Dirty Deal

Liu Yuanchen was startled. This man's aura was only at the Ninth Qi-Nourishing Layer.

Yet this brute strength had already surpassed the bounds of the Qi-Nourishing Realm.

If not for the fact that he looked like an ape, Liu Yuanchen would have suspected Meng Tieshan had arrived.

He retreated several yards, grabbed a branch, and swung around it to dissipate the force.

The ape-man did not fare well either, staggering back several steps.

Several of the "wolf fangs" on his spiked club had also been smashed off.

Unfortunately, the shaft of the spiked club was not made of metal or similar material, so the lightning power within the Wind-Thunder Staff could not be channeled into his body.

The ape-man looked at the broken spikes on his club, somewhat surprised.

Then he looked at the Wind-Thunder Staff in Liu Yuanchen's hand, greed flashing in his eyes.

He swung the spiked club with both hands and charged in again.

Liu Yuanchen was somewhat excited as well. Ever since mastering the Azure Ape Forest-Piercing Technique, this was his first time encountering such a strength-based opponent.

In his previous battles, he had always relied on tricks and ambushes, unable to display much of his true ability.

Fighting this man was the perfect opportunity to test his real strength.

A layer of bluish-black light surged from within his body, enveloping him. This was Astral Force.

With the support of Astral Force, Liu Yuanchen felt strength fill his entire body.

Holding his long staff, he leaped down from the tree and smashed it toward the ape-man's head.

The ape-man neither dodged nor evaded, swinging his spiked club at Liu Yuanchen.

Clang!

Another full-force collision sent Liu Yuanchen flying back three yards.

With Astral Force protecting his body, his arms merely felt numb. The recoil did not reach his internal organs.

The ape-man was also knocked back more than a yard, surprise appearing on his face.

"You little insect, your strength has increased so much in such a short time.

Hand over your cultivation technique and that staff, and I can spare your life."

Liu Yuanchen did not take his words seriously at all. With the might of his Astral Force, their strength had already been brought to the same level.

Though he was still slightly at a disadvantage, he could now confront him head-on.

Moreover, he still had underhanded tricks he had not used.

If he had not wanted to test his own strength, he could have killed this ape-man at any time.

Still, he was rather curious. His earlier ambush had somehow been seen through.

The Black Cloud Robe could evade Divine Sense detection and absorb the fluctuations of his own spiritual power. It should not have revealed any flaws.

"How did you discover me just now?"

The ape-man sneered. "You can conceal your spiritual power fluctuations, but you did not completely conceal your scent.

Also, your footsteps are far too obvious. I can hear them."

Liu Yuanchen was secretly alarmed. It seemed this ape-man's hearing and sense of smell were both extraordinarily sharp.

The cultivation technique or secret art he practiced was truly rather interesting.

In the future, Liu Yuanchen would have to find a way to deal with his footsteps and scent, lest he encounter an expert and fail to ambush them, only to get beaten instead.

"You have some skills. If you hand over your storage bag, I can let you leave alive."

Seeing Liu Yuanchen treat him with such contempt, the ape-man roared, "You're courting death!"

He leaped high into the air, swinging his spiked club down in an overhead cleave.

Liu Yuanchen activated the Forest-Piercing Escape Art. Like an ape himself, he nimbly avoided the blow.

He circled behind the ape-man and swung the Wind-Thunder Staff at the back of his head.

The ape-man was incredibly agile. Even after missing with that powerful blow, he was able to adjust in an instant.

He twisted his body and raised the spiked club to block.

However, that block was only forced.

His footing was unstable, and he could not exert much strength.

Although he blocked the attack, the tremendous force still smashed him to the ground.

Liu Yuanchen was greatly startled. After the ape-man's strike missed, its force had been discharged into the ground.

Yet he had still reacted in an extremely short time. In agility and control over his body, he far surpassed Liu Yuanchen.

This made Liu Yuanchen even more interested in the secret art the ape-man cultivated.

Before he could get up, Liu Yuanchen rushed forward.

The ape-man was exceedingly agile. In the blink of an eye, he adjusted his posture and opened the distance.

The two were evenly matched in speed, while Liu Yuanchen was slightly inferior in strength.

But in agility, Liu Yuanchen was utterly crushed.

After exchanging more than a dozen direct blows, Liu Yuanchen grew increasingly alarmed.

The ape-man was equally astonished. "A mere Seventh Qi-Nourishing Layer cultivator possesses strength close to mine. Your inheritance must be exceptionally profound.

Today is truly a windfall. Not only can I become Ding Elder's disciple, I can also obtain a profound inheritance and a precious magical artifact."

With that, he rushed in again.

Liu Yuanchen sighed inwardly. I wanted a true man's duel, but since I can't win, I can only play dirty.

He no longer clashed directly with the ape-man, instead relying on Wood-Shadow Evasion's invisibility to circle around him.

The ape-man's club struck empty air, and Liu Yuanchen ambushed him from behind again.

The ape-man swept his spiked club backward, forcing him back.

Seizing the opportunity, Liu Yuanchen activated a talisman.

A small golden sword flew from his sleeve toward the back of the ape-man's head.

The ape-man was horrified. His spiked club had swept out with immense force.

There was no way he could retract it.

He could only abandon the club and twist his body, attempting to evade the sword.

Awoo!

The sword pierced through the ape-man's right shoulder. The pain drew an enraged roar from his mouth.

At that moment, Liu Yuanchen sensed two more rogue cultivators entering the range of his detection. He had to end this quickly.

He pressed the attack, smashing the Wind-Thunder Staff toward the back of the ape-man's head.

With no weapon in hand, the ape-man did not dare clash head-on with Liu Yuanchen and could only dodge.

Liu Yuanchen unleashed Ten Thousand Woods Become a Forest. The vegetation within a radius of more than ten yards fell under his control.

As the ape-man dodged the Wind-Thunder Staff, the shrubbery beside him suddenly extended its branches and leaves, nearly tripping him.

As he staggered, Liu Yuanchen took the chance to unleash the Ghostshadow Awl, driving it into the back of his head.

After looting the corpse, he was about to deal with the two latecomers.

Hearing the ape-man's dying roar, the two figures turned and fled.

After his battle with the ape-man, Liu Yuanchen was exhausted as well.

The repeated head-on collisions had left his blood and qi churning.

To avoid suffering an unexpected reversal, he did not pursue them.

He used Wood-Shadow Evasion again and chased after Mo Linghai.

Perhaps frightened by the ape-man's death, or perhaps because reinforcements had arrived.

Those evil cultivators stopped their pursuit and instead retreated separately.

Mo Linghai, on the other hand, seemed to have been frightened witless.

Even with no evil cultivators chasing him, he continued using escape arts to flee.

Liu Yuanchen had to exert considerable effort before catching up to him.

"Junior Brother Mo, the evil cultivators have retreated. You don't need to run anymore."

Hearing this, Mo Linghai withdrew his spiritual power, stopped, and dropped to the ground, gasping for breath.

He looked completely dazed, and Liu Yuanchen was somewhat worried that he had been scared senseless.

Before long, Mo Lianshan's voice came from afar. "Ling Hai, where are you?"

Mo Linghai burst into tears. "Father, I'm here!"

Soon, a fiery-red streak of escape light sped over from the distance.

When it reached the two of them, the escape light dispersed, revealing Mo Lianshan.

Mo Linghai threw himself into his arms. "Father, I almost didn't make it."

Mo Lianshan held him tightly and carefully examined his body. Only after finding no injuries did he finally relax.

Stroking his head, he comforted him, "Your father is here. It's all right now."

After a long while, Mo Linghai calmed down and began recounting what had happened along the way.

He did not lie, recounting everything Liu Yuanchen had done in full detail.

After he finished, Mo Lianshan bowed to Liu Yuanchen.

Liu Yuanchen hurriedly supported him. "Elder Mo, you flatter this disciple."

Mo Lianshan looked ashamed. "I brought you and Ling Hai out this time because I wanted you both to gain some merit.

I never expected the evil cultivators of the Demoncloud Sect to set a trap, nearly harming you and Ling Hai.

If not for your protection, Ling Hai certainly would not have survived until now."

"Among my descendants, Ling Hai has the best talent.

After I pass away, the younger generation will have to rely on him to bear the burden.

If he had fallen here today, my descendants would have no hope left."

"You saved Ling Hai. From now on, I owe you my life.

As long as you have need of me, these old bones are willing to brave fire and water for you.

Ling Hai, Yuan Chen will be your own elder brother from now on. Kneel and pay respects to your brother."

Mo Linghai was very obedient and immediately knelt. "Ling Hai pays respects to Elder Brother."

Liu Yuanchen helped him up. "No need for such formality. Our families have been close friends for generations.

How could I stand by and do nothing when Brother Ling Hai was in danger?"

"Elder Mo, this disciple has a matter to discuss with you."

Mo Lianshan patted his chest. "Whatever it is, as long as these old bones can do it, I will not refuse."

Liu Yuanchen waved his hand. "It is not that serious, nor will it require you to give up anything.

Brother Ling Hai possesses outstanding talent, yet he has always remained unknown.

This junior dares to guess that you wish for him to earn merit, then enter the tutelage of an elder with real authority and become a personal disciple."

Mo Lianshan nodded. "That is indeed my intention. Ling Hai possesses a Grade-B Mid-Grade Immortal Seed, so becoming an inner disciple would pose no problem.

However, I have some enemies within the sect.

In my early years, I had two other gifted children, but regrettably, both fell to their schemes.

If Ling Hai's talent were exposed, he might also become their target.

Therefore, I have kept Ling Hai hidden all this time.

I only planned to have him earn merit first, then use my favors to let him enter the tutelage of an elder with real authority.

With the status of a personal disciple and the protection of such an elder, he should be able to deter those enemies."

"Unfortunately, Ling Hai has never witnessed a real fight since childhood, and he failed to earn much merit this time.

It is still far from enough for him to become a personal disciple."

At this, joy appeared on Liu Yuanchen's face.

Mo Linghai had a need, and Liu Yuanchen had what he needed. That meant they could make a "dirty deal."

"He has no merit, but I do!"

"This time, I killed four evil cultivators. Aside from the one who died in the small valley, who was witnessed by everyone and cannot be dealt with easily.

The other three can all be credited to Brother Ling Hai.

With your connections, that should not be difficult, should it?"

Mo Lianshan stood there in stunned silence, seemingly unable to believe his ears.

For a Qi-Nourishing Realm cultivator, killing several evil cultivators was a great merit. Who would willingly give it away so easily?

"Worthy Nephew Yuan Chen, I have no intention of taking your merit. You need not test me."

Liu Yuanchen smiled. "My master protects me. Becoming a personal disciple of the sect is only a matter of time.

No matter how much merit I earn, it will not mean much. Instead, it may draw the attention of evil cultivators.

My master ordered me to gain experience outside, and I must remain in Qinghe Town for quite some time.

If I earn too much merit, the Sea of Qi Realm experts of the Demoncloud Sect may very well put all their effort into killing me."

"This merit is useless in my hands and may even become a burden.

Giving it to Brother Ling Hai benefits us both."

Hearing this, the joy on Mo Lianshan's face could no longer be contained.

With this merit as a foundation, and a bit more maneuvering, there would be no problem at all with his son becoming a personal disciple.

"Yuan Chen, you saved Ling Hai today, and I already do not know how to thank you.

Now you are even giving him your merit. I truly do not know how to repay you."

After thinking for a moment, he took out three talismans from his storage bag.

"You are an Alchemy Master, so you do not lack Spirit Stones.

I do not have anything particularly valuable on me. These are second-tier high-grade Fire Dragon Talismans I personally drew. They can severely injure Middle Qi Sea Stage cultivators.

They are not enough to exchange for this merit, but they are a token of my appreciation. Please do not refuse them."

"Ling Hai, from now on, you owe Yuan Chen a favor.

If he ever needs you, you must repay this favor with everything you have."

Mo Linghai bowed. "Rest assured, Father. I will remember this favor from Elder Brother."

Keeping these three heads would bring him no benefit; on the contrary, they would only cause trouble.

By handing off this hot potato, he could gain a favor and three talismans. It was a win-win.

Second-tier high-grade talismans were not easy to buy, especially during wartime, when the sect kept an extremely tight grip on all sorts of supplies.

The few available sources of talismans were all being frantically snapped up.

Even the Myriad Treasures Trading Association in Qinghe Town might not have second-tier high-grade talismans for sale.

As a result, talismans carried an extremely steep premium.

These three talismans should fetch three hundred Spirit Stones without any problem.

"By the way, how is the battle in the small valley to the south going?"

Mo Lianshan sighed. "Those heretic cultivators were far too alert. The moment reinforcements from Qinghe Town arrived, they fled.

"Even with us going all out, we only managed to leave behind the weakest Sea of Qi Realm heretic cultivator."

"In this campaign against the heretic cultivators' nest, we lost thirteen disciples.

"Taking down one Sea of Qi Realm heretic cultivator and four Qi-Nourishing Realm heretic cultivators could still be considered a small victory.

"The reinforcements are still pursuing those scattered Qi-Nourishing Realm heretic cultivators. We don't know what results they will achieve."

Though they had won, they had suffered so many losses while surrounding and eliminating the enemy right at their own doorstep. It was truly embarrassing.

Liu Yuanchen did not continue discussing the matter and led the father and son to search for the heretic cultivators' corpses.

The three arrived beside the ape-man's corpse. Mo Lianshan gave a disdainful smile. "There was actually a heretic cultivator practicing demonization arts. Neither human nor demon—what meaning is there in being strong?"

With that, he casually condensed a flaming arrow and drove it into the ape-man's skull.

This completely concealed the wound left by the Ghostshadow Awl.

He cut off the heretic cultivator's head and placed it in his storage bag.

Afterward, the three found another heretic cultivator's corpse.

Looking at the fatal wound on the back of the corpse's head, Mo Lianshan was somewhat puzzled. "Why are all the wounds on the backs of their heads?"

Liu Yuanchen gave an awkward smile. "It's more convenient from behind. I'm used to it."

Mo Lianshan condensed another flaming stone and smashed it into the back of the corpse's head.

He cut off the head and stored it in his storage bag.

After dealing with the three corpses, Mo Lianshan took Liu Yuanchen and Mo Linghai to handle the aftermath.

After nearly a Shi Chen of busywork, they finally returned to Qinghe Town.

Every cultivator who had gone to exterminate the heretic cultivators wore a gloomy expression. Liu Yuanchen alone was in a rather good mood.

Though he had drawn a little attention, it was still within controllable limits.

Moreover, he had earned a great favor from Elder Mo and his son.

These were connections—connections that belonged to him alone, not ones gained through relying on his elders.

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