Fearless Tower

---- Jade Toad cave abode

"Does the esteemed master of this building wish to see me?" Sect Leader Kang Da asked softly, looking at Yan Qingwei, who was dressed in a thin veil, his voice tinged with surprise and doubt. The latter covered her mouth and laughed, the waves of her chest heaving in a captivating way.

Strangely enough, although the Jade Toad cave abode was a hundred feet in circumference and not exactly cramped, as Yan Qingwei approached, Kang Dabao felt that the room was filled with the fragrance of this maiden, which was very refreshing.

"My grandmother has always admired talent. Many years ago, she knew that you, Daoist brother, were a promising young man, a rare talent in the Mountain South region. She had wanted to invite you to visit many times, but the time was always short, so it was delayed until today."

The woman's voice was so soft and sweet that it was almost cloying, but it was completely different from the aloof and distant demeanor that Sect Leader Kang Da had when they first met.

Yan Qingwei no longer even wears the white robes that are standard attire for the white-robed stewards of the Fearless Tower. Not only is her attire becoming bolder day by day, but even her every frown and smile, her half-angry and half-joking expressions, reveal a certain mature and delicious charm, which cannot help but give rise to some fantasies.

Fortunately, Kang Dabao was no longer the naive man he once was. His years of experience in bed had paid off, and he had seen it all. So even though he didn't know where Yan Qingwei had learned her seductive arts, which were of a high quality, the Sect Leader Kang Da remained calm and did not show any shame.

Seeing Kang Dabao's appearance, Yan Qingwei was not angry at all; on the contrary, her enthusiasm increased even more.

As the daughter of False Core and a direct descendant of Golden Core cultivator, Yan Qingwei, with her outstanding looks and excellent aptitude since childhood, has received countless flatteries and fawnings. Ordinary flattery is no longer of any value to her; the dignified demeanor of the Sect Leader Kang Da is even more endearing.

It wasn't that Yan Qingwei was being obnoxious or enjoying being judged. Rather, ever since she listened to the advice of old man Jiang Hongdao and her mother's encouragement, and decided to squeeze into Kang Dabao's inner quarters, this woman had made up her mind to abandon the face and dignity she had cherished in the past in order to secure a future.

Therefore, if Sect Leader Kang Da becomes impatient and easily takes the bait, it would only make it seem that the Dao Seed that Yan Qingwei is pinning her hopes on lacks a firm will and is unlikely to last.

This was not because Yan Qingwei willingly degraded herself, but because seeking the Dao and cultivating oneself is far more difficult than ordinary people imagine.

Don't think that just because you've reached the Golden Core stage, you'll never have to worry about supplies.

She Fu Yi has quite a few children, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, and personal disciples. Most of them can easily Foundation Establishment, but very few can achieve the False Core. As for the Authentic Golden Core stage, She Fu Yi the only one in the entire Fearless Tower to have achieved it.

According to She Fu Yi's guess, the current Sect Leader Kang Da, who is not yet a hundred years old, should already be no less than an ordinary False Core master. Even so, it is enough to attract many female Daoists in the world to rely on him.

Not to mention, the Daoist Black Shoes who went to the outer sea hoping to form Upper-Grade Golden Core elixir had a very close relationship with Kang Dabao, like a teacher and a father. If he succeeded, the Double Brightness Sect would probably become incredibly noble.

Given Yan Qingwei's Dual Spirit Root, it's not impossible that she might aspire to the Great Dao.

Kang Dabao was unaware that in just a few breaths, so many thoughts had passed through the mind of the graceful female cultivator before him. After pondering for a moment, he replied:

"The Fearless Tower has shown great kindness to the Chongming Sect and has been very supportive of them for many years. It is indeed my fault for being impolite; I should have requested an audience with the Pavilion Master long ago!"

"We're family, no need for formalities, brother, you're too kind." The young woman's face lit up with even more joy, and she then asked, "When will you be able to set off, brother?"

"I cannot keep you waiting, senior. Please wait a moment, fellow Daoist Yan. I have just returned to my sect to give some instructions, and then I will depart."

"Then I will wait here respectfully."

Yan Qingwei's words were so clingy they were almost frightening. It was as if the Sect Leader Kang Da had his throat stuffed with syrup, and he couldn't reply. He could only cup his hands in greeting and step out.

Yan Qingwei and Kang Dabao left the Jade Toad cave abode together. The latter went into the Chongming Sect first, while the female Daoist's smile froze, and a trace of resentment appeared in her eyes.

But the fish just won't bite.

The angler gently bit her full lips with her pearly teeth, wishing she could taste the salty, fishy flavor. But after a soft sigh, she couldn't help it. After composing herself, she lowered her head and pulled her already loose strapless top down a little further.

The two traveled stealthily and arrived at the place where the Fearless Tower cultivated, as mentioned by Yan Qingwei, in just about two days.

"The headquarters of the Fearless Tower is actually located in Cold Crow Mountain?" Sect Leader Kang Da asked with surprise. Yan Qingwei, walking ahead, laughed. She had already changed into more comfortable clothes, but still unconsciously patted her ample chest and replied crisply:

"Brother Dao, you've misunderstood this time. What kind of headquarters do we, the Fearless Tower, have?"

Kang Dabao was taken aback at first, then smiled wryly, agreeing with Yan Qingwei's answer.

He wasn't stupid; he knew that a force like the Fearless Tower, hiding in the shadows, wouldn't just stay in one place. It was possible that Sect Leader Kang Da had just visited this place to pay respects to the Fearless Tower today, and the next day, only a few empty Mountain Barbarians strongholds would remain.

Judging from the layout of this fortified village alone, the barbarian tribe was probably not very large in its time, or perhaps only a few Qi Refinement barbarian shamans were in charge.

Yan Qingwei stood before the fortified village, her hands forming a strange hand seal. The Di Ting beast on the door knocker raised its mouth in a strange way, and the two still sturdy green Spirit Stone doors swung open with a bang. What appeared was not the dilapidated scene that Sect Leader Kang Da had originally expected.

Before your eyes is a simple white jade staircase, and guarding the entrance are two lifeless puppets, each about ten feet tall. One carries a spear and is clad in armor, while the other carries a sword and a bow. They exude a Sha Qi aura and are not ordinary.

The two puppets were lifeless, yet their faces showed anger, which made the Sect Leader Kang Da's hair stand on end. Even though he knew that Yan Qingwei had no reason to harm him, he secretly made hand seals, his small eyes bulged, and Golden Light flashed in them as he prepared for battle.

Yan Qingwei showed no surprise on her pretty face, as if she was already used to this scene. She simply flipped her hand, revealing a three-patterned purple bamboo slip, which she displayed in front of the two puppets.

Upon receiving the token, the two puppets immediately sheathed their weapons and made way for each other.

"Please," Yan Qingwei invited, but seeing that Kang Dabao's gaze was still fixed on the two puppets, she became curious and explained, "These two combat puppets at the False Core Formation level were purchased from the Lu Craftsman Sect's shop in Tengwen Prefecture. They have guarded this building for over three hundred years and have certainly made great contributions."

"Three hundred years, that's quite a bargain!" Kang Dabao sighed as he followed Yan Qingwei up the white jade staircase. However, acquiring the False Core puppet was something even Chongming Sect would find difficult to accomplish.

Such items are not something that can be placed in just any household. Price is only one factor; the strength of the master's Divine Sense, daily maintenance, and replacement of parts all require careful consideration.

All things considered, it's no less carefree than serving a spirit beast of the same rank. Not to mention that high-level Puppet Master are already extremely rare compared to beast masters of the same rank, and even rarer in this remote place of Shannan Circuit.

Otherwise, how could Ingenious Craftsman Fort, a mere Foundation Establishment gate, have gained some fame in several states around Cloud Horn Prefecture? Therefore, without a familiar Puppet Master, it would be difficult to find someone to repair these two puppets once they are damaged.

"Could it be that these two False Core Formation puppets at Fearless Tower were maintained by Puppet Master from the Lu Craftsman Sect? For disciples of Nascent Soul sect to do this, the cost is considerable."

Kang Dabao's tendency to meddle in other people's business resurfaced, but fortunately, he soon came to his senses and saw the end of the white jade staircase.

As far as the eye could see, the dome, hundreds of feet high, was inlaid with stardust, swirling with various colored light spots, dazzlingly bright.

Several mirrors stood in the corridors surrounding the hall, reflecting all sorts of images: a practitioner sitting cross-legged with eyes closed, silent for a long time; a dissolute child, wild and unrestrained, lingering on the bed; a loving mother, smiling as she sewed new clothes by lamplight.

Sect Leader Kang Da naturally knew that the scene before him was not the true secret of the Fearless Tower, but what he saw at that moment was still quite surprising.

"He truly deserves his great reputation."

The moment this thought crossed his mind, Yan Qingwei led him through the corridor to a bedroom. The red brocade curtain in the center of the bedroom was ten feet in diameter, and outside the curtain were more than ten beautiful maids Higher Vehicle palace attire, each with a different figure.

Besides these alluring maids, Sect Leader Kang Da also met two familiar faces in his bedchamber.

Jiang Hongdao finally changed into a groom's outfit. Dressed in a scholar's robe, he looked very scholarly and showed no trace of his usual unruly and roguish nature.

The other red-browed old cultivator was none other than Yang Jue, the Pill Master Yang Jue the Fearless Tower who had come to Cold Crow Mountain to offer assistance last time. The meaning behind his gaze towards Sect Leader Kang Da was hard to discern, but it was clear that he was much less affectionate towards him than Jiang Hongdao.

"Hehe, is it young friend Kang who has arrived?"

Before Kang Dabao could even greet the two old monks, he heard a woman's voice coming from inside the brocade tent. Although using the phrase "the sound of silver bells" to describe it was rather cliché, it was also quite fitting.

Yan Qingwei approached Sect Leader Kang Da and gently tugged at his sleeve. He immediately reacted, stepped forward, and bowed deeply, saying, "Junior Kang Dabao greets Senior."

A mature and beautiful woman lifted the gauze curtain, revealing her bare feet on the ground.

Strangely enough, even though she was dressed in a plain robe and tightly covering her chest, which was quite dignified, Kang Dabao found her to be much more alluring than Yan Qingwei was dressed more scantily a few days ago.

Although the woman's face showed no trace of seductive charm, her every move still made one's mouth dry.

When she came running barefoot, her heavy breasts, tightly bound within her clothes, were barely free, yet still trembling and captivating.

A pair of small, white feet stepped on the ground, making a "thump-thump" sound, as if planting a string of beautiful footprints in the hearts of those around them.

"Excellent! What a magnificent man! Truly a hero worthy of defeating the demonic monk of the snowy mountain and bringing honor to the men of Mountain South!"

The fragrance mingled with the beautiful woman's clear, melodious voice, and the Sect Leader Kang Da, keeping his composure, dared not look up, only pondering:

"This Fearless Tower is naturally alluring; her skills as a grandmother far surpass those of the Yan Qingwei. Judging from her enthusiastic demeanor, there's probably nothing good in summoning me here today. I must be careful."

However, though he thought this in his heart, he dared not show it on his face. He only heard Kang Dabao wait until the beautiful woman finished speaking before respectfully replying, "Senior is too kind. This junior is unworthy of such praise."

"I didn't come here today to pay my respects to you, young friend," the beautiful woman said with a very friendly smile. With a gentle tap of her soft hand, more than ten maids filed out of the palace, carrying a fragrant breeze with them.

After only five people remained in the palace, the beautiful woman said softly, "Please raise your head, young friend."

After Kang Dabao the order and got up, he saw that the beautiful woman was holding a precious object in her hand, which was dazzlingly bright.

"This item is called the Jade Pivot Dark Pact Mirror, and it is the treasure of the Fearless Tower."

"Truly extraordinary! It is an honor for this junior to see it today!"

The beautiful woman wasn't showing off this treasure to this junior, Sect Leader Kang Da. She chuckled again and said crisply, "Young friend Kang has a deep connection with my Fearless Tower, so I won't keep you in suspense any longer. Does young friend Kang know that the Two Instruments Sect Mo Hegu of the Two Elements Sect was searching for in the five prefectures under the Cloud Horn Prefecture Court was a severely injured Golden Core cultivator?!"

"Seriously injured, Golden Core cultivator?!" Sect Leader Kang Da's expression changed drastically, and he exclaimed in surprise. The beautiful woman then spoke again, "Hmm, it must be that Blood Dao Golden Core cultivator who was taken in by Pu Honggu two hundred years ago, seemingly surnamed Peng."

The beautiful woman paused here, her eyes sparkling, a faint smile playing on her lips as she said, "It must have been that old patriarch of your friend's wife's family who caused him to end up like this."

Having said that, the beautiful woman did not continue speaking this time. Instead, she extended her slender finger and gently touched the jade bottle on the low table in front of her. A wisp of dark, turbid air separated from the jade bottle and was thrown into the lake in the mirror. After a short while, a complex seal character appeared on the surface of the lake. Most of it was black, with only a few streaks of rose red flowing around the edges of the character.

Kang Dabao felt it was mysterious, but couldn't understand its secrets. Yan Qingwei was also junior, and like Sect Leader Kang Da, she had never seen this treasure mirror before.

Seeing this, Jiang Hongdao coughed lightly and came over to explain. This old man clearly had a high status in the Fearless Tower, because even when facing Golden Core cultivator like the beautiful woman, he only gave a half-bow in a respectful manner.

He turned to Sect Leader Kang Da and said calmly, "What the Master just used was a move from the top -Third Tier -order Law Treasure, the 'Jade Pivot Dark Pact Mirror,' called 'Mirror Lake Cause Tracing.' We asked the Two Instruments Sect to extract a trace of the essence left by Daoist Peng his two Third Tier bronze corpses, which allowed us to perform this. According to this method, auspicious omens should be represented by red seal script, neutral omens by blue seal script, and inauspicious omens by black seal script."

As soon as Jiang Hongdao finished speaking, Kang Dabao understood. In other words, barring any unforeseen circumstances, that Daoist Peng was still on the verge of death.

The mystical properties of the Jade Pivot Dark Pact Mirror, this pseudo-spiritual treasure, are clearly not limited to this. As the beautiful woman changed her hand gestures, the black seal script in the mirror gradually cracked open on the surface, forming an obscure and difficult-to-understand hexagram.

Sect Leader Kang Da has never been a master of divination, but he became interested in this divination and volunteered to try his hand at it, but he never succeeded.

This caused the beautiful woman and Jiang Hongdao to look at each other for a while. In the end, Yan Qingwei couldn't stand it anymore and took out a palm-sized tortoise shell to help Kang Dabao for a while.

Finally, after about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Kang Dabao looked at the divination chart in his hand and seemed to be deep in thought.

Pingrong County?

"It is indeed Pingrong County,"

The Sect Leader Kang Da immediately understood why the Fearless Tower wanted to see him. Given how well he had governed Ping and Jin counties, unless those cultivators could break through by force, they would eventually be thoroughly investigated by the various levels of patrols he had set up. If the matter were reported to the state court, Fearless Tower would be in a very embarrassing situation.

"Then what does the senior need this junior to do?"

"Mobilize everyone under your jurisdiction and have them conduct a thorough search in the county! Fearless Tower will also send someone to assist. Remember, do not let Daoist Peng without being taken care of," the beautiful woman added.

"Yes," Kang Dabao thought, "I owe Fearless Tower quite a bit of Merit Points before, and this time I can finally repay them all." After pondering this for a while, he realized, "Should I also mention this to the Fei Household?! Ancestor Tianqin would surely be happy to know the whereabouts of that Blood Dao Golden Core, wouldn't he?!"