young Master for thirty-six thousand spiritual stones!” She didn’t know how to evaluate Nie Li anymore. If Nie Li had offered her thirty-four thousand spiritual stones, she definitely would’ve bargained with him, or refused to sell it at all. However, he’d offered thirty-six thousand, which was within the Celestial Treasure Pavilion’s price range. Therefore, she couldn’t push away such a customer.

Almost everyone, from Gu Bei to Li Xingyun, was dumbfounded. They didn’t know that you were allowed to bargain in the Celestial Treasure Pavilion. And Nie Li had cut the price in half. But what they were even more astonished over was the fact that Cai Die had actually agreed to that price.

Meanwhile, Lu Piao wasn’t surprised in the least. Wasn’t it normal to cut the price by half?

“Alright then. I’ll take this Meteorite Sword for thirty-six thousand spiritual stones!” Nie Li smiled and tossed the sword to Gu Bei. “It’s yours!”

“Thanks!” Gu Bei was extremely excited. There was finally a suitable sword for him.

Li Yufeng was also stunned at what’d just happened. So you were allowed bargain in the Celestial Treasure Pavilion?

“Young Master Li, this is a Grade 5 artifact — Frost Sting. The price is twelve thousand spiritual stones. What do you think?” Wu Die asked at Li Yufeng’s side.

“I’ll offer six thousand for this Frost Sting!” Li Yufeng opened his mouth without thinking. He was copying Nie Li’s bargaining style. The Celestial Treasure Pavilion was making way too much profit from these artifacts; therefore, slashing the price in half shouldn’t be a problem for them!

Wu Die showed a dazed smile at Li Yufeng’s words and bitterly smiled, “Young Master Li, I’m afraid we cannot accept that price.”

“I’m only offering six thousand spiritual stones. Any more and I don’t want it!” Li Yufeng firmly said.

Wu Die restrained her expression as she started to put the Frost Sting away, and politely said, “Apologies, Young Master Li. The Frost Sting’s lowest possible price is twelve thousand spiritual stones.”

At Wu Die’s words, Li Yufeng’s face turned black. Someone like Nie Li could slash the price in half and that girl had readily agreed to it. So why had Wu Die put the item away when he slashed the price?

Li Yufeng was extremely enraged in his heart, but he wasn’t in a position where he could flare up.

Wu Die couldn’t help secretly muttering to herself. This item only costs twelve thousand spiritual stones. As the first-in-line successor to the Ashen Flames Family, Li Yufeng actually had the nerve to ask for six thousand. As for Frost Sting, they definitely wouldn’t sell it for anything less than ten thousand spiritual stones.





Chapter 347: Purchase


Li Yufeng continued picking out other artifacts.

Nie Li kept looking around, sweeping his eyes over all kinds of artifacts. Finally, his eyes landed on a Grade 6 artifact — Silvery Moon Blade.

“Let’s get a suitable weapon for Brother Xingyun too!” Nie Li said with a smile towards Cai Die. “Miss Cai Die, please take that item down for me.”

“This is a Grade 6 Artifact — Silvery Moon Blade. It’s price is around fifty thousand spiritual stones!” Cai Die brought the Silvery Moon Blade down from its stand and smiled. That frightening bargain aside, Nie Li was rather straightforward with his purchases. Unlike many who’d spend a long while touching it and thinking.

Nie Li calmly smiled. “Thirty thousand spiritual stones. Whether it sells or not depends on a word from Miss Cai Die.”

Cai Die looked at Nie Li as though she’d just seen a ghost. This Silvery Moon Blade’s bottom line was also roughly thirty thousand. No more, no less! Since the original price was fifty thousand spiritual stones, she thought that Nie Li was also slash the price in half again. If that happened, then she’d definitely reject it. She never imagined that Nie Li could actually call out the bottom line.

A refusal? Were they going to reject business? If they made this deal, it’d sit nicely at the lowest possible price. Although they wouldn’t earn much, they’d still earn something.

The more spiritual stones that the Celestial Treasure Pavilion had, the more artifacts they’d be able to acquire from the Gods Craft Pavilion.

Cai Die pondered it a little, bitterly smiled, and said in a helpless tone, “Young Master Nie Li really does have good eyes. So intelligent. Thirty thousand spiritual stones is a deal!”

Nie Li lightly smiled. Such an artifact would cost about twenty-seven thousand spiritual stones straight from the Gods Craft Pavilion. Deducting travel expenses and production costs, the Celestial Treasure Pavilion could still earn from thirty thousand. If he yelled for a lower price, the Celestial Treasure Pavilion definitely wouldn’t accept, since they wouldn’t make a profit from that.

Both Li Xingyun and Gu Bei were speechless. According to Cai Die’s expression, they more or less sensed that Nie Li was calling the absolute lowest price. From now on, they’d have to bring Nie Li when they went out shopping. He could really save them some money.

“Miss Cai Die, what about that set of Grade 6 Artifact — Darkcloud Battle Armour?” Nie Li asked as he looked at Cai Die.

“Young Master, please make your offer. If the price is acceptable, then I’ll sell it to Young Master.” Cai Die thought for a while and decided that it’d be better if she didn’t tell him the retail price. If she kept doing that, then others would know how huge of a profit the Celestial Treasure Pavilion was making. She also wanted to see if Nie Li really was a master at appraising artifacts.

“Armguard, chestplate, gauntlets, and belt all together. One hundred thirty thousand spiritual stones.” Nie li said after a brief thought.

Cai Die speechlessly stared at Nie Li. A moment later, she nodded and said, “One hundred thirty thousand spiritual stones it is!” What else could she say?!

Even with so many parts of the armour, Nie Li actually made an offer that was only five thousand away from their bottom line. Just what kind of monster is he?! She’d certainly run into quite an expert!

However, Nie Li was still pretty straightforward with his purchases. Hundreds of thousands of spiritual stones exchanged hands without batting an eye.

Cai Die continued to ask, “Does Young Master still need anything else?”

Nie Li pointed here and there. “That set of battle armour. One hundred twenty thousand spiritual stones! That set, one hundred twenty-five thousand spiritual stones! That set, one hundred thirty-five thousand spiritual stones!”

“So many? Young Master wants them all?” Cai Die was stunned. She’d just realised that Nie Li’s total bill had reached an extremely frightening degree.

“Yeah.” Nie Li nodded, “Go ahead and wrap them up for me. I’ll keep browsing slowly!”

Cai Die appeared excited. “Okay.”

If she served some wealthy Young Master, she could obtain at least tens or perhaps a few hundred spiritual stones for a single sale. From this transaction with Nie Li, she could earn thousands. How could she not be excited?

Wu Die, who was sitting with Li Yufeng, felt rather dejected when she saw how excited Cai Die was. She’d been recommending items to Li Yufeng for half a day now, and she still hadn’t sold a single item. Meanwhile, Cai Die had already sold so many in just a short while — even more than she had managed to sell in a few years.

Why didn’t she have the fortune to encounter such a moneybag?

Wu Die looked at Li Yufeng and felt even more downcast. This Li Yufeng was too picky and kept slashing the price like crazy. Did he even want to buy?

Li Yufeng was also extremely embarrassed. He’d picked several items, but when he tried to slash the price the way Nie Li had done it, they were all rejected by Wu Die. Every single item was so expensive that he had to give it thorough consideration.

However, a short distance away, Nie Li was still buying this and that. Li Yufeng was disheartened to the extreme.

Even someone like a Grand Elder of the Divine Feathers Sect wouldn’t have as much money as Nie Li, right?

What Li Yufeng didn’t know was that those six hundred thousand spiritual stones meant nothing to Nie Li. He still had millions of spiritual stones on his person; furthermore, the Myriad Miles Rivers and Mountains Painting was constantly producing more.

Cai Die turned around and realised that Nie Li had just bought sixty to seventy percent of all of their Grade 6 artifacts.

This was a genuine moneybag! He spent six hundred thousand spiritual stones in one shopping spree!

Li Yufeng observed Nie Li and tried to guess just who this Nie Li was, and what kind of position he had in the Heavenly Path League. What relationship did he have with Li Xingyun?

If such a person remained by Li Xingyun’s side, then Li Yufeng definitely cannot rest or eat in peace!

Li Yufeng was too embarrassed to stay there any longer, so he stood up.

“Is Young Master Li going to leave?” Wu Die looked at Li Yufeng. This guy still hadn’t bought anything! Although she was downhearted, she was still very polite with her words. “It seems that our stock this time couldn’t catch Young Master Li’s eye. I’ll definitely send someone to notify you when the next set of stocks arrive!”

Li Yufeng felt his face burning. How could these artifacts not catch his eye? The truth was obvious — he couldn’t afford it!

“Very well. I’ll go ahead and take my leave!” Li Yufeng cupped his hands towards Wu Die and coldly swept his gaze at the other four before retracting his gaze.

He left.

“Li Yufeng is a narrow-minded person. You guys have to be careful in the future!” Li Xingyun couldn’t help warning his friends as he watched Li Yufeng’s silhouette disappear. His mind flashed back to past events and he tightly clenched his fist.

“Okay.” Nie Li nodded. He clearly understand the conflict between Li Xingyun and Li Yufeng.

Nie Li had bought so many items that, by now, everyone had a good set of battle armour. Gu Bei, Lu Piao, and Li Xingyun also received more suitable weapons. As for Nie Li, he didn’t need to buy any weapons; he already had the Thunder God’s Meteorite Sword.

The Thunder God’s Meteorite Sword would keep growing stronger along with Nie Li’s own strength. Presently, the power of the Thunder God’s Meteorite Sword definitely wasn’t beneath that of a Grade 7 artifact. Therefore, Nie Li didn’t need to purchase any offensive combat artifacts.

The group left the Celestial Treasure Pavilion with a generous harvest in their arms.

“With this set of battle armour, there’s nothing to fear, even if we encountered Heavenly Axis Realm experts in the outside world!” Lu Piao said excitedly. He realised that once his Inferno Meteor Battle Armor was attacked, it’d automatically form a powerful barrier around him.

Even if he couldn’t win against a Heavenly Axis Realm expert, running away was still easy!

The armour could easily be worn under casual clothes. You wouldn’t notice it at all.

Although they wore their regular clothes on the outside, all of them couldn’t help feeling more confident in themselves. After all, each of them had an entire set of Grade 6 artifact armour! So of course they’d feel more confident when they wore it! They couldn’t help puffing out their chests.





Chapter 348: Challenge


East District

The East District’s quota was full. The lineup had already been decided.

Nie Li, Gu Bei, Lu Piao, Long Yuyin, and another youth called Xue Yu. A total of five people.

Originally, Jin Yan was confident that he’d make the selection for the East District too. However, the youth named Xue Yu had suddenly appeared from nowhere and surpassed him in cultivation. Jin Yan had been unexpectedly replaced. He was in a rage; however, the matter was already settled. There was nothing he could do.

“Nie Li, I heard that someone called Xue Yu is also entering the East District with us. So, why is it that we have no idea who he is?” Lu Piao asked in confusion. He hadn’t even known that there was such a person in their class.

Even Nie Li only knew that Xue Yu was a quiet individual who never spoke with anyone else. He wasn’t terribly powerful either. However, he’d emerged from nowhere, surpassed Jin Yan, and earned the qualifications to enter the East District with the rest of them.

“He isn’t an ordinary person,” Nie Li said after a brief silence. “Get Li Xingyun to investigate him. In the meantime, try not to incur any grudge with him.”

“Okay.” Lu Piao nodded.

In addition to the five of them, there were others who’d managed to enter the East District from the previous class and the class before that. Xiao Yu was also among them.

East District’s Martial Field

This was an extremely wide field protected by layered barriers.

Five to six hundred students were gathered on the Martial Field. They were all students of the East District.

A group of teachers were seated towards the front of the field, observing the sixty or so newcomers while discussing in soft voices. Huang Yu and Nanmen Tianhai were among them.

“We have a total of sixty newcomers who’ve entered the East District. A few of them are actually quite decent.”

“I heard that there are five geniuses from the newest class year! Gu Bei and Long Yuyin are among them. That Nie Li is included as well!”

Huang Yu sat in the middle, swept an eye over all the students, and smiled. “There are quite a few 5-grade Heaven Spiritual Roots in the newcomers’ class. Furthermore, both Gu Bei of the Gu Clan and Long Yuyin of the Dragonseal Family have integrated with Dragon Bloodline God Level demon spirits. That’s indeed outstanding!”

If they had Dragon Bloodline God Level demon spirits, then they’d have a huge chance to enter the Central District.

Nanmen Tianhai tapped the table and the corner of his mouth slightly curled. “According to the East District’s rules, incoming students are required to challenge their seniors to remind themselves that there’s always someone stronger. Let the competition begin.”

When Nie Li and his group reached the Martial Field, they were informed that every new class of students was required to challenge their senior class. Such was the rule of the East District.

You could call it a show of strength. This event was intended to force the newcomers to put away their pride and focus on learning and cultivating once they entered the East District.

Nie Li swept an eye over the other students of the East District. There were quite a few familiar faces. Li Xingyun was there. So was Murong Yu.

Murong Yu’s cold and prideful gaze fell onto Nie Li and his group and coldly snorted. He nevered expect to meet Nie Li and his group again so quickly. Enemies on a narrow road indeed.

Gu Bei gave Nie Li a brief introduction on the East District. “There are approximately six hundred students in the East District. The East District ranks its disciples. We’re part of the newest class. The first genius from the class before ours is Murong Yu, ranked one hundred thirty-two. The genius from the class before his is Li Xingyun, ranked seventy-eight. Gu Heng is from the class before that, and he’s already entered the Central District. Only a few dozen people are qualified to enter the Central District. The rest stay in the East District, until they reach the Heavenly Star Realm and become inner disciples of the Divine Feathers Sect. After that, they’re dispatched on missions to various locations. Of course, a lot of people also receive various other offers.”

Long Yuyin, who was next to him added on. She wore a neat and tight-fitting set of clothes as fighting spirit surged from her. “Those who are invited to join the Central District are all formidable geniuses. There’s a requirement if you want to become the Patriarch of a family or even the Sect Master, you must enter the Central District! The students of the Central District are personally taught by the five strongest Martial Ancestor Realm experts of the Divine Feathers Sect!”

Nie Li nodded. He’d already known this from his previous life.

The only way to enter the Central District was the keep challenging the top ten, until they got chosen!

However, those ranked in the top ten were experts who were older. Even Li Xingyun was only seventy-eighth. Of course, Li Xingyun’s rank was back when he had that Dragon Bloodline Extraordinary Level demon spirit. Now that he had a God Level one, his ranking would probably move even higher. However, Li Xingyun didn’t plan to reveal his demon spirit just yet.

The current students of the East District looked upon the newcomers with smiles filled with bad intentions. Back when they themselves entered the East District, they’d been taught a lesson so miserable that they couldn’t even bear to recollect it. Now, it was their turn to teach the new students.

Nanmen Tianhai’s voice echoed through the Martial Field. “The seniors of the East District have gathered. You newcomers may pick who to challenge. Everyone has five chances to challenge! There are no restrictions to the duels, except for killing!”

Each person could challenge up to five times. The new students exchanged glances. Of course they’d challenge the weak ones. Although they didn’t know their seniors’ ranks, they could roughly sense their auras to determine their strength.

After a few moments, the first challenge was made.

Nie Li, Gu Bei, and Lu Piao exchanged glances.

“Nie Li, who should we leave Murong Yu to?” Gu Bei and Lu Piao both looked eager.

“Let me do it. I still haven’t paid him back for the Ghastly Ruins!” Nie Li glared at Murong Yu in the distance and narrowed his eyes.

Murong Yu noticed that Nie Li was looking at him, and he couldn’t help sneering. He didn’t actually believe that Ni Li would dare to challenge him. Murong Yu’s cultivation was already 6-fate. He didn’t know what Nie Li’s cultivation was, but he figured that there’d still be a wide gap between them.

Nie Li pointed at Murong Yu as he said calmly, “I want to challenge him!”

The students nearby all looked at Nie Li in shock. This kid wanted to challenge Murong Yu? That was unbelievable! Murong Yu was the genius of the previous year and could easily move into the East District’s top two hundred! There was no way a normal student could challenge him. They’d definitely lose.

As newcomers, it’d be enough for them to challenge the tails of the East District rankings. But Nie Li wanted to start by challenging Murong Yu. Wasn’t he overestimating himself a little too much?

Murong Yu was in disbelief at Nie Li’s words. To think that Nie Li would actually dare challenge him. This kid was asking for a beating! Murong Yu laughed and said, “Since Junior Brother Nie Li is having such thoughts, then I’ll give you some guidance!”

On the contrary, his eyes flashed with ferocious rays of light. He still regretted letting Nie Li run last time. He’d been thinking of teaching Nie Li another lesson, but he’d never had a chance to do so. But since Nie Li was serving himself up to Murong Yu’s doorstep, then of course he wouldn’t hold back!





Chapter 349: Saint Blood Draconic Falcon


Nie Li leapt onto a fighting stage. Murong Yu also flew up.

Everyone’s attention was now focused on that battle stage.

Without a doubt, Nie Li and Murong Yu’s battle was attracting the most attention.

One was a genius from the previous year; one was from the current. Furthermore, there seemed to be an old score to settle between them.

However, from the perspective of the crowd, this challenge was simply Nie Li overestimating his own abilities. After all, their cultivations weren’t separated by just a little; Murong Yu was years ahead of Nie Li.

Huang Yu and Nanmen Tianhai exchanged glances.

“Nie Li actually took the initiative to challenge Murong Yu. He’s simply too daring,” said Huang Yu.

“It’s unavoidable for youngsters to be proud and arrogant,” Nanmen Tianhai sighed as he shook his head.

They weren’t optimistic about Nie Li’s chances. After all, the difference between those two was the same as how Murong Yu was unable to defeat Li Xingyun.

Murong Yu looked at Nie Li and said in a sinister tone, “Now you’ve actually gone and challenged me. In others’ eyes, you’re a genius. But in my eyes, you’re nothing. Last time, I was too careless and let you escape. But this time, I’ll crush your head into the ground and mercilessly trample you. I’ll teach you how to respect your Senior Brother!”

A powerful aura burst from Murong Yu’s body in an explosion of air.

Murong Yu was already 6-fate, whereas Nie Li is only 4-fate. However, it was still impossible for Murong Yu to suppress Nie Li in terms of aura alone.

Even though Nie Li was only a 4-fate, his strength had far surpassed that level.

Nie Li didn’t explode his aura like Murong Yu had. Instead, he calmly looked at his opponent. No matter how Murong Yu tried to enrage him, or attack his confidence, Nie Li didn’t see Murong Yu with very much regard.

That was because he and Murong Yu weren’t on the same level!

Nie Li looked at Murong Yu as he calmly said, “Cut the crap. Can we start?”

Murong Yu tried to anger Nie Li, but he never expected Nie Li to ignore his words. His jab had landed on empty air.

“Hmph, egotistic!” With a twitch of his right hand, Murong Yu shot an energy towards Nie Li.

*Woosh!*

The energy turned into a streak of light.

The moment it was about to hit Nie Li, his body faded away.

A miss!

Murong Yu’s pupils narrowed as he coldly snorted, “That move again!?” He looked around, searching for traces of Nie Li.

Nie Li abruptly appeared as a chilling ray of light and slashed at Murong Yu’s neck.

“Hmph, too slow!” Murong Yu concentrated on his fists and sent a surge of unparalleled energy towards Nie Li’s chest.

That fist was filled with explosive energy and caused friction sparks with the air.

*Woosh!*

Nie Li saw Murong Yu’s attack, but didn’t pause in the slightest. Instead, he continued his slash towards Murong Yu’s neck.

Nie Li was trying to use himself as a sacrifice and take Murong Yu down with him? How could Murong Yu possibly let things go as Nie Li wished? He dodged sideways and smashed his fist towards Nie Li’s chest with that unparalleled energy.

If Nie Li were to suffer this blow, he’d definitely die!

The spectators held their breaths. There was no way Nie Li could dodge that attack. Indeed, Nie Li’s strength was still far below Murong Yu’s.

A boom sounded as Murong Yu’s fist landed on Nie Li’s chest. However, Murong Yu felt a rebound of energy and instantly sensed that something was off.

Something’s not right!

The frightening rebound almost broke Murong Yu’s hand.

But before Murong Yu could react, Nie Li returned to his human form, grabbed Murong Yu’s arm, and with the help of that rebound, tossed Murong Yu upwards. Murong Yu smashed onto the ground like a sandbag.

*Boom!*

Before the pain in Murong Yu’s arm had dulled, he was smashed into the ground, leaving him dizzy.

Just what was going on?

Nie Li had only used 3-fate strength, but he still mobilised such power? Furthermore, Murong Yu’s fist hadn’t hurt Nie Li; instead it actually made Murong Yu suffer such a powerful rebound!

Murong Yu still couldn’t figure out what was going. Again, Nie Li flung him up into the sky and smashed him ruthlessly onto the ground like a sandbag.

*Boom!*

Murong Yu felt likes his internal organs were about to explode.

Murong Yu still couldn’t react before Nie Li flung him into the sky and unleashed a series of dazzling moves. Murong Yu was sent smashing onto the ground, yet again.

*Boom!* *Boom!* *Boom!*

Attacks continuously landed on Murong Yu.

Nie Li didn’t use all his strength as he dealt with Murong Yu. From his opinion, there was no need to!

The spectators felt that the sight was unreal. What was going on? Why was Murong Yu the one getting beaten up?

By right, Murong Yu’s strength should be far above Nie Li’s! But why didn’t Murong Yu have the slightest chance to counterattack under Nie Li’s barrage? Why didn’t Murong Yu’s attacks do anything to Nie Li?

Huang Yu looked at Nanmen Tianhai as he asked, “Is that Nie Li considered to be cheating?”

“I don’t think so. After all, we didn’t put any restrictions on what methods they’re allowed use!” Nanmen Tianhai bitterly smiled.

“That’s merciless bullying!”

Murong Yu suffered another series of bashes. When he tried to counterattack, he suffered even greater rebounds. He couldn’t hurt Nie Li in the slightest! He let out a low, angry roar as his skin turned a peculiar scarlet colour.

*Boom!* *Boom!* *Boom!*

Surges of majestic energy burst forth from Murong Yu.

A huge scarlet red wing appeared from his back as he turned into a huge, formidable-looking falcon.

“Good Heavens! It’s actually a Saint Blood Draconic Falcon!”

“Indeed, it’s the Saint Blood Draconic Falcon! A Dragon Bloodline Extraordinary Level growth rate demon spirit!”

The Saint Blood Draconic Falcon is one of the pinnacle varieties of the Draconic Falcon species. It’s said to be the royalty among the Draconic Falcons. Furthermore, a Saint Blood Draconic Falcon with an Extraordinary Level growth rate is an absolute rarity. No one knew where Murong Yu got it from.

“Earlier on, Murong Yu wasn’t willing to merge with his demon spirit. So he was concealing his strength!”

“That Saint Blood Draconic Falcon doesn’t have a God Level growth rate, but it’s still enough to dominate an entire region! It’s the most powerful existence beneath a Dragon Bloodline God Level demon spirit!”

“Nie Li actually forced Murong Yu to the point that he had to merge with his demon spirit!”

Murong Yu’s eyes were scarlet red as he floated high up into the sky. His massive scarlet wings flapped slowly. With each flap a burst of frightening energy was unleashed.

“I didn’t want to merge with my demon spirit, but you’ve forced me to! Now, I’ll give you a thorough death!” Surges of powerful aura burst from Murong Yu. Fiery clouds formed around him, burning as though they were trying to destroy everything.

The blazing energy surged like a tidal wave towards Nie Li.

The spectators sensed the flow of energy rolling off of the martial stage. Their faces changed. They never thought that Murong Yu had reached such a level. It looked like his ranking was definitely going to shift ahead even more.

Pressured by that powerful energy, Nie Li took several steps back and raised his head towards Murong Yu. This guy finally couldn’t hold back anymore and had exerted all his strength!





Chapter 350: Grade 6 Artifact Armour


So Murong Yu had integrated with a Saint Blood Draconic Falcon!

Forcing Murong Yu to integrate with his demon spirit, Nie Li already had full grasp of Murong Yu’s strength!

Murong Yu’s 6-fate cultivation, plus his Saint Blood Draconic Falcon, was actually quite a force. Even if Nie Li was confident that he’d win, he knew that it’d be after a bitter struggle. Maybe Nie Li would even have to reveal his own Dragon Bloodline God Level demon spirit.

However, now was still not the time!

Why would Nie Li need to engage in a harsh battle anyways? Before he challenged Murong Yu, he’d already made all the preparations.

The corner of Nie Li’s mouth curled into a trace of a smile. Murong Yu was miserable to encounter him. With a wave of his right hand, Nie Li brought out the Thunder God’s Meteorite Sword. Bolts of thick lightning gathered on it, giving it a spectacular appearance. The sword’s lightning energy collided with Murong Yu’s intense energy in a series of explosions.

The two energies weren’t inferior to one another as they collided on the battlefield. The spectators were utterly shocked.

Nie Li was able to match the Saint Blood Draconic Falcon with a weapon?

That would meant that Nie Li’s weapon was probably a Grade 7 or 8 artifact!

Huang Yu and Nanmen Tianhai bitterly smiled as they exchanged looks. There weren’t any restrictions on artifacts in this battle, since artifacts were also considered part of a person’s strength. However, in most cases, the artifacts wield by the senior disciples of the East District were much better than those wielded by the newcomers.

However, Nie Li had become an exception.

Huang Yu and Nanmen Tianhai had no idea what level Nie Li’s battle armour artifact was, but they were certain that it was at least Grade 4. That’s why Murong Yu’s energy fist couldn’t penetrate it.

On top of that, Nie Li brought out another one. An offensive artifact that should be Grade 7, or maybe even Grade 8!

Murong Yu had no idea what kind of artifact Nie Li was wielding. Just what kind of powerful artifact could match his energy? However, with a weapon alone, it should be impossible to win against Murong Yu! A chilly trace flashed through Murong Yu’s eyes. He issued a long whistle, lifted his sharp claws, and clawed at Nie Li.

The razor sharp claws swept through the air with boundless energy. The dispersed shockwaves caused the barrier to tremble violently.

Murong Yu’s raging attack contained boundless fire energy, like a storm raining down from the horizon.

*Boom!* *Boom!* *Boom!*

Some of the stray flames landed on the ground and instantly caused spiderweb cracks.

Murong Yu’s powerful display of strength utterly shocked the spectators. They never expected him to be so powerful.

“Nie Li is definitely done for!”

The spectators discussed in soft voice.

They never thought that Nie Li would actually be able to force Murong Yu to go all out. They didn’t think that Nie Li, as a newcomer, could still confront Murong Yu under that kind of situation.

*Boom!* *Boom!* *Boom!*

A few flame pillars landed on Nie Li and burned several holes in his clothes, revealing the faint silvery glow of his battle armour.

Just as Nie Li was going to be devoured by those frightening flames, a surge of formless energy spread out from Nie Li’s body and formed a protective barrier.

The blazing flames continued to explode, but they were repelled by the protective barrier, unable to even scratch Nie Li.

*Bang!*

The Saint Blood Draconic Falcon’s claws landed on the protective barrier. A powerful rebound caused it to stagger.

‘That’s impossible!’ Murong Yu roared inwardly. Now that he’d merged with the Saint Blood Draconic Falcon, even a 7-fate expert shouldn’t be able to endure his attack. But when he attacked Nie Li, it hadn’t even caused the slightest bit of damage!

The moment Murong Yu’s attack landed on the barrier, the corner of Nie Li’s mouth curled into a light smile. He waved the Thunder God’s Meteorite Sword, gathering lightning onto it.

With a wave of the sword, a pillar of lightning descended.

*Boom!* That pillar of lightning landed on the Saint Blood Draconic Falcon.

Murong Yu instantly felt the powerful current circulate through him, spreading sensations of numbness and intense pain throughout his body.

Although that lightning pillar couldn’t kill him, it still caused him heavy injuries.

“I’ll kill you!” Even though Murong Yu had suffered heavy injuries, he brandished his sharp claws like a madman and slashed at Nie Li.

*Boom!* *Boom!* *Boom!*

Murong Yu rained blows down on Nie Li.

However, he still couldn’t break through Nie Li’s defense; Nie Li was completely ignoring Murong Yu’s attacks. He brandished the Thunder God’s Meteorite Sword again and shot another pillar of lightning at Murong Yu.

“Urghhh! Arghh! Uwaggh!”

Every time a lightning pillar struck Murong Yu, he issued a miserable shriek. Based off of how hoarse his screams were, everyone knew that Murong Yu was definitely suffering an unimaginable pain.

The spectators were all confused. Fire spurts and lightning sparks flew everywhere on the battle stage, so they couldn’t see the situation clearly. The battle looked extremely intense. But why was Murong Yu always the one screaming?

Could it be that Murong Yu was being dominated?

But that shouldn’t be possible! Murong Yu was a 6-fate expert and he’d integrated with a Saint Blood Draconic Falcon!

Bue even so, he couldn’t win against Nie Li? Then how strong was Nie Li?

However, the facts had been placed before them.

Huang Yu and Nanmen Tianhai dumbfoundedly watched the dense storm of lightning pillars attack Murong Yu.

This…

This was a little too shameless!

Who would’ve thought that Nie Li’s battle armour wasn’t a Grade 4 artifact, but actually a Grade 6 instead? Not only that, it was an entire set!

It’d already be impressive if an ordinary person got their hands on a Grade 4 artifact battle armour, but this Nie Li kid had actually gotten himself an entire set of Grade 6 ones!

Even a Heavenly Axis Realm expert might not be able to penetrate a Grade 6 artifact battle armour!

And Murong Yu was just a 6-fate!

Because Grade 6 artifact battle armours were so rare, most people had never seen one before. The same went for Murong Yu; he had no idea what was going on, so he continued his attacks on Nie Li. He had no idea that his attacks were having no effect.

Aside from Nie Li’s Grade 6 artifact battle armour, his Thunder God’s Meteorite Sword was something special too. The lightning pillars that it generated were extremely powerful.

Not to mention that Nie Li was only at 4-fate. Even if he were only a 1-fate, he could totally play Murong Yu to death, just with his luxurious equipment.

However, the most sinister thing was that Nie Li intended to thoroughly defeat Murong Yu. He continuously sent lightning pillars through Murong Yu, making him scream as he suffered terribly.

That was too evil!

Huang Yu felt his scalp tingling. He’d heard that some time ago, Murong Yu had trampled over Nie Li. This should be Nie Li’s revenge against Murong Yu.

“This is too…shameless!” Nanmen Tianhai was speechless. In the past, no one had encountered such a situation before. A newcomer wearing a set of Grade 6 Artifact bashing his senior of the East District.

There wasn’t any precedence for this; therefore, there weren’t any rules regarding this matter.

After this incident, they’d probably need to rewrite the rules and ban high grade artifacts from the field!

Murong Yu’s miserable screams were endless. As the spectators heard it, they could more or less tell what was happening inside the clouds of fire and lightning. Gu Bei and Lu Piao were secretly laughing as they imagined the miserable state that Murong Yu must be in right now.

Even Li Xingyun couldn’t help laughing. Nie Li had played Murong Yu miserably!





Credits





Translator: Thyaeria





Epub: Estevam / dotNOVEL