This is Zheng Fa's second time visiting the summit of Divine Fire Mountain.
Despite having learned from his previous experience, he was still on high alert as soon as he arrived.
At the crater, the murderous intent -Immortal-Trapping Sword exuded murderous intent, with earth fire gathering into dark red serpents that licked the sword's blade, adding to its ferocious appearance.
Once inside the mist, the threat posed by the Immortal-Trapping Sword increased tenfold.
Shi Nandang's enthusiasm for Zheng Fa was more than ten times greater than last time:
Upon reaching the mountain, before Zheng Fa could even speak, the Eighth Elder, who was walking ahead of him, respectfully prostrated himself on the ground, bowing respectfully to the somewhat unfamiliar Spirit Transformation, and loudly proclaimed:
"Greetings, my esteemed teacher!"
Junior Sister Ye's information network True Spirit!
The Eighth Elder really lowered his own seniority and eagerly sought a new master.
Zheng Fa noticed that his cheap master, the Ninth Elder, and the Profound Mystery Sect Leader both had their eyes downcast and looked somewhat embarrassed.
In truth, a wise bird chooses its tree to perch on, and since an unrelated person is seeking a master, the other two Nascent Soul of the Profound Mystery Sect probably don't have much of an opinion on it.
The problem is... the Eighth Elder used to have a master, who, although deceased, was still an elder of the Profound Mystery Sect.
These eight elders were somewhat disloyal to their master and ancestors, and they were even disloyal to the ancestors of the Profound Mystery Sect, which made the two of them feel quite aggrieved.
Of the seven Nascent Spirit Transformation on the mountaintop, only Shi Nandang can be considered True Disciple of Vast Sun Mountain. The others, like Venerable Tongming, although possessing Spirit Transformation cultivation, are not qualified to join the Vast Sun Mountain sect.
The Eighth Elder's newly appointed master was one of them.
In other words, this Spirit Transformation is not a proper cultivator from Vast Sun Mountain.
In this way, even if he wanted to find an excuse to say that Founder Profound Mystery was originally a disciple of Vast Sun Mountain, and that he was merely returning to the sect, it would seem that his claim was somewhat illegitimate.
Given the Eighth Elder's status, it was natural that no one in the Profound Mystery Sect, including the Sect Leader and the Ninth Elder, could say anything, but it was also understandable that they felt uneasy.
The Spirit Transformation cultivator's gaze was somewhat indifferent, but seeing the Eighth Elder kneeling on the ground with utmost respect and admiration, a hint of a smile appeared in his eyes. He raised his hand and said, "Rise."
"Thank you so much, my dear teacher!"
The Eighth Elder stood up and approached the Spirit Transformation cultivator.
This newly formed master and disciple, both holding the title of elder of the Profound Mystery Sect, were now being treated like humble servants and disciples, with the Eighth Elder standing to one side, attending to their every need and speaking eloquently.
The Ninth Elder's unease deepened.
Zheng Fa shook his head slightly inwardly; his master did indeed possess some pride...
However, the difference in cultivation level is real.
People like the Eighth Elder, who are willing to set aside their pride, often end up doing better.
As expected, the Spirit Transformation elder seemed quite satisfied with the Eighth Elder, and asked:
"Since you have accepted me as your master and your cultivation is sufficient, this Spirit Transformation Method was created by me. Take it and feel free to ask me any questions you may have."
The Eighth Elder was overjoyed and knelt down again with a thud, kowtowing and shouting, "Thank you so much, Master, for imparting the Dharma!"
Zheng Fa had heard from the Ninth Elder that although Vast Sun Mountain had promised to give Chongxuan Sect the method of the Profound Mystery Sect Spirit Transformation Nascent Soul, it was not easy to reward without merit. At least the Ninth Elder had not yet come into contact with the Spirit Transformation Method.
Now the Eighth Elder has finally gotten what he wanted; his humble and subservient behavior was not in vain.
On one side, the teacher and student were kind and Shi Nandang didn't care much about the two of them. Instead, he looked Zheng Fa up and down with admiration in his eyes.
"I never imagined that the Profound Mystery Sect would have such a talented individual as you..."
Suddenly, golden flames ignited in his eyes, as if he wanted to see through Zheng Fa's bones, Dantian, and eight extraordinary meridians.
"The spiritual power of the < Heaven-Burning Grand Method > is so pure? This physical body..."
"Not bad... not bad!"
As soon as he spoke, the two people on the other side immediately shut their mouths and listened attentively. Clearly, although they were all Nascent Spirit Transformation, Shi Nandang, as True Disciple of Vast Sun Mountain, held a much higher status than the other six Nascent Spirit Transformation.
Zheng Fa was somewhat surprised.
Why is Shi Nandang so happy?
What Shi Nandang said next resolved his doubts:
"My sect sent me to take charge of the Profound Mystery Sect. Although the most important task is refining the Immortal-Trapping Sword, dealing with the Hundred Immortals Alliance is also a major matter." Shi Nandang glanced at everyone and surprisingly revealed his weakness:
"For this, how many Spirit Stone and resources did the mountains give us?"
Shi Nandang's words were devoid of any emotion, yet the summit of Divine Fire Mountain was utterly silent, even the surging earth fire seemed to be moving with caution.
But what about now?
"We've tried to win over various sects, but Zheng Fa's Nascent Soul Formation stage is so impressive that they're too intimidated to openly associate with us and are only able to waver between the two sides."
"A hefty reward was offered, but the Nine Mountains Sect Divine Firmament Warship was virtually impenetrable to those below the Golden Core."
"Even when Zheng Fa attacked Profound Mystery Sect, we were powerless to stop him. The Rogue Cultivator Nascent Soul from Vast Sun Mountain were all timid and incompetent."
Zheng Fa was also aware of the current situation.
Quite a few Nascent Soul Cultivator have come from Vast Sun Mountain, seeking opportunities within the Hundred Immortals Alliance.
However, most of these people had some connection with the Profound Mystery Sect. Zheng Fa received the news from Junior Sister Ye and then passed it on to Old Han.
In this way, 80% of the Nascent Soul from Vast Sun Mountain are actually under the control of the Hundred Immortals Alliance.
There's also the 20% chance that if any of the Nine Mountains Sect disciples are harmed, Senior Sister Zhang, Zheng Fa, and even Xie Qingxue will retaliate.
In particular, Zheng Fa's brazen killing of Azure Water Poison Immortal at the gate of the Profound Mystery Sect made many Nascent Soul dare not easily provoke Nine Mountains Sect.
The grand bounty offered for Vast Sun Mountain has now turned out to be all bark and no bite.
The loss of spiritual materials for the Nine Mountains Sect was unavoidable; in fact, Zheng Fa deliberately instructed his disciples to abandon them at an opportune moment.
After all, if only Li Hao was able to snatch spiritual materials from the Nine Mountains Sect, it would easily arouse suspicion from those with ulterior motives.
However, the number of times Nine Mountains disciples have lost their lives is extremely small.
"Now that things have come to this, how can I explain this to the sect?"
Shi Nandang's tone was cold.
None of the people on the mountaintop dared to utter a sound, as if the Immortal-Trapping Sword was pressed against their throats.
Zheng Fa, however, still had the mind to indulge in wild thoughts.
Shi Nandang's current situation is like that of a project manager who brings a large amount of resources to the Profound Mystery Sect with the aim of hindering the development of the Nine Mountains Sect.
Given the current situation, this project is on the verge of total loss.
"I didn't expect you all to give me such a pleasant surprise!" Shi Nandang, and he suddenly pointed at Zheng Fa, laughing, "With Li Hao, I can finally give an explanation to the elders in the mountains!"
I?
Zheng Fa was puzzled, and the others also looked bewildered.
"I've taken a look. Li Hao, you've robbed quite a few goods from the Nine Mountains Sect, haven't you?"
Zheng Fa.
Quite a lot...
Today, the Hundred Immortals Alliance Vast Sun Mountain Trade is thriving and has reached new heights.
The family was overjoyed by this and sent a letter specifically to praise it.
Upon hearing this, Zheng Fa also felt that he had done a great deed.
The Nine Mountains Sect obtained the spiritual materials it had been lacking.
Vast Sun Mountain received an excellent battle report.
Shi Nandang received praise from the sect.
A win-win-win situation!
"Of course, these are all minor matters... compared to you, Li Hao, they're not worth mentioning!"
Shi Nandang looked at Li Hao with the eyes of someone who had discovered a gem. "I've heard that you, all alone, were able to hold off those Divine Firmament Warship?"
Zheng Fa nodded slightly.
"Good! Those Divine Firmament Warship, though only at the External Core, are not ordinary Early Golden Core Stage... Your ability to single-handedly defeat over thirty Divine Firmament Warship makes you virtually invincible among Golden Core cultivators!"
"Uh, except for Zheng Fa is at the Golden Core Stage!"
That makes sense.
Although Zheng Fa was suppressing his true strength within the Profound Mystery Sect, he was still considered to possess unparalleled talent.
If we disregard his extraordinary ability to master the Fusang Wood at the Golden Core Stage, Li Hao's performance would likely rival that of Venerable Tianhe.
Unexpectedly, Shi Nandang said again:
"Although Zheng Fa is strong, he has offended Vast Sun Mountain, and his future Dao Path surely be difficult."
"But in the future, you will become a disciple of Vast Sun Mountain and be nurtured by Vast Sun Mountain..."
"Perhaps one day he will surpass Zheng Fa and even be able to rival him!"
Zheng Fa glanced at the others on the mountaintop and saw that they all smirked slightly, seemingly thinking that Shi Nandang was just bragging.
But he really felt that Shi Nandang was right.
If there is a cultivator in this Xuanwei Realm who is no less capable than Zheng Fa, it can only be Li Hao!
This True Disciple of Vast Sun Mountain has grand ambitions, but his judgment of character is quite accurate...
Seeing the satisfied look in Shi Nandang's eyes, Zheng Fa understood this man's thought process.
As a project manager who worked hard but achieved little, Li Hao's performance was practically the only bright spot in the battle report.
Moreover, Shi Nandang was also preparing to make a grand promise to the sect:
You want me to deal with Zheng Fa?
Short-sighted!
I've found the next Zheng Fa within the sect!
Whether or not you can actually eat this pancake is unimportant; let's just talk about how delicious it is!
"Are you... confident?"
Shi Nandang looked at Zheng Fa with a smile, his gaze somewhat profound.
"This disciple will not shirk his duty!"
Zheng Fa bowed, his face radiating genuine confidence, without a trace of pretense.
He understood that Shi Nandang didn't care whether he could truly have strength comparable to Zheng Fa in the future, but right now, Shi Nandang needed to create a genius within the Profound Mystery Sect in order to give the sect a short-term explanation.
"Good!"
Shi Nandang chuckled lightly, seemingly unsurprised by Zheng Fa's choice.
He threw a storage ring at Zheng Fa.
"Here are some pills for the Golden Core Stage, and my Vast Sun Mountain's True Disciple teachings on the Nascent Soul method. Take them and cultivate diligently."
"Of course, the looting of the Nine Mountains Sect's magical artifacts and elixirs cannot stop."
Zheng Fa nodded slightly. What Shi Nandang meant was... Li Hao's character not only had to be a genius, but also a combat genius!
Not only was he a combat genius, but he also utterly humiliated the Nine Mountains Sect and left the Hundred Immortals Alliance powerless to retaliate.
The main focus is on winning!
As for whether Li Hao will be discovered to be a fraud by Vast Sun Mountain because he boasted too much.
Or perhaps he was too arrogant and was killed by Zheng Fa...
Shi Gandang didn't seem to care much.
However, the Ninth Elder Dharma Body had a worried look in his eyes, as if he understood that it was not a good thing for Li Hao to stand out from the crowd.
Shi Nandang seemed to have seen her expression and threw a Jade Slip at her:
"Master?"
The Ninth Elder looked somewhat bewildered.
" The Dao Path to enlightenment is one of struggle. If your disciple doesn't strive, how will he survive? Have I ever forced him to do anything?"
Upon hearing this, the Ninth Elder lowered his head and said:
"What the Venerable Master says is true; I misunderstood for a moment."
Shi Nandang shook his head and said, "I am not an unfeeling person... This jade tube contains the true Nascent Soul cultivation technique of Haori Mountain, the <Sun-Shooting Divine Scripture>."
"This..."
"You have taught such a disciple; you deserve a reward."
Zheng Fa was somewhat impressed upon hearing this—regardless of Vast Sun Mountain's actions, Shi Nandang was quite straightforward in his dealings.
Of course, there's also the possibility that Vast Sun Mountain is genuinely wealthy.
The Eighth Elder, standing beside his revered master, glanced at his newly sworn master, then at the Jade Slip in the Ninth Elder's hand, and his expression twisted slightly...
They all Spirit Transformation Legacy.
I make my way by becoming an apprentice, while you make your way by taking on apprentices?
So you still received the True Disciple of the Vast Sun Mountain Spirit Transformation... Is there no justice in this world?!
The Ninth Elder carefully put away the Jade Slip. Shi Nandang didn't say much to her, but simply took out a token and handed it to Zheng Fa, saying, "This token is the key to enter the great formation at the mountain top."
"If the Nine Mountains Sect really attacks..."
"Once you enter this great formation, your safety will be guaranteed."
Zheng Fa took the token and finally asked the question he most wanted to ask:
"May I ask, Venerable One, what is the purpose of this great formation atop the mountain?"
Shi Nandang smiled arrogantly, glanced at Zheng Fa, and said, "It's fine to tell you."
"This sword is called the Immortal-Trapping Sword, one of the strongest Immortal Sword in Xuanwei, powerful enough to make even immortals and gods bow down."
"This great formation was established thanks to this sword."
"If Zheng Fa enters this formation, he too will perish."
What a coincidence, I'm right here...
But he also understood that Shi Nandang was probably not exaggerating.
The area inside and outside the formation are different.
Shi Nandang dared to stay in the Profound Mystery Sect, and even had the idea of luring Zheng Fa into the formation, so he probably had some confidence.
"Unfortunately, Zheng Fa is a coward as cowardly as a mouse!"
Shi Nandang cursed, his tone filled with regret.
... Keep swearing!
I'm right here!
At this moment, another Spirit Transformation spoke up, "Master, please calm down. We all know that it doesn't matter whether Zheng Fa comes or not."
Um?
Zheng Fa looked at Shi Nandang with suspicion.
Shi Nandang laughed, and surprisingly, he truly suppressed his anger.
"If Zheng Fa goes up the mountain, he will be courting death."
"If you don't come up... hah."
He will likely face death someday.
Zheng Fa grew increasingly wary and pressed, "Could this Immortal-Trapping Sword possess some other wondrous power?"
"The power of this sword is beyond Non-Self comprehension." Shi Nandang's eyes fell on the Immortal-Trapping Sword, his tone filled with both longing and apprehension. "Even our Vast Sun Mountain, the foremost sect in Xuanwei weapon crafting, has been helpless against this sword for hundreds of thousands of years, unable to refine it."
"Now, the Dao Fruit of our sect has finally come up with a method—to temper this sword with the Heaven-and-Earth Divine Sha Formation and refine it into a supreme treasure of our Vast Sun Mountain."
Zheng Fa naturally understood that the so-called Heaven-and-Earth Divine Sha Formation was the key point, and feigned curiosity, asking, " Heaven-and-Earth Divine Sha Formation?"
Shi Nandang paused, glanced at Zheng Fa, thought for a moment, and then spoke again:
"Now that you have the token and can help set up the formation, it's fine to tell you about it. At this point, there's really no need to keep it a secret. Even if Zheng Fa knew what we were doing... so what?"
Seeing his growing confidence, Zheng Fa felt a growing sense of unease.
"The so-called Heaven-and-Earth Divine Sha Formation combines the Sha Qi within the Earth Vein with the destructive power of the stars in the sky; this array possesses boundless power..."
" Earth Vein?"
Zheng Fa was taken aback for a moment, then immediately realized.
He had been puzzled before as to why Vast Sun Mountain was perched Divine Fire Mountain, but now he understood the reason.
"It is the Earth Vein," Shi Nandang laughed. "This Divine Fire Mountain is the source of the Hundred Immortals Alliance's Earthfire Vein, which not only benefits our weapon refining but also connects us to the various Spirit Vein of the Hundred Immortals Alliance."
Zheng Fa was startled, and then heard Shi Nandang say again:
"Once this grand formation is complete, not only will the Immortal-Trapping Sword be refined, but many of the Hundred Immortals Alliance's Spirit Vein will also be shattered."
Therefore, I say that Zheng Fa will inevitably face death in the future.
The people on the mountaintop immediately nodded in unison.
Even Zheng Fa had to admit that Vast Sun Mountain's scheme was... truly insidious and troublesome.
If Shi Nandang's idea is true, then once the Heaven-and-Earth Divine Sha Formation is completed, Vast Sun Mountain will have an unparalleled and ferocious sword.
Even if Zheng Fa didn't die from the Immortal-Trapping Sword...
This grand formation can shatter the Spirit Vein of the Hundred Immortals Alliance; it's a truly decisive move.
Spirit Vein are the foundation of cultivators; without Spirit Vein, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the Hundred Immortals Alliance is doomed.
Just as Shi Nandang said, Zheng Fa also felt somewhat conflicted:
If these people are left to their own devices, the Hundred Immortals Alliance will face a great calamity once the formation is complete.
But at this moment...
Zheng Fa secretly pondered that if he were to launch an attack now, these people in front of him would not be a threat.
He glanced at the Immortal-Trapping Sword, hesitated for a moment, and decided to remain still.
It seems it will take some time to set up the grand formation. At the very least, we need to find out more information about the Immortal Immortal-Trapping Sword and this Heaven-and-Earth Divine Sha Formation.
Thinking of this, Zheng Fa then asked Shi Nandang for advice:
What can this disciple do for the Venerable One?
Shi Nandang smiled, took out a Spirit Stone, and handed it to Zheng Fa: "You should first learn how to set up this Qiankun Shensha Array."
Zheng Fa looked somewhat bewildered.
He certainly had some knowledge of formations.
For example, the Old Yuan's Heavenly Cycle Divine Thunder Formation.
For example, the mountain-protecting formation of the Nine Mountains Sect.
He naturally knew that Spirit Stone could be used to set up formations.
But that's only for supplying energy; how can it be used to learn how to set up formations?
Seeing his expression, Shi Nandang seemed to remember something and said, "I almost forgot, you don't have any inheritance in the art of Formation Dao."
"This disciple only knows the mountain-protecting formation..."
"Ha! You call that an array?" Shi Nandang laughed arrogantly. "The true secrets of array formations are almost never passed down outside the Five Sects!"
"Among cultivators skilled in the four arts of immortal cultivation, array masters are the rarest!"
This coincides with what Zheng Fa saw.
When he first entered the Immortal Sect, he thought that the four arts of immortal cultivation were parallel and there was no distinction between them.
But later we discovered--
The Talisman Dao should be the most fundamental.
Refining weapons and alchemy are actually based on the principles of Talisman Dao, and one can only truly begin to understand them when one reaches the Golden Core Stage.
The art of array formations... is extremely rare.
When the Hundred Immortals Alliance established its guild, the Formation Masters Guild didn't even exist.
Given the small number of people involved, it can be considered a high-end industry.
Shi Nandang then said:
"Those mountain-protecting formations you mentioned, while they are indeed formations, are merely the most basic applications of the Formation Dao."
"Those large formations can only operate by relying on the Spirit Vein; they cannot be moved, and their functions are limited by the Spirit Vein."
"To even use these Spirit Stone merely as a means to restore Law Power and provide Spiritual Qi energy is truly a waste."
Zheng Fa's gaze fell on the Spirit Stone, and he became increasingly curious about how a true array master viewed Spirit Stone.
Earlier, he also had some questions about Spirit Stone:
While Spirit Stone are indeed the most suitable material for restoring spiritual power, so many elixirs in the world have the same effect, why are Spirit Stone so special?
Spirit Stone can be used to set up formations... Just as Shi Nandang said, the core of the mountain-protecting formation is still the Spirit Vein.
Spirit Stone simply provide Spiritual Qi at certain points.
But this thing is hard currency.
"The true Formation Dao... is like the < Heaven-and-Earth Divine Sha Formation >, where the Method Formula is inscribed into Spirit Stone, and the Spirit Stone are used to control the array."
"In this way, the Formation Dao can transcend the constraints of Spirit Vein, become independent, and even possess the power to destroy the heavens and the earth."
Upon hearing this, Zheng Fa lowered his head, a hint of realization in his eyes as he looked at the Spirit Stone in his hand.
I thought you were gold, but it turns out you're a semiconductor?
(End of this chapter)