Dabao Gains a Map, Tianqin Gains a Core

Sect Leader Kang Da carried Daoist Peng away, not daring to rest for even a moment, for fear that the aftershocks of the battle between the three top cultivators beside and behind them would affect him, an insignificant little fish.

Before coming here, he never imagined that he, a True Cultivator, would be drawn into such a battle.

Looking back now, regardless of how terrifying Xiang Tianxing's spear light was, I myself wouldn't have been able to handle Huang Siniang's red ribbon without Senior Cultivator Wufeng by my side. I'm afraid I would have been dead after just ten or so rounds.

Some time ago, Master Kang was still somewhat proud of his ability to match a fake core cultivator, but after this experience, he realized that the difference between a Golden Core cultivator and a fake core cultivator, though seemingly only one word apart, is indeed worlds apart.

The few lashes from the red ribbon actually shattered the last vestiges of arrogance in him, which could be considered a good thing.

Just as Kang Dabao was expressing his feelings, the barely breathing Daoist Peng coughed lightly, causing the sect Sect Leader Kang Da to frown. He made a hand seal to prepare, and after checking that the Divine Sense restriction on the latter's body had not dissipated, he mustered up his courage and moved over to check the situation.

Unexpectedly, as soon as he began to move, the previously weak Daoist Peng slowly sat up cross-legged. At this moment, he leaned against the ship's wall, panting heavily. His spiritual energy was extremely mixed, and even Third Tier Alchemist would have to frown upon seeing him. "Cough cough, thank you for some healing pills, young friend. My injuries have flared up again, and I'm afraid I can't hold on for much longer."

Sect Leader Kang Da did not respond. In his life, he had seen many Evil Cultivators and killed many of them, but this was the first time he had ever seen someone who could cultivate Blood Dao Golden Core Kang Dabao the highest level.

God knows how these scoundrels managed to perfect their Core Thesis and overcome their inner demons.

Although this was the first time Sect Leader Kang Da had met him, the legends about these Evil Cultivators' strange methods passed down through the ages had already deeply penetrated his mind and body. Sect Leader Kang Da dared not make any sudden moves, lest he fall into the trap of this Daoist Peng and become the latter's healing supplies.

Judging by the timeline, the first message talisman should have already reached Xuanwei City. Chu Yanran should already be on her way. When the time comes, all I need to do is hand her over, and that will be a great achievement. Why take any risk?

"Cough cough, young friend, if I were to die here, it would be of no benefit to you. Please have mercy and save me!" After saying this, the Evil Cultivator coughed up blood again, looking extremely pitiful, just like an ordinary poor and sick old man, arousing people's pity.

Upon hearing this, Sect Leader Kang Da's expression turned serious, and he thought to himself, "This Daoist priest is probably trying to fool me!"

Kang Dabao had witnessed countless tragic scenes of Evil Cultivator wreaking havoc in his life. Those were merely the murders committed by those who Qi Refinement or Foundation Establishment. Compared to the crimes committed by this Daoist Peng, they were probably not even a fraction of what he had done. After a moment of shock, he no longer responded to him. Instead, he changed his hand seals and urged the Kui Star Shuttle toward Xuanwei City.

But how could that Daoist Peng give up? Seeing that Sect Leader Kang Da still ignored him, he squinted and said listlessly, "It is understandable that you are wary of me, young friend, but you have wasted a fortuitous opportunity."

"From what I've observed, you seem to have some connections, perhaps quite deeply entangled with the Fei Household and the Cloud Horn Prefecture Court. Your pupil technique is also quite remarkable, rarely seen even among Golden Core cultivators; it's truly exceptional. If I'm not mistaken, young friend, you must be the Sect Leader Kang Chongming Sect who defeated Funeng that day?"

Seeing that this fellow had been rambling on for so long, Sect Leader Kang Da didn't want to ask what kind of fortuitous opportunity Daoist Peng was talking about. However, feeling embarrassed, he replied in a low voice, "Well, the pills I have are too inferior, and I'm afraid they might harm your noble body, Senior. Please save your energy; other seniors will come to greet you soon."

"Heh, I'm afraid I won't survive then," Daoist Peng grinned, seemingly indifferent to life and death. But then he added, "It's a pity about my several villas; I'll probably have to hide them in the mountains, waiting for a destined person to discover them."

"A separate residence?" Even though he knew that Daoist Peng was trying to lure him with benefits, Sect Leader Kang Da still muttered to himself.

This was because he had gotten a good deal in Mountain-Viewing cave abode back then, and considering that this Daoist was also a top-tier Golden Core Exalted Cultivator Guanyu, he probably had indeed collected quite a few treasures.

The slight hint of excitement in Kang Dabao's eyes was barely perceptible, yet it did not escape Daoist Peng's notice. The latter smiled bitterly, "There are at least four or five separate residences, and even among the Law Treasure, one or two are hidden within."

Not to boast, but the wealth I've accumulated over the years—a single villa—is enough to equal the entire fortune of an ordinary Golden Core cultivator. If someone were to acquire all of my treasures, it would be enough to equal the millennia-long accumulation of some Golden Core sects.

"Senior, you're not someone to be easily fooled. Don't play games with me, and rest your energy."

Ordinary Rogue Cultivator would be willing to sell their backsides for Spirit Stone to obtain the resources for their Golden Core. Even if they were lucky enough to succeed in forming the Golden Core, it would probably take them sixty years to repay the debt.

Therefore, it is truly remarkable that Exalted Cultivator Guanyu, as a Rogue Cultivator, was able to establish such a reputation and accumulate such abundant resources.

Even if Daoist Peng was highly skilled, and he abandoned his status Rogue Cultivator to live as a guest in the Two Instruments Sect, where he was supported by others, it would still be highly unlikely that he could accumulate as much wealth as he claimed.

There's definitely some exaggeration involved; just take it with a grain of salt.

Sect Leader Kang Da shook his head, having figured this out. Although he was also very enthusiastic about the "separate residence" mentioned by Daoist Peng, he was not as blinded by greed as the latter had imagined.

However, Daoist Peng had clearly anticipated this scene. He immediately took out a piece of extremely poor-quality animal hide and quickly drew a map.

Even though Sect Leader Kang Da knew that Daoist Peng had ulterior motives, he was still attracted by the map. The latter generously pushed it forward, trying to raise his voice. "This map shows the location of a villa I set up in Ding Prefecture. Regardless of whether you help me or not, I'm giving it to you."

"I cannot accept a reward without merit, senior, there's no need for such formality." Kang Dabao refused to accept it, but Daoist Peng seemed to have regained his strength and insisted on giving it to him. Just as the two were locked in a stalemate, Chu Yanran's graceful figure appeared outside the flying boat.

"This junior pays respects to Madam Qi!" Seeing that he was finally going to hand over this hot potato, Sect Leader Kang Da felt no regret for the so-called separate residence; he was merely delighted.

In stark contrast, Daoist Peng's face darkened. He had not expected that his usual methods would fail, and that Kang Dabao would be able to hold his nerve so well.

The phrase "luring with profit" is indeed straightforward and simple, and even a child can explain the principle clearly. However, don't assume that simplicity means it's ineffective. At least 50% of the times Daoist Peng suffered defeats, he saved his life by using this tactic.

The methods that had always worked were utterly ineffective against a mere True Cultivator. The old man felt uneasy, and when he looked up at Chu Yanran's exquisite face, he felt a wave of nausea.

After boarding the Kui Xing Kui Star Shuttle, Chu Yanran did not exchange pleasantries with Kang Dabao, but went straight to Daoist Peng was leaning against the ship's wall.

First, he ruthlessly verified that there was no problem with the spiritual restriction on the latter's body. Only then did he add a bright yellow talisman to his body, turn around, and ask Kang Dabao, "How is the battle going?"

The latter respectfully replied, "The Two Instruments Sect has lost a mid-stage upper-level cultivator. Senior Cultivator Wufeng and junior Boyue are each holding back another. The Two Instruments Sect's Grand Elder Pu Honggu and the General Affairs Manager of the Star-Picking Pavilion Xiang Tianxing, are currently fighting together against Ancestor Tianqin. However, in my humble opinion, the battle situation on Ancestor's side is the most stable."

"Senior Fei's skills are superb, far beyond what we juniors can compare to." Chu Yanran spoke with a hint of awe in her eyes. The beautiful woman nodded in return, then pointed her slender finger forward, and the rough animal hide that had fallen to the ground fell into her hand.

Madam Qi glanced at the map with her beautiful eyes and chuckled, "It is drawn quite meticulously, but it is difficult to tell whether it is real or fake."

Madam Qi did not recognize Daoist Peng, but the latter clearly had some impression of the strange woman before him. Even with an additional talisman placed on him, he still mustered his strength and spoke:

"Fellow Daoist Chu, you are mistaken. I am already imprisoned, and no one knows when I will die. Why would I bother to deceive this young friend?"

"That's good!" Chu Yanran didn't care whether what Daoist Peng said was true or false. She handed the animal hide to Sect Leader Kang Da for safekeeping and then added, "You can go and take a look when you have time. Just remember to invite your husband along."

"I understand."

After giving her Chu Yanran turned her gaze back to Daoist Peng and said calmly, "Fellow Daoist, please rest a moment. Xuanwei City is very close; we'll be there in the blink of an eye."

Daoist Peng seemed to have lost his spirit after Chu Yanran's words, so he sat cross-legged to regulate his breathing and closed his eyes without saying a word.

"Junior sister, run!!"

After shouting wildly, Li Yun didn't even bother to see if Huang Siniang would respond. He used his robe to carry Fei Nanying's halberd and turned to leave.

At this moment, his eyes were filled with disbelief. Who could have imagined that two prominent figures from Shannan Circuit, both with over sixty years of experience and below the level of True Person, would actually be no match for that old bird from the Fei Household when they joined forces?

Moreover, it was not as simple as being slightly at a disadvantage. Li Yun could see that Xiang Tianxing and Pu Honggu were fighting with their lives on the line, yet they were still being suppressed by Fei Tianqin to the point of having no power to fight back.

This situation is absolutely unacceptable. Otherwise, if the battle continues to the end, Xiang and Pu, being quite skilled, might be able to escape unscathed; but Huang Siniang and I would have no chance of surviving the old bird's pursuit.

Xiang Tianxing watched Li Yun leave, then glared at Pu Honggu beside him with displeasure.

In truth, he also longed to leave. When cracks appeared on the dragon-headed spear, Xiang Tianxing began to consider retreating.

In retrospect, it was because he had become accustomed to flattery during his years as the head of general affairs at the Star-Picking Pavilion Tower. Despite his frequent self-reflection, he still couldn't help but develop some arrogance and overestimate his abilities, which led him into this predicament.

Even though he knew that his master had specifically instructed him before going into seclusion not to underestimate Fei Tianqin's abilities, he thought that with Pu Honggu's help, even if he was no match for him, he could still be somewhat composed.

But unexpectedly...

Despite knowing he shouldn't have fought so fiercely, Xiang Tianxing couldn't help but mutter to himself, "Rumors circulate that this old bird has served three dynasties, fought countless battles, and even met His Majesty the Great Ancestor. Perhaps it's all just hearsay. With such fighting prowess, where below the Nascent Soul can one find a match for him?!"

Upon Xiang Tianxing this, Xiang Tianxing released his Divine Sense and discovered that Fei Nanying had lost his opponent, was not idle and quickly rushed to Senior Cultivator Wufeng's side, where Huang Siniang, who was already somewhat hysterical in battle, was fighting.

"This female Daoist priest is unlikely to survive today!"

As soon as he handed over the judgment to Huang Siniang, Xiang Tianxing felt a burning sensation in his hand with the dragon-headed spear. He grimaced, swept the spear horizontally, and a shower of shimmering fire feathers rose into the air in front of him.

Fei Tianqin was clearly enraged this time and was determined to teach this Nascent Soul disciple a lesson. If it weren't for Pu Honggu's desperate rescue, Xiang Tianxing might have had to slink back to the Star-Picking Pavilion to seek Bai Canhong's protection in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.

Although Pu Honggu was clearly weaker than Xiang Tianxing, he still had his junior brothers and sisters by his side. When he risked his life, he caused Fei Tianqin far more trouble than Xiang Tianxing.

But then he saw Li Yun turn his back and leave without even saying goodbye, and his face darkened. To be fair, Li Yun's actions were perfectly rational, but Pu Honggu felt a mix of emotions.

Including the previous incident, after two battles, of the six advanced Qiu Yunsheng of the Two Instruments Sect, apart from Qiu Yunsheng who is still on the Outer Dao, Mo and Wei are already seriously injured. If they don't recover properly, it may take them twenty or thirty years to fully recover. As for Li Yun, the severity of her injuries is unknown. Presumably, Fei Nanying's cultivation is still shallow, so he shouldn't have any fatal injuries. But can he protect his only junior sister, Huang Siniang?

Even though he couldn't protect his junior sister and knew his junior brothers must already resent him, Pu Honggu still felt wronged.

"But I'm doing this for the sect's sake! It was the sect's order to send Daoist Peng to communicate with the Demon Officer, and I dared not disobey. I've already obtained the Crimson Realm Life-Prolonging Pill, but the method of refining it still needs to be refined. If I take it haphazardly, it will destroy most of its efficacy. How can I extend my lifespan and reach the Nascent Soul stage?"

If you don't reach the Nascent Soul, won't you be like this for generations, being driven around at will and drained of your lifeblood for the Star-Picking Pavilion?! In the end, isn't it all because you're all unambitious, thinking you can slack off in your cultivation just because you have the sect's protection and the Nascent Soul is so hard to achieve?! The continuation of this sect's lineage still rests on my shoulders!!

Pu Honggu was angry, but the Law Treasure that wasn't very handy still emitted a dazzling light, which made Fei Tianqin, who was standing in front of him, inwardly praise it.

However, after the praise, Fei Tianqin crossed his wings and slashed them heavily at Pu Honggu's Law Treasure.

This old bird's physical body had been cultivated and nurtured for a thousand years, making it comparable to Third-Tier Supreme-Grade Law Treasure. Even the Myriad Ten Thousand Souls Banner in Daoist Peng's hand, which Pu Honggu often envied, was almost reduced to dust under such bombardment because it was not good at defense, let alone the magic weapon that Pu Honggu temporarily drew up for emergency Law Treasure.

"Boom!" At the same time as the Law Treasure exploded, it also completely destroyed the fighting spirit of Xiang Tianxing and Pu Honggu. Without thinking, they each used their own methods to retreat.

"Senior Brother, save me!! Save me!!!"

Fei Nanying to force Huang Siniang to cry out for help in a panic failed to make the heartless Pu Honggu stop for even a moment; Fei Nanying's plan had indeed come to nothing.

Xiang and Pu were indeed top-tier figures below the level of True Person. They revealed their trump cards and were Yixin to leave, so even someone as strong as Fei Tianqin could not stop them.

Even if this veteran were to unleash his trump card and catch up with one of them, he couldn't very well just kill him outright, wouldn't that just create unnecessary trouble?

However, if Pu Honggu didn't stay to rescue her, how could Huang Siniang, who was trapped in the encirclement, possibly survive? Having fought Senior Cultivator Wufeng for so long, she couldn't even handle Fei Nanying, who came to her aid from behind, so how could she be a match for Fei Tianqin?

After only three or five rounds, the female Daoist's not-so-graceful body was pierced by the Thousand Feathers. Before the liquid covering her body could even splash out, it was dried into ashes by the fire feathers, leaving only a three-patterned Golden Core pill hanging in mid-air.

The old bird still remembered the debt he owed, and readily accepted it. He then swept past Senior Cultivator Wufeng, who was busy rummaging through Huang Siniang's Storage Bag for her natal Law Treasure, and pondered:

"There must be something strange about that Daoist Peng. We need to interrogate him thoroughly to find out. After this, the state court will have another handle to use against the Star-Picking Pavilion, and their bargaining power to force them to side with the Immortal Dynasty will be even stronger."

"Ancestor, young Kang has already sent Daoist Peng back to Xuanwei City."

"Okay, I'll head back now and pay the debt while I'm at it."