Chapter 82

The Fuyao Sect group makes a detour to this area because they sensed a great array being formed in Tai Yin. After having a look from the outside, Cheng Qian asks, “Second Brother, what do you think?”

Li Yun makes no definite statement. He just says, “Tough. The Celestial Divination Bureau really throws everything they have into this.”

Yan Zhengming presses, “Can this array be destroyed? Just say yes or no.”

Heart full of worry, Li Yun doesn’t bother to reply. He makes a small sign with his fingers. As if there were an invisible stick moving according to his direction, the map of Tai Yin area is drawn on the ground.

“They’ve made such a big array over a large area here to capture Han Yuan. It takes heaps of resources to run something like this. The usual way is to base it on a lot of humans, or a powerful divine artifact,” Li Yun says, “The former method isn’t very practical. Demonic cultivators are very impulsive, but they’re not unobservant. When a large crowd gathers to operate an array, anyone with eyes can break it.”

“There are two approaches to breaking an array: by skill or by force. That means you either have to be able to identify the ‘eye’ of the array then destroy it, or use raw strength to overpower the array. Given how much resources the Celestial Divination Bureau has been mobilizing, they must be very well-prepared. It doesn’t seem feasible to rely on brute force,” Li Yun sighs. Erasing the map on the ground, he continues, “Do you remember the array Han Yuan created near Fuyao Mountain a while ago? For some reason, he seems to be doing lots of research on this topic. He likely knows about it as much as I do. If he is snared by the Demon Execution Array, it should be expected that he will try to calculate the ‘eye’ of the array. The Celestial Divination Bureau undoubtedly will have prepared for that.”

Cheng Qian says, “You’re getting long-winded. In the end, you don’t know how to break this array, do you?”

“...It’s not that,” Li Yun says with some hesitation. “The issue is this method carries some risk. Han Yuan has transformed into a demonic dragon. We happen to have a True Dragon Flag in our possession. If we…”

“It’s only us,” Yan Zhengming cuts in, “It’s no place for someone who has not formed a primordial spirit like you.”

...The Sect Leader and senior brother is such an asshole.

“‘You guys’, then! Are you happy now?!” Being hit in a sore spot, Li Yun angrily says, “What’s so great about having a primordial spirit? Something like this Demon Execution Array uses the spiritual energy of Heaven and Earth. You’re not a match for it even if you have ten primordial spirits! What are you being so full of yourself for?!”

Puddle furtively pokes at Cheng Qian. He has no other choice but to step up without hesitation and interrupt the squabble between his senior brothers. “Fine, what’s the relation between a demonic dragon and the True Dragon Flag? Most senior brother, you should talk less if you don’t know anything about this.”

Yan Zhengming glares at Cheng Qian, but he quickly has to turn his gaze away. For whatever reason, Cheng Qian finally remembered to change his tattered old robe, which was barely more than a cleaning rag. Even if Cheng Qian’s new robe is just black like ink with no sense of fashion, which looks obviously cheap, Yan Zhengming still finds him very easy on the eyes.

The robe makes Cheng Qian’s features more defined. With Shuang Ren by his side, he seems even sharper and more formidable. However, when there is a shadow of a smile on his face, he is as precious as a jewel.

Yan Zhengming can’t resist looking at Cheng Qian again and again, rueing that he can’t permanently edge every detail into his mind. Then maintaining a most honourable face of a righteous person, he looks away as if nothing happens. While still excitedly recalling the image over and over again in his head, he listens to Li Yun discussing the serious matter at hand.

“There is a dragon spine and dragon soul inside the True Dragon Flag,” Li Yun says, “As a demonic dragon, Han Yuan still lacks a dragon spine, doesn’t he? With his cultivation level, he can really make use of the True Dragon Flag and acquire the power of the ancient divine dragon. Then he will have the sufficient power to deal with the Demon Execution Array. The issue is…”

The others all understand what he is about to say.

It’s one thing to steal someone from the Celestial Divination Bureau. It’s quite another to give a dragon spine and assist someone with as much blood on his hands as Han Yuan to do more evil deeds.

Even without the Oath with the Demon Vanquishing Seal, that is definitely not something they can do.

“We shall not discuss this topic again,” Yan Zhengming says, “Li Yun, put away your True Dragon Flag. You must not take it out. Now that we’re done with observing that Demon Execution Array, let’s go visit Fuyao Mountain since it’s on our way.”

As he turns away, Yan Zhengming sees that Cheng Qian’s collar is untidy. Unable to help himself, Yan Zhengming reaches out and adjusts it.

Cheng Qian is frozen in the middle of making a step. He instinctively holds his breath.

As Yan Zhengming looks up, he meets Cheng Qian’s eyes, which are deeper than usual. He is startled to realise that he has been too intimate. He immediately withdraws his hands as cold sweat breaks out on his palms. Clearing his throat, he says, “Didn’t you see that your robe was askew? Pay some attention to your attire, won’t you?”

Cheng Qian keeps his silence, feeling that he can never meet his most senior brother’s standards for this issue.

In this very short trip, Yan Zhengming is ashamed with himself, Cheng Qian silently reviews how he lives, while Li Yun, after being humiliated by his most senior brother, has taken the challenge and transformed into a relentless motormouth which broadcasts the wonders of Fuyao Mountain to his new disciple nephew Nian Dada, which is light in substance and heavy in showing-off.

Li Yun’s extraordinary motormouthing successfully spurs Puddle and Cheng Qian to run faster and faster. As a result, they arrive at their original home Fuyao Mountain in the blink of an eye.

Puddle, who has been flying in the front, suddenly changes back into her human form in the air without any warning. She looks at a spot on the mountain with an unhappy expression, “Senior Brother, seems like there is black demonic energy at the base of the mountain?”

Startled, Cheng Qian immediately flies next to her like a black wind. “Is that Han Yuan?”

Below them is a thick screen of cloud and fog together with the thick greenery, which blocks their vision. Puddle shakes her head. “Likely not. The bloody scent isn’t as thick, but this energy is very polluted. Moreover…”

Before she finishes talking, Cheng Qian already descends.

Whether it’s demonic or normal cultivation, the more powerful the cultivator is, the more visible the aura if the cultivator doesn’t intentionally hide it. These demonic cultivators’ aura can be seen from the sky, so they are not small fry. It is pretty reckless of Cheng Qian to charge down directly like that.

Fuyao Mountain is forever his sensitive spot.

Puddle hastily says, “Third Brother, wait…”

She wants to chase after him but her arm is suddenly pulled back. Yan Zhengming drags her behind him and tells her, “Don’t follow me. Hide somewhere far enough from here.”

Before Puddle can react, Yan Zhengming disappears in a second.

Cheng Qian is angry, but not overly so. He already hides all of his aura as soon as he lands. Light as a feather, he hides in a great tree, then flies up to the thick canopy of the trees without disturbing a single leaf.

What he sees makes him frown. There are two men and a woman. That woman dresses in a very eccentric manner. Had it not been for the fact that she doesn’t carry any yao aura, one might think that she is one. Her hair is decorated by a large morning glory, while her private parts are covered with flower petals. Her bare limbs are full of bracelets made from vines.

Between the two men, one of them is sketching an array on the ground, while the other one, having found a table and chair from somewhere, is leisurely drinking tea.

The woman dressed in flowers says flirtatiously, “Both Xiaoxiang-jun and I don’t know much about arrays. Lu-dage, we all rely on you.”

Hearing that, the one that is sketching the array hastily replies with flattery, “I dare not claim that. I’m just a lowly one who accompanies you two seniors. I only dare to take what you don’t care for. If one day Xiaoxiang-jun claims the Lord Beiming title and lets me be his servant, I will even face death.”

Xiaoxiang-jun, who is drinking tea, gives a smile without warmth. “As long as you know that.”

The one who is creating the array respectfully bows his head. The flower woman laughs heartily, “Lu-dage, you certainly have a silver tongue. Hey, this Fuyao Sect sure is shady, aren’t they? They are apparently a sect of the “pure” cultivation, but great demonic cultivators of several generations come from them. Rumour has it the previous Lord Beiming was originally from this place. Is that true?”

Xiaoxiang-jun smirks, “I don’t know the affairs of the previous generation that well, but how can that Han guy manage to cultivate and transform into a demonic dragon, then claim to be the Lord of All Demons? There must be some powerful artifact around here.”

The flower woman seductively walks up to Xiaoxiang-jun, then sits in his lap. Wrapping her arms around the man’s neck, she says delicately, “When we manage to use that Han guy’s array to break the seal on Fuyao Mountain and discover how he transformed into a demonic dragon, let’s wait here and watch the fight between him and the dogs of the Celestial Divination Bureau. We’ll have an advantage when both sides take damage. When you claim the realm and glory, please don’t forget me.”

From high above, Cheng Qian already realises that the array that is being formed is copied from Han Yuan’s work back then. Even if he knows for certain that there is no way to get to Fuyao Mountain besides solving the seal, he is furious.

However, a hand from behind grabs his shoulder, as if to stop him from acting recklessly.

Closing his eyes, Cheng Qian speaks through his spiritual awareness, “These three want to take advantage of the battle between the Celestial Divination Bureau and the demonic dragon to be up to no good. Their cultivation is pretty good. Don’t underestimate them. They can surprise us and cause big trouble.”

Yan Zhengming falls silent after hearing the explanation from Cheng Qian, then replies, “Kill them.”

Right away, Yan Zhengming takes the lead himself and disappears like an illusion. Like an unsheathed sword, he charges at Xiaoxiang-jun, who seems to be the most powerful in the group.

Xiaoxiang-jun angrily shouts, “Who’s there?!”

Yan Zhengming says, “The one who’ll take your life.”

Within the time of that exchange, the two sides become close enough to face each other. Xiaoxiang-jun spits into the air. A thick barrier appears out of nowhere, emitting a strange black aura. Looking visibly scared, the demonic cultivator who has been making the array hastily finds a place to hide.

Xiaoxiang-jun flies behind the barrier. Before he can breathe out in relief, there is a loud explosion. The barrier has been crushed with just a strike. It’s unclear what kind of sword his enemy is using. The blade of the sword is shrouded in an indescribable sword energy, which seems harmless at first glance but proves to be terrifying once one gets close to it.

In a panic, Xiaoxiang-jun spreads his arms. The sleeves billow in two gusts of pitch black energy. In a second, he seems much more ferocious. Wrapped in that black energy, he shouts, “You seem tired of living. Let me gift you some death energy. Fuck off to your ancestors!”

Any plant or animal touched by the black energy immediately dies and withers on the spot. Such is the death energy that emits from his palms!

Xiaoxiang-jun raises his hands. The death energy from both sides crash onto Yan Zhengming, attacking the protective energy barrier.

The energy of the protective barrier is visibly consumed by the death energy, then transforms into the death energy itself and becomes a part of the black cloud. Because Yan Zhengming has an immense spiritual energy reserve, the death energy quickly becomes more powerful after a short while.

At that moment, Li Yun’s voice comes from above, “It’s the technique to switch up yin and yang. It will consume all spiritual energy and life force, only sword energy can’t…”

Before he can finish, dozens of blades formed from primordial spirit sweep out like an angry whirlwind. It isn’t until then that Xiaoxiang-jun can see clearly the sword in Yan Zhengming’s hand. It’s a wooden sword without a blade!

Xiaoxiang-jun’s face pales, as Yan Zhengming withdraws all of his protective barrier. The death energy is ripped apart in the air by the sword aura before it can reach him, while the blades formed from primordial spirit don’t slow down at all. Buzzing in the air, they charge directly at Xiaoxiang-jun.

One of the blades runs through Yan Zhengming. Li Yun calls out again, “Be careful!”

Right after that, ‘Xiaoxiang-jun’ transforms into a skeleton on the spot, the black eyes of which staring fixedly at Yan Zhengming. It turns out that it’s a dummy.

Countless Xiaoxiang-juns appear around Yan Zhengming, who are all pierced by the primordial spirit blades. In just a short while, Yan Zhengming is surrounded by skeletons. The fight suddenly becomes even.

About the woman dressed in flowers, she reacts very quickly. As soon as Yan Zhengming’s sword energy appeared, she decisively let Xiaoxiang-jun take the front line and made her escape, her flower petal-studded forehead frowning, “A sword cultivator?”

To an extent, demonic cultivators fear sword cultivators the most. Those cultivators are born with a killing aura. Besides the demon of the heart, no poison or trick can get into them. Seeing that the situation has gone downhill, the woman dressed in flowers immediately tries to escape. At that moment, a chilly sword will falls over her. Someone says from behind, “Trying to run?”

The woman dressed in flowers looks back. She is startled at first, but immediately smiles. Her face like a blooming flower, she hides her lips behind her hand and says, “Oh, where are you from, handsome?”

Her words are spoken with a seductive voice. Even if the other person has a higher cultivation level than she, they would be stunned a little, even if their mind isn’t completely controlled. Seeing that, Li Yun wants to warn Cheng Qian, but before he can say anything, Cheng Qian already attacks.

Completely at a loss for words for a moment, Li Yun bursts out laughing, “Wow, Xiao-Qian. Puddle, this is an exceptional quality of your Third Brother. His mind is so firm that he can never be swayed by surface tricks like beauty. You should try to learn from him.”

Puddle annoyedly glances at him. “What do I need to learn? I’m not swayed by beauty either, because I am beauty myself.”

Li Yun complains, “By the Heavens above, try to keep some of your dignity, won’t you.”

Not heeding Puddle’s reaction, he says aloud, “Xiao-Qian, concentrate and seal your energy. This woman is pretty but shady. She is definitely well trained in seduction techniques. Be careful of her poisonous aura.”

Within the time Li Yun says that line, Cheng Qian’s sword energy already forms an icy cloud, which freezes all seductive aura into ice. In his hand, the moves of Fuyao Wooden Sword are even more brutal than Sea Tide Sword. In just a couple of moves, he already cuts off an arm of that perfumed skeleton.

The woman dressed in flowers lets out a painful scream. Unfortunately, whether it’s Xiaoxiang-jun, who is being driven into a corner by Yan Zhengming, or the creator of the array who has disappeared, no one pays attention to her. These people do not even share an origin. At the slightest sign of trouble, they all turn their back at each other.

Fog seeps out from her wounds. Keeping Li Yun’s words in mind, Cheng Qian leaves her no chance to do any trick. He plans to quickly freeze her and finish her off in one move.

Having none of her earlier seductive acts, the woman dressed in flowers avoids the attacks while glaring at Cheng Qian as if wishing to rip him apart and devour him. Suddenly, she lets out an inhuman screech. Without any warning, her remaining arm falls from her body. Blood sprays high into the air from her body. Two flowers bloom from the empty shoulders. They quickly cover the wounds then fall onto the ground and transform into a field of flowers.

The flower field quickly absorbs her detached limbs and blood, then gives off a thick screen of fog.

Nian Dada wants to take a peek from the air, but Li Yun pulls him back.

“Be careful,” Li Yun says, “Your Master can look at it, but not you. This woman’s going all or nothing. That flower field feeds on the blood and flesh of its host. You don’t even need to breathe the air in. Just a look can give you illusions.”

Nian Dada asks, “Really? Then what does my Master have to do?”

Li Yun says, “Well, this plays into his hand too. His body is made of Spirit Collecting Jade. These tricks have only limited effects on him.”

Before he finishes talking, the flowers in the field all fall down, as a blizzard pours from the sky and sweeps away all pollen. Dressed in all black, Cheng Qian appears with an apathetic face. However, an unnaturally beautiful peach blossom lingers on his shoulder.

The woman dressed in flowers, who is no longer quite human, looks at him with twisting expressions. However, as she sees the peach blossom on Cheng Qian’s shoulder, she suddenly bursts out laughing. “Hahaha, your body is no longer of mortal flesh and blood, yet you still have romantic entanglement? You so-called righteous cultivators are all hypocrites…”

These words stun quite a few people in the area.

Cheng Qian strikes her at the waist before she can end her speech. At that moment, from the direction of Tai Yin Mountain, there is the sound of a loud explosion mixed with a pandemonium of whirlwind, great birds’ screeching, horses’ neighing, wild beasts’ howling, great waves crashing, which shake the heaven and earth.

Li Yun’s face pales. “Most senior brother, wrap things up quickly! The Demon’s Execution Array has been activated!”

Before Yan Zhengming can reply, the array creator who had been hiding in a corner suddenly appears. A twisted smile breaks out on his face. “Wrap things up quickly?”

He raises his hand. The array on the ground suddenly twists and transforms. Xiaoxiang-jun, who was struck in the chest by Yan Zhengming and painfully fell onto the ground, says with a mixture of fear and anger. “Lu Qiuping, what are you plotting?!”

The array creator Lu Qiuping already takes over in the array ‘eye’. “That array of Han Yuan is just a useless one for listening to the mountain, but you’re still holding onto the illusion of using it to acquire Fuyao Mountain? How laughable! Hand over the Xiaoxiang-jun token. Today I’ll show you what ‘the oriole stalking the mantis’ is like.”

These demonic cultivators choose this life or death moment to turn on each other!

Everyone is shaken because the Demon Execution Array is activated earlier than expected. Cheng Qian alone isn’t distracted. Ignoring everything else, he slashes the demonic woman in half.

Being cut into two at the waist, the flower woman falls into the ground, her blood gushing out in a stream. All flowers on her wilt and fall apart, as her face becomes sagged and sallow within seconds. Poison filling her eyes, she says, “Let me gift you some cursed peach blossoms.”

As soon as she finishes, her corpse explodes. Already having his guard up, Cheng Qian uses Shuang Ren to form an ice shield around him. The blood of the woman clings onto the blade of Shuang Ren and blooms into countless peach blossoms, but they are all frozen into trash by the sword of terrible death.

As Cheng Qian shields himself like that, part of the peach blossoms formed from the flower woman’s suicide attack flies to one side directly into Lu Qiuping’s array.

Being thus surprised, Lu Qiuping lets out a painful cry as he hides his face behind his arms. Suddenly red smoke flies up from the array and wraps over his body. In a blink of the eye, he is turned into a pink skeleton.

As the situation changes so suddenly, everyone can’t do anything other than stand and look.

Right after that, something strange happens. A white light full of killing aura flies in from the direction of Tai Yin Mountain. The Demon Execution Array has been aggressively expanded. Accordingly, everyone here has fallen in the zone of the array.

As the killing aura gets in the array of Lu Qiuping, it is tainted by the cursed peach blossoms. The white light, the demonic energy, and the red smoke blend together and fly everywhere.

This must be the most complicated array in the world.