The Forbidden Path to Immortality - Chapter 93

Chapter 3 Flying Tiger

“You did well just now!”

Li Xun smiled as he watched Qin Wanru and her group disappear into the clouds. “It saved me a lot of talking, after all, which is good.”

Yin Sanren turned his head slightly, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon, without responding.

Li Xun observed her expression and smiled softly. He reached out and brushed her cheek, gently twisting a few strands of hair that drifted by. Yin Sanren returned his gaze coldly, but it was no longer able to affect Li Xun. His fingers

gently probed, feeling the touch of creamy skin, and Li Xun sighed with satisfaction.

This was the breath of life. The puppet was still the same puppet, but the spiritual light radiating from it was a world away from its former self. It seemed to resonate with his breathing and heartbeat.

This was the real Yin Sanren, this was the real beauty!

His arm slithered over like a serpent, gently caressing the delicate, silky side of the beauty’s neck. Li Xun’s words were the most serious.

“You said before that the binding technique on your sister wasn’t Gu Zhixuan’s, but Gu Yin’s… Is there a big difference between them, uncle and nephew?”

Yin Sanren glanced at the evil finger, a subtle smile playing on her face. To Li Xun, it looked like mockery, but it quickly faded. She finally lowered her eyes and said, “The difference… is huge.”

Li Xun thought for a moment, withdrew his hand, and listened patiently.

Yin Sanren glanced at him again before continuing, “The difference between the two is in their very nature. Regardless of Gu Zhixuan’s personality, he is extremely proud and conceited. There are things he can’t do, and he disdains to do. But Gu Yin is different.”

She smiled coldly, “Compared to Gu Zhixuan, Gu Yin may not be able to do many things, but if she can, she will definitely do it… Do you understand?”

Li Xun raised an eyebrow. From this perspective, Gu Yin seemed more terrifying.

So…

connecting this to what he’d experienced, Li Xun was more certain that what Lin Wuyou had said back then, that Gu Yin was the true leader of Yemo Heaven, was absolutely correct.

But what about Gu Zhixuan?

His gaze swept over Yin Sanren, who understood and pondered, “Rumor has it that the relationship between uncle and nephew was extremely strained. Back then, although Gu Zhixuan wasn’t the leader of Miaohua Sect, he still held considerable power. Gu Yin, despite being the leader, was only a mouthpiece.

” “Later, for unknown reasons, Gu Zhixuan voluntarily gave up power and settled in Wuhui Realm. The outside world speculated that the two had fallen out. It wasn’t until Zhong Yin pursued him that he was forced to return to Yemo Heaven to hide…”

She didn’t answer directly, but in such matters, any answer would be baseless speculation. This statement, on the other hand, was quite objective.

Li Xun felt there were some details worth considering, but he was currently preoccupied with other matters and couldn’t focus for the time being, so he had to postpone it for now. After some thought, he decided to proceed step by step.

“Let’s find a quiet place. I’ll ask what’s going on over there.”

He spoke these instructions with increasing ease.

Yin Sanren glanced at him but offered no objection. It seemed she, too, was adjusting to this change in role, albeit a difficult one.

The two of them found a secluded valley and stopped.

Li Xun surveyed the surrounding terrain, nodded, and began to set up the forbidden spell.

The so-called “asking over there” actually meant using a flying sword to verify the Thunderbeak Eagle’s claims with Madam Yan.

This was probably the only thing he could confirm at this stage. It might

seem easy, but considering transporting a flying sword over a distance of millions, or even nearly ten million miles, to a specific individual, the undertaking was truly immense.

Generally, flying sword transmissions were based on specially crafted formations within the sect, leveraging the natural resources of heaven, earth, and mountains to gather vital energy.

Only a supremely accomplished True One Grandmaster like Yin Sanren could truly break free from these limitations and summon power with a single thought.

Beyond that, only a master of forbidden techniques like Li Xun, capable of perfectly replicating the complex and elaborate formation techniques, could achieve this effect.

Even so, it took Li Xun a full two hours to establish the simplified formation techniques in this desolate mountain wilderness.

By then, it was nearly dark. Li Xun, assessing the shifting yin and yang of his vital energy, began carefully testing the formation’s effectiveness in gathering the earth’s energy.

As time passed, a faint glow began to flicker around the valley.

Yin Sanren stood aside, quietly observing Li Xun’s almost miraculous forbidden technique display.

Though reluctant, she had to admit that this young man, who had cultivated for less than a hundred years, had achieved far more than she had in forbidden techniques alone. What kind of talent and coincidence could have produced such a miracle?

Unconsciously, she sighed.

At that moment, Li Xun had completed the final step. Fueled by the spiritual energy of the mountains and rivers, electric light flowed through the center of the formation, and the rich earth energy triggered a series of vital energy reactions. Finally, a dark hole in the void opened and closed. In an instant, a gray light flashed and shot into the hole.

“The round trip will take at least four or five days. During this time, the farther from the Pole, the better, but we can’t lose time. Hmm, where should we stop?”

Li Xun’s mind raced, and he made a decision. “Hmm, let’s catch up a little bit. I remember there’s a beautiful lake tens of thousands of miles to the north. We’ll wait there. After we get a reply, we can set off for the Pole.”

Yin Sanren remained silent. In fact, she didn’t have the qualifications to do so at the moment. However, as Li Xun finished speaking, her expression shifted, and she turned her head to gaze at the distant sky.

Li Xun’s cultivation level was ultimately inferior to hers, so he was slow to react. “Where do all these people come from?”

He said this, but inwardly, he understood. Judging by their posture, they were likely drawn in by the violent jolt of vital energy that had just occurred.

Judging by the radius of their impact, he estimated they were probably no more than a hundred miles away.

As he pondered this, the first figure appeared on the horizon, followed by over a dozen sword beams of varying colors and strengths.

From afar, amidst the shrill whistles rising and falling in the sky, a mighty, piercing, and powerful sword energy flowed.

In a flash, Li Xun mentally reviewed all the sword cultivation sects in the Tongxuan Realm.

“A force so powerful it could overturn the Five Mountains and bury Chicheng! This is… the Three Emperors Sword Sect!”

He immediately made the most appropriate move, unleashing his Shadow Devouring Blade with all his might. Like an ethereal shadow, he vanished into the expanding darkness at the bottom of the valley, then climbed higher, following the intertwining cracks in the rock face.

Yin Sanren frowned and considered for a moment, then took a slight step and disappeared directly into the void.

In just a moment, figures and sword lights in the sky fell one after another.

With each figure he caught sight of, Li Xun’s smile grew more bitter, until, in the end, he was filled with bitterness. Though he’d run into an old enemy, it was a rare encounter, so he’d better avoid it.

Bi Xiaoke, Long Kuangke, and Dongyang Shanren—the masters he’d offended on Longhuan Mountain—were now practically every one of them.

But the one who most caught Li Xun’s eye was the elegantly dressed, beautiful female cultivator standing in the center of the crowd. Her dangling silk earrings instantly recognized her as Miss Luo Yuji. Who else could it be?

This young lady’s reputation for unruliness was resounding throughout the Tongxuan Realm, unchanged for over sixty years.

Strangely enough, in those decades, Li Xun, as “Bright Heart Bamboo,” had clashed with numerous Three Emperors Sword Sect cultivators, yet he’d never encountered this young lady. Instead, when she appeared as the Hundred Ghosts, she’d given him several brutal encounters.

The hatred between the two sides was growing deeper and deeper. If they met her now, a deadly battle would be inevitable.

But when had this unruly woman learned to respect the elderly and the virtuous?

Li Xun narrowed his eyes, feeling quite puzzled.

Meanwhile, at the bottom of the valley, Luo Yuji was conversing with someone beside her. Although the topic was about the formation at the bottom of the valley, she addressed him as “Uncle,” unconsciously bowing slightly, her face a look of unusual concentration.

This look didn’t seem fake.

Li Xun’s eyes swept over the man she was talking to, and his first impression was “ordinary.” He

was of medium height, dressed in a gray robe, with slightly spotted hair and a clean face. In his hand, he held a string of wooden Buddhist beads, which he twirled. From head to toe, he was an ordinary person, no different from any other cultivator. Standing next to the radiant Luo Yuji, he seemed extremely dim.

So much so that Li Xun had to pass through Luo Yuji to detect his presence.

Li Xun believed he knew every first-rate cultivator in the Tongxuan Realm, but there was no information on this particular individual. Yet,

it was precisely this individual who commanded the usually arrogant Luo Yuji’s respect, yet at the same time, he seemed so extraordinary. This contradictory feeling left Li Xun utterly baffled.

The two were so close that Li Xun could clearly hear their conversation. Luo Yuji asked who had designed this formation, and the man replied, “The patterns of the forbidden patterns are so clear. Even more remarkable is the fact that such a complex arrangement was completed in one go, with no hindrance to the flow of Qi. Look, the functions of drawing Qi, urging Qi, and returning Qi… are clearly separated, yet they are seamlessly integrated into one. This is the work of a master.”

The man’s voice was resounding, full of energy, somewhat at odds with his appearance. However, the lingering syllables were drawn out, and his words were drawn out slowly, like his appearance, full of contradictions.

He simply said, “As for the residual energy within this formation, there’s no need to think about it. It must be the energy of the Netherworld, the old tricks of ghosts and spirit-eaters. I haven’t been down the mountain for a long time, and I’m no longer able to clearly identify this world’s rising star. Yuji, do you remember if there were anyone in those two sects who had mastered the forbidden techniques?”

Luo Yuji blurted out, “It must be that fellow Baigui!”

What the heck! Li Xun cursed inwardly, becoming extremely wary of the cultivator and even more curious about his identity.

Just as he was racking his brains, he felt a sudden chill on his back. He snapped back to his senses, watching the man’s gaze sweep past his hiding spot. The clear, cold gaze was like the water of a deep pool, chilling Li Xun to the core.

Li Xun’s pupils immediately shrank to the size of a needle tip, and only one thought remained in his mind: “This guy’s cultivation is terrifying!”

The man smiled and said, “Hundred Ghosts? Oh, I remember, these years, those little monks often chattered in my ears, saying that this Taoist Bai Gui can be regarded as the first-class rising star of the evil sect, and he is very amazing, but is it him?”

Luo Yuji became angry when she heard the name, and regardless of the presence of her elders, she just gritted her teeth and said, “What’s so amazing? He is just a despicable villain who knows some tricks of sneak attacks and secret plots!”

The monk laughed loudly, and his laughter was as loud as thunder. It was a natural heroic demeanor that immediately suppressed his original simplicity and purity, but his expression was still like a loving father watching the behavior of his children, very amiable.

Li Xun’s ears buzzed, but his mind was ablaze with inspiration. “Little monk? This fellow’s been staying at the temple lately, and it seems he has close ties with the Luo family. He’s…”

The answer, accompanied by a resounding roar, came crashing down!

“Hundred Ghost Taoist, come out!”

In an instant, Li Xun’s mind was completely blanked by the piercing sound, and whatever he had just remembered was shattered. Such awe-inspiring power was enough to make even Li Xun, accustomed to the likes of Yao Feng and Yin San Ren, unable to take it lightly.

Holding his pounding heart, Li Xun hadn’t yet figured out how to respond when a cold, icy voice echoed in his ears.

“As the saying goes, ‘Put down the butcher knife, become a Buddha instantly,’ or ‘Blow up the sky!’ It’s nothing more than this,”

Yin San Ren spoke. This was the puppet’s own decision, but Li Xun felt grateful.

Otherwise, his moment of distraction would have made him look utterly foolish. And at this moment, perhaps only Yin San Ren would be the most appropriate person to respond.

As expected, as soon as Yin Sanren uttered these words, a startled exclamation echoed from the valley floor: “What’s up, Yin Beauty?”

It was the cultivator who had spoken. However, as soon as the words left his mouth, a cry of “

Buddha” rang out from the other side. The cultivator gave a wry smile and said, “So it’s my friend in person. We haven’t seen each other for hundreds of years, but meeting each other has caused me to break my vows. What’s going on?” The tone of his voice confirmed Li Xun’s identity.

Shaking his still groggy mind, he abandoned his futile attempts at concealment. He straightened up and stood behind Yin Sanren, looking down from above.

A low murmur echoed from the valley floor, and dozens of eyes shot up at him.

Only Luo Yuji was actually looking at Li Xun. Everyone else’s gaze was fixed on Yin Sanren, their glares sharp as knives, wishing to slice him into pieces.

Indeed, back in the Three Emperors Sword Sect’s days, its “one emperor, two monarchs, and five lords” were so glorious, roaming the world with unrivaled authority. Yet,

Yin Sanren suddenly appeared mid-air and, with a single blow, tortured a former “Heavenly Monarch” into a madness. It would have been fine if it were just that, but for the next few hundred years, the Three Emperors Sword Sect, despite its vast arsenal of experts, was unable to defeat the murderer.

This experience, like a stain on a white garment, stood out against the Three Emperors Sword Sect’s millennia-long glory.

Yet, Yin Sanren paid no heed.

From her high perch, she surveyed the valley floor, ignoring the others as if they were nothing. She simply smiled at the cultivator, “You toothless tiger, instead of vegetating and chanting in Glazed Heaven, you’re here to howl and groan. What’s your intention?”

The cultivator glanced around at his companions, who were clearly overcome with emotion, a look of deep distress on his ordinary face.

“It’s one thing for my friend to appear and disappear like a ghost these past few years, but why does he still like to engage in these narrow encounters?”

Yin Sanren smiled slightly, but did not answer. Instead, he turned his head and gestured to Li Xun, “See? This devout Buddhist, you must not underestimate him. After all, thousands of years ago, he was also a demon who killed countless lives and caused unrest in this world.”

As expected… Li Xun finally knew for sure who this unassuming cultivator was.

A demonic killer who spent the first half of his life, only to dedicate his second half to Buddhism, there had been only one other such figure in the history of the Tongxuan Realm—the once-dominant Flying Tiger, now a semi-accomplished lay Buddhist and guardian of the Western Zen sect.

Judging solely by his current title, who would have believed he, like the Demonic Phoenix and the Water Butterfly Orchid, was among the Seven Demons of the Universe?

Li Xun, prepared for this, maintained a calm demeanor. He took a half step forward and bowed to the cultivator, “My humble disciple, the Hundred Ghosts Taoist, is honored to meet you, Lay Buddhist.”

This made it clear to everyone that the relationship between the Hundred Ghosts and the Yin Sanren was unusual.

The cultivators in the valley were stunned, but unaware that Li Xun, back on the mountain wall, was feeling just as strange.

He was wondering about his own “fate” with the Seven Demons of the Universe.

To ordinary cultivators, each of the Seven Demons of the Universe is a formidable, elusive beast. Some might not even encounter one or two in their lifetime, and if they do, the consequences are dire.

Yet, he, having already encountered six of the Seven Demons, remains alive and maintains close connections with several of them.

Could this be the legendary “fate”?

At this thought, he couldn’t help but laugh. As for how this expression would affect the cultivators at the bottom of the valley, that was not his concern.

“The Hundred Ghosts Taoist… so this is what he’s like. It’s so different from what those little monks described. Well, he’s not as hideous as Yu Ji said.”

Bancheng Lay Buddhist nodded, unmoved by Yin Sanren’s teasing. He then chuckled, “But I’m called a Taoist priest, and a Taoist nun popped up. What’s your plan, friend?”

Yin Sanren waved his whisk slightly and smiled as well, “You’re a formidable demon, yet you’ve come to Liuli Heaven to serve as a minor guardian. Others find you unworthy. And today, I’ll be a guardian too. What do you think?”

Others thought she was joking, or looking for trouble, but Li Xun heard the self-deprecation in her words.

However, Bancheng Lay Buddhist’s reaction was also quite interesting. He clapped his hands and said, “Just from hearing that one sentence, I know your cultivation has improved. If the Yin Sect Master back then could have said something like that, the Yin Yang Sect would surely be different today.”

At these words, Li Xun clearly felt a slight wave of emotion in Yin Sanren’s heart.

But her expression showed nothing. She simply shook her head and laughed, “A tiger without teeth tastes sweeter. Unfortunately, while I enjoy listening to it, those useless people around you are not happy. With such a carefree attitude, it seems the vegetarian meals of the Western Zen Sect only fill the stomachs but not the brains.”

As soon as she finished speaking, the most volatile Dongyang Hermit unsheathed his sword with a clang, and shouted at Yin Sanren, “Yin Chonghua, your days of arrogance are over. The vengeance you inflicted on my second brother will be settled today. Come down and die!”

Amidst the roars, even those who hadn’t drawn their swords before drew theirs, and the atmosphere of a fierce battle was about to begin.

“Idiot!” Li Xun squeezed the word out through gritted teeth. People can be reckless, but to be so reckless was simply unacceptable.

With this roar, the atmosphere Bancheng Lay Buddhist had painstakingly created was instantly destroyed, and the old demon’s good intentions were wasted. Soon, two True One Grandmasters would engage in a brawl, accidentally killing everyone nearby. Don’t blame him for not being sincere!

Yin Sanren’s icy gaze swept across Dongyang Mountain Man. Although he didn’t actually strike, the menace radiating from his gaze made Dongyang Mountain Man involuntarily gather his energy to resist.

Qi flowed through the valley floor, and the clang of sword energy and a murderous aura filled the air.

In this moment of crisis, Bancheng Lay Buddhist sighed, perhaps feeling helpless at Dongyang Mountain Man’s behavior.

But after thousands of years of vegetarianism, his cultivation had long since reached a state of perfection. He quickly regained his composure, his expression remaining gentle.

Amid the chilling atmosphere, his voice seemed remarkably gentle: “If the Buddha were here, he would have spoken of the cycle of revenge. Unfortunately, I lack the Buddha’s great powers, unable to resolve the conflict, much less stand idly by… Friend, it’s been ages since we parted ways. How about taking this opportunity today for a clash?” As soon as

these words rang out, the faces of Dongyang Mountain Man and some of the other cultivators lit up with joy.

This was their greatest strength in daring to challenge Yin Sanren. While

Yin Sanren was certainly formidable, the name of the Flying Tiger with wings was well-deserved. With the Bancheng layman spearheading the attack, and several other experts providing support, their chances of victory today were extremely high.

Li Xun chuckled softly from above.

Amidst his laughter, Yin Sanren glanced at him imperceptibly, then chuckled, “Very well, you haven’t mastered the Buddha’s powers, but you’ve mastered that pedantic streak. It’s like, ‘If I don’t go to hell, who will?'” Is it worth it for such a bunch of losers?”

This actually implied that he wanted to give up, but unfortunately, it was said to smart people. Just as

Bancheng Jushi’s expression relaxed, Dongyang Shanren had already been angered.

Relying on his reckless spirit, he roared angrily and flew straight up with his sword. Long Kuangke beside him tried to hold him back but failed. He could only snort and rushed forward as well.

Yin Sanren’s eyes flashed with cold light. Since her resurrection, everything has been going wrong. It was a rare opportunity to vent her anger. How could she refuse? She slightly turned her body to avoid the sword’s front and went straight for the opponent’s vital point.

Although the action was simple, the fact that she was strolling leisurely in the surging sword energy itself reflected the almost world of difference between the two sides.

The air vibrated and Long Kuangke arrived, following closely behind.

The impressive broadsword thrust straight out from Dongyang Hermit’s shoulder. The mighty and powerful sword energy it emanated was a level above Dongyang Hermit’s, and its steadiness and skill far surpassed.

Dongyang Hermit was, after all, a true master of martial arts. Seeing his senior brother’s help, he pivoted accordingly, and the two sword energies converged, their coordination remarkably seamless.

Yin Sanren’s eyes flashed, and his form shifted like a gurgling mountain spring. With a perfectly executed turn, he “flowed” through the tiny gap between the sword energies.

This instantaneous shift in energy and strength sent the two swordsmen reeling with agony, their swords succumbing to a sudden slump. Their momentum faltered.

Had Yin Sanren struck back, at least one of them would have been seriously injured.

However, as he escaped the circle of concentrated sword energy, Yin Sanren’s form suddenly expanded, soaring into the air, missing the two.

By this time, Long Kuangke’s back was soaked. Turning his head, he saw a gray-robed figure silently ascending.

A low Buddhist chant echoed in the sky. At that very moment, Bancheng Jushi had already exchanged a move with Yin Sanren. Both

men froze in their tracks. There wasn’t a noticeable jolt of vital energy in the air, but everyone present felt a tightness in their mouths and noses, and their skin tightened.

Only after switching to internal breathing did they feel better. From high above, Yin Sanren sighed, “Back then, the Tiger Soul Demon Blade roared and roared, a heroic figure. Now, he’s reduced to a dead tree, chanting Buddha’s name. Those old bald asses of Liuli Heaven truly have bad intentions!”

As she spoke, she twisted her wrist and swung her whisk, sending silver threads raining down from the sky like a dazzling rain of light. The sound of piercing the air was a crackling noise, completely shattering the previously oppressive atmosphere.

Although those on the ground knew this “rain of silver threads” wasn’t aimed at them, a stir still rippled through them at the unparalleled force of the attack.

“Bi Xiao Ke” Hu Buli frowned upon witnessing this.

The ever-changing energies and occasional deflected blows of the True One Grandmasters clashing were incredibly dangerous, leaving no room for uncertainty.

The best course of action would have been to move to a safe distance, but wouldn’t that mean someone else would have to bear the consequences of their own misfortune?

Regardless of the outcome, the Three Emperors Sword Sect’s reputation would undoubtedly be tarnished—Dongyang had acted recklessly!

He thought as he stepped forward to protect Luo Yuji. However, the young lady behind him was truly ignorant of her own limitations and was deeply dissatisfied with his cautious approach.

“Uncle Hu, with Uncle Youhu holding that Yin Sanren, we have a perfect opportunity to teach that Hundred Ghosts a lesson. What’s the point of hiding like this?”

Hu Buli gave a wry smile. Before he could even formulate a response, Luo Yuji called out again, “The Hundred Ghosts have escaped! Uncle Hu, let’s give them a try!”

Hu Buli was startled and instinctively reached back to grab them, but Luo Yuji’s sword-light escape technique was a hair faster than he’d anticipated, and his grasp only smacked air.

From behind, a slender hand reached out, just as he was a step slower. It was Xiao Yi, one of the Eight Mad Warriors.

The two exchanged glances and shouted simultaneously, “Chase!”

Li Xun would be in trouble if he didn’t run!

There was no other way. He wouldn’t have feared anyone except that half-formed old demon. But judging by the state of Dongyang Mountain Man and the others, a group brawl was imminent. If he didn’t run, he’d be a complete fool.

As long as he was far enough away and Yin Sanren had no worries, he could leave at will. This matter was over, and they could just call it a day when they met again.

His plan was perfectly executed, but he hadn’t anticipated the unpredictable opponent.

By the time he realized something was amiss, three of them, one in front and two behind, had already caught up.

He glanced around and saw that the one in the lead, gritting her teeth, was none other than Luo Yuji. Behind them was his “old friend” Hu Buli, and… “Changli Sword Immortal”?

Li Xun had a deep impression of this female cultivator.

It was this woman who had supported Luo Yuji after the “happy ending” on Longhuan Mountain.

Li Xun remembered even bossing her around.

But what impressed him most was that she and Mingji were often referred to as the “Twin Sword Immortals,” both renowned for their mastery of the sword.

Just one of them was enough trouble, not to mention Hu Buli, who was no mediocre. Li Xun sighed and was about to try to distance himself when a sudden buzzing sound emanated from the sky. He turned back in surprise, only to see a vast net looming over him.

The dense, shimmering green light from the knots told him it was a formidable magical weapon. How could Li Xun dare take it head-on?

He cursed softly and unleashed his Shadow Devouring Blade with all his might, attempting to escape from the net’s grasp.

However, the net seemed to possess a spirit, its knots swirling with aura. Somehow, it sensed Li Xun’s shifting aura and shifted its position several times, seemingly slowly but swiftly, never letting him escape.

This delay allowed Luo Yuji and the other two to catch up. Seeing Li Xun’s utter discomfiture, Luo Yuji rejoiced: “It’s truly worth having Qianfan City specifically order this ‘Heavenly Net.’ You’re not going to surrender this time, are you?” “

Li Xun glanced at her grimly, without saying a word, and shrank his body, actually going underground.

Luo Yuji was not in a hurry when she saw this. She pinched a seal with her hands and shouted “collect”. Thousands of air threads suddenly scattered from the ground and twisted into a net. Together with the net above, they wrapped Li Xun tightly in the middle.

Luo Yuji clapped her hands and said with a smile: “Little ghost boy, you have come to this day. I’m sorry, I just missed a word. It should be “the net of heaven and earth”!”

Then she was about to step forward, but before she took a step, Xiao Yi grabbed her shoulders.

At the same time, Li Xun in the net laughed loudly, his body grew suddenly, and he actually slipped out from the middle of the net in the blink of an eye. With just a shake of the net with a faint green light, he was able to take it into his palm.

“A net of heaven and earth, huh? A beauty offers it, so how could a poor Taoist refuse?”

Luo Yuji’s eyes widened, a look of disbelief on her face.

“How could that be? That Master Nong clearly said that as long as one isn’t above the level of a True Person…”

“It’s because you always underestimate him that you always suffer!”

Xiao Yi shook his head and smiled, pulling her behind him. He fixed his gaze on Li Xun and said, “Even if the evil sect’s methods are the most advanced, they can still reach the level of True Person in less than a hundred years. For thousands of years, perhaps only Master Ghost can rival them. Your defeat by him is not unjust.”

Luo Yuji looked incredulous. She turned to look at Hu Buli, only to see his face grave, clearly acknowledging no objection.

The situation at the time could be concealed from Luo Yuji, but not from him or Xiao Yi.

Li Xun had never intended to escape by earth escape. He had merely feigned to lure Luo Yuji into action. At the moment when the net of heaven and earth converged, he would detect the shifting energy flow and locate the key point controlling the magic weapon, then strike it.

Then, feigning to fall to the ground, he likely intended to revert to his old tactics and capture Luo Yuji to threaten them.

With such vision and skill, even if still a bit clumsy, he was a formidable opponent. Moreover, he was renowned for his cunning…

The two exchanged glances, each sensing the other’s hesitation.

Just then, a resounding roar rumbled from behind, startling Luo Yuji. Turning, she saw the distant atmosphere trembling in a distinct wave-like pattern.

The tremor spread rapidly, sweeping across the ground in front of and behind her in a flash, creating countless fine, deep cracks.

Remember, this place was at least ten miles away from the exchange!

“Yin Sanren is truly formidable. He’s forced Bancheng Jushi to resort to his old tricks… That must have been a tense situation!”

This sudden change prompted Xiao Yi and the others to make a sudden decision.

“Bai Gui, today isn’t the right time. Even if there’s any grudge, let’s deal with it later.”

With a hasty polite remark, Hu Buli tugged on Luo Yuji, ignoring her struggles, and turned to walk away.

Luo Yuji was about to shout, but was startled by Xiao Yi’s unprecedentedly stern glare. Ultimately, she remained silent, only turning back to give Li Xun a vicious glare before departing.

“Smart!”

Li Xun breathed a sigh of relief as the three figures were about to disappear from his sight.

There wasn’t any deep-seated hatred between the two sides, so the little girl’s mischief was fine, but if the two elders got involved, the Three Emperors Sword Sect’s prestigious reputation would be completely tarnished.

But… the fighting over there was so intense, was it all right? Li Xun weighed the net in his hand. Although he knew Yin Sanren didn’t need his concern, the identity of the person she was fighting made his confidence shaky.

He considered using his mind connection to investigate the situation, but he was afraid of disturbing Yin Sanren’s state of mind. After some thought, he decided not to.

So, now…

The thought was barely tangled when his mind went blank. Instinct from the depths of his heart shone a sharp howl, instantly banishing all distractions and focusing his entire attention on the suddenly frantic whirling of the bottomless underworld ring.

Li Xun still didn’t understand what was happening. He only knew—danger! Danger!

There was a slight sound in his eardrum – by the time Li Xun realized that it was the sound of a bone breaking somewhere in his body, a violent, ferocious and destructive force had already crashed into his body.