Chapter 534: What a guardian mountain beast! |
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"Elder Daoming, others can ascend to immortality, transcending life and death, achieving eternal life. Yet you remain here on Dragon and Tiger Mountain, a silent gatekeeper. Are you truly content with this?"
Du Ge, using the concealment of the Dark God power, darted through the shadows of the forest, evading the search of those celestial beings in the sky. He gathered his spiritual power and shouted loudly.
"Found him."
The moment Du Ge spoke, a sharp shout was heard, and over a dozen beams of golden light simultaneously illuminated his hiding place.
Du Ge had to dodge again within the shadows.
Although suppressed by the Xuan Gui Pearl, the inherent traits of the divine power did not disappear. As long as there were shadows, even celestial beings could not see his form.
"Thief, hand over the scriptures, and I will spare your life." Elder Daoming locked onto Du Ge's position and appeared above him.
His face was filled with anger, his hair and beard bristling. Countless flying swords hovered behind him like meteors, ready to strike down the moment they found Du Ge's true form.
"Quite clever, but a spirit is still a spirit, only capable of petty tricks." Although unable to find Du Ge's true form, Elder Daoming was relieved, knowing he hadn't escaped Celestial Master Peak.
He formed seals with his hands and chanted a spell.
The trees around Du Ge seemed to come alive, shifting positions. A thin layer of mist formed between the trees, blocking his view.
...
Damn!
Another formation?
Du Ge cursed inwardly.
Careless!
As expected, those in the Integration stage are different from those in the Golden Elixir stage, with so many tricks.
Compared to the first cultivators on the Alien Star Battlefield, they were just a bunch of brutes who only knew how to fight.
Rushing in without understanding the enemy's combat style was utterly foolish.
Everything had been too smooth for him, making him complacent. He deserved this setback; a big shot's mentality was not to be taken lightly!
While reflecting on himself, Du Ge transformed his body into a transparent water form.
Water has no fixed shape.
Even if pierced by a thousand swords, he wouldn't die immediately.
Unafraid of light, darkness, or water, his amphibious divine body was his true confidence.
...
Elder Daoming cast a formation, confusing Du Ge's vision. His concealment technique failed because even he didn't know where the shadows were.
The various peak leaders and several Integration stage cultivators who arrived used golden light to pin down Du Ge, revealing his water transformation process.
"Master Uncle was right, indeed a water spirit, with considerable cultivation, though I can't discern its true form," said Zhou Jinping, the leader of Celestial Sun Peak, looking at the nearly transparent Du Ge below with interest.
"Second Senior Brother, if its cultivation were low, how could it have emptied the Scripture Repository under Master Uncle's nose, forcing him to use the Xuan Gui Pearl?" Zhao Jinlu, the leader of Celestial Pine Peak, laughed. "A spirit of such a realm delivering itself to our net should become a guardian beast of Dragon and Tiger Mountain!"
"Fourth Junior Brother, do not speak recklessly," Sect Leader Xu Jin Kui reprimanded Zhao Jinlu with a glance.
Guardian beast?
Du Ge heard their conversation and had a sudden idea. He chuckled mockingly and said, "Elder Daoming, those who just spoke call you Master Uncle, yet they don't truly respect you! What do they mean by saying I emptied the Scripture Repository under your nose? Clearly, they're blaming you for poor guarding..."
"Silence!" Sect Leader Xu Jin Kui and Zhao Jinlu shouted simultaneously.
"Outwardly they respect you as Master Uncle, but behind your back, they probably see you as nothing more than the true guardian beast of the mountain!" Du Ge laughed lightly.
With these words, everyone's expressions changed drastically.
Elder Daoming had already been pricked by Du Ge's relentless words, and hearing "guardian beast" again made his body tremble. His face turned extremely ugly as he glared fiercely at Zhao Jinlu.
"Silence!"
Several voices rang out simultaneously, and numerous sword beams slashed toward Du Ge, trapped in the formation.
As they spoke, Du Ge had already used the Dark God power to gather hundreds of cultivation technique manuals, shielding them above his head.
Seeing Du Ge truly using the manuals as a shield, the peak leaders were shocked and hurriedly withdrew their attacks, but it was too late.
Hmph!
A cold snort.
It was Elder Daoming who intervened, blocking several sword beams for Du Ge.
Elder Daoming looked angrily at the others.
"Master Uncle, forgive us," Sect Leader Xu Jin Kui quickly bowed to Elder Daoming. "Master Uncle has protected Dragon and Tiger Mountain for a millennium, and we have never intended any disrespect."
"Master Uncle, I too meant no disrespect," Zhao Jinlu said, terrified. "It's that spirit sowing discord. Please forgive us, Master Uncle."
"Sowing discord?" Du Ge leisurely continued, "Who would want to waste a thousand years on Dragon and Tiger Mountain if they could ascend to immortality? Elder Daoming, do those juniors still call you Master Uncle after they ascend?"
No one understood sowing discord better than Du Ge.
Even without seeing it firsthand, Du Ge knew that an immortal would not be deferential to a mortal cultivator.
After all, once one becomes immortal, their status is almost reversed.
Elder Daoming was ultimately just a guardian of the Scripture Repository, without the merit of teaching those who ascended.
Who would care about an old man they rarely spoke to?
Moreover, considering Dragon and Tiger Mountain's status, besides him, there might not be another person daring to intrude on the Scripture Repository for centuries, and perhaps not even someone daring to challenge Dragon and Tiger Mountain, making Elder Daoming's strength unremarkable.
This was evident from Zhao Jinlu's casual mockery of Du Ge's cultivation; he had little respect for Elder Daoming, who couldn't ascend.
If even a peak leader was like this, what about the other disciples?
Thus, Du Ge's words struck right at the heart.
Pierced in his most sensitive spot, Elder Daoming's face turned ashen, looking increasingly grim.
"Demon, silence," Xu Jin Kui said angrily. "Do you really think those cultivation manuals can protect you? Those techniques, Master Xu could write a second set if needed. Keep sowing discord, and we'll destroy you along with those manuals..."
"Sect Leader, Elder Daoming has guarded the Scripture Repository for thousands of years. If those techniques could be easily copied, what would be the point of Elder Daoming's millennia of guarding?" Du Ge mocked while flipping through a book on formations.
His downfall lay in his lack of understanding of celestial techniques.
If he were proficient in the celestial techniques of Dragon and Tiger Mountain, how could that formation trap him?
Xu Jin Kui's voice halted abruptly. He had been prepared to destroy the manuals to kill Du Ge, but Du Ge's words completely cornered him.
Destroying the manuals would confirm his disrespect for Elder Daoming, but not destroying them meant he couldn't kill the sharp-tongued spirit...
Xu Jin Kui was caught in a dilemma, looking again at Elder Daoming, awkwardly explaining, "Master Uncle, I didn't mean it that way..."
Indeed!
If the techniques could be rewritten at any time, what was the point of his thousand years of guarding?
When nothing happened, Elder Daoming felt good about himself, believing he was crucial to Dragon and Tiger Mountain, aside from his regret of not being able to ascend.
But today's events, coupled with Du Ge's words piercing his heart, were like bolts of lightning striking his mind, making him realize his true position.
What Supreme Elder?
Wasn't his status on Dragon and Tiger Mountain just that of a guardian beast?
Guardian beast?
Elder Daoming looked at Du Ge below, a sense of desolation rising in his heart.
Why?
What was he guarding Dragon and Tiger Mountain for all these years?
"Elder Daoming, was your centuries of guarding worth it?" Du Ge, unable to see, could guess what was happening outside from their conversation. He quickly flipped through all the books on formations, continuing to fan the flames. "For the empty title of Supreme Elder? For the occasional celestial descending to reward you with a pill or two? For a word or two of praise? How is that pill different from a bone thrown to a guard dog?"
"Silence!"
Elder Daoming and Xu Jin Kui shouted in unison.
Elder Daoming's eyes turned red, his evil thoughts fully stirred.
He glanced at the Xuan Gui Pearl above his head, then turned to look at the Scripture Repository he had guarded for centuries, his emotions surging, and he spat out a mouthful of blood.
"Master Uncle," Xu Jin Kui looked at Elder Daoming anxiously. "Don't listen to that demon's nonsense. You have always been a respected elder to us, and Master Xu has always held you in high regard..."
"Sect Leader Xu, do you believe that?" Du Ge interrupted with a cold smile. "Master Xu Wen'an, one of the four Celestial Masters of the celestial realm, with vast connections, couldn't even repair a mere damaged foundation for you? It's simply not worth it."
"Demon, silence," Xu Jin Kui said, enraged. He drew the Heavenly Assistant Sword, pointing it at Du Ge below. "Master Uncle, let me first slay this demon who spreads lies, then I will apologize to you."
"Elder Daoming, Master Xu may not help you repair your foundation, but I can," Du Ge said, having flipped through several books without finding the formation trapping him. He stopped flipping and laughed. "Why be a dog when you can be a man?"
"Demon, cease your chaos in Dragon and Tiger Mountain, die."
Xu Jin Kui, burning with anger, raised the Heavenly Assistant Sword and slashed it toward Du Ge on the ground.
The fierce sword energy whipped up a storm, seemingly draining all the spiritual energy around, its momentum like it would split Celestial Master Peak in two.
"Elder Daoming..." Du Ge, feeling immense pressure within the formation, hurriedly called out.
Before he finished speaking.
The pressure on him vanished, and the mist obscuring his vision dissipated.
But at that moment, Xu Jin Kui's sword beam had already reached above his head, causing the manuals he used as a shield to flutter.
Du Ge was about to dodge.
Elder Daoming's figure suddenly appeared above him, the Xuan Gui Pearl hovering above his head, barely blocking Xu Jin Kui's furious strike.
The collision between the sword energy and the Xuan Gui Pearl created a shockwave, scattering the trees around Du Ge for miles.
"Master Uncle."
The sudden scene stunned Xu Jin Kui. He looked at Elder Daoming below, at a loss. "Why are you protecting this demon?"
"I am not protecting a demon, but the hundreds of scriptures in the Scripture Repository, the legacy of Dragon and Tiger Mountain," Elder Daoming said, looking at Xu Jin Kui above.
"Master Uncle, I..." Xu Jin Kui was tongue-tied, looking at the angry Elder Daoming. "You... you must not be deceived by this demon! You should know, Master Xu has never wronged you..."
"Elder Daoming, I'll return to the Scripture Repository with you," Du Ge said, glancing contemptuously at Xu Jin Kui. "I'd rather die at your hands than be captured by this scheming, filthy man. Life is precious, but freedom is more valuable. I admit defeat, but I would rather die than become the guardian beast of Dragon and Tiger Mountain."
At the mention of guardian beast, Elder Daoming's body involuntarily trembled again. He looked at Xu Jin Kui and the others above, saying calmly, "Sect Leader, the spirit who stole from the Scripture Repository has been captured. I must reorganize the Scripture Repository. You may leave now."
"Master Uncle, that little demon is sharp-tongued. You must not be deceived by him!" Xu Jin Kui said urgently.
"I have cultivated for thousands of years, having received great favor from Master Xu. I know what to do," Elder Daoming waved his hand, seemingly calm again. "Leave."
Du Ge remained in his water form.
But Xu Jin Kui could clearly see a smug smile on the water spirit's face, making him frown.
On the surface, Elder Daoming was still the highest in cultivation and seniority on Dragon and Tiger Mountain. Even as Sect Leader, Xu Jin Kui couldn't interfere too much with Elder Daoming's decisions.
However, with Master Xu's renowned reputation, Xu Jin Kui thought it unlikely that Elder Daoming would betray Dragon and Tiger Mountain due to a few words from a little demon.
After all, compared to a Celestial Master in the celestial realm, an Integration peak cultivator was nothing.
Even if he was angry, he had to swallow it.
But Xu Jin Kui decided that when the celestial realm sent immortals down with supplies, it would be necessary to have Master Xu reprimand Elder Daoming and give him some benefits.
A guardian beast at the Integration peak was hard to find...
Bah!
What guardian beast?
Blame that sharp-tongued little demon, Xu Jin Kui glared at Du Ge, then looked at Elder Daoming, cupping his hands, "Elder, if you need anything, just call me. I'll send some healing pills later."
"Hmm."
Elder Daoming, his mind in turmoil, couldn't be bothered with idle talk, nodded, put away the Xuan Gui Pearl, and with a wave of his long sleeve, swept Du Ge and the scriptures back to the Scripture Repository.
Seeing that the strongest force on Dragon and Tiger Mountain, Elder Daoming, was now in his grasp, Du Ge was in no hurry to escape, allowing himself to be taken back obediently.
Once inside the Scripture Repository, its doors closed automatically, sealing off everything outside.
Elder Daoming looked at Du Ge, his gaze filled with undisguised disgust. "You little demon, such a master of sowing discord, you nearly destroyed my Dao heart."
"Elder, stop deceiving yourself," Du Ge sat cross-legged opposite Elder Daoming, full of pity. "You know in your heart that what I said is true. You're just afraid of Master Xu, unwilling to face your own heart! The older one gets, the more they fear death. I understand..."
"You..."
A flash of lightning appeared in Elder Daoming's palm, but looking at Du Ge, he couldn't bring himself to strike. Eventually, he extinguished the lightning, sighed deeply, and closed his eyes.
"Elder Daoming, once the fragile paper is pierced, there's no going back," Du Ge shook his head. "There were many witnesses today. As they left, their gazes toward you changed. If the guardian beast rumor spreads, how will those who come to the Scripture Repository for scriptures view you? Have you thought about it?"
A powerful force pulled Du Ge to Elder Daoming, who grabbed him by the neck, eyes red with anger. "It's all your fault, thief."
"Elder Daoming, how long will you deceive yourself?" In his water form, being grabbed by the neck didn't hinder Du Ge's speech. He looked seriously at Elder Daoming. "If you kill me, you'll never have another chance, forever trapped in the Scripture Repository, a begging guard dog."
Elder Daoming's grip tightened, his face showing increasing pain and hatred.
Du Ge fearlessly met his gaze. "Undeniably, your current predicament is all my doing. But I wouldn't make such a promise without reason.
Now, with only a Golden Elixir cultivation, I infiltrated Dragon and Tiger Mountain, emptying the Scripture Repository under your nose. If not for the Xuan Gui Pearl, I would have succeeded.
Do you really think I'm just a simple spirit?
"Who are you?" Elder Daoming asked.
"..." Du Ge looked at Elder Daoming, then reached out, placing his hand on his arm, channeling the Power of Poseidon from his Golden Elixir into Elder Daoming's meridians.
But as soon as the divine power entered, it met strong resistance.
Elder Daoming's spiritual power, though not as potent as the divine power, was vast like an ocean, worthy of being Dragon and Tiger Mountain's top Integration cultivator.
"Elder, trust me once," Du Ge said softly. "They say destruction precedes creation. I'm in your hands, unable to escape. Why not give me a chance to prove myself, and give yourself a chance too?
Perhaps my coming to Dragon and Tiger Mountain is your opportunity.
Taking this step might lead to a vast sky. Retreat, and you'll always be the guardian beast in the eyes of Dragon and Tiger Mountain's disciples. Elder, you've long memorized Master Xu's techniques. If he can be a Celestial Master, why can't you?"
Indeed!
If he can be a Celestial Master, why can't I?
Under the influence of Du Ge's relentless words, Elder Daoming's unsettled heart boiled again. He looked at Du Ge, slowly releasing his resistance to the divine power.
However, he remained cautious, ready to expel the divine power from his meridians at any sign of anomaly.
The Power of Poseidon silently altered Elder Daoming's meridians, nourishing his body, transforming him toward a Messenger of the Sea God...
Feeling the changes in his body, Elder Daoming's eyes widened, his lips trembling uncontrollably. "Innate Water Spirit, you're an Innate Water Spirit, no wonder the Solar True Fire couldn't harm you, you're an Innate Water Spirit..."
Innate Water Spirit?
The Sea God was born from the ocean, so calling him an Innate Water Spirit wasn't far off.
Du Ge nodded. "Elder, do you believe I can save you now?"
"If even an Innate Water Spirit can't save me, no one in the world can," Elder Daoming said, his beard trembling with excitement. "Young friend, if you can help me restore my foundation, you'll be like a reborn parent to me. The techniques in the Scripture Repository of Dragon and Tiger Mountain will be yours to take."
"Elder, you're too kind. I'm just trying to survive," Du Ge smiled. After transforming one of Elder Daoming's meridians, he stopped, saying, "Elder, my cultivation isn't enough. Helping you further would damage my foundation. Could you let me recover first, then I'll help you repair your meridians?"
"No rush, take your time, a day or two doesn't matter," Elder Daoming, having seen hope after centuries of deficiency, was overjoyed and wouldn't trouble Du Ge, smiling as he said, "Come, come, come, young friend, which technique do you want to see? I'll explain it to you..."
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