Chapter 671: Undercurrent (Seeking Monthly Votes at the Start of the Month! )
Chapter 671: Undercurrent (Seeking Monthly Votes at the Start of the Month! )
“Alright, a mount it shall be then. . . Many thanks, fellow Daoist, for making it so. ”
Fang Xi cupped his hands in thanks, and, as an aside, slipped a small storage pouch into Hua Yan's hand.
Hua Yan's expression remained unchanged. The storage pouch inexplicably vanished. She casually handed a silver leaf to Xiao Qing, and only then did she say meaningfully: “Normally, ascended cultivators still need to pass through the 'Void Mirror' to confirm they carry no void-type treasures containing prohibited persons or items. This 'Void Mirror' is located at the main gate of the Celestial Brahma Army's camp. . . However, fellow Daoist, you may enter and exit through the small eastern gate. ”
“Many thanks for the guidance. However, my actions have always been open and aboveboard, without a single thing I couldn't speak of to others. ”
Fang Xi smiled faintly. Since he dared to conceal a Divine Transformation Demonic Cultivator on his person, he naturally had full confidence.
After all, his main body wielded the 'All-Heavens Precious Mirror', and he had considerable experience in concealing void-related power.
If push came to shove, he could always throw the void treasure back to the Human World, and teleport it back after the inspection was complete. . .
...
As a commander, he could be assigned a cave-mansion spanning several hundred li.
Compared to rogue cultivators who often had hidden cultivation spots spanning thousands of li, it was indeed somewhat inferior, but considering its location within the military camp and the abundant spiritual energy, the treatment was actually better than what he had at Kungsang Market.
The cave-mansion Fang Xi chose was named 'Little Night Peak'.
Nearby was a 'Green Wave Pond', which Yunxi Xianzi had chosen.
As for Liu Xu, she chose an 'Emerald Willow Slope', also very close to Little Night Peak.
On Little Night Peak, he chose the spot with the densest spiritual energy, and then began taking out formation flags, formation plates. . . and started setting up a formation.
After the formation was laid out, he began planning the cave-mansion and cultivating a spiritual herb garden. . .
Just as Fang Xi finished setting up his cave-mansion, two streaks of light arrived together at Little Night Peak.
“Yunxi Xianzi, fellow Daoist Liu. . . ”
Fang Xi opened the formation and welcomed the two women into the cave-mansion, smiling, he said: “One doesn't realize the shallowness of their own cultivation, like a frog in a well, until they reach the Earthly Immortal World. Now we are all at the same starting point, you can simply call me fellow Daoist Fang. . . ”
“Fellow Daoist Fang. . . ”
Liu Xu's expression was somewhat peculiar. She couldn't tell why, but this Dragon Fish Island Master seemed to adapt to the Earthly Immortal World extremely quickly.
“Fellow Daoist Fang. . . ”
Yunxi Xianzi, however, was graceful and at ease: “The three of us come from the same world, and in the future, we must look out for and help each other. Yunxi inquired earlier, within the Celestial Brahma Army, there is a market town where we can exchange for some cultivation resources. ”
“Fairy is truly insightful. I was just about to ask about this. ”
A hint of joy appeared on Fang Xi's face.
As the Three Realms Mountain was a gathering place for humans, demons, and yao, it was easier to acquire Heavenly Demon Qi and True Demonic Qi.
Although they were currently restricted by the Celestial Brahma Army, they were initially given a ten-year holiday, to settle into their cave-mansions and familiarize themselves with the environment.
One could say, it was thanks to the easing of tensions among the three races, the current favorable atmosphere, and the absence of any readily ignited major wars.
Otherwise, there would be no such long holiday to enjoy.
Fang Xi asked Yunxi Xianzi for a map, and chatted with the two women for a few more moments, agreeing to advance and retreat together in the future, thereby forming a small alliance.
If it weren't for the slight awkwardness between them, the three of them might well have sworn brotherhood directly.
At that point, Yunxi Xianzi would be the Eldest Sister, Fang Xi could be the Second Brother, and Liu Xu would become the Third Sister. . .
...
‘Is it possible that Jin Gangzi intentionally obfuscates the origins of ascended cultivators because he holds a grudge against Long Qingzi? ’
‘Previously, in the Minghuan World, the Divine Transformation cultivator from Guang Lei Temple did not make a move. . . ’
Several months later, Fang Xi, riding a streak of light, flew tens of thousands of li high in the sky, his face still bearing a thoughtful expression.
Not long after, a market town appeared in his sight.
This market town was meticulously planned, with square houses built entirely of stone blocks everywhere.
Occasionally, Core Formation and Nascent Soul cultivators, clad in black armor, entered and exited the various shops.
Fang Xi's mind stirred, and he descended his streak of light.
Outside the market town, golden threads abruptly appeared, converging into chains, blocking his path.
Fang Xi thought for a moment, then took out the golden leaf.
As his identity proof, the ancient seal script on it began to flicker with light, seeming to merge with the golden threads.
Soon, a passage just wide enough for one person appeared.
A hint of a smile emerged on his face, and he stepped into the market town. . .
Several hours later, Fang Xi emerged from a certain shop, his face grim.
Behind him, the shopkeeper was still apologizing profusely, a fawning smile on his face.
Stepping out of the market town, Fang Xi looked up at the sky and suddenly sighed: “Indeed. . . it's not possible, is it? ”
Although this market town sold many rare treasures, there were even pills that could increase the magic power of Divine Transformation cultivators.
But Return to Void-level treasures were still too rare.
Especially Heavenly Demon Qi and True Demonic Qi, the quantity Fang Xi desired was too large, and many shops had no stock.
What little there was, Fang Xi bought up completely.
He transformed into a streak of light, arrived near his own cave-mansion, and suddenly slapped his arm.
On his arm, phoenix seal characters appeared one by one, then surprisingly, a beast-skin pouch emerged.
The beast-skin pouch opened, and a demonic woman, clad in exquisite battle armor and wearing a one-eyed crown, stepped out. It was none other than Red Refining Demon Zun!
“Master. . . you finally deigned to let your servant girl out? ”
Red Refining Demon Lord's very eye on her crown seemed to exude resentment. . .
“Red refining. . . ”
Fang Xi's expression, however, remained unchanged: “I know you've always harbored some secret resentment towards me, and constantly yearn to escape. . . ”
“Master, what nonsense are you speaking? "Red Refining Demon Lord's expression changed drastically: “Your servant girl is yours, inside and out." . . ”
“Heh heh. . . ” Fang Xi scoffed several times, saying expressionlessly: “The restrictions I placed on you, even a Return to Void cultivator might not be able to undo. Even an Integration cultivator would likely have to pay a certain price. . . ”
The alluring smile on Red Refining Demon Zun's face disappeared, replaced by a solemn expression: "So what then. . . ? ”
Only then did she seem to regain the demeaner of the Red Alchemist who once led billions of demons to invade countless worlds.
“I can set you free, remove the restrictions on you. . . But what about the price? ”
Fang Xi smiled faintly: “I want a whole bottle of 'True Demonic Qi'! ”
“True Demonic Qi, even a wisp of it, is incredibly precious in the lower realms. . . "Red Refining Demon shook her head: "Even in the upper realm, it's also. . . ”
“You only need to answer whether you'll make this trade or not. ” Fang Xi said gravely.
He likely wouldn't be able to collect much True Demonic Qi in this military market town.
Next, he would have to visit the dangerous black markets.
Besides that, having Red refining demon master handle this matter could be considered putting waste to good use.
With this dual approach, the probability of obtaining True Demonic Qi would be higher.
“Of course, your servant girl will do it! ”
Red Alchemist replied with a charming smile.
“Since that's the case, I will find an opportunity to send you out of the military camp. ”
Fang Xi planned to visit the external black markets in a while.
Within the black markets, people from all walks of life converged, making it the most chaotic place.
Perhaps there were even experts from the Demon and Yao races lurking, so although it was dangerous, the probability of collecting enough Heavenly Demon Qi and True Demonic Qi was also the highest.
...
Several years later.
Little Night Peak.
Fang Xi and the two others acted discreetly, and now gradually established connections with the surrounding Divine Transformation commanders.
He also acquired maps to several black markets, and was just looking for an opportunity to visit them.
One day.
Fang Xi was sitting cross-legged, injecting the pure demonic essence he cultivated into the Divine Infant Sword.
Currently, he didn't have many treasures, but each one was a masterpiece.
Especially that 'Netherworld Banner', which was second only to his main body's Hunyuan Heavenly Luo Umbrella.
Precisely because of this, ordinary nurturing was already useless.
It was better to focus all his energy on his Life-Bound Demonic Treasure, the 'Divine Infant Sword'.
“According to the ranking of Numinous Treasures, the Divine Infant Sword should now be considered top-grade. . . ”
A long while later, Fang Xi slowly ceased his cultivation, a hint of a smile appearing on his face.
He walked out of his secluded cultivation cave-mansion, and saw two transmission talismans flying about chaotically.
Fang Xi reached out and grabbed, a large, inky-black hand appeared, firmly seizing the transmission talismans.
Immediately, two voices, like clear springs, emanated from the transmission talismans.
After listening for a few moments, his expression gradually turned grim.
...
Little Night Peak.
Fang Xi, Yunxi Xianzi, and Liu Xu gathered again.
“So, that person approached both fellow Daoist Yunxi and fellow Daoist Liu, one after another, to inquire about information regarding the lower realms, seemingly with significant backing? ”
Fang Xi raised his teacup, and took a small sip.
“Precisely. . . ” Yunxi Xianzi replied with a bitter smile: “Even without the immortal spirit contract binding us, even if we didn't have it, we wouldn't willingly reveal our origins. ”
Cultivators still placed great importance on privacy.
What's more, both women had broken through the Earthly Immortal Spiritual Realm with Fang Xi, having shared in the spoils together, so betrayal would also come with a certain price.
“But that person clearly won't give up, and will bother you sooner or later. . . ”
Liu Xu's expression was stern: “What a nuisance. . . ”
“Oh? Do you know that person's identity? ”
Fang Xi picked up another pastry.
The various delights of the Earthly Immortal World were different from those of the lower realms. This pastry was as white as a cloud, and the birds adorning it were incredibly lifelike, as if about to take flight.
“Commander of the Deva Camp—Daoist Gu! ”
Liu Xu replied.
“The Deva Camp, you say? ”
Fang Xi seemed thoughtful.
The Celestial Brahma Army was divided into eight camps: the Deva Camp, Dragon Group Camp, Yaksha Camp, Gandharva Camp, Asura Camp, Garuda Camp, Kinnara Camp, and Mahoraga Camp.
Among them, the Deva Camp had the best treatment, and the commanders of this camp were subtly superior to the commanders of the other seven camps by half a head.
As for Fang Xi, Yunxi Xianzi, and Liu Xu. . . they were assigned to the Yaksha Camp.
Just as the three of them were about to discuss matters concerning the Earthly Immortal World and the Celestial Brahma Army, Fang Xi suddenly sighed.
A command flag appeared in his hand, and with a gentle wave,
the formation shrouding Little Night Peak split open a passage, a streak of light flickered and landed before the three of them, revealing an old man. He had the complexion of a child and hair like white cranes, and wore a rattan armor. His cultivation was around the Divine Transformation Perfected stage. Seeing Fang Xi and the two women, he cupped his hands slightly: “This old man greets the three fellow Daoists. . . ”
“Fellow Daoist Gu. . . ”
Fang Xi sighed: “It's not easy for us from minor realms to survive. Why must fellow Daoist press so hard? Furthermore, one's origins are a personal secret. Even the Celestial Brahma Army hasn't thoroughly investigated them, so why must you? ”
“This old man is merely acting on someone else's behalf, fulfilling a trust. . . ”
Daoist Gu said with a smile: “Actually, above this old Daoist, there are even higher-ranking figures at the commander level. . . This matter is of great importance. If fellow Daoists are willing to enlighten us, there will be endless benefits. Otherwise. . . ”
“Commander-level figures. . . ”
Yunxi Xianzi and Liu Xu's expressions subtly changed.
Commander-level figures in the Celestial Brahma Army were at least in the Return to Void realm!
Fang Xi, however, knew that Return to Void cultivators were merely pawns, and this matter might very well be secretly instigated by Long Qingzi!
Even though the Celestial Brahma Army was Jin Gangzi's sphere of influence, and there was some friction between Jin Gangzi and Long Qingzi, Long Qingzi could still manage to insert one or two people.
It was just that, out of deference to Jin Gangzi, he couldn't do it openly.
‘If they knew that Long Qingzi, one of the highest echelons of the human race, was behind this, I wonder if they'd be scared stiff. . . ’
Glancing at Yunxi and Liu Xu with a hint of mischievous amusement, Fang Xi's expression turned solemn: “Regarding this matter. . . please forgive us, but we have nothing to disclose. ”
“Good, very good indeed! ”
A flash of green qi crossed Daoist Gu's face, and he sneered: “Don't think this old Daoist can't do anything to you. My commander has a good relationship with the Yaksha Camp's commander, so you'll have plenty of suffering to endure in the future. . . It's still not too late to turn back from your misguided path now. . . ”
Fang Xi and the two others all met his words with silence.
Daoist Gu scoffed several times, then transformed into a streak of green light and departed directly.
A long while later, seeing the formation close, Liu Xu finally spoke: “Confirming one's lower realm origin isn't just about giving a name. . . This Daoist Gu also injects a secret art into the ascended cultivators' bodies, to confirm they aren't lying. . . And once that happens, even if one joins the force behind Daoist Gu, they don't seem to be very well-regarded within the Celestial Brahma Army. ”
Yunxi Xianzi gave a bitter laugh: “If we refuse, Daoist Gu will retaliate. If we don't refuse, we'll still be treated differently within the Celestial Brahma Army. . . Wouldn't that make us like a mouse in a bellows, suffering from both ends? ”
“In the end, it's because we ascended cultivators have shallow foundations and no backing. . . ” Fang Xi said blandly: “However, at this moment, we can huddle together for warmth. . . There are far more ascended cultivators than just the few of us, and quite a few among them have refused Daoist Gu. We can try to establish contact with them. ”
“Aside from that,” Liu Xu offered another suggestion, “if we sincerely pledge allegiance and become direct descendants of the Celestial Brahma Army, then Daoist Gu and the commander behind him certainly wouldn't dare to act against us. . . ”
Currently, the three of them were merely like mercenaries, able to regain their freedom after a thousand years. They were far from being considered direct descendants, which was why Daoist Gu dared to openly threaten retaliation.
If they sincerely pledged allegiance to the Celestial Brahma Army, he would most likely not dare to act in such a way.
As ascended cultivators from lower realms, each possessed foresight and strategic thinking, so they wouldn't be stumped by a mere small predicament.
“Exactly so. . . ”
Fang Xi stood up and said: “I'll leave this matter to the two of you. I'm preparing to go out and explore the external black markets. . . ”
“It's extremely dangerous outside the military camp. . . ”
Yunxi Xianzi's expression was solemn.
Although it wasn't a time of great war, outside, there were not only primordial beasts but also various natural disasters, and even spies from the Demon and Yao races!
The black markets were even more chaotic, a true mix of good and bad, and even she and Liu Xu together wouldn't dare to go.
“One must try, nonetheless. ”
Fang Xi sighed.
...
Several days later.
Fang Xi transformed into a streak of light, and arrived at a certain side gate of the military camp.
“Who goes there? ”
The ones stationed here were all Divine Transformation cultivators, each with deeply hidden auras, not to be underestimated.
“Yaksha Camp Commander, I wish to go out for a trip! ”
Fang Xi presented his golden leaf token.
“Oh, so it's a newly arrived fellow Daoist. ”
The Divine Transformation cultivator opposite received the golden leaf, glanced at it, and immediately smiled: “Fellow Daoist, remember to return within the designated rest period, otherwise, you'll be considered a deserter and hunted by the entire human race—that's no laughing matter. ”
“Many thanks for the reminder. I understand the severity of it. ”
Fang Xi retrieved his golden leaf, cupped his hands, and offered thanks.
All those who had ascended earlier had left a magic power imprint with Hua Yan, along with various other pieces of information.
Once they defected, they would immediately be considered traitors to the human race, to be executed by anyone.
At that point, besides fleeing to the great wilderness or becoming a lackey for demons and yao, there truly would be no good path left.
For many Divine Transformation cultivators, this was a matter of more loss than gain.
After all, there was no major war among the three races currently, and the Three Realms Mountain was still relatively peaceful.
For Divine Transformation cultivators, although a thousand years wasn't a short period, they could endure it and it would pass.
It wasn't impossible to cultivate within the Celestial Brahma Army, and they could even exchange for some rare cultivation resources, with no inconvenience.
Many ascended cultivators, even after their thousand-year service term expired, would voluntarily remain in the Celestial Brahma Army.
Among these, Buddhist cultivators from the Zen sect were especially numerous.
After all, the Celestial Brahma Army's nominal commander was Jin Gangzi, who was regarded as the 'Buddhist Son' by countless Buddhist cultivators in the Earthly Immortal World!
After a round of inspection, Fang Xi arrived in a massive hall, and stepped into a teleportation array.
Buzz!
The teleportation array rumbled, and amidst the dizzying sensation, he found himself above a swamp.
A thin layer of mist diffused, seemingly laced with potent poison.
A layer of emerald demonic flame erupted around Fang Xi, appearing to transform into a vortex, completely devouring all the poisonous mist.
His Six Paths Demonic Blaze incorporated various demonic fires, possessing multiple characteristics, one of which allowed it to devour potent poisons and augment the fire's power.
“The nearest black market from here should be near Three Yin Mountain. . . I need to travel at full speed. ”
Fang Xi murmured, then transformed into a streak of demonic light and flew at full speed.
Whoosh!
The high altitudes of the Earthly Immortal World were extremely dangerous, with even fierce astral winds capable of dispersing the defensive spiritual light of Divine Transformation cultivators!
Encountering primordial beasts comparable to Return to Void or Integration stages was also not impossible.
Therefore, when many cultivators flew, they dared not fly their streaks of light too high, merely maintaining a certain altitude was sufficient.
After flying for an unknown number of tens of thousands of li, Fang Xi flicked his sleeve.
A black and red light appeared, transforming into a crimson strange bird, flapping its wings, and swiftly vanished into the horizon.
This strange bird was none other than Red refining demon's transformed body!
Fang Xi had long ago agreed on contact methods and meeting locations with her. Releasing this demonic woman now was also for the purpose of collecting True Demonic Qi.
Anything could happen in the Earthly Immortal World. Perhaps this woman might, by chance, remove her own restrictions.
For Fang Xi, that would simply be a failed investment, and there was nothing to be done, but it was entirely something he could bear.
After all, he had already gained a lot from this woman. . .
...
“This should be the place. . . ”
After flying for another several million li, Fang Xi murmured, and formed a hand seal.
The Wood Escape technique flashed with green light, and he appeared beside a green plant, then, performing the Earth Escape technique, he delved into the unknown depths of the earth.
“There should be no surveillance. . . and the golden leaf has also been sealed by me using various methods. ”
After some attempts, demonic light shimmered around Fang Xi, and he excavated an underground grotto.
A silver light flashed, and another identical 'Fang Xi' appeared, it was his main body!
“Here? ”
He murmured, and clapped his hands together.
The All-Heavens Precious Mirror appeared, rumbling faintly, consuming an Immortal Jade, and established a spatial marker here.
“From now on, this place can directly teleport to Moonlight Immortal City in the Starry Sky Domain. ”
Fang Xi murmured.
This was the newest ability unlocked by the All-Heavens Precious Mirror; each fixed coordinate required the consumption of one Immortal Jade.
However, his External Avatar's sixty years in the Taiyin Secret Realm weren't for naught; he had managed to obtain one, at least.
“In the Earthly Immortal World, only Return to Void cultivators possess enough strength to handle the risks of crossing vast domains. . . ”
“And from the Starry Sky Domain to the Three Realms Mountain, even Return to Void cultivators wouldn't know how many years it would take to travel. . . One must rely on super teleportation arrays, and some regions even lack such arrays, requiring one to traverse dangerous zones alone. . . ”
“Therefore, communication between these two places is too scarce, and even a small amount of unique spiritual items that circulate here can fetch sky-high prices! ”
Fang Xi felt his soul as a shrewd merchant burning brightly.
This was equivalent to possessing a super teleportation array directly connected to the Three Realms Mountain. For him, the benefits were naturally numerous.
Even a thousand supreme-grade spirit stones, he could earn them back after a few resales.
“However, before that. . . ”
Fang Xi sat cross-legged, gazing at his External Avatar, and began a new round of assimilation. . .
With Long Qingzi's example before him, he couldn't help but be careful and cautious.
Moments later, the top of his head flickered, and his main Nascent Soul returned to his Dantian Qi Sea, sitting cross-legged.
Fang Xi opened his eyes, his face full of contemplation: “Daoist Gu. . . Long Qingzi. . . ”
He could basically confirm that Daoist Gu and the commander behind him had indeed received instructions from Long Qingzi!
“However, the situation is already much better than expected. . . I almost thought I would face severe trouble as soon as I ascended. ”
However, for this situation where he was exposed from the start, Fang Xi had also prepared for the worst-case scenario.
That would be the loss of his External Avatar!
It also carried the Primordial Demon Sect's Demonic Divine Coffin. At that time, it could furiously draw on its demonic cultivation, breaking through to the Divine Transformation Perfected stage, or even attempting to rush into the Return to Void realm. . .
Ideally, it would even attract the 'Zizai Tianmo Wang'!
Demonic cultivators were very skilled at using divine sense to break through realms. At the very least, a wisp of this demonic king's divine sense would descend. This way, it would certainly create big news and give all his enemies a surprise.
Of course, this was merely a last-resort, mutually destructive method out of desperation.
Furthermore, it would certainly inflict no harm upon Long Qingzi; at most, it would only cause trouble for his subordinates. . .
...
Three Yin Mountain.
Here, three mountain peaks, towering into the clouds, stood side by side, subtly forming some kind of natural formation.
It was unknown when it began, but first, some low-level cultivators occupied this place, establishing a market town. As more and more cultivators came to trade, it gradually gained renown.
In the end, even some hidden demonic and yao individuals would occasionally appear in the market town, leading to the complex situation of the market being a mix of good and bad.
Precisely because of this, various prohibited items and even top-tier resources from demon and yao territories would occasionally surface, attracting even more cultivators.
Fang Xi, clad in a black robe, wearing a bamboo hat, his entire being filled with malevolent aura, walked into the market town.
As soon as he entered the market town, he felt as if he had entered a pack of wild beasts; a faint sense of danger seemed to pervade all around him.
“First, I'll browse around. . . ”
Gazing at the cultivators who concealed their faces and origins, a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He merged into the flow of people, lingering within the market.
Suddenly.
Fang Xi's steps halted. Gazing at a mark on a certain corner of the wall, his expression grew slightly solemn.
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