Black Bone Stirs

Kang Dabao's eyesight was excellent; he recognized the person in front of him as Han Chengfeng from the Yukun Han Household before Su Changqiu. Accompanying him were Fei Nanyi and Fei Wanqing.

Even though he was somewhat surprised to hear that Shu Yuanjiang was already dead, Sect Leader Kang Da acted quickly, carrying Slaughter and Extermination and leaping in front of Su Changqiu. With a slash and a strike, the latter's expression darkened, and he hurriedly summoned the Profound Firmament Canopy, a magic Law Treasure he had nurtured for many years, to block it.

This inherited magical Law Treasure has some intricacies.

Its twenty-eight ribs are made of thousand-year-old lightning-struck wood and purple bamboo from Universal Selection Island in the outer sea, interwoven together. Each rib is engraved with the "True Scripture of the Northern Dipper's Life Extension". When closed, the runes emit a faint blue light, which is bewitching.

The outer layer of the umbrella is woven from two kinds of silk, Li and Xue, and is decorated with the Bagua Taiji. The Big Dipper is embedded in the Qian position and the Southern Dipper is attached to the Kun position. The inner layer is filled with Daoist gold paper rubbings of the "True Form Map of the Hundred Mountains", and the Third Tier cinnabar mixed with gold powder outlines the Spirit Vein of the mountains.

The umbrella surface is coated with three layers of Demon Officer oil, mixed with ambergris and Chenzhou sand. When it encounters evil spirits, it automatically emits purple smoke, making it invincible for exorcising and refining.

The umbrella handle is shaped like a dragon and is made of ancient green jade from Ying Prefecture. The dragon's mouth holds a pearl for warding off evil and a ruler for suppressing demons. The dragon's body has six Daoist scriptures, including the Demon-Subduing Incantation Demons and the Radiance Incantation, which can receive the light of the Purple Star and summon the Four Spirits to suppress evil.

When the umbrella is closed, it manifests the true forms of a hundred mountains, transforming into layers of barriers, enough to withstand a single blow from a cultivator; when the umbrella is opened, the illusory images of twenty-eight morning stars appear, chanting various true scriptures, drawing the light of the Purple Star to combine with the Yin-Yang fish to evolve the Four Spirits Sha-Suppressing Grand Formation, which all below the Golden Core must avoid its sharp edge.

The inherited Law Treasure are far superior to ordinary Law Treasure, and are naturally rare for ordinary people.

Even though Sect Leader Kang Da has traveled to several states and has considerable experience, he has only ever seen such treasures in the hands of Chu Yanran and Su Changqiu. In terms of quantity, they are even rarer than the Nascent Soul True Person he has ever seen.

This clearly demonstrates the immense wealth of the Yuezhu Su Household and the high regard the Su Household held for their young master Su Changqiu.

However, this Law Treasure is extremely valuable. Even when Su Changqiu was at his peak, he struggled to control it, let alone now that he had just fought to the death with that fat-eared Pill Master.

The young master of the Su Household is now exhausted, both physically and mentally, and surrounded by powerful enemies, so it's unlikely he'll be able to make any impressive moves.

The multiple barriers formed by the true forms of Baiyue blocked the two beams of halberd light in front of him, one vertical and one horizontal, Su Changqiu to find a moment to hastily swallow a few pills.

This Bing Six Prison Chamber is truly a place devoid of spiritual energy. Without pills or spiritual objects, it's unknown when the cultivators will be able to recover most of the spiritual power they've expended.

Despite his failed attack, Sect Leader Kang Da did not stop. He quickly moved in front of Su Changqiu, who was about to be pushed away, and unleashed the Eight Wastelands Suppress the Mountain, which was quite fitting for the scene. The illusory mountain shadows were shattered in large chunks, which annoyed Su Changqiu, who changed his hand seal.

As the talisman in his palm became even brighter, bolts of lightning suddenly and irrationally struck Kang Dabao's head.

The intense, scorching heat made the air around Sect Leader Kang Da several times hotter, and his internal organs felt a burning sensation with every breath. However, before he could make a move, Han Chengfeng, who had caught up from behind, had already summoned his Spirit Artifact.

A jade-like scroll rapidly unfurled in mid-air. The thunder that had been exploding violently vanished the moment it entered the scroll.

Su Changqiu, having done nothing to achieve his goal, looked unwell. He felt a burning pain in his meridians after the repeated exertion. As someone skilled in warfare, he knew this was one of the early signs of spiritual energy depletion.

With no worries about his rear, Kang Dabao's offensive intensified, and Han Chengfeng, who was close behind, put away his scroll and was also about to enter the arena. Seeing that the true forms of the Hundred Mountains were becoming increasingly sparse, Su Changqiu no longer held back.

With a flick of his finger, a jade stopper fell to the ground, creating a deep crater. Then, a fragrant aroma wafted from the jade bottle in his hand, which even seemed to invigorate the spirits of the Sect Leader Kang Da opposite him.

"Ten-thousand-year-old chalcedony?!"

Han Chengfeng, who had just arrived at his side, murmured something. Kang Dabao was amazed by this Restore Spirit artifact, which he had only heard of in cultivation books. At the same time, he subtly moved a few steps away to create some distance between himself and this Han Household direct descendant, whom he was not very familiar with.

According to what the Fei Household had told Sect Leader Kang Da these past few days, Han Chengfeng was quite capable, but he was not considered the most valued junior by the Han Household patriarch.

Therefore, considering that the Yuezhu Su Household's social standing is lower than the Han Household's, Han Chengfeng's wealth is probably far inferior to that of the Su Household's young master. It is understandable that he was somewhat surprised by the Restore Spirit Sacred Object in the latter's hand.

According to ancient records, even True Person can use this Ten-Thousand-Year Jade Marrow. Below the True Person level, only some top-tier cultivators can keep some on hand.

Even if Su Changqiu only bestows a drop this time, his already nearly depleted spiritual power will likely be fully restored in just a few breaths.

Fortunately, there were already four of them on their side at this time; otherwise, Sect Leader Kang Da would have had to carefully consider whether or not to engage in a fierce battle with a powerful enemy right at the beginning.

Fei Nanyi, who arrived later, also used Thunder Method, but it was not as grand and majestic as the one used by Su Changqiu earlier. However, it was somewhat similar to the profound lightning used by ordinary Demon Beast based on their innate bloodline talents.

Kang Dabao then realized that what Fei Tianqin had said before— that the Ying Prefecture Fei Household had some Kui Dragon bloodline—was probably not unfounded.

The flying sword used by Fei Wanqing at the end was named Rainbow Chaser. Although it was far less precious than Su Changqiu's Profound Firmament Canopy, it was still a top-quality Spirit Artifact made by the Fang Household.

Furthermore, with the "Azure Firmament Pure Heart Sword," a low-grade Swordsmanship of the Cosmos Rank, Lower Grade that many members of the Fei Household have practiced, Fei Wanqing is well able to keep up with others in this area.

Judging from Sect Leader Kang Da eye, his wife's younger sister's skills were already comparable to those of Yang Wuwei back then. Considering her young age, he felt that the Fei Household's selection of her for the Bing Six Prison Chamber was indeed reasonable.

There was no time to think too much at this moment. The three reinforcements who arrived—one using Thunder Method, one wielding a mysterious blade, and one wielding a green sword—joined forces with the four of them, including Sect Leader Kang Da, and quickly broke through the layers of mountain shadows in front of them.

Su Changqiu was filled with hatred. He changed his hand seal, and the cultivators suddenly felt nothing in front of them. They realized something was wrong; where was the Profound Firmament Canopy Xuanguang?

But in the next instant, a beam of blue light shone down.

Han Chengfeng and Fei Nanyi were too busy to defend themselves and each used their magical Spirit Artifact to block the attack. Fei Wanqing was caught off guard, and her usually bright eyes froze.

Su Changqiu received the Profound Firmament Canopy, became solemn. He tapped his palm with his fingers, and a bolt of lightning surged from the crimson talisman, aiming at Fei Wanqing, the head of the Six Yangs.

If this blow lands squarely, Fei Nanying of the Mountain South, might have to bury their son.

Fortunately, the Golden-eyed Sect Leader Kang Da arrived in time, stepping forward to wield his halberd and slash down the lightning. The few wisps of lightning energy attached to Slaughter and Extermination had not yet dissipated, causing a tingling sensation in Kang Dabao's palm. However, after he activated the "Profound Clear Withering and Flourishing Secret Manual" and summoned a bit of Azure Spirit, these minor injuries were quickly healed.

Su Changqiu was not disappointed by his failed attack. He formed hand seals, and star-like images gradually formed around his body. The annoying chanting also began to resound.

Before arriving, all the cultivators had heard from their elders about the abilities of these three wicked guests. They knew that Su Changqiu intended to use the Profound Firmament Canopy in his hand to form the Four Spirits Sha-Suppressing Grand Formation. If this fellow were to succeed, even if the four of them were present today, they would still find it difficult to take his life at this opportune moment.

Han Chengfeng's gaze sharpened. The Sect Leader Kang Da couldn't clearly discern the grade of his sword technique, but it was evident that he had cultivated it to an extremely profound level. At this moment, he indeed displayed the extraordinary qualities of a direct descendant of Nascent Soul clan.

The blade flashed, its sharpness intense. Those around felt as if the clouds above their heads had been churned apart by the blade's light, and the sound of it cutting through the air almost drowned out the chanting in the arena, causing the young master of the Su Household opposite them to furrow his brow even more.

The newly formed illusory star image was half-cut off by the blade's edge, Fei Nanyi's lightning storm also arrived swiftly. Su Changqiu's expression became increasingly gloomy. Despite his deep regret, he still swallowed the last drop of the ten-thousand-year-old jade marrow.

"It's a pity there's no one around to help me, otherwise, once I form an array, these people in front of me... Hmph!"

As the meridians that had been dry were filled up again, Su Changqiu's heart was determined and his hands formed seals. When the mysterious canopy that had been closed in front of him opened again, another vermilion edict emerged from the palms of the young masters of the Su family, and then he spit out the word "imperial edict" and closed his hands.

"Six Jia Earth-Shrinking Edict! Fellow Daoists, do not hold back, or this fellow will truly escape!" Han Chengfeng, the most knowledgeable among them, shouted, his Xuan Blade gleaming brightly, clearly indicating that he was using all his strength and no longer holding back.

While secretly praising the Yuezhu Su Household for being of the same lineage as the orthodox Daoist Dragon Tiger Mountain, Kang Dabao noted that Su Changqiu's methods were all grand and imposing, and the various techniques in the "Secret Teachings of the Three Caverns Talismans" were truly profound; at the same time, he put away the Slaughter and Extermination in his hand, and his eyes gradually filled with a brilliant golden light.

In the blink of an eye, two Golden Light, along with the blade's edge and the thunderstorm, rushed towards the reappearing layers of mountain shadows.

However, Su Changqiu had already made plans. He knew that although the Profound Firmament Canopy was strong, it could not withstand three equally powerful opponents for long. So he summoned another shield-shaped talisman to fight against it as well.

Just as Han and Fei, who were standing beside Kang Dabao, were pondering whether they should also use their talismans to defend themselves, they saw that the snow-white robes of the young master of the Su Household opposite them had been soaked in a Golden Light.

Sect Leader Kang Da's eyes narrowed, and just as he was hesitating, he heard Han Chengfeng beside him let out a soft sigh, and the spiritual light of the Xuan Blade in his hand seemed to dim a little.

As expected, shortly after Han Chengfeng's sigh, Su Changqiu sneered and transformed into lightning, disappearing from the place.

"In the end, this fellow still managed to escape." Han Chengfeng looked at the shield-shaped talisman left behind by the young master of the Su Household. Even though he came from a prestigious family, he couldn't help but admire Su Changqiu's wealth. Even a rare and precious defensive Law Treasure was discarded decisively without hesitation.

After preparing the spiritual water and giving it to Fei Wanqing, who had been injured by their opponent Profound Firmament Canopy, Fei Nanyi sighed, "It's only because we encountered Su Changqiu that we were able to succeed. If it had been one of the other two, we might have already achieved victory this time."

Sect Leader Kang Da heard what the Fei Household elders said, he disagreed.

Kang Dabao knew little about the Gong Butong Wen Mountain Cult, but he was still quite wary of Funeng, whom he had once been his rival. Back then, he had only managed to gain the upper hand by taking advantage of the latter's Delusion-Breaking Golden Eyes.

Heaven knows how formidable this Original Response Temple, who has been hiding in the snowy mountains for so long, must be now.

It is true that the Yuezhu Su Household is famous for its wealth, and it is also true that their Daoist temple is magnificent, but compared with the Snow Mountain Circuit Original Response Temple, it still pales in comparison.

Even now, Funeng is regarded as a thorn in the side and a source of hatred by Gada, a Buddhist disciple of Original Response Temple who has already achieved the Golden Core stage. He even specially invited his master to come and greet the Sect Leader Kang Da, which shows how capable Fu Neng is. Kang Dabao never dares to underestimate him.

"However, if Funeng appear at this moment, the combined strength of the four of them would be far greater than my chances of winning against him alone."

If the rest of the Fei Household were only focused on collecting as many living souls as possible, vying for first place, and obtaining the Five-Spirit Ice Mallow to Core Formation, then Sect Leader Kang Da had more in mind about eliminating acquaintances.

After all, the words "Buddha Enemy" were indeed quite heavy, and whenever he thought of them, they made him somewhat uneasy.

Not long after, Fei Wanqing, who had been injured by the azure light of the Profound Firmament Treasure Canopy, also woke up. Her injury was not serious to begin with, and she had fully recovered after taking the spiritual water prepared by Fei Nanyi.

She only noticed that she was injured and looked embarrassed, showing a bit of girlish shyness and unease.

Sect Leader Kang Da had no time to concern himself with his wife and sister's petty thoughts; his gaze was fixed on the shield-shaped talisman that Su Changqiu had abandoned. Unlike the other cultivators, who were all from prominent families, Kang Dabao, who had no elders to look after him, was quite poor.

Since the Immortal Game Disc was destroyed by Gu Chengsen during the Battle of Fa Prefecture, he had no suitable defensive Spirit Artifact available for a while. Most of the time, he only used a high-grade magical Spirit Artifact, the Golden Mountain Plaque. If the opponent's methods were not sharp enough, he could also use his already fully developed Primordial Ancient Body to block.

Therefore, this talisman is a scarce item for him.

Thinking of this, Sect Leader Kang Da summoned a gentle breeze, generously took the talisman into his hand, and bowed, saying, "I, Kang, still lack protective means. I wonder if Fellow Daoist Han and my uncle would be willing to part with it?"

Han Chengfeng didn't think much of a second-hand talisman and agreed after a moment's thought; Fei Nanyi, being an elder and not lacking in talismans for protection, also readily agreed.

Kang Dabao, relieved that his wish had been fulfilled, took out the one-legged golden man from the fat-eared Pill Master, added some other spiritual items, and shared them with Han and Fei. Only then did he truly put the shield-shaped talisman into his hands.

The four fought a fierce battle, but their injuries were not serious. They only spent some time taking some pills and spiritual items and adjusting their breathing before discussing matters again.

The Sect Leader Kang Da showed little interest in the death of Shu Yuanjiang, his wife's former betrothal partner, but that was precisely the matter Fei Nanyi mentioned when he opened his mouth:

"Fellow Daoist Shu was killed by Gong Butong using the 'Great Void Yin-Yang Tribulation and Fate Scripture' Wen Mountain Cult. By the time Fellow Daoist Han and I rushed there, Gong Butong had already escaped."

Before leaving, he also took away the purple jade alms bowl that had been used by Daoist Shu to collect souls, which was quite leisurely.

"We were chasing Gong Butong when we bumped into Wanqing, who had just escaped from Tong He and Su Changqiu, and that's how we got here."

The fact that Shu Yuanjiang was killed was not surprising to the cultivators, because among the six people from the Fei Household, he and Fei Wanqing were the weakest.

However, according to their prior agreement, the weakest of the three unruly guests was Gong Butong.

After all, in terms of both strength and foundation, the Wen Mountain Cult ranks far behind the Original Response Temple and the Yuezhu Su Household.

His only Nascent Soul True Person had suffered Dao injuries while entering the secret realm, and had rarely appeared in public for the past one or two hundred years, which led to the gradual decline of the Wen Mountain Cult.

The Wen Mountain Cult in recent generations have also been relatively unknown. There was even one who was nearly two hundred years old and only managed to form a Core Formation by having the sect elders pay him extra fees to Core Formation.

Therefore, this Gong Butong, and it was not really valued just now.

However, it now seems that the cultivators were overconfident. None of the three hostile guests were weak, and they all needed to be treated with caution.

After briefly recounting the death of Shu Yuanjiang, the four began to discuss their future. Should they continue traveling separately to search for living souls, or should they travel together and join forces to fight any powerful enemies they encountered? This was a matter that required careful consideration.

After all, someone like Han Chengfeng who came to provide assistance wasn't just there to help the Ying Prefecture Fei Household.

Even among Nascent Soul clans, the Fei Household's Five-Spirit Ice Mallow might not be considered a top-tier spiritual item. However, it is quite attractive to cultivators like Han Chengfeng who urgently need to Core Formation.

Therefore, if they traveled together, it would inevitably affect Han Chengfeng's speed in collecting living souls. Moreover, Han Chengfeng was confident in his abilities and was not afraid of any opponent. After thinking for a while, he bowed to the three of them to say goodbye and left on his own.

Sect Leader Kang Da wasn't too surprised by his choice, but he still chose to travel with the Fei Household uncle and nephew. This was because he had a vague premonition that if he were to form Upper-Grade Golden Core, it wouldn't have much to do with these Core Formation spiritual objects that others treasured so much.

Therefore, rather than striving for first place to obtain the Five-Spirit Ice Mallow, Fei Household cherishes so much, it is more worthwhile to quickly take Funeng's life and have peace of mind afterwards.

Fei Nanyi and Fei Wanqing were pleasantly surprised by Kang Dabao's choice, and both secretly thought to themselves that their noble ladies were very capable.

Given the methods Sect Leader Kang Da, the fact that he can still disregard personal gain and be so close to his wife's Yue Household is truly remarkable; such a son-in-law is hard to find even with a lantern.

Fei Wanqing felt a strange mix of emotions welling up inside her. She shook her head, not taking it to heart, assuming it was just a slight envy of her older cousin finding a good husband.

The three continued their journey for several more days, encountering only a dozen or so True Cultivator Foundation Establishment who were so decayed they were barely recognizable as human beings, but no one else along the way.

It was still early before the opening of the Xiezhi Dark Prison, so the cultivators had no need to be impatient. On this day, the three leaders of the Sect Leader Kang Da found a valley with evil energy rising from it. According to the clerk of the Demon Correction Office Division, there might be a powerful Pill Master here, whose strength might even be a notch higher than that of Tong He.

Sect Leader Kang Da didn't hold out much hope, nor did he know if anyone would even visit this place. But in an instant, his expression turned serious:

The Black Bone, which had been dormant for many years and were no longer black, suddenly moved!