An ambush: Eighth Layer of Return to Simplicity Realm (Part One)

With Qin Qing by his side, Zhuge Xiang strolled atop Sword Peak. A single bottle of Shennong Drink nearly emptied Zhuge Xiang's savings. His accumulated wealth from years of cultivation, Life Profession, along with spoils from defeating opponents and the high-grade Spirit Stone awarded by Zhuge Xiang Sect last time, were all used to buy Shennong Drink.

As expected of Shennong Drink, which is hailed as one of the Nine Great Immortal Treasures, even with Zhuge Xiang's current Beginner Grade Ten Appraisal skills, he couldn't see any information about it. He could only sense the incredibly vigorous life force contained within it, as if this small bottle of Shennong Drink was materialized from life force.

"Shennong Drink! Shennong Drink actually appeared here! And you got it for just two high-grade Spirit Stones? Even if it cost a hundred or eighty high-grade Spirit Stone, people would be fighting over it!" At the summit of Sword Peak, from the Tiandao Sect, a Deity Transformation stage expert said with great distress upon hearing the news about Tian Lingshan.

Many people may have heard of the Nine Great Immortal Treasures, Shennong Drink, and know that it is very valuable. But how much is it really worth? These people have no idea. They only think that two thousand mid-grade Spirit Stone is an astronomical price. In fact, those who really understand the market know that Shennong Drink is something that can only be encountered by chance. Each drop of the Nine Great Immortal Treasures is worth dozens of high-grade Spirit Stones.

"Two high-grade Spirit Stone? And they got the Shennong Drink? It was only in the hands of a Qi Refining Stage kid? It seems that Heaven's will has allowed me to obtain this Shennong Drink, hahaha..." On the other side, a woman hidden under a black robe let out a sharp and chilling laugh. As she spoke, her figure flashed and disappeared without a trace.

"A common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime. Alas, it seems that for the safety of that benefactor Zhuge, I must obtain the root of this scourge, the Shennong Drink." At Weituo Temple, another Cultivator at the Deity Transformation stage, with a compassionate expression, shook his head and sighed. Judging from his appearance, he was an enlightened monk, but his deep greed could not be concealed.

"Elder, that Shennong Drink is only two high-grade Spirit Stones, the price is too low?" At this moment, on the Asura Sect's side, Luo Wuxue of the Blood Hall frowned and said respectfully. Before him sat an old man. If Zhuge Xiang were here, he would certainly recognize him. Who else could it be but Purgatory Elder?

"I've checked. Of everyone present, that brat has the most Spirit Stone. The Shennong Drink ending up in his hands is a good use of it. Although Lin Haiyan and Gu Siqi are both quite strong, I have a feeling that the brat might obtain the Nether Ice Phoenix Egg and give up some Shennong Drink. I believe it will be helpful at a crucial moment."

Purgatory Elder spoke calmly with a slight smile on his face. Although he kept calling Zhuge Xiang "little devil," the way he addressed him made it seem more intimate, which made Luo Wuxue secretly envious.

As expected, gold shines wherever it is. Zhuge Xiang has already gained the favor of the Purgatory Elder. Shennong Drink is a treasure that even he dares not dream of.

"But with the opening of the Dragon Phoenix Ranking, many Sect and cultivation families have experts protecting them. Now that they know Shennong Drink has fallen into Zhuge Xiang's hands, will he be in danger?" With a hint of worry, Luo Wuxue asked Purgatory Elder.

"Huh? This..."

Luo Wuxue's words startled Purgatory Elder Lianyu, a hint of embarrassment appearing on his face. He then said seriously, "I naturally have my own plans for this. Well, I believe that little brat Zhuge Xiang will find a way to deal with it himself. This is also a way for me to train him. Yes, I actually intend to train him as well."

He had initially looked embarrassed, but as he spoke, Purgatory Elder's words became increasingly righteous and indignant.

"..." Purgatory Elder's attitude made Luo Wuxue secretly roll his eyes. Although he had heard that Purgatory Elder was somewhat thick-skinned, Luo Wuxue realized with his own eyes that the rumors had even embellished him. How could he not have noticed such an obvious situation? He had thought that Void Realm Great Expert, a Void Realm expert, had already considered everything in detail.

"Big? Is hers really that big?" At the summit of Sword Peak, in the dead of night, as they walked hand in hand, Qin Qing suddenly spoke, glancing sideways at Zhuge Xiang and asking with a hint of resentment on her face. She was clearly referring to when Zhuge Xiang had been lecherously staring at Lu Yuling's chest earlier.

"The size is certainly not small, but yours is bigger and more elastic." Looking at Qin Qing's resentful eyes, Zhuge Xiang chuckled and stared at Qin Qing's chest with ill intent, stretching out his fingers and making a kneading motion.

"Can't you be serious for once?" Startled by Zhuge Xiang's audacity, Qin Qing blushed and looked around nervously.

"What's wrong with you? It's just that some guys are spying on us in the dark. If you care, I'll just chase these rats away," Zhuge Xiang said with a chuckle. As he spoke, Zhuge Xiang suddenly swung his hand, Azure Nether Blade appeared in his hand, a wisp of Blade Qi energy full of domineering power shooting out.

"Bang!" In the Void, as if striking something tangible, a woman dressed in a black robe appeared, holding a slender Short Sword in her hand, blocking Zhuge Xiang's Blade Qi. Her eyes, like those of Venomous Snake, stared at Zhuge Xiang: "Zhuge Xiang, the God of Slaughter? As expected, he lives up to his reputation. Although he is only at the Seventh Layer of Return to Simplicity Realm, he was able to detect me hiding in the shadows."

"The Pretty Viper Lin Xiang'er, at the Seventh Layer of Divine Ability Stage."

The information fed back by the Data Eye made Zhuge Xiang's heart sink slightly. Cultivator at the Seventh Layer of Divine Ability Stage? This was no simple character.

Although they had long been mentally prepared, knowing that Shennong Drink would attract the covetousness of others, and even attempts to steal it, they did not expect to actually catch a big fish, with even Cultivator at the Seventh Layer of Divine Ability Stage appearing.

"Seventh Layer of Divine Ability Stage? I didn't expect you to be nothing more than a hiding rat. What? Are you old and faded, and no one wants you, so you hide away and eavesdrop on other people's love affairs?" Although he was secretly worried, Zhuge Xiang appeared very relaxed on the surface and asked calmly.

"You're old and faded!" For a woman, these words are as devastating as a Spell attack. Zhuge Xiang's words made Lin Xiang'er's eyes flash even colder, her pretty face filled with murderous intent. She raised her slender Short Sword, unleashing a terrifying sword Sword Intent that pressed down on Zhuge Xiang.

"You talking nonsense, brat! I only wanted to take your Shennong Drink, but it seems I'll have to tear your mouth apart today."

"Amitābha Buddha, please stop, benefactor..." However, at this moment, a powerful and radiant Buddhist Power suddenly emerged, and a monk walked out from the darkness, his body radiating golden Buddhist Power. He was burly, his monk's robes bulging as if they were about to burst open, like an Arhat subduing Tiger Subduing Arhat descending to earth.

"The Tiger Monk of Weituo Temple?" Looking at the incredibly robust monk who emerged, Pretty Viper Lin Xiang'er, slightly changed her expression, then quickly adopted a charming demeanor, smiling as she said, "I've long heard of the Tiger Monk of Weituo Temple, possessing the strength to fight dragons and tigers. Seeing him today, I can see his reputation is indeed well-deserved."

"Young benefactor, as the saying goes, 'A common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime.' If the Shennong Drink is in your hands, it will only attract the machinations of Evil Demon and heretics. Why not give the Shennong Drink to me? In addition, I hope you will come with me to Weituo Temple to take refuge for a few days." Ignoring Lin Xiang'er, the Tiger Monk, surrounded by a thick golden Buddhist Power, came directly to Zhuge Xiang, put his hands together, and spoke sincerely.

"Hahaha, bald thief, bald thief, not thief, not bald, that saying is indeed true. The dignified Tiger Monk speaks in such a roundabout way. In the end, isn't he just trying to steal my Shennong Drink? And even dares to try to capture me and take me to Weituo Temple? Does he really think I, Zhuge Xiang, am a three-year-old child, so easy to fool?"

As soon as the Tiger Monk from Weituo Temple finished speaking, Zhuge Xiang couldn't help but burst into laughter, ignoring the thick and rich golden Buddhist Power emanating from the other party, and said without any politeness.

"Benefactor, please be careful with your words. I am doing this for your own good," Zhuge Xiang said with a wild laugh. The Tiger Monk's eyes widened, his Buddhist Power surged, and he shouted in a deep voice.

"I remember someone saying, 'A woman who wants to be a prostitute but also wants to maintain a virtuous image.' I didn't understand what that meant at first, but now I finally do," Qin Qing, who was holding the Weeping Blood Demonic Zither, said with a charming laugh.

"You should be more understanding of each other..." The Void distorted, Xiao Yue appeared from the Pet Interface, landing on Zhuge Xiang's shoulder. With a serious expression, she said, "Judging from this guy's appearance, his muscles are probably all in his brain. His intelligence is limited, so his excuses for lying are as low-level as his intelligence."

Pfft...

Xiao Yue's words made Qin Qing burst into laughter, and even the Pretty Viper Lin Xiang'er next to her smiled.

"You wicked creatures! You lowly servants! It seems you are beyond redemption. I will then perform a ritual to deliver you from this slumber," Qin Qing and Xiao Yue teased and taunted each other. Even the most good-tempered person would be angered, let alone this Tiger Monk, whose temper was already not good to begin with.

As he spoke in a deep voice, the Tiger Monk opened his broad palm, forming a claw shape. A terrifying suction force appeared in his palm, and one could vaguely see a giant claw. This was the Dragon-Capturing Hand technique from the Weituo Temple.

Awooo...

With a long howl to the sky, Xiao Yue revealed its true Fairy form. A pale silver light gathered in its mouth, draining the Vital Energy of Heaven and Earth and earth. Then, a dazzling silver beam shot out from Xiao Yue's mouth— the Moonlight Cannon!

Bang!

This Tiger Monk is indeed quite powerful, with a cultivation level higher than that of the Pretty Viper Lin Xiang'er, reaching the Ninth Layer of Divine Ability Stage. The Moonlight Cannon, which Xiao Yue unleashed with all his might, was directly crushed in his Dragon-Capturing Hand, demonstrating his immense strength.

Xiao Yue, being Fairy, would require some effort to kill. Therefore, the Tiger Monk set his sights on Qin Qing. He raised his index finger and pointed it in the air. The condensed golden Buddhist Power transformed into a stream of light, carrying an overwhelming and domineering force, shooting towards Qin Qing. It arrived in front of her in an instant. The Attack Speed that even Zhuge Xiang could not come to her rescue.

How could Qin Qing possibly withstand a full-force attack from someone at the Ninth Layer of Divine Ability Stage? (To be continued...)