Chapter 258: Conditions (Celebrating the Silver Alliance Leader! )
Chapter 258: Conditions (Celebrating the Silver Alliance Leader! )
“Who would have thought, my Myriad Islands Lake has become quite the hot commodity. . . ”
Fang Xi examined the jade slips one by one, a smile spreading across his face: “I thought. . . before these Core Formation forces went to war, they would surely wipe out Myriad Islands Lake first. . . ”
At these words, Zhong Hong Yu and Tai Shu Hong stiffened, while Yuan Fei Hong maintained an awkward yet polite smile: “In truth. . . if it were truly possible, Myriad Islands Lake would naturally be annihilated. But currently, rumors say Grand Elder Zhang Laozu of the Black Heaven Sect is severely wounded, hiding within the sect’s protective grand array, daring not to venture out. . . And for the Ethereal Valley Sect to destroy us, they would need to dispatch Core Formation cultivators. . . and furthermore, they would have to cross the Black Heaven Sect's numerous lines of defense, deep into enemy territory, which would be extremely perilous. . . ”
“What’s more. . . our Myriad Islands Lake has not sided with any faction yet; we merely conducted some transactions with the Black Heaven Sect previously. . . ”
“Island Master, this is a rare opportunity, one in a thousand years! ”
Yuan Fei Hong exclaimed with emotion: “Perhaps the Island Master can seize this chance to demand a Core Formation Spiritual Item, to see which of the three families has such sincerity. . . ”
“A Core Formation Spiritual Item? ”
Zhong Hong Yu and Tai Shu Hong exchanged glances, both seeing the excitement and longing in each other’s eyes.
With the might of Myriad Islands Lake, were they actually able to contend for Core Formation Spiritual Items?
Could it be. . . that the Island Master had been silently laying out his plans, waiting all this time for this very day?
When he made his moves, there was simply no trace, beginning his arrangements decades ago, like a spring breeze nourishing with rain. . . finally achieving his heart’s desire!
In their eyes, Fang Xi, who had been silently orchestrating things for Myriad Islands Lake, had practically ascended to the level of one who could scheme across a thousand ages.
Yet, little did they know, Fang Xi had simply picked a spot to plant his tree at random and had been diligently staying cooped up ever since. . .
“A golden opportunity to acquire a Core Formation Spiritual Item. . . but it also harbors immense risks. One wrong move, and not just Dragon Fish Island, but perhaps the entire Myriad Islands Lake could be annihilated. . . ”
Fang Xi sighed, then looked at the three of them: “I’m aware of this matter. Leave it to this Island Master to handle. As for you all, just continue as usual, each attending to your duties. . . ”
“Understood! ”
Yuan Fei Hong and the other two bowed in assent, their hearts still filled with emotion.
Facing the temptation of a Core Formation Spiritual Item, the Island Master could remain so unperturbed by honor or disgrace, truly showing no emotion on his face, possessing the cunning of mountains and rivers in his heart!
...
‘I always feel like these people are conjuring up something incredibly dramatic in their minds. . . ’
Watching the three figures depart, and considering how much more respectful these Foundation Establishment cultivators were than usual, Fang Xi stroked his chin.
‘But I truly didn't have the foresight to predict the great war among the Three Kingdoms’ cultivation world. . . I just happened to stumble upon it. . . ’
‘Indeed, the longer one lives, the more likely one is to encounter all sorts of things. . . ’
‘As for Core Formation Spiritual Items? ’
If the three Core Formation forces truly possessed heaven-defying spiritual items capable of consistently cultivating Core Formation cultivators, why would Grand Elder Jiang have bothered plotting for a demon king’s inner core, and why would True Monarch Bai Feng have withered away in despondency?
‘Even if there are some miraculous elixirs that claim to aid Core Formation, they are at most on the same level as ‘Profound Water Essence,’ and their effects can’t even be stacked. . . ’
‘Compared to the qi solidification effect inherent in my current Wood Spirit Body, it’s like heaven and earth. . . ’
‘On the other hand, with the Black Heaven Sect and Green Wood Sect now allied to resist the Ethereal Valley Sect, the situation has become extremely perilous. . . ’
Fang Xi’s expression gradually grew solemn.
Fortunately, his current cultivation had reached its limit for advancement, and he no longer needed to undergo arduous daily secluded cultivation. He merely had to quietly wait for his Wood Spirit Body to continuously purify his Dantian qi sea, solidifying his liquid magical power to its utmost limit.
Thus, his days were spent enjoying tea and pleasantries, occasionally observing the Qi Refinement cultivators below vie for power, with undercurrents stirring, until one couldn't resist leaping out, at which point he would strike with thunderous force. He treated it all like walking dogs or teasing cats, finding it rather amusing.
Three months later.
A streak of escape light landed outside Dragon Fish Island, revealing Ruan Xing Ling’s figure.
She cast a talisman seal, and the Profound Wood Grand Array automatically parted, allowing her direct passage to the Evergreen Pavilion.
Liu San Qi and the others were also present, surprisingly.
Since the last time they had slain the Foundation Establishment Perfected ghost cultivator, Myriad Islands Lake had become much more peaceful; at least, the various Foundation Establishment cultivators could now briefly leave their stationed islands.
“The envoys from the three sects actually had such tacit understanding this time, giving us very tight deadlines, clearly showing they wouldn’t allow us any room to waver. . . ”
Liu San Qi took a sip of spirit tea, his heart still filled with relief.
Fortunately, he hadn't returned to White Peace Immortal City back then, otherwise, it would have been like leaping into a pit of fire.
It was said that White Peace Immortal City, after enduring the siege and subsequent chaotic battles, suffered greatly among its rogue cultivators, with almost six or seven out of ten perishing. . .
Just as he was pondering, he saw Fang Xi stand tall, shaking out his sleeves: “Let’s go. . . the guests have arrived. ”
The Green Corner Fish Dragon circling outside the Evergreen Pavilion let out a long cry, carrying Fang Xi, along with several streaks of escape light, to the edge of Dragon Fish Island.
Whoosh!
The sound of sword light tearing through the air suddenly arose, approaching from afar.
As the sword light reined in, it revealed a young man wielding a flying sword: none other than ‘Purple Cloud Sword’ You Chong!
“You Chong of the Ethereal Valley Sect greets the Island Master of Dragon Fish Island! ”
You Chong bowed respectfully, yet he did not enter Dragon Fish Island.
After all, he still harbored some lingering fear from his spirit sword’s self-resonance last time.
But as he now stroked his lower abdomen, feeling no abnormality whatsoever, he couldn’t help but harbor some conjectures about today’s success or failure.
“Ah, so it’s Fellow Daoist You. There’s no need for such formality. . . ”
Fang Xi wore a green robe, his aura indistinct, appearing like an ordinary mortal without any magical power.
This was a secret art gained after cultivating the ‘Withered Glory Chant’—specifically, ‘Heart Like Withered Wood,’ which allowed him to perfectly conceal all aura, magical power, even thoughts and killing intent, not letting an iota leak out.
After all, You Chong’s orchestration of ‘Old Demon Ling’s’ ambush last time was still noted down in Fang Xi’s little ledger.
If an opportunity arose, he certainly wouldn’t let this person off. “Since you’ve come to visit, why not come inside to discuss it in detail? ”
Fang Xi stepped aside, opening a path through the array, preparing to lure the dog inside before slaughtering it. . . to eliminate any unforeseen circumstances.
“No need! ”
A purple gleam flashed in You Chong’s eyes, then he laughed loudly, flicking a finger.
Whoosh!
A streak of purple sword qi streaked across the sky, traversing dozens of zhang. The sword qi was incredibly sharp, and within it, flashing runes seemed to ripple, stirring the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, its might astonishing.
Pfft!
The sword qi tore through the void, and a patch of empty space seemed to open, revealing two cultivators, one male and one female.
The female cultivator had eyebrows as beautiful as a painting, clad in thin black gauze, her aura ethereal yet possessing a fairy-like allure.
The other person was someone the cultivators of Dragon Fish Island were all too familiar with: it was Zhan Tu!
At this moment, both of them held a banner-type spirit artifact in their hands, their faces also showing great surprise, seemingly wondering how You Chong could have seen through their concealment secret art.
“Heh. . . This one already said, though this ‘Misty Trace Banner’ is an imitation of the ‘Heaven Concealing Banner’ magical treasure, it can’t fool everyone. Only your Black Heaven Sect still treats it as a treasure. . . ”
Situ Qing Qing let out a charming laugh, but her heart was secretly startled.
She had used her ‘Illusion Spirit Root’ in conjunction with Zhan Tu to unleash the Black Heaven Sect’s secret treasure, believing it to be seamless, but You Chong had seen through it in an instant!
And not just You Chong, the Dragon Fish Island Master Fang Xi seemed to have glanced over here just now too?
“Hmph. . . ”
Zhan Tu let out a cold snort, raising a hand to summon a large crimson cauldron.
The cauldron was entirely crimson, its surface adorned with ancient patterns. From its mouth, fire crows emerged one by one, pouncing towards the surging sword qi.
Each fire crow was torn apart by the sword qi, dissipating into fire-attribute spiritual energy.
For a moment, the sky seemed filled with floating fire crow feathers.
But You Chong’s sword qi was, in the end, still neutralized.
“Zhan Tu of the Black Heaven Sect greets all fellow Daoists. . . ”
Zhan Tu retrieved his crimson cauldron, allowing it to burst forth with a crimson halo that enveloped his entire body. Only then did he unhurriedly perform a bow.
Situ Qing Qing likewise curtsied: “Situ Qing Qing of the Green Wood Sect greets everyone. . . and Elder Sister Ruan! ”
Upon seeing Situ Qing Qing, Ruan Xing Ling nearly couldn’t resist making a move, but seeing that none of her own Foundation Establishment companions had stirred, and remembering the Core Formation sect the other party represented, she ultimately raised an eyebrow and held herself back.
“Island Master of Dragon Fish Island, and all of you. . . My Ethereal Valley Sect comes bearing goodwill. Do you truly intend to associate with this demonic sect’s enchantress? ”
You Chong’s sword-like eyebrows arched as he questioned coldly.
“Guests are always welcome, aren’t they. . . ”
Facing the Ethereal Valley Sect’s coercion, especially since You Chong was a late-stage Foundation Establishment sword cultivator, the sharp intent that assailed them caused Zhong Hong Yu and Yan Dong Qing’s expressions to subtly change.
Fang Xi, however, remained utterly nonchalant, his hands tucked into his sleeves, saying lazily: “Besides. . . have you all forgotten the rules of my Dragon Fish Island? Once you enter Dragon Fish Island, all grudges are erased, and great calamities cannot harm you. . . ”
“Haha. . . Does the Island Master truly believe he can shelter the cultivators on the island and escape the great war of the cultivation world? ”
You Chong laughed heartily, a cold glint in his eyes.
“Well. . . my Dragon Fish Island will naturally choose a side to join. I invite all of you to enter the island, allow this Island Master to serve you tea as a host, and then listen to each faction’s conditions, how about that? ”
Fang Xi replied with a yawn.
“That is precisely how it should be! ”
Zhan Tu’s mission for this trip was to stabilize Dragon Fish Island, so he naturally nodded repeatedly.
“Truly worthy of being an Island Master. . . ” Situ Qing Qing’s beautiful eyes gazed at Fang Xi, seeming to hold a swirling, captivating light.
“No need, let’s just discuss it here! ”
You Chong, however, felt a sudden emptiness in his heart. Although his life-bound spirit sword had not given any warning, he remained cautious. He touched the life-saving treasure hidden in his chest, instantly gaining a sense of confidence.
As long as he didn’t fall into an array’s death trap, he believed he could escape with his life, even if besieged by these Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Otherwise, the Ethereal Valley Sect would not have sent him here.
“Very well, then let’s discuss it here. This Island Master is quite keen to hear the conditions from all three factions. If there’s no Core Formation Spiritual Item, it will be quite difficult to impress me. . . ”
Fang Xi said with a beaming smile.
You Chong’s mouth twitched. He let out a cold snort, and a small sword carried a jade slip, flying to Fang Xi’s front: “The Ethereal Valley Sect’s conditions are here. Island Master may take a good look. . . ”
Zhan Tu and Situ Qing Qing exchanged glances, and it was Zhan Tu who flew out a jade slip: “These are the terms of our two sects’ sincerity. . . ”
“Oh? ”
Fang Xi first took You Chong’s jade slip and began reading it.
His face remained utterly expressionless. He then put that jade slip down and began reading the one from Zhan Tu and Situ Qing Qing.
A moment later, he also set down that jade slip, appearing to be in deep thought. . .
Seeing this, You Chong’s expression turned cold.
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