206207: The Death of an Old Acquaintance, a Scattered Base of Demonic Cultivators

Chen Dengming's chosen mission was a joint mission involving the three factions.

Because the three factions joined forces, they deployed the elite of the elite, thus the risks were shared and it was not considered dangerous.

However, the mission they were to undertake involved venturing deep into the Battlefield and destroying multiple magic arrays belonging to the Devil Cultivator, making it far from safe.

However, Chen Dengming had been reminded by Guan Chao that even if the mission turned dangerous, the three sects would be there to protect him.

Knowing this information, Chen Dengming understood the situation.

It seems that Qiu Feng's appearance was not accidental.

He just had to pretend he didn't know, so as not to give himself away.

However, he was unsure which path he had chosen for his own mission, and could only rely on his personality and habits to consider the worst-case scenario and make the worst-case plan.

After leaving the Longevity Hall, Chen Dengming and Qiu Feng met outside the hall and spent a brief time together.

"After this mission, hurry up and break through to the Golden Core stage," Qiu Feng reminded him.

Chen Dengming nodded, "I've been making the most of my time to cultivate."

Qiu Feng said, "Logically speaking, you should have already been shortlisted for the Longevity Seed, but since you've only recently joined the sect, we haven't notified you yet."

After this mission, it should be soon.

Chen Dengming paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "I don't really care about that."

"It must be taken seriously."

Qiu Feng suddenly became serious and said, "Don't think that just because you've obtained a fragment of the Human Immortal Orthodox Lineage, you can disregard the Immortal Celestial Lineage."

You have already experienced the benefits of the Human Immortal Way, and the Heavenly Immortal Way is no less so. In fact, the Heavenly Immortal Way of my Longevity Sect is quite complete, which will be of great benefit to you in the future.

Have you forgotten the advantages of our Longevity Sect?

"Longevity?"

Chen Dengming nodded as if he understood, "I've heard that the Tiandao Sect also possesses the Immortal Celestial Lineage. Is their Immortal Celestial Lineage different?"

Qiu Feng nodded. "There are differences. In fact, there are differences even among the Human Immortal Orthodox Lineage you've come into contact with. Your lineage might be different from that of that Sha Star."

Chen Dengming nodded, his mind racing.

Qiu Feng glanced at Chen Dengming and said, "Think it over carefully. Sometimes you have to stop, and sometimes you have to keep going. There's still a long way to go, so you should keep going."

Even after you reach the Golden Core stage, it's not too late for you to Dao Contention lineage.

This is also a contest of strength. I see that among the pseudo-core cultivators of the Longevity Sect, some are already putting in their best effort to break through to the Golden Core stage and surpass you."

Chen Dengming nodded. "Sect Leader, I understand."

Despite saying that, he wasn't really that persistent.

Sometimes, the more you want something, the less likely you are to get it.

The Human Immortal Orthodox Lineage had once caused him considerable trouble.

The Immortal Celestial Lineage is likely to face considerable trouble.

Qiu Feng probably wants him to win this prize because he failed to do so himself and has high hopes for him.

However, he was unwilling to waste his limited energy on the many troubles and intrigues, and only wanted to cultivate in peace.

In fact, this is also his greatest advantage: he has no bottlenecks in cultivation, his aptitude is not bad, and his combat power is even stronger.

Once you break through your limitations, many things will simply fall into place naturally.

At this point, diverting energy to deliberately manage the business would be putting the cart before the horse.

However, he naturally wouldn't say these words to refute Qiu Feng.

The other party is a person of their word, and they were also doing it for his own good.

The two chatted for a few more minutes, and from Qiu Feng's relaxed tone, Chen Dengming vaguely gleaned the information he wanted, and felt relieved.

Some things don't need to be said explicitly.

He already knew the outcome just by observing their expressions.

After the two parted ways.

Chen Dengming returned to his cave abode and informed He Yingyu of the Sect Mission arrangements, assuring her that she need not worry about safety and could relax.

The two were about to part ways, and that night they naturally couldn't control their emotions.

After a period of intense training together...

Chen Dengming prepared to set off early the next morning.

"Take my Treasure Pouch with you. My mission this time is relatively simple and safe, so I won't need Treasure Pouch."

As it was time to see her off, He Yingyu took out her Treasure Pouch and said...

Chen Dengming noticed the worry hidden in her beautiful eyes, but still accepted it with a smile, reassuring her.

Now that He Yingyu possesses two Law Treasure and is False Core Great Cultivator, her combat strength is considerable. As a member of the Cultivation Family, she is indeed not in any danger.

After parting ways, we arrived at the Mountain Gate.

They then discovered that a massive Fourth-tier Spirit Boat was already docked at the Mountain Gate, and many disciples of the Longevity Sect were boarding it, creating a solemn atmosphere.

Another group of disciples and Foundation Establishment cultivators are about to depart for the Battlefield.

On the deck of the spirit boat, Yang Zidao and others were prominently displayed.

Upon seeing Chen Dengming, they immediately flew over to greet him warmly.

"Junior Brother Chen, are you going on a mission too? To a very far place?"

Chen Dengming smiled and shook his head, "Senior Brother Yang, my mission needs to be kept secret."

Yang Zidao smiled awkwardly upon hearing this, "That's true, look at my mouth, I just love to ask random questions."

Miao Yun smiled and bowed, "I won't ask too many questions. I just wish you success, Junior Brother Chen."

Chen Dengming thanked him politely, but suddenly noticed a familiar gaze fixed on him from the crowd below.

He looked down and saw a slender and beautiful woman's face.

Chen Dengming was taken aback, then smiled and called out her name, "Junior Sister Yang, long time no see."

Yang Zidao and the others lowered their heads in surprise, and when they saw that Chen Dengming was paying attention to a junior sister in the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage, they couldn't help but laugh.

Yang Lan, on the other deck, felt a little awkward. She hadn't expected Chen Dengming to call her over, so she immediately flew over, bowed, and forced a smile.

Chen Dengming noticed her unease and took the initiative to speak politely, "Junior Sister Yang, it's been a long time since we last met. By the way, I saw Senior Brother Cao in the sect two years ago. Where is he? Let's get together again when he returns."

Yang Lan's smile froze, and her fair face appeared even paler.

"Senior Brother Cao? Which Cao?"

Yang Zidao surprised, then realized and said regretfully, "Junior Brother Chen, are you talking about Cao Yan? He was already on the Battlefield a year ago. Alas."

"What?" Chen Dengming's body trembled, his eyebrows furrowed, and his eyes widened in astonishment.

"So it was Cao Yan. He was almost at the Pseudo-Core Formation stage. What a pity," Miao Fei sighed.

Yang Lan, having recovered her composure, let out a breath and forced a smile, "Thank you, Senior Brother Chen, for remembering Senior Brother Cao. Two years ago, he told me that you were a righteous person and willing to help him. It's just a pity, alas, everyone has their own fate."

Chen Dengming recalled the scene of meeting Cao Yan two years ago. At that time, the old friend was reunited, and he returned the favor to Cao Yan, which made him very happy.

I never imagined that in just two short years, we would be separated by death.

Chen Dengming shook his head regretfully and asked, "How did Senior Brother Cao die?"

Yang Lan's beautiful eyes flashed with pain and hatred as she said, "It's He Li, the fake Core cultivator from the Soul Devouring Sect."

"It was him?"

Chen Dengming suddenly remembered the Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivator who had left a deep impression on him back then. At that time, the other party was an army of one, resisting the attack of their group.

Zhu Xun's spirit was actually found inside the other party's Soul Guiding Banner.

Chen Dengming shook his head with a sigh, comforted Yang Lan for a while, then bid farewell to Yang Zidao and the others, and turned to leave.

On the Battlefield, some live and some die. But when the dead are one's own friends, it's inevitable to feel sorrow and resentment, and to hate the killer. But since things have come to this, all we can do is accept reality.

Chen Dengming summoned the [Black-Boat Flying Boat], a mid-tier third-level spirit boat he had obtained through battle merits.

The boat is entirely brown, about the size of a walnut, and the Movement Method array carved on its hull is extremely exquisite and beautiful.

It looks somewhat like the walnut-carved boat described in the "Record of the Carved Boat" from my previous life; after being infused with Spiritual Qi, it grows larger in the wind.

His robes fluttered as he leaped aboard, took out three High-grade Spirit Crystal, and embedded them into the spirit boat's array. The spirit boat immediately accelerated and disappeared into the distance in an instant.

The speed of a mid-level Tier 3 spirit boat is much faster than that of a low-level spirit boat.

It can fly more than 3,000 miles in half an hour.

Once the flying boat disappears into the clouds, it can activate a sound-silencing and concealment Formation, and then reduce its speed, making it extremely well-hidden. The whistling sound of it cutting through the air will be largely eliminated.

Nearly two hours later.

It was nearing dusk.

The spirit boat flew to the destination recorded in the mission log, a mountain range near the southwest of the Eastern Region.

The setting sun slanted down from the west of the mountain, casting everything below in a hazy rose-colored hue.

Chen Dengming retracted the spirit boat in mid-air, then drew his Divine Transformation Blade, made a hand seal, and used the Golden Escape Technique to disappear into the blade's light, landing silently.

Two figures had been waiting for some time in the mountains below.

A flash of light appeared, and a figure stealthily approached.

One of the figures stepped forward with a smile, saying, "Fellow Daoist Chen, you've arrived so late, and so cautiously?"

A flash of light.

Chen Dengming withdrew from the Golden Escape Technique, his figure emerging from the flashing blades, slowly descending, and bowing in surprise while still in mid-air.

"Brother Qiao, it's been a long time! I never expected that the person sent by the Tiandao Sect this time would be you."

The tall figure speaking below was none other than Qiao Zhaoxian.

"Come, let me introduce you. This is Gao Lingxiao, one of the current Candidate Sword Son of the Shu Sword Pavilion. You should have heard of him."

Qiao Zhaoxian to a figure behind him and introduced, "Fellow Daoist Gao has long been interested in you."

"Your interest is merely to spar face-to-face; Fellow Daoist Qiao, you must make that clear."

The figure behind her smiled and blushed as she stepped out.

She was dressed in a lake-green robe that resembled a tight-fitting samurai outfit, exuding heroic spirit and captivating beauty, yet also possessing a feminine charm and shyness—she was indeed a woman.

Chen Dengming was also somewhat surprised, as the mission data did not provide any information about the other faction's personnel involved in this cooperation.

The third collaborator turned out to be Candidate Sword Son of the Shu Sword Pavilion, plus Qiao Zhaoxian. This mission is no simple matter; could it be a mission to proactively resolve trouble?

However, on the surface, he still politely smiled and bowed, "Fellow Daoist Gao. I am Chen Dengming. I have long heard of the legends of your Shu Sword Pavilion's chivalrous Sword Cultivator and admire them greatly!"

Gao Lingxiao smiled, sword in hand, and performed the swordsman's salute, appearing dashing and heroic. He said, "Fellow Daoist Chen, you flatter me. I have long heard of your great name, and it is my honor to be able to carry out this mission with you."

"Alright, let's save the compliments for the journey. Let's set off first and chat along the way."

Qiao Zhaoxian chuckled and glanced at Chen Dengming, vaguely observing that Chen Dengming's strength had likely improved in the past two years.

However, it will probably still be some time before he breaks through to the Golden Core stage.

The three of them soon prepared to set off together again.

Seeing that the spirit boat Qiao Zhaoxian out was also a mid-level third-tier spirit boat, Chen Dengming thought to himself that this Old Qiao really had a lot of spare money, and gave up the idea of using his own spirit boat.

After the spirit boat took off, Qiao Zhaoxian took out a War Zone map, spread it out, pointed to several locations at the junction of the Northern Region, and said solemnly.

"This is the location of the magic array we are going to destroy. You have all seen the mission intelligence; it is guarded by several Devil Cultivator Lineage and small sects. We should split up and act simultaneously, destroying it in one fell swoop and then withdrawing."

Chen Dengming stared at several locations, frowning, and said, "The problem is that there are four magic arrays, but we only have three people. Why don't they send more people down from above?"

Gao Lingxiao smiled slightly, holding his sword, and said, "It's probably because among the sects in the Eastern Region, apart from the three of us, it would be difficult for anyone below the Golden Core stage to complete this task quickly on their own."

Or rather, those few others who could accomplish it all had other tasks.

Qiao Zhaoxian solemnly and said, "Moreover, Fellow Daoist Chen, you should have heard about what happened to me half a year ago."

There are too many people, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's safe. We didn't even know who our partners were before we met.

But now it seems this task is not so simple."

Chen Dengming's eyes flashed, sensing something from Qiao Zhaoxian's tone.

It seems there are quite a few spies within the Devil Cultivator faction of the Eastern Region Alliance.

He couldn't help but think of Li Yue.

However, the Longevity Sect gave him the freedom to choose, and he was able to immediately select a mission that would team up with Qiao Zhaoxian and Gao Lingxiao.

Is this considered lucky or unlucky?

"The fourth magic array is the closest to me. After dealing with the third magic array, I will immediately head to the fourth one."

Qiao Zhaoxian tapped his finger on the map and said, "If you're fast, you can also head to the fourth magic array immediately, how about that?"

Qiao Zhaoxian still liked to take on everything and was always the first to step up when something happened, always putting himself in charge.

Chen Dengming and Gao Lingxiao exchanged a glance, neither of them having any objections.

But Chen Dengming quickly asked, "Brother Qiao, this mission has now brought the three of us together. Do you think there's a chance we might encounter Golden Core cultivators from the Devil Cultivator camp, just like you did last time?"

Qiao Zhaoxian frowned and slowly shook his head, saying, "It's hard to say, but I don't think you, Fellow Daoist Chen, would take ordinary Golden Core cultivators seriously. Are you worried about the Golden Core Late Stage protectors of the Mochao Kingdom?"

"How could I not take them seriously? I wouldn't dare to be so arrogant."

Chen Dengming inwardly complained, but outwardly he mainly asked about the Golden Core Late Stage protector of the Mochao Kingdom.

After all, a typical Golden Core Early Stage cultivator could hardly threaten his life.

Even Golden Core Mid Stage cultivator makes a move, and he creates distance before using a mid-tier third-level spirit boat, he might still be able to escape.

However, if one encounters Golden Core Late Stage cultivator, that would be an enormous problem.

Qiao Zhaoxian his head, "Those who undergo major cultivation in the Golden Core Late Stage are always the focus of much attention."

Especially since our last attack, the four Golden Core protectors of the Mochao Kingdom have been closely watched by the various sects of the Eastern Region, and it is highly unlikely that they will suddenly appear in our mission this time.

After all, our mission information and personnel are kept secret; the three of us didn't know who each other was before we met."

Gao Lingxiao glanced at Chen Dengming, wondering why this Fellow Daoist Chen, who had just slain the Golden Blazing Flame Blood Devil, lacked any of the aura of a powerful figure.

However, considering that the other party was, after all, a cultivator from the Longevity Sect, she could understand. Seeking common ground while reserving differences, she nodded and smiled, "As long as we act quickly, we can retreat even faster."

"Um."

Chen Dengming nodded, suddenly understanding why the sect was unwilling to tell him too much information.

The more you know, the more you think.

Guan Chao privately told him some information, which might lead to punishment if Sect Leader Xing found out.

The journey continued in silence. A quarter of an hour later, the spirit boat passed the vicinity of the Ten Thousand Mile Frontier Chen Dengming was particularly familiar with, crossed the Mingyun Mountain Range, and arrived near the Northern Region, which was covered in ice and snow all year round.

Now, two years later, the war is indeed about to sweep across the Southern Region, just as the Blazing Flame Blood Devil had predicted.

However, because the Blazing Flame Blood Devil was killed by Chen Dengming, the Western Region Devil Sect's strategic intentions were exposed, and the various sects in the Eastern Region also reacted quickly, taking precautions and striking to stop them.

Therefore, the Western Region Devil Sect has not yet truly united with the sects of the Northern Region to invade the Southern Region.

However, the Western Region Devil Sect has also begun setting up some evil magic arrays on the border of the Northern Region in preparation for launching a war.

Their operation was to disrupt the magic array and thwart the Western Region Devil Sect's intention to unite with various sects in the Northern Region to invade the Southern Region.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, I heard that you came from the southern border region. Could it be the place you just passed through?"

As they approached their destination, Gao Lingxiao inspected the Law Artifact while curiously exchanging words with Chen Dengming.

Chen Dengming was surprised. "Who told you that? Now, cultivators outside even know my birthplace?"

Gao Lingxiao was taken aback, then laughed, "You really are vigilant. Not to mention that everyone knows you, with your current reputation, any major sect probably has information about you. Your birthplace is certainly no secret."

Chen Dengming shook his head, about to speak, Qiao Zhaoxian suddenly reminded him.

"We've arrived. If we go any further, we'll most likely encounter patrols of Devil Cultivators. They even search the skies. We can't take the spirit boat anymore; we need to lie in wait."

Chen Dengming and Gao Lingxiao both nodded, and then Qiao Zhaoxian put away the spirit boat.

The three of them used their own methods to sneak into the forest below in a relatively inconspicuous manner.

Half an hour later.

A Demon Beast, its body radiating Blood Sha Qi, roared and lunged forward with its sharp claws outstretched.

Chen Dengming pointed with a single finger, his face expressionless.

A master-level Gold Touch Technique was instantly unleashed, easily solidifying the Demon Beast into metal.

Qiao Zhaoxian looked at the snow-covered mountains in the distance, then glanced down at the War Zone map, and said, "We'll split up here, deal with the three magic arrays separately, and then regroup at the fourth magic array."

Chen Dengming nodded.

Gao Lingxiao raised his magic sword and said with a faint smile, "Let's see who's faster. Maybe I'll reach the fourth magic array even faster than you, Brother Qiao."

Qiao Zhaoxian lightly, "I'm more inclined to believe that Fellow Daoist Chen will be faster."

Chen Dengming feigned nonchalance and said, "Then I'd rather be the slowest. You guys solve the fourth magic array, and then I'll go over and applaud you."

The three exchanged a glance, smiled, and then quickly went their separate ways.

Chen Dengming made a hand seal and used a master-level Wood Escape Technique to quickly escape through the mountains and forests, moving closer to his destination.

Hundreds of miles away.

Under the pale moonlight, streaks of snow covered the mountain path on a hillside, melting silently and gleaming with a dark gray, cold light.

On some of the rocks, long icicles hang like crystal daggers.

A gust of cold wind howled past, causing a sharp, piercing pain to the skin.

Several wild and unrestrained laughs tore through the cold wind, mixed with the woman's shrill cries and the man's hysterical roars, making it all the more chilling, as if demons were committing cruel and inhumane acts on earth.

The roaring stopped abruptly.

The woman's cries of anguish gradually faded into indistinctness in the wind.

In the cold wind, suppressed roars of beasts, wild laughter, and evil curses mingled together, emanating from the chaotic group of figures gathered in a cluster of Formation light.

A pair of cold eyes observed the situation from afar.

"There are over a hundred people, mostly at the Qi Refining Stage, with about two at the Foundation Establishment. However, there is a very strong Demon Beast among them, whose aura seems comparable to that of a Pseudo-Core Formation cultivator."

Chen Dengming was positioned in the canopy of a towering tree, his figure disappearing into it, using the Thousand-Mile Eye Law Artifact in He Yingyu's Treasure Pouch to observe the scene a thousand feet away.

In his view, the group stationed ahead was a disorganized group of Devil Cultivator, possibly a combination of two Devil Cultivator Lineage, or a small sect.

Unlike some novels that depict Outer Dao and heretics as unrestrained and free-spirited.

These Devil Cultivator before us are truly Outer Dao, committing extremely wicked, even cruel, acts against their captured prisoners.

Chen Dengming paused for a moment and continued to observe.

Through the Law Artifact, one could see that the center of the Devil Cultivator's array ahead resembled a Formation altar.

The altar was hollow in the middle, and a large number of strange and evil lumps were wriggling inside, resembling giant leeches.

At this moment, several Devil Cultivator lifted up some prisoners and, ignoring their screams, threw them directly into the altar.

Those wriggling, leech-like lumps suddenly opened their basin-sized mouths, full of sharp teeth and fangs, and devoured the prisoners thrown in.

"Gu? Could it be Lineage or sect practicing Gu?"

Chen Dengming frowned.

At this moment, a slight noise came from the Storage Bag, and the Sound Transmission Jade Talisman conveyed Qiao Zhaoxian's message that he was in position.

Not long after, Gao Lingxiao also sent word.

He immediately relayed the message to the two men to 'take action'.

After the news spread, Chen Dengming made a hand seal, and the Divine Transformation Blade flew out with a 'whoosh', traveling close to the ground.

His figure quickly disappeared into the flash of the blade, rushing forward.

Inside the magic circle.

Beside a haystack, two Devil Cultivator grinned maliciously as they grabbed two women by the neck. They then activated a malevolent magical Law Artifact, intending to pierce the women's bodies, extract what they desired, and then slowly consume it.

But at that moment, a flash of light, like lightning, streaked past their eyes.

"What is it?"

Both of them looked up alertly at the same time.

A crisp "crack" sound rang in their ears. The magic array, which could withstand a dozen or more full-force attacks from False Core Great Cultivator, was instantly shattered by a flash of Silver Light.

The two were terrified and opened their mouths to scream.

The gleaming silver blade flashed by almost instantly.

One person's body trembled as a sharp blade pierced his forehead.

Before the other person could even cry out, the knife tip had already spun like a serpent and pierced right through his face.

'Thump--'

Two figures fell to the ground.

The magic circle, resembling a giant overturned bowl, dimmed due to the gaping hole, immediately attracting the attention of the Devil Cultivator in the area.

As the crowd stirred, a sharp blade of light burst forth, flashing Silver Light like a serpentine dragon, moving with unparalleled speed through the crowd. Anyone who grazed or touched it was instantly killed.

Even at the moment of attack, the blade light exploded, transforming into hundreds of silver streaks that stirred up a snow-white radiance and sharp aura, reaping the lives of numerous Devil Cultivator like wheat in autumn.

"How dare you!"

"Stop!"

Two angry roars, accompanied by a huge beastly howl, suddenly came from the mountains behind.

With a loud bang, a section of the lake covered in solid ice was shattered.

Numerous ice shards and splashing water everywhere.

A Demon Beast emerged from the water, its body covered in terrifying, tumor-like muscles. It had four enormous fleshy wings growing from its back, and its thick legs and claws were covered with sharp, knife-like points.

This enormous creature, including its tail, was over ten zhang long. It was completely hairless, with a narrow head resembling that of a bat, its fangs slightly protruding, and two curved ram horns growing on its head.

A pair of scarlet eyes, filled with cruelty, fixed their gaze on the rampaging, slaughtering blade. With a flap of its four wings, it instantly created a shockwave and charged forward.

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