A Twist of Fate
----Within the barrier
Xiang Tianxing, who had already discussed the general matters with Zeng Zhang Demon Officer and was about to visit Demon Lieutenant, noticed the unusual expression on Daoist Peng's face and asked, "What is it, Fellow Daoist Peng?"
The Daoist priest seemed to snap out of his reverie upon hearing the voice. Seeing the curiosity in Xiang Tianxing's eyes, he suppressed his anxiety and casually replied:
"To be honest, Sect Leader Xiang, I originally had a secluded cave abode in Huangpi Circuit, but it seems that some scoundrels discovered it this time, and some unpleasant things happened."
"Oh, is that so?" Xiang Tianxing's brows furrowed slightly in surprise, but considering that Daoist Peng had also rendered meritorious service, he did not treat him harshly.
He simply took down another ink-black talisman, and flames rose from his hand, burning the talisman to ashes. He then dripped a few drops of foul-smelling liquid from his water pouch, placed them in an elegant vessel, and dissolved them together with the ashes of the talisman.
Then he pinched his fingers into a sword shape, dipped the sword finger into the indescribable paste, and was about to strike Daoist Peng.
"What does Sect Leader Xiang mean by this?!"
Daoist Peng's face immediately turned fierce. After all, he was Golden Core Peak cultivator. Even though he was currently less than 30% capable, he would not allow Xiang Tianxing to bully him.
As he questioned, he exchanged a glance with Zeng Zhang, the Demon Officer beside Xiang Tianxing. This Two-Faced Punishment Viper still had some connection with Daoist Peng; after a moment's hesitation, it stood up, its scales covering its body, moved to Xiang Tianxing's side, and whispered:
"Sect Leader Xiang, we've often heard that you and other human cultivators are the type to discard someone after they've served their purpose. At first, we thought it was just a false accusation, but now it seems it might be true."
Xiang Tianxing smiled faintly, but cursed inwardly, "This stupid, ugly thing, though not yet a human, has perfectly learned the sharp and sarcastic language!"
However, he had no intention of harming Daoist Peng in the first place. Hearing the words spoken by the man and the snake, Xiang Tianxing simply explained in a calm voice:
"Fellow Daoist Peng, please don't misunderstand. I have no intention of using any harmful methods on you. I am merely following the instructions of the Master to leave a mark on you for future communication."
"Imprint. Connection?!" Daoist Peng repeated, though he still had many questions, the fierce look on his face softened.
Xiang Tianxing did not stop what he was doing, and continued to explain, "Fellow Daoist, have you forgotten what I said earlier? How much effort did my master expend to set you free?"
After this, if I, Xiang, am of inferior ability and can no longer find Fellow Daoist Peng, having this mark on you will at least ensure that my master is not afraid of losing you and will not secretly worry about your safety."
Upon hearing this, Daoist Peng looked troubled, but then respectfully said, "Sect Leader Xiang, please rest assured. After I have finished my personal matters, I will definitely visit the Pavilion Master at Tengwen Prefecture Mansion!"
Xiang Tianxing, however, did not believe his words. After all, the reputation of Evil Cultivator like Daoist Peng was well-known and not to be trusted. At this time, he naturally had to bring out Bai Canhong, True Person in the Nascent Soul Middle Stage of the Nascent Soul realm, to speak.
"This is something my master repeatedly instructed me to do, which shows how much my master values Fellow Daoist Peng. I hope you will not let him down."
Although Zeng Zhang Demon Officer had some acquaintance with this Daoist, he wouldn't risk the wrath of Nascent Soul cultivator to stand up for him. After receiving Xiang Tianxing's promise, he moved to another place and gave up the spot so that the two could be alone.
"If we were to turn against this fellow now, I fear I would truly be doomed!" Daoist Peng's ability to assess the situation was not bad; his expression gradually improved, and a smile returned.
"I never imagined that I, a lowly being, would be so highly regarded by the Master of the Star-Picking Pavilion. I also never expected that Sect Leader Xiang would be so earnest in his persuasion. Now that I think about it, if I were to refuse, I would be too ungrateful."
Xiang Tianxing didn't care whether Daoist Peng's words were insincere or just slander. He simply stretched out two fingers and pulled the latter in front of him. Then, he deftly pulled off the Daoist's robe, drew a strange rune on his body, and that was his job.
"That's good then. If you still have things to do, please feel free to leave."
The satisfied look on Xiang Tianxing's face was extremely irritating to Daoist Peng's eyes. Being weaker than the other, he dared not show it at all. Only after receiving the former's instructions did he dare to turn his back and ride the wind away.
---- Si Prefecture, Chenjiang County
Recently, a sudden martial law was declared in the territory of the Chenjiang Kang Clan, which has made the surrounding families wary.
However, secrets never stay hidden forever. People outside had already seen that when the Chenjiang Kang Clan family head and his entourage returned to their clan's territory, their faces were filled with extreme fear, and each of them was injured. How could they not know that a great calamity had occurred?
In the past, if people saw that Chenjiang Kang Clan was acting strangely again, not only outsiders, but even his subordinates would have some strange thoughts.
But everyone knows that these shameless people have recently found a powerful ancestor elsewhere. Even if they know that the Chenjiang Kang Clan family might cause trouble, ordinary people would not dare to take any action.
The newly promoted cultivator from the Fire Gang Sect mustered up the courage to take a look, but was immediately forced back by a sharp sword light.
According to what he told outsiders, among the people who returned with Kang Xiangyi also be a seriously injured Golden Core sword cultivator. It is unknown what kind of relationship he has with the Chenjiang Kang Clan.
As soon as this news spread, and given that the eleventh palace master, the fat and burly Qishi, had gone missing for several days after sending the message, people from the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall naturally came to investigate.
The cultivator who visited Chenjiang Kang Clan this time was the third in line in the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall. His name was You Song. Although he was not very high in the order of his rank, his cultivation had already reached the Late-Stage Golden Core, making him the number one person after the Hall Master Preceptor Huang Mi.
Accompanying him were the Sixth Palace Master Hou Mingfa and the Eleventh Palace Master Feng Buyao.
The former has been practicing the Evil Method of "Yin Mountain Imperial Edicts" for hundreds of years and has long since grasped its true meaning. Although he is currently only an early-stage cultivator due to his limited aptitude, even ordinary Middle Stage of Golden Core cultivators might not be his match.
The latter was a glamorous woman dressed in revealing clothing. Her cultivation Cultivation Method was quite ordinary and unremarkable. Even her qualifications and cultivation level were the lowest. Among the eleven hall masters of the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall, only her good looks stood out.
Rumors circulated that Feng Buyao had become lovers with Preceptor Huang Mi, thus stealing the fortuitous opportunity for the Daoist to Core Formation in the palace. Anyone with discerning eyes could see that this rumor was highly dubious, yet many believed it, which was quite amusing.
As soon as the news of these important figures' impending arrival spread, not only the Chenjiang Kang Clan, but also the entire Si Prefecture became wary.
However, for You Song, Shangxiu, and the other two, the changes within the Chenjiang Kang Clan's family were not particularly important.
What truly deserves attention is the whereabouts of the fat, burly monk, for he is the chief disciple of Preceptor Huang Mi, a position far beyond that of ordinary people.
In addition, there's that legendary cave abode; if it truly contains treasures, then the trip will definitely be worthwhile.
Before leaving, You Song sought out the most skilled diviner in the temple and asked him to deduce the location where the fat charlatan had gone before his disappearance based on the last message from the master.
The temple master's skill was indeed profound; he had calculated the approximate result in just a few days.
You Song led Hou and Feng to search according to the divination he had obtained, but instead of finding the fat master and his disciples, they saw the illusion array mentioned in his letter.
"Third Brother, Seventh Brother and a group of disciples disappeared here without leaving a trace. They might have been lured into this formation by thieves. Let's go in and investigate first. Regardless of whether they are still inside, we can at least give an account when the Grand Master asks later."
Feng Buyao's tone was as soft and sweet as a zongzi (sticky rice dumpling) during a festival. You Song didn't need to read her expression to know that she wasn't concerned about the safety of the fat master, but simply didn't want to miss the fortuitous opportunity before her.
To be honest, it wasn't just Feng Buyao who felt the same way; wasn't he himself thinking the same thing? After all, what was the life or death of fellow disciples compared to one's own cultivation fortuitous opportunity?
As for the formidable figure in the cave that the fat master had mentioned earlier, You Song Shangxiu wasn't particularly afraid. After all, even a weak False Core like Kang Xiangyi could escape from his clutches, so he couldn't be that powerful.
You Song glanced briefly at Hou Mingfa, who hadn't spoken for a while, and seeing that the latter also looked eager to try, he stroked his long beard and said in a calm voice:
"Eleventh Lady is right. Seventh Brother may indeed have been dragged into this formation by villains. However, there are indeed dangers in this cave abode. Sixth Brother and Eleventh Lady must be extra careful to ensure their own safety."
However, before the three of them had even entered and begun their search, and had just separated, a scream rang out from inside. You Song was immediately alarmed and put down the clues he was holding to rush to the rescue.