Chapter 278: Poison Dragon Valley’s Plot
“Xiang Ge and Yuan Hong are both the Head Seat’s disciples. Now we failed to kill them, and we’ve plainly offended Hu Yangming and Du Rushan.”
Inside the City Lord’s Mansion in Wanmu City, an old man with gray hair and beard, short-haired and skinny, slightly squinted his eyes at Qing Yunke to his left front, his mouth emitting a sinister voice.
“Does Fellow Daoist Xi think that if we don’t attack them, we won’t be enemies of the Beast King Sect?”
Qing Yunke replied coldly. That Xi Junyue was not annoyed, merely swept his gaze over the seven or eight Dan Qiao Realm Martial Artists present, and slowly said, “My Wind Thunder Insect larva was used as bait, but it didn’t lure Dragon Qiushui master and disciple to capture them, nor did it leave behind Xiang Ge and the other two. Back then, you Qing Family Brothers swore confidently that you could take down Dragon Qiushui’s line and prematurely open Poison Dragon Valley to seize the opportunity for Dharma Aspect.”
As these words fell, the expressions of the several Dan Qiao True Persons present all moved slightly.
The reason Xi Junyue was like this was because he was annoyed that Qing Yunke and his two brothers had failed in their task, and it had also caused news of his Wind Thunder Insect larva to leak out.
If the matter had succeeded, the leak would be a leak, but there would still be some gains.
Whether it was the reward from Dharma Aspect True Person Yao Lixuan or the intelligence in Poison Dragon Valley, either could make up for this loss.
But now, it was truly a case of failing to steal the chicken and losing the rice instead; already quite a few old folks had come to inquire about the Wind Thunder Insect.
He could still brush off Triple Heaven Martial Artists somewhat, but if it were Starry Sky Martial Artists, it would truly be hard to fob them off, after all, the strength of this Fourth Heaven—Starry Sky Martial Artists—was overly domineering, and he didn’t want to offend people.
Qing Yunke glanced at him, then suddenly sent a secret transmission, saying, “Beast King Sect’s set of Upper Second-order Beast Contract Method to help you quickly contract the Wind Thunder Insect, how about it?”
Xi Junyue’s eyes narrowed slightly, finally revealing a smile.
Seeing his expression, the crowd immediately knew that the two of them had definitely reached some agreement.
Beside them, a burly man with a beard, clad in pitch-black armor, said coldly, “Fellow Daoist Qing, without the successor of this Poison Dragon True Person’s line, wanting to enter the Poison Dragon Valley Secret Realm, I’m afraid we won’t have the advantage. Moreover, if we calculate the time for the Poison Dragon Valley Secret Realm, it probably still needs several months to open.”
When Qing Yunqian and the others contacted them, they had all said they were confident in prematurely opening the Poison Dragon Valley Secret Realm, and that inside there were inheritances from the Beast King Sect and Nine Peaks Sect lines. For these Triple Heaven or even Starry Sky Martial Artists, that was an opportunity for breakthrough.
However, right now the Qing Family was showing this appearance, which didn’t look like they were confident in opening it prematurely.
“The location of Poison Dragon Valley is in the Qianyun Mountain Range, with three Earth Veins as guides providing it Spiritual Power. It opens once every three years. If the Earth Veins are induced to erupt and guided with the correct formation, the entrance to the secret realm can be blasted open. The person to control the formation, I’ve already contacted; fellow daoists need not worry.”
Qing Yunke’s eyes were gloomy like a snake, his tone exceptionally firm.
“Qing is a betrayer of the Beast King Sect, with absolutely no way of retreat. This time entering Poison Dragon Valley is only for Poison Dragon Daoist’s cultivation manual《Poison Dragon Profound Skill》, the refining method of Poison Dragon Pool, and for all of you to help me hunt a Third-order Green-scaled Poisonous Flood Dragon. I won’t take any of the remaining items.”
No one knew what Poison Dragon Daoist Tai Lingyue had left inside.
So the agreement among the crowd was that cultivation manuals and secret techniques would be shared, while other things would be taken as needed.
Of course, demanding something like a Third-order Green-scaled Poisonous Flood Dragon as Qing Yunke was would require paying a price.
However, Qing Yunke had obviously mentioned it to everyone before, so the Dan Qiao True Persons present did not show any unusual expressions.
“We can indeed open Poison Dragon Valley first, but the trials inside may not be easily passed.”
Beside him, Qing Yunheng interjected, “Five-colored Poison Mountain, Poison Lake, and Poison Dragon Pillar—Poison Dragon Daoist set up three trials in total. Even Dan Qiao Realm in this secret realm will be suppressed, specifically testing Body Cultivation and Poison Cultivation cultivation. In past years, even Dan Qiao Realm entrants needed several days to reach the Poison Lake.”
“Beast King Sect, Sword One Sect, Nine Peaks Sect, and other rogue cultivator Dan Qiao are all eyeing Poison Dragon Valley.”
A sharp glint flashed in the eyes of the old woman in green robes. She wore multicolored floral clothes and held a bracelet of eighteen beads of various colors in her hand, then said, “We gathered here to band together against them. Rather than this, why not settle it once and for all.”
Meng Youyun was a ruthless person. She looked at the crowd present and said, “Wanmu City and Wuyi City have been fighting for a long time. How about giving them another push—attack those two outposts outside Wuyi City to draw their attention over.”
Black Armor man Zheng Zhongfei said coldly, “Make the play complete, launch another strong assault. Full-line attack on Wuyi City, just some True Intent Realm and Body Tempering Realm Martial Artists; drawing some attention is still doable.”
“But” Qing Yunke smiled, “Arranging in the Qianyun Mountain Range also needs some time, at most half a month. Once preparations are complete, we’ll set off.”
The crowd acquiesced; preparations on the mountain range side would be handled by the Qing Family.
The crowd dispersed, leaving only the Qing Family Three Brothers here.
Qing Yunqian and Qing Yunheng’s faces visibly darkened.
“First Cold Spring Peak, now this Wanmu City, both places of endless strife. The Three Flames Divine Palace people haven’t treated us as their own; over half of the Qing Family disciples have died or been injured. Big Brother, are we really going to…”
Qing Yunheng was still somewhat worried. At this moment, his aura was fully revealed: Third Heaven Great Accomplishment, several times stronger than when he was in the Beast King Sect.
The one who obtained the Myriad Laws Yuan Devouring Pill was Qing Yunke. The Myriad Laws Yuan Devouring Pill merges Divine Soul Golden Core, Qi and Blood Golden Core, and True Essence Golden Core into one Essence Devouring Golden Core—a process that is especially perilous, with no way of retreat.
One can only continuously devour Golden Cores, enduring the torment of Essence Devouring, until the Essence Devouring Golden Core nurtures a Dharma Aspect, becoming a Dharma Aspect True Person.
However, the three brothers had obtained a secret technique early on and raised a shared life gu. Though the main effect of the Essence Devouring Pill was on Qing Yunke, the Essence Devouring power could also be shared with Qing Yunheng and Qing Yunqian, which was why their cultivations had advanced by leaps and bounds.
Qing Yunke’s face was equally icy cold. “From Cold Spring Peak until now, we’ve only killed fewer than nine Dan Qiao. This bit of Golden Core is far from enough. While my cultivation hasn’t been exposed yet, better to strike while the iron is hot and gather them all together.”
“The Demonic Sect side…”
Qing Yunke wasn’t just targeting the Righteous Path. If he could stake the entire Qing Family, what was impossible about striking against fellow Demonic Sect members?
“As long as I break through to Dharma Aspect, if people die in the secret realm, what does it matter to me? Moreover…”
Qing Yunke revealed a cold laugh, changed the subject, and said to Qing Yunqian, “You go contact that person and lock down the secret realm node of Poison Dragon Valley.”
Qing Yunqian nodded in agreement. “Alright, I’ll go right now.”
——
Su Yan spent a full three days on Cold Shadow Peak refining the pills, then divided them all to Xiang Ge and Yuan Hong.
The two swallowed the pills. Xiang Ge directly sat cross-legged in front of Su Yan, circulating True Essence throughout his body, directing all the medicinal potency of the pill to his arm, bit by bit repairing the arm’s damage.
Even as a Dan Qiao Realm Martial Artist, such an injury was serious enough. If not handled properly, it could affect future cultivation.
Yuan Hong’s condition was slightly better. After taking the Seven Star Rejuvenation Pill, the wound slashed across his chest quickly healed, and the flesh and blood dried up from devouring visibly began to recover.
In one hour, Yuan Hong gradually recovered.
As for Xiang Ge, he was still continuously rebuilding the flesh, blood, and meridians of his arm; it would probably take a night’s time.
Dragon Qiushui came over twice during this, her expression carrying a bit of solemnity.
She had already sent people to scout news, but in a short time, they couldn’t figure out the Qing Family’s scheme.
A night passed, and Xiang Ge’s arm was restored as good as new.
Dragon Qiushui brought a transfer order and directly found the three.
“Order from Head Seat Du: Demonic Path people in Wanmu City have launched another offensive. The ones responsible for garrisoning over there, Junior Brother Hong Qingyue and them, are having some trouble holding on, summoning us to assist in garrisoning Wuyi City.”
The transfer order was from a Dharma Aspect True Person. Su Yan immediately frowned; Xiang Ge and Yuan Hong also exchanged a glance.
“Wuyi City and Wanmu City have always been fighting, with constant fierce battles, but evenly matched. Haven’t the Demonic Path’s reinforcements arrived at Wanmu City?”
Xiang Ge and Yuan Hong, in order to gather materials like those for refining Dragon Scale Body Strengthening Pill and the other three pills, had done quite a bit of ambushing Dan Qiao Realm Martial Artists on the front lines, so they had some knowledge of changes in various battlefields.
“Qing Yunheng has appeared on the battlefield. I suspect the Qing Family is the new reinforcements.”
A chill appeared on Dragon Qiushui’s face. The Qing Family had not only betrayed the Beast King Sect but also been the pusher behind the ambush on her line. This grudge she wouldn’t forget.
“Qing Family.” Xiang Ge sneered, “The end for dogs. The battlefield between Wuyi City and Wanmu City has never stopped. Dan Qiao Realm might die fewer, but True Intent Realm and Body Tempering Realm Martial Artists die there every day.”
If the Qing Family was providing support, then people from the family definitely couldn’t escape; once on the battlefield, there would be casualties.
“Settle new and old grudges together this time. When do we set off?”
Hatred was also in Yuan Hong’s eyes. This encounter with the ambush—he remembered Qing Yunqian’s sword.
“Not you two.”
Dragon Qiushui glanced at him. Xiang Ge and Yuan Hong immediately showed stunned expressions.
“Not us? What’s the situation?”
“Head Seat Du already knows you two were seriously injured. Although I’ve sent word via Cloud Piercing Sparrow about the healing, having just healed, he won’t let you go back to the battlefield. You two will garrison Cold Shadow Peak, while I step down.”
“No way, the old man is discriminating, right?”
Xiang Ge directly shouted. He still wanted personal revenge.
Dragon Qiushui just smiled slightly. “You’re not even Triple Heaven.”
Xiang Ge pointed at Su Yan. “Him?”
“His methods are better than Triple Heaven.”
Dragon Qiushui’s brows furrowed slightly, the expression fleeting. If it was combat, she actually didn’t want Su Yan going along.
The battle at Wuyi City was too chaotic. Both sides were no longer just fighting over resources, but over contribution value and capturing territory.
If it was just resource strife, aside from core resource points, other places would rarely have large-scale conflicts or Dan Qiao Realm attacks.
But on the Wuyi City battlefield, Dan Qiao Realm sneak attacks or sudden wipes of large groups of True Intent Martial Artists were commonplace.
The goal of all this was to advance the front lines and claim more merit.
Dragon Qiushui shook her head slightly, casting aside her thoughts. Du Rushan clearly knew Su Yan’s battle record. Though Su Yan didn’t have Triple Heaven cultivation, his skills meant even Triple Heaven Martial Artists couldn’t gain advantage over him.
Xiang Ge and Yuan Hong looked glum, sighed. “You two be careful, especially the Qing Family Three Brothers.”
Xiang Ge cautioned, “Qing Yunqian has a secret technique that corrodes flesh and blood and absorbs True Essence. We were careless and got our foundations injured by him. Since the Qing Family dared betray the Beast King Sect, they must have been promised something substantial by the other side—likely related to this secret technique, perhaps even the opportunity to break through to Dharma Aspect.”
Though it was just a brief clash, Xiang Ge had roughly deduced the Qing Family’s goal.
“Mm.” Dragon Qiushui nodded. “This time, the Qing Family doesn’t need to be left alive.”
Her eyes were calm, as if stating something insignificant.
Xiang Ge’s face twitched slightly. Triple Heaven Martial Artist impressive? Golden Core Seventh Rotation impressive?
The quality of Three Elixirs Golden Core Seventh Rotation could probably stand against some Starry Sky Martial Artists—that was Dragon Qiushui’s quality.
The four settled the matters, then one by one called over the Mountain Guard commanders and handed over all city defense matters clearly.
There was no shortage of these matters: city affairs, Mountain Guard military affairs. By the time handover was complete, half a day had passed.
After handover, Dragon Qiushui came alone to find Su Yan, then said, “Poison Dragon Valley is in the Qianyun Mountain Range near Wuyi City. In less than four months, it’ll be the three-year mark. When the secret realm opens then, we two can enter directly.”
“Will there be Dharma Aspect True Persons going this time?”
Poison Dragon Valley Secret Realm had restrictions set by Poison Dragon True Person, which ordinary Dharma Aspect True Persons found hard to break. Unless paying some price, it was hard to enter without damaging the secret realm.
Great Dharma Aspects weren’t much different from Poison Dragon True Person, so naturally they wouldn’t eye his inheritance.
One reason was no need, the other was it would be embarrassing.
In past years, Beast King Sect and Nine Peaks Sect had tacitly not sent Dharma Aspect True Persons to handle the opening.
At the same time, they wouldn’t prohibit rogue cultivators or other sect disciples from entering for experience and exploration.
But this time was different. Su Yan already knew Qianyun Mountain Range was near Wanmu City and Wuyi City, right in the chaotic battle zone.
After four months, if the Demonic Sects hadn’t fallen, the chaos in Poison Dragon Valley could be imagined.
Dragon Qiushui said, “Head Seat Du didn’t say, and Master hasn’t sent us word either. But with this contention, even Dharma Aspect Realm might not be free to act.”
Dan Qiao Realm, True Intent Realm, and Body Tempering Realm disciples constantly clashing in combat—this everyone knew.
But in fact, what decided the large battlefield’s direction were those Dharma Aspect Realm True Persons.
They had already clashed countless times in secret, mutually restraining each other; freeing up hands wasn’t that easy.
In fact, if Yao Lixuan could truly free up hands, Xiang Ge and the others probably wouldn’t have returned.
Su Yan frowned. Dharma Aspect True Persons uncertain; if Starry Sky Martial Artists acted, that would be trouble.
Even if not as tricky as Decaying Snake Ancestor, it wouldn’t be easy to handle.
He looked up and said, “I’m preparing to break through to Second Heaven Martial Artist, first achieve Golden Core Eight Revolutions, then in Poison Dragon Valley go for Nine Revolutions.”
