Departing for Black Nether Abyss, a 4,000-Character Mega Chapter (Recommended, Please Bookmark and Follow)
"Young Master, you've broken through to the Spirit Soul Realm..."
Azure Manor's main hall.
The moment he saw Qing Luo appear, Xu Mu could barely contain his excitement and wild joy.
His excitement was not merely because Qing Luo had broken through to the Spirit Soul Realm.
It was because Qing Luo's strength made even him, a Spirit Soul Realm Middle Stage cultivator, feel danger. He could not see through him at all...
"Uncle Xu, make the preparations. We'll head to Black Nether Abyss within the next two days!"
Qing Luo said.
"Yes. I'll immediately notify the city lords of the Two Great City-States, as well as Azure Domain's experts, to gather in Azure City and await Young Master's orders!"
Xu Mu replied respectfully.
"There's no need for such trouble. This time, just the two of us will go to Black Nether Abyss. The others will remain behind to guard Azure City and prevent any accidents while we're away."
Qing Luo considered.
"Just the two of us..."
"In a place like Black Nether Abyss, having more people is useless. Below the Spirit Soul Realm, they're nothing but cannon fodder!"
Qing Luo said calmly.
With that said, Qing Luo went directly to Azure City's Teleportation Array and stepped through it to Mu Region, where Mu Chen was!
After breaking through to the Spirit Soul Realm, although he had yet to refine a Spirit Soul, with the many methods he had mastered, Qing Luo was confident that no one in the Spirit Soul Realm could be his match.
However, Azure Domain could only send two Spirit Soul Realm cultivators to Black Nether Abyss.
Compared to Liu Region's lineup, that was still somewhat lacking.
Moreover, the purpose of this trip to Black Nether Abyss was to obtain the Nine Nether Sparrow, not to wipe out Liu Region.
If he could catch all of Liu Region in one sweep, that would naturally be best.
The problem was, if Liu Region realized they were no match for Qing Luo, and instead of confronting him directly, hid in the shadows and caused trouble for his plan to obtain the Nine Nether Sparrow, that was absolutely not a situation he wanted to see.
Therefore, Qing Luo did not intend to face Liu Region alone in his plan for the Nine Nether Sparrow. He needed to find an ally.
Though this was a fantasy world, a little strategy was necessary at times. After all, the enemy of one's enemy was a friend!
As for an ally, the first people Qing Luo thought of were Tang Domain, where Tang Qian'er was, and Mu Region, where Mu Chen was.
After hesitating for a long while, Qing Luo ultimately decided to choose Mu Region.
The reason was simple. He was seeking help this time to stop Liu Region people.
In other words, he was looking for some cannon fodder!
He couldn't let Tang Qian'er miss out whenever something good happened, yet drag her into trouble whenever something bad came along, could he?!
Of course, if he sought out Mu Region, there was a high chance Mu Chen would also go to Black Nether Abyss, causing some trouble for Qing Luo's plan to obtain the Nine Nether Sparrow.
But then again, he had already broken through to the Spirit Soul Realm. If Mu Chen could still snatch the Nine Nether Sparrow from Qing Luo, it would only mean that Qing Luo was not fated with the Nine Nether Sparrow.
Afterward, Qing Luo would definitely keep a close eye on Mu Chen and see how many times the Nine Nether Sparrow could save this Young Master of Mu Region!
Besides that, this trip for the Nine Nether Sparrow would certainly trigger a system reward.
Qing Luo was greatly looking forward to it.
What would the system reward be this time?
Although the Nine Nether Sparrow in Black Nether Abyss was merely a Spirit Beast, its talent made it a once-in-ten-thousand-years genius of the Nine Nether Clan.
It was only a matter of time before it entered the ranks of Divine Beasts.
Moreover...
According to the plot's later developments, Nine Nether had the potential to reach the Spirit Grade Heavenly Sovereign Late-Stage and evolve into an Ancient Undying Bird.
Judging by Nine Nether's growth potential, It was not impossible for it to grow into a perfect Ten Calamities specimen. It was absolutely worth nurturing.
As for a perfect Ten Calamities specimen...
Although he had the system, the chances of drawing a reward of that level were slim.
In other words, even if he did draw one, Qing Luo would not dare accept it...
He understood the principle that an ordinary man becomes guilty simply by possessing a treasure. If a Ten Calamities specimen truly appeared in the world, could people like those from the Five Great Ancient Clans and the Great Thousand Palace really resist coming to seize it?
He would write his name Qing Luo backward if they could!
Not long after, Qing Luo arrived before the gates of Mu Manor.
"Young Master of Azure Domain, the Domain Lord is waiting in the main hall. Please follow me!"
Seeing Qing Luo appear, a servant at the entrance of Mu Manor cupped his hands and spoke.
"Alright."
Qing Luo nodded and followed the servant into Mu Manor.
Before coming, he had sent Mu Feng a letter in the name of Azure Domain, saving himself quite a bit of trouble.
"Hmm..."
Having just passed through a corridor, Qing Luo spotted Mu Chen seated cross-legged in the garden, cultivating.
His Double Pupils activated.
When he saw dense Rune Seals spreading throughout Mu Chen's whole body, Qing Luo could not help but pause slightly.
First Grade Spirit Array Master...
Late Spirit Movement Stage.
Half a month ago, Mu Chen had not even understood spirit arrays and had only been at the Mid Spirit Movement Stage.
Yet in half a month, he had broken through in cultivation and become a First Grade Spirit Array Master.
That talent was truly enviable!
"Qing Luo, what are you doing at Mu Manor?"
Sensing someone watching him, Mu Chen awoke from cultivation. Upon seeing Qing Luo, he frowned slightly.
Mu Chen did not have much of a favorable impression of the Number One of the East Courtyard of Northern Spirit Academy.
Aside from Tang Qian'er, Mu Chen simply felt that this man was far too arrogant. He always looked down on others and treated no one with any respect.
"I have business with Domain Lord Mu."
Qing Luo spoke calmly. "Young Master Mu truly has excellent talent. To become a First Grade Spirit Array Master and reach the Late Spirit Movement Stage in such a short time is truly enviable."
How did he discover it...
Mu Chen's expression changed, but then a confident smile rose on his lips. "Although I am still somewhat behind you, I will surpass you soon enough!"
At those words, Qing Luo's smile faded. He looked at the Mu Manor servant beside him. "Let's go."
"Y-Yes... this way, please!"
The servant snapped back to his senses and gestured for Qing Luo to proceed.
Mu Chen: ???
What did he mean by that?
Was he ignoring me?!
That guy really had no manners at all!
"Young Master Qing, you have already stepped into the Spirit Wheel Realm at such a young age. You will surely secure a place in the Five Great Academies competition. Your parents truly gave birth to an excellent son."
In the main hall, Mu Feng rose with a smile to welcome Qing Luo upon his arrival.
Having learned from Mu Chen that Qing Luo had single-handedly swept through an entire Fire Spirit Ape King tribe, he was greatly astonished by the latter's talent.
Although Qing Luo was a junior, everyone in the Nine Regions knew that Xu Mu was merely the Acting Domain Lord of Azure Domain. Sooner or later, the position of Domain Lord of Azure Domain would belong to Qing Luo.
Thus, even when facing Qing Luo, Mu Feng did not put on the airs of an elder.
"Domain Lord Mu flatters me. You may simply address me by name. I have merely cultivated for a little longer than Young Master Mu. Even I can only look up to Young Master Mu's talent," Qing Luo said.
After a round of mutual flattery, Qing Luo revealed the purpose of his visit.
"Domain Lord Mu has read the letter I wrote, correct?"
"Indeed!"
"Qing Luo, you said in your letter that this concerns Liu Region's plans. What exactly is it?"
Hearing Qing Luo get down to business, Mu Feng asked curiously.
At this, Qing Luo directly took out a Copper Token and handed it to Mu Feng. "Domain Lord Mu will understand after examining it."
Mu Feng accepted the Copper Token.
As he traced the Flying Bird Pattern on its surface, a flicker of astonishment passed through his eyes.
As Spiritual Energy flowed into it, amid the surging Spiritual Energy, an enormous map emerged in Mu Feng's mind, accompanied by a terrifying, piercing cry that echoed without end...
That shrill cry made the Dragon Flame Eagle within Mu Feng's body tremble violently.
One had to know, the Dragon Flame Eagle Essence he had refined was ranked eighty-fifth on the Earth Ranking of the Myriad Beast Record.
"You take a look too."
Mu Feng handed the item to Zhou Ye beside him.
After inspecting it, Zhou Ye's face also filled with incredulous shock. After exchanging a glance with Mu Feng, they both confirmed each other's suspicions.
"Nine Nether Sparrow!"
Mu Chen stared at Qing Luo in shock.
"That's right. What this records is a Nine Nether Sparrow Clue—and a wounded Nine Nether Sparrow at that..."
Before Mu Feng could question him, Qing Luo explained, "I acquired this Copper Token by chance. As far as I know, Liu Region is plotting to obtain the Nine Nether Sparrow. Once the time is right in the next couple of days, they will enter the Black Nether Abyss."
At those words, Mu Feng and Zhou Ye were both utterly stunned.
The Nine Nether Sparrow was ranked eleventh on the Earth Ranking of the Myriad Beast Record.
Even wounded, such a being was not something Northern Spirit Territory could handle.
Liu Region actually dared to scheme against such an existence?!
Of course, what shocked them most was that they had not received the slightest word of this matter from beginning to end...
"The Nine Nether Sparrow is at the peak of the Spirit Beast level, not far from becoming a Divine Beast. Liu Region truly doesn't know the meaning of death if they want to scheme against it."
Mu Feng spoke in a low voice.
He did not know Qing Luo's intentions, so he did not make his words too explicit.
"Liu Region may not know the meaning of death, but... what if they succeed?"
Qing Luo looked at Mu Chen with a faint smile.
"The relationship between Liu Region and Mu Region has never been good. If Liu Region succeeds, it will inevitably change the balance of Northern Spirit Territory. When that happens, Mu Region will be the first to suffer!"
"Young Master Qing, there's no need to beat around the bush. Just speak plainly."
Mu Feng said with a deep frown.
Qing Luo was not as immature as he had imagined. In just a few words, he had shifted the pressure onto Mu Region.
Moreover, his words were flawless, leaving Mu Feng with an inexplicable sense of powerless suppression.
"It's simple. I do not wish to see Liu Region grow stronger, and I want to stop their scheme this time. But Azure Domain's strength is far inferior to Liu Region's, so I wish to join forces with Mu Region."
"Surely Domain Lord Mu will not refuse this proposal?"
Qing Luo asked in return.
"That is possible..."
Mu Feng considered it deeply. "If we get the chance, how will the Nine Nether Sparrow be divided?"
At this, Qing Luo looked at Mu Feng, the corners of his lips lifting slightly. The latter also smiled.
"The Nine Nether Sparrow is ownerless. The capable shall claim it!"
"Good!"
Mu Feng slapped the armrest and rose from his chair. "When do we act?"
"Tonight at midnight, I will lead Azure Domain's experts to the Black Nether Abyss. We will rendezvous outside the Black Nether Abyss."
Qing Luo said.
After discussing the details of their cooperation with Mu Feng, he left Mu Manor directly.
"What do you think of Qing Luo's words, Zhou Ye?"
After Qing Luo left, Mu Feng looked at Zhou Ye beside him and asked, "The clues about the Nine Nether Sparrow are most likely real. I was wondering why the Liu Region had been so quiet lately. They must have been focusing all their attention on the Black Nether Abyss."
"Cooperating with the Azure Domain brings us no benefit. What surprised me was the Azure Young Master—despite his young age, he could see through the essence of things and understand the stakes involved...
In both speech and action, he was impeccable. Given time, he would undoubtedly become a formidable figure!"
Zhou Ye's tone held considerable admiration.
Among the Nine Regions, only two people had ever received such praise from Zhou Ye: Mu Chen and Qing Luo.
Although Mu Chen was still somewhat immature compared to Qing Luo, Zhou Ye admired the Young Master's steadfastness and decisiveness even more.
"The Azure Domain... Qing Luo. In the future, try to stay closer to the Azure Domain. Qing Luo truly cannot be underestimated!"
Mu Feng nodded in praise upon hearing this.
"Father, are you going to the Black Nether Abyss?"
Their conversation was interrupted by a youthful voice.
Mu Chen hurried into the hall. "I'm going too!"
Mu Feng: ...
Zhou Ye: ...
The two exchanged glances, a trace of helpless amusement flashing through their eyes.
"Xiao Mu, the Black Nether Abyss is nothing like the Northern Spirit Plains. It's still far too dangerous for you. You..."
Before Mu Feng could finish, Mu Chen cut him off. "No, if you don't let me go, I won't be at ease."
"What do you mean?"
Mu Feng asked with a laugh. "Would adding you, a Spirit Movement Realm expert, make us safe?"
"That's not what I mean."
Mu Chen rubbed his nose. "I just feel that Qing Luo's Copper Token appeared a little too conveniently..."
At those words, thoughtful expressions appeared on both Mu Feng and Zhou Ye's faces.
"Young Master, you mean..."
Zhou Ye looked at Mu Chen uncertainly.
"Back at the Northern Spirit Plains, Xue Tu took the Liu Region's treasure, but I didn't find anything valuable on his corpse."
"At first, we all assumed that treasure was still on Xue Tu's body, but I no longer think so..."
Mu Chen concluded.
"You mean that Copper Token?!"
Mu Feng and Zhou Ye both thought of the Copper Token at once.
"That's right. I found it strange at the time. Although a Spirit Breaking Bead could unleash an attack comparable to the Spirit Wheel Realm, Xue Tu was a ruthless figure renowned throughout the Northern Spirit Territory. Could a single Spirit Breaking Bead really have dealt with him?"
"I wasn't certain before, but now I am. That Copper Token was most likely the treasure Xue Tu took from the Liu Region."
"Back in the Northern Spirit Plains, Qing Luo single-handedly swept through the entire Fire Spirit Ape King tribe. He had the strength to kill Xue Tu and take the treasure before I arrived!"
Mu Chen concluded.
"If Qing Luo killed Xue Tu, then Liu Mubai..."
Zhou Ye thought of a possibility.
"Uncle Zhou, I'm certain that Qing Luo was the one who killed Liu Mubai."
Mu Chen spoke with conviction.
At first, it had only been a guess.
But as he pieced everything together, Mu Chen became increasingly convinced that he had been set up at the Northern Spirit Plains.
"The Netherworld Death Seal is a Spiritual Art of the Northern Spirit Academy. The only ones who could use it were the academy's instructors and students.
Liu Mubai was exceptionally talented and would certainly have entered one of the Five Great Academies. The instructors had no reason to act.
As for the students, Liu Mubai was the number one in the West Courtyard. Other than Qing Luo, no one was a match for Liu Mubai.
As for the Netherworld Death Seal...
Rumor had it that no one had mastered it. Qing Luo had also never shown that he knew this Spiritual Art, but not showing it didn't mean he couldn't use it!
Therefore, the only one with the ability, strength, and motive to kill Liu Mubai was Qing Luo."
As soon as Mu Chen said this, Mu Feng and Zhou Ye's eyes narrowed instantly, and the aura around them turned frighteningly sharp.
"Xiao Mu, this is only your speculation. Before we have evidence, don't spread it around."
Mu Feng warned.
"Fine."
Mu Chen shrugged. "But this time, I'm coming to Black Nether Abyss too."
"You can, but once we're inside, you mustn't act recklessly. Stay by our side at all times."
Mu Feng and Zhou Ye exchanged a glance, their tones grave.
"Mm."
Mu Chen nodded and left Mu Mansion Hall.
The crimson sunset cast an even sharper look across Mu Chen's face.
He had once thought that, after leaving the Spirit Road, those dangerous experiences were behind him, and that the students of the Northern Spirit Territory could not compare to those from the Spirit Road.
Now, he took back his pride. The Northern Spirit Territory was also a place where hidden dragons and crouching tigers lurked.
After slaughtering Xue Tu, Liu Mubai had silently pinned the blame on him, and now he was even dragging the Mu Region into a plot involving the Nine Nether Sparrow...
Whether in temperament or scheming, Qing Luo was probably not much inferior to Ji Xuan!
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