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Chapter 738: The Mission and the Spy

Chapter 738: The Mission and the Spy

Earthly Immortal World.

Moonlight Immortal City.

As Fang Xi emerged from his cultivation chamber, Taiyin Xianzi approached him, "Master. . . Chi Songzi has already sent three invitation scrolls!"

"As expected, they're all anxious now."

He chuckled lightly, transforming into a streak of light and arriving at an intelligence shop within Moonlight Immortal City.

"Greetings, Guest Elder!"

After he presented his Moonlight Immortal City Guest Elder token, an elderly Divine Transformation cultivator personally came out to greet him.

By now, news of the great war between the Human and Yao races had spread throughout the ninety-nine domains of the human race, creating a scene of chaos and unrest everywhere.

Fang Xi sat calmly in the main seat, sipping spiritual tea as he casually inquired.

"Since you are a Guest Elder of our Immortal City, according to regulations, all intelligence below the 'Heaven-tier' can be obtained for free. . ."

The Divine Transformation elder bowed deeply and continued, "Regarding the latest situation of the Human-Yao war. . . the beast tide, led by the Yao race's original Hunyuan Great Sage, has already breached twenty array plates of the Thirty-Six Heavenly Dipper Big Dipper Grand Array. . . Now, Jin Gangzi, Long Qingzi, and the other Human Race Five Sons have entered the last 'Heaven's End City' to take command! Coupled with the power of a quasi-ninth stage formation, even a True Spirit-level entity would find it difficult to break through easily. . ."

"This Human-Yao war, the Yao race immediately went all out, catching our human race a bit off guard."

Fang Xi took a sip of spiritual tea, feeling precisely that way. "How has it affected our Starry Sky Domain?"

"The Starry Sky Sect's first batch of reinforcements suffered heavy casualties and has already begun conscripting a second batch," the Divine Transformation elder dared not conceal anything. "In addition, it's said that spies from the 'Heavenly Demon Society' have infiltrated deep into the ninety-nine domains of the human race, engaging in activities such as inciting rebellion, creating unrest, and other clandestine behaviors. . ."

"Heavenly Demon Society?"

Fang Xi grew interested. "Is that a Yao race faction?"

"Precisely so. The 'Heavenly Demon Society' is backed by the Yao race, and its internal members are a mixed bag. They aren't necessarily human cultivators who practice demon arts; demonic cultivators, and even ordinary cultivators, might be among them. However, it's said that the most trusted ones are spiritual pets who have defected. . . ideally, those who have personally slain their former masters."

The Divine Transformation elder answered respectfully.

Fang Xi listened, speechless for a moment, and inexplicably felt that the Dragon Taming Sect's old Return to Void dragon might have some connection to the Heavenly Demon Society. . .

"Within the Starry Sky Domain, there's also a branch of the 'Heavenly Demon Society' lurking. It's said they've already cultivated Return to Void cultivators and destroyed several Divine Transformation powers, causing widespread panic. . ."

Listening to the elder's introduction, Fang Xi couldn't help but fall into thought.

Actually, with so many Divine Transformation powers, destroying a few wouldn't have much impact.

But the problem lay in the widespread panic; when morale collapses, it's hard to lead the team, and this is a universal truth.

"What about Moonlight Immortal City?"

Fang Xi asked casually.

"Our Moonlight Immortal City previously sent Return to Void cultivators to the Starry Sky Domain, and their soul lamps are still burning, so they should be safe and sound. . . However, the Chamber of Commerce's Grand Shopkeeper Zhou and Senior Guang perished while exploring a secret realm outside. . ."

The Divine Transformation elder gritted his teeth, revealing more information.

'It seems Master Dongqiuzi is safe and sound? '

'In that case, Moonlight Immortal City might be in for some good fortune soon. . . '

Fang Xi's heart stirred.

Just then, a red light flashed outside the door, and a cultivator walked in.

His head was as large as a bucket, with sparse, bald hair; it was none other than Chi Songzi in his red robe!

"Why has Daoist Chi Songzi come in such a hurry?"

Fang Xi playfully chided him, then glanced at the Divine Transformation elder beside him.

Undoubtedly, the leak of his whereabouts was entirely this person's fault.

However, compared to a Guest Elder of the Immortal City, an actual elder was naturally more important.

After all, one was merely a nominal associate, while the other was a true insider, and a direct superior at that.

"Daoist, please don't take offense. It was I who instructed my subordinates to notify me immediately once you emerged from seclusion."

Chi Songzi bowed first to apologize, then spoke.

"Daoist Chi Songzi, why such urgency? Has something major happened?"

Fang Xi asked, somewhat puzzled. "From what I see, the situation in the Starry Sky Domain should be manageable. . ."

Chi Songzi, however, gave a wry smile. "It's still about the Heavenly Demon Society, but this is a Heaven-tier secret — the Heavenly Demon Society is suspected of having won over several Return to Void cultivators, possibly even those in the late-stage Return to Void or even Perfected realm. . . A merchant caravan previously led by our Chamber of Commerce's 'Chen Xianzi' was ambushed by the Heavenly Demon Society, and a large quantity of precious materials and several important items were plundered. . . Chen Xianzi's Dharma body was unfortunately destroyed, with only her Nascent Soul escaping back!"

"To think such a thing happened. . ."

Fang Xi's expression was one of shock and uncertainty. "Late-stage Return to Void, Perfected Return to Void? How could cultivators of such realms be won over by the Heavenly Demon Society?"

He seemed to be pondering, as if he had guessed something.

"To be honest. . . " Chi Songzi's expression became incredibly solemn. "It's said that within the Heavenly Demon Society, there are secret arts for breaking through to the Void Amalgamation realm and pills for advancing stages offered as rewards. . . Nowadays, some old monsters in the Starry Sky Domain, who have been living in seclusion, might be tempted to join. . ."

"Secret arts for breaking through to the Void Amalgamation realm and pills for advancing stages?"

Fang Xi gasped, his eyes betraying a hint of fervor.

Of course, this was feigned.

He cultivated the Earthly Immortal legacy; as long as the scale of his Earthly Immortal Spiritual Realm was sufficient, he could naturally break through realms, which was far better than relying on pills or secret arts to stimulate major bottlenecks!

Possessing a mountain of gold and silver, he naturally wouldn't care about two copper coins on the ground—such was Fang Xi's current mindset.

"The Yao race has vast territories, abundant in spiritual pills and elixirs beneficial to our human race. . . but Void Amalgamation spiritual items are also extremely rare."

Chi Songzi said gravely, "Furthermore. . . how could the secret arts and pills given by the Yao race to our human race be without hidden dangers?"

"Indeed!"

Fang Xi replied as a matter of course. "But I fear those old monsters with little lifespan left, even if it means drinking poison to quench their thirst, will still seek that sliver of hope!"

"Alas. . ."

Chi Songzi sighed, then suddenly stood up and bowed deeply to the ground.

"Daoist Chi Songzi, why such a great courtesy?"

Fang Xi, startled, quickly helped him up.

"Alas, please, Daoist, for the sake of our many years of acquaintance, come out of seclusion just this once!"

Chi Songzi said hoarsely, "Currently, the Return to Void elders of Moonlight Immortal City each have their own duties, and we simply cannot spare anyone. . . Recently, the Immortal City has a crucial mission that concerns its rise and fall. Though I am part of it, I have little confidence. . ."

"Could it be to seek revenge against the Heavenly Demon Society and reclaim those materials?"

Fang Xi guessed, asking a question.

If it were such a mission, he would definitely refuse outright.

To ask him, a Guest Elder, to risk life and death in a battle? What kind of foolish faction was this?

"Not at all. . ."

Chi Songzi waved his hands wildly. "Currently, the Heavenly Demon Society is too powerful. Our Moonlight Immortal City cannot contend with their branch in the Starry Sky Domain even with our full strength. . . We can only swallow this loss."

"This time, it's also because several important materials were lost in the ambushed caravan, and they need to be transported again. . ."

His gaze seemed incredibly sincere.

After all, strictly speaking, Moonlight Immortal City only seemed to have two or three late-stage Return to Void cultivators, including Master Dongqiuzi.

To be plundered by the Heavenly Demon Society and admit defeat was a normal reaction.

But Fang Xi knew that Moonlight Immortal City had many hidden cards.

Leaving aside other things, once Master Dongqiuzi's two quasi-seventh stage Dragon-Phoenix puppets were completed, this branch of Heavenly Demon Society spies could be easily wiped out.

'However, if the Dragon-Phoenix puppets were revealed, it would be best to annihilate them completely. Otherwise, it might draw the enmity of the Heavenly Demon Society from several nearby domains. . . '

'Speaking of which, the Yao race seems to have quite a few good things. . . Compared to the mutual exchange within the human race, if I could establish spatial coordinates with the Yao and Demon races, wealth would simply pour in! '

Fang Xi thought of another matter.

While inconvenient transportation allowed for low-buy, high-sell between the ninety-nine domains of the human race, there was still a limit to the profit.

But if he could open trade routes with the Yao race and Demon race, the profits would be boundless.

It wouldn't just be enough to cultivate Void Amalgamation cultivators; it might even be possible to accumulate resources to break through to the Mahayana realm.

'To cope with the great war, I need to increase my strength as much as possible. . . I've already used up my Immortal Jade to advance my Earthly Immortal Spiritual Realm. . . '

'But the Immortal Jade I earned before isn't quite enough. . . '

Fang Xi, short on funds, began to plan in his mind.

"With the marvel of my Three-Phase Annihilation Art, impersonating the Yao race and Demon race shouldn't be a problem. . . Then, I'll enter the lands of the Yao and Demon races and open up trade routes. . . Immortal Jade will naturally flow in abundantly."

"However, there are still some risks."

"If all else fails, I'll send my External Avatar to do it. . . Just opening up a trade route with the Demon race should be enough to earn a fortune."

...

"Daoist, what do you think?"

While Fang Xi was contemplating his grand money-making scheme, Chi Songzi asked with anticipation written all over his face.

'I make dozens, even hundreds, of Immortal Jade a minute. Why should I risk my life for your small matter? '

Fang Xi internally grumbled.

However, as the Wang Family Ancestor, his persona was one of extreme poverty.

After all, staying secluded wouldn't yield much Immortal Jade.

The little he had left was obtained by his Wang clan members risking their lives in overseas immortal abodes.

By common sense, if there was a low-risk, high-reward, and relatively short-term mission, the Wang Family Ancestor shouldn't refuse.

"Currently, this transportation mission is quite dangerous. One misstep, and we could encounter the Heavenly Demon Society. . ."

Fang Xi's face was full of hesitation.

Seeing this, Chi Songzi inwardly cheered, recognizing the opportunity, and revealed a gentle smile: "For this mission, besides the Immortal Jade reward, our city is also willing to offer a 'Flying Void Pill'. . ."

"Oh?"

Fang Xi's eyes lit up. "Is it that 'Flying Void Pill,' said to be one of the three most useful spiritual pills for breaking through to the mid-stage Return to Void?"

"Precisely so. . ."

Chi Songzi said, "What do you think, Daoist?"

"Since Daoist has extended such an earnest invitation, this old man can only accompany a gentleman even to his death."

Fang Xi calmly replied, clenching the Buddhist beads in his hand.

...

Several days later.

Moonlight Immortal City, a certain hilltop outside the city.

Chi Songzi and a Return to Void cultivator were waiting.

This Return to Void cultivator's aura was around the mid-stage Return to Void. She was a female cultivator, and every gesture and smile carried a unique charm.

"This mission only requires us to receive Daoist Tong, who is coming from an outer domain!"

Chi Songzi said with a beaming smile, "We'll have to rely heavily on Guest Elder Shi!"

This Daoist Shi, 'Shi Xianzi', was also a Guest Elder of Moonlight Immortal City. Her cultivation art originated from the legacy of a senior, a formidable figure known as the 'Myriad Flowers Fairy' in the Starry Sky Domain. She had left behind a 'Myriad Flowers Treasure Mirror', which had once earned great renown in the cultivation world.

Moonlight Immortal City had paid a huge price to invite Shi Xianzi to act.

"This concubine heard that Daoist Wang will also be going?"

Shi Xianzi changed the subject.

Chi Songzi felt helpless, knowing that Shi Xianzi was expressing her dissatisfaction.

After all, she was a mid-stage Return to Void cultivator; how could she be expected to wait for an early-stage Return to Void cultivator?

Feeling helpless, he could only admit, "That's right, it was my earnest invitation. . . If we have one more Daoist, we'll have an extra measure of confidence."

"This mission seems extremely important to the Immortal City, that they would immediately dispatch Daoist Tong again after Chen Xianzi's loss. . ."

Shi Xianzi smiled sweetly. "Could it be. . . related to Master Dongqiuzi? Master Dongqiuzi, Daoist Guang, and Daoist Zhou went out and returned severely injured, and those two Daoists didn't even manage to escape with their Nascent Souls. Even the Heavenly Demon Society would find this difficult to achieve. Could they have encountered a Void Amalgamation level enemy?"

"This. . ."

Chi Songzi was momentarily speechless. Fortunately, at that moment, he saw a golden streak of light flash a few times at the city gate, revealing the figure of the Wang Family Ancestor.

He walked as if lotuses bloomed with each step, holding Buddhist beads and with a bell hanging from his waist, exuding a profound Zen aura.

Chi Songzi was immediately overjoyed and rushed to greet him: "Daoist Wang, you're finally here. . ."

He subtly skipped over Shi Xianzi's previous question.

"Daoist Chi, Daoist Shi. . ."

Fang Xi cupped his hands in greeting. "This old man took a little extra time preparing for this journey, so I'm late. Please forgive me!"

"Not at all, not at all. . ."

Shi Xianzi now appeared very gentle. After all, as fellow Return to Void cultivators, it wouldn't be good to offend a colleague for no reason.

Chi Songzi, meanwhile, felt helpless inside.

Shi Xianzi's current demeanor was completely different from a moment ago.

"Alright, now that everyone is here, let's depart."

Fang Xi disregarded these minor matters and spoke.

"Now, can you finally reveal Daoist Tong's route?"

Shi Xianzi asked. "Your Moonlight Immortal City has been so secretive before, I wonder why. . ."

"Please forgive us, Immortal Maiden. . ."

Chi Songzi transformed into a long crimson rainbow, moving at an astonishing speed, leading the way while transmitting his voice: "The truth is, this trade route was secretly opened by our Immortal City, and it's an important secret. . . But at such a critical time, with both of you Daoists willing to help, we will naturally tell you everything."

"This trade route is actually located within the Abyssal Earth, requiring passage through the Profound Nether Abyss Eye. . ."

"What? ! " Upon hearing this, Fang Xi and Shi Xianzi were both astonished: "The Profound Nether Abyss Eye?"

Fang Xi couldn't help but recall the geography of the Starry Sky Domain.

In ancient times, stars once fell into this domain, forming a massive abyss on the ground.

It was incredibly dangerous, so much so that even Void Amalgamation cultivators dared not venture deep inside.

And a fissure in this massive abyss had formed the Profound Nether Abyss!

"Could it be that Moonlight Immortal City has already explored the Abyssal Earth?"

Fang Xi and Shi Xianzi exchanged glances, asking the same question.

"Of course not!"

Chi Songzi waved his hands repeatedly. "Our Moonlight Immortal City, by a stroke of luck, obtained a map left by a predecessor, which revealed part of the 'Abyssal Earth's' geography. . . And through generations of exploration, we finally found a relatively safe passage in the outermost reaches of the Abyssal Earth. . ."

"Even so, it's quite astonishing."

Fang Xi couldn't help but sigh with emotion. As expected of a Return to Void power, they always had some unknown trump cards.

For a merchant guild, a safe trade route was a priceless treasure!

"In the Starry Sky Domain, there are occasionally Divine Transformation-level dangers in the wilderness. Even with a Divine Transformation cultivator leading the team, there's a certain risk. . . unless a Return to Void cultivator personally leads, and even then, complete safety cannot be guaranteed. . ."

Fang Xi speculated, "If the Abyssal Earth route is far less dangerous than this, then it could bring in immense wealth daily. . ."

"Not at all, not at all. Although the Abyssal Earth trade route is considered relatively safe, occasionally there might be Return to Void-level dangers lurking. . . Our city had to resort to using this route only because Chen Xianzi's caravan was ambushed. It was truly a reluctant measure."

As they conversed, the three great Return to Void cultivators had already harnessed the world's elemental qi and entered the direction of the Profound Nether Abyss.

Fang Xi gazed at the ink-black sea surface, feeling a wave of emotion.

However, at this moment, the myriad dangers of the Profound Nether Abyss were like a gentle breeze to Return to Void cultivators.

In a flash, the three had delved tens of thousands of miles deep, reaching the Profound Nether Abyss Eye.

Splash, splash!

Before their eyes was an incredibly enormous vortex.

Endless Profound Nether Heavy Water flowed through the Abyss Eye into the Profound Nether Abyss, stirring up myriad fine streams.

Such a natural wonder was extremely rare to behold in the lower realms.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

Three streaks of light submerged one after another into the Abyss Eye. Ten thousand acres of seawater surged towards them, bringing immense pressure.

In terms of terror, even Divine Transformation cultivators would find it hard to survive.

But at this moment, the three each displayed their divine abilities.

From Chi Songzi's hand emerged a treasure resembling a red pine tree, from which strands of crimson threads cascaded, protecting him within.

Shi Xianzi chuckled softly, and a jade mirror appeared in her hand, countless flower petals entwining around her body.

Fang Xi unfolded his large sleeve, and a poisonous dragon phantom roared, greedily devouring the Profound Nether black water.

"There are many hidden currents within this Abyss Eye. One careless step could lead us astray by a hair's breadth and cause us to miss by a thousand miles. Daoists, please follow me closely!"

Chi Songzi transmitted his voice and led the way.

Fang Xi and Shi Xianzi immediately followed.

In the dim Profound Nether Abyss, massive dark shadows occasionally streaked past.

But Chi Songzi did not provoke them, nor did these giant beasts bother the trio.

After all, in terms of size, they were merely like three tiny specks of dust beside whales.

Finally. . .

After delving unknown tens of thousands of miles deep into the earth, Fang Xi and the other two leaped out of the seawater and saw a canyon-like fissure.

"This is the Abyssal Earth?"

Fang Xi looked at the cliff walls, observing strange moss clinging to the dark, hard rock surface.

These mosses resembled spiders and could even crawl and move, their backs emitting a faint blue ghostly light.

Looking out, the entire abyss resembled an ocean of blue tears, dreamlike and illusory.

"The ecosystem within the Abyssal Earth has always been this magnificent. . . but also extremely dangerous."

Chi Songzi reminded them again: "Our city paid a huge price, losing many people, including several high-level cultivators, to explore a relatively safe route. . ."

He took out a jade bottle from his embrace, pinched out a bit of powder, and flicked it twice.

Two wisps of dust enveloped Fang Xi and Shi Xianzi.

"This is 'Sky-Concealing Dust'. . . it can help us lower our aura and avoid attracting the attention of powerful entities within the Abyssal Earth. . ."

After Chi Songzi finished speaking, he led the way forward.

Fang Xi followed indifferently.

Another half month passed. After experiencing layers of wondrous explorations in the Abyssal Earth, Fang Xi and the other two finally met 'Elder Tong' in a cave.

This man was also an elder of Moonlight Immortal City, with a robust build, a full beard, and a cultivation at the mid-stage Return to Void, though he was severely injured.

"Daoist Tong. . ."

Chi Songzi quickly stepped forward, taking out a jade bottle containing healing pills. "How did this happen?"

After consuming the pill, Elder Tong's complexion improved slightly, and he began to explain: "I encountered pursuit from the Heavenly Demon Society; they had a spy among my team. . . Thankfully, I had a backup plan, secretly turning back and taking this underground route. . . but I was unlucky enough to run into a 'Netherworld Beast'. . ."

"A Netherworld Beast! This beast is comparable to a seventh-stage creature. . . and it's unaffected by Sky-Concealing Dust. Daoist Tong, your luck. . ."

Chi Songzi's face was filled with a wry smile.

"I was severely injured and could only call for help. Fortunately, you Daoists came to my rescue. . ."

Elder Tong bowed in thanks.

Fang Xi and Shi Xianzi naturally returned the courtesy.

The four of them followed the route they had taken to return.

Fang Xi secretly observed that Elder Tong was indeed badly wounded; if he encountered another Divine Transformation-level danger, he would likely be in trouble.

By himself, he wouldn't even be able to return through the Profound Nether Abyss Eye.

Let alone the journey that still lay ahead!

'It seems the materials he's carrying are indeed crucial for Moonlight Immortal City. . . Could they be key components for building quasi-seventh stage puppets? '

Such a guess couldn't help but emerge in Fang Xi's mind.

...

Half a month later.

Profound Nether Abyss.

From within the Profound Nether Abyss Eye, a phantom of a flood dragon suddenly shot out, followed by three streaks of light.

"Finally out. . ."

Fang Xi retracted the poisonous dragon phantom, feeling a slight sense of relief.

For him, who wielded the 'Netherworld Banner,' this Profound Nether Abyss Eye was truly no danger, but rather a beneficial place.

Every additional day spent in the Profound Nether Abyss Eye allowed the Netherworld Banner to absorb more Profound Nether heavy water, refining its own power.

"The most dangerous part of the journey is over. This old man can finally breathe a sigh of relief."

Chi Songzi laughed heartily.

A hint of a smile also appeared on Elder Tong's face.

Just then, the expressions of all four changed abruptly.

A divine consciousness at the Return to Void Perfected stage, from an unknown source, had firmly locked onto the four of them!

Several Return to Void auras rapidly encircled them, clearly harboring ill intentions.

"It's Old Monster Qiao of the Heavenly Demon Society!"

Elder Tong's face paled. "How could he pinpoint our location so accurately?"

Chi Songzi's expression was one of shock and uncertainty as he looked at Fang Xi and Shi Xianzi.

He suspected that these two had been won over by the Heavenly Demon Society.

Fang Xi furrowed his brow.

At such a critical juncture, to fall into internal strife—wouldn't that mean certain death?

Of course, this applied to the other three cultivators.

"Haha!"

"Well done, you two. Our Heavenly Demon Society won't mistreat you."

Old Monster Qiao's streak of light was incredibly fast, arriving before the four and gazing at Fang Xi and Shi Xianzi with a look of approval.

Upon hearing this, Chi Songzi and Elder Tong's expressions changed drastically: "You two, are you really spies?"

Fang Xi and Shi Xianzi exchanged glances, both seeing a hint of shock and uncertainty in the other's eyes.

But at this moment, it was always best to protect oneself first.

Shi Xianzi immediately pointed her 'Myriad Flowers Treasure Mirror'. A strange fragrance wafted past, and large, bowl-sized flowers bloomed in the void, resembling a sea of flowers, protecting her within.

Fang Xi sighed and conjured a talisman.

I've been busy in the evenings recently and haven't gotten enough sleep, so the morning updates are delayed. I'm truly sorry. . .