Chapter 131: Flame Armored Scorpion
Su Yan left Yun Cang Town and headed in an unmanned direction.
After traveling about ten miles, the surroundings were all weeds and shrubs, with low hills concealing his figure, not knowing which mountains or forests they were.
He released the Red Armored Mad Scorpion, which was about ten feet tall, and its faint red glow illuminated the surrounding wasteland grass.
At this time, the Red Armored Mad Scorpion’s aura was condensed, its carapace slightly glowing, which was a precursor to metamorphosis, with enough energy accumulated in its body.
Now it was just short of Crimson Flame Fine Gold.
Su Yan threw out the Crimson Flame Fine Gold. The Red Armored Mad Scorpion directly grabbed it with its claws, clamped it in its claws, and sent it toward its huge mouth.
After several chews, the metal and sharp teeth emitted a harsh friction sound.
The Red Armored Mad Scorpion completely devoured the Crimson Flame Fine Gold, then the Fierce Insect Cauldron vibrated slightly, with a large amount of energy overflowing, forming a huge cocoon that wrapped the Red Armored Mad Scorpion inside.
The Red Armored Mad Scorpion began to metamorphose, gradually becoming stronger under the influence of the energy from the Fierce Insect Cauldron and the molting material.
Su Yan patiently waited, sensing the pulsations within the cocoon.
This wait lasted a full two hours.
When the cocoon developed cracks, a sharp claw broke out from inside.
Purple-red demonic fire rose, and with a whoosh, it ignited the surrounding weeds and shrubs, with raging flames spreading.
A huge scorpion monster about ten feet tall and with a body length of fifteen or sixteen feet crawled out from the cocoon. Its purple-black carapace exuded cold majesty, and its sharp claws were like two scissors that could cut flesh and blood skeletons.
Eight legs like spears, two claws like shears, ferocious head horns, and behind it a highly toxic tail hook like a chain knife.
【Red Armored Mad Scorpion devours molting material Crimson Flame Fine Gold, Essence Flame Armored Beast, small Fine Iron Ore mine vein and metamorphoses into Flame Armored Scorpion】
【Flame Armored Scorpion 0/100（Nascent Stage）】
The Flame Armored Scorpion opened its ferocious mouthparts and swallowed the entire cocoon in one gulp, its aura strengthening further. Then it inhaled, sucking all the surrounding flames into its abdomen.
Only a thin layer of flame clung to its pitch-black carapace, purple-red in color, faintly visible, extremely demonic.
Su Yan’s eyes lit up, revealing a joyful expression.
“The Flame Armored Scorpion’s body is like finely forged steel and can control demonic fire. This ability is probably even stronger than the Six-Winged Blood Centipede by a few points.”
Before this thought had passed, he already felt the abundant Insect Yuan coming from the Flame Armored Scorpion.
A strand of Insect Yuan was drawn out, thick and powerful, integrating into his body, and at this moment, the Insect Bone Armor Body also strengthened a bit.
【Second-order Insect Master 455/1000】
【Trait Insect Bone Armor Body】
【Insect Realm 100 cubic meters】
【True Intent Realm Mind Ape 14/100（Beginner）】
【Poison Dragon Golden Body Technique 315/400(Great Accomplishment）】
【Blood Qi Arrow Technique 311/400(Great Accomplishment）】
【Eighteen Styles of Blood Tiger 30/100（Beginner）】
……
【Six-Winged Blood Centipede 27/100(Nascent Stage）】
【Flame Armored Scorpion 1/100(Nascent Stage）】
【Blood Fiend Mother Worm 14/200（Growth Stage)】
【Gold-Eating Demon Insect 12/200（Growth Stage）】
Mountain Hunting, Herbology, Basic Alchemy, Golden Ape True Skill, Jade Body Skill, Fist Techniques, Falling Peak Saber Technique…… These previously learned skills had all reached the Transformation Realm.
“After True Intent Realm, the True Essence generated by operating the Golden Ape True Skill can no longer keep up with the body’s demands.”
Great Accomplishment represents the normal level of a cultivation manual or martial skill. Transformation Realm is somewhat higher, but only slightly above the limit.
After Su Yan cultivated many skills to Transformation Realm, they indeed brought enhancements, but these enhancements would gradually fall behind as his strength grew.
“Before entering Beast King Sect, I need to cultivate the Poison Dragon Golden Body Technique to Transformation Realm, maximizing efficiency, and then find new cultivation manuals after joining.”
“Eighteen Styles of Blood Tiger is pretty good, at least it’s a second-order mid-grade martial skill. Although it’s a technique, it condenses Tiger Momentum and can also drive True Essence circulation…”
Su Yan showed a thoughtful expression, mentally simulating the bold and sweeping spear techniques of the Eighteen Styles of Blood Tiger.
Spear techniques emphasize footwork, power rising from the waist, spine like a dragon, arms working in coordination, and the spear in hand as an extension of the arms. This essence shares similarities with fist techniques.
“No wonder people say fist techniques and spear techniques complement each other. This just fills the gap in my arsenal. It’s just missing a sharp weapon-grade spear…”
Su Yan specializes in fist techniques, which are sufficient to sweep through the geniuses of Yun Cang Town, but it can’t hide the shortcomings of fists.
If he had a spear, he could have swept through the Pan Family Restaurant even faster.
Rustle rustle rustle
The Flame Armored Scorpion moved, piercing a nearby gray rabbit in the shrubbery with its tail hook.
Su Yan glanced up, his thoughts settled: “Poison Dragon Golden Body Technique, second-order spear, Beast King Sect’s seal technique, and the True Intent Pill for White Ape True Intent…”
——
“Big Brother, the attendants at Pan Family Restaurant have confirmed it. That kid from Golden Ape Martial Arts School not only took out several pills but also single-handedly swept through Lin Junhao and several other Spirit Nurturing Perfection martial artists.”
In the main hall of Little Mountain Association, icy cold, Liang Ying sat cross-legged on the central black essence wood dragon-patterned seat, his eyes downcast.
The armchairs on left and right were occupied by three people: Xiao Feng, Lin Tianlang, and Xu Sanhu.
Above the three, on the left side of the head armchair, there was unexpectedly a short and fat old man in his sixties.
The old man wore a white cloud-patterned long robe, nestled in the armchair, eyes slightly closed, quietly listening.
Xu Sanhu looked at the head seat Liang Ying and continued: “I’m afraid this kid can’t be explained just by good bone structure.”
“You mean it’s confirmed on him?”
Liang Ying slightly raised his eyes, his pitch-black pupils like those of a hawk.
“What’s the situation with Grindstone Stockade?”
“Haven’t seen Feng Ruohan in person yet, but the Jiao Yang Sou brothers have split one person to clash with Tianhe Gang, and the water route is open.”
“Haven’t seen the person…”
Liang Ying was still pondering. Feng Ruohan remained mysterious, with rumors that this guy could control insects and wield terrifying poison techniques.
“Feng Ruohan tames beasts and uses poison. The inheritance on him and Pang Tianfeng is too similar. What do you think, Elder Qiao?”
Liang Ying threw the question to the old man beside him, his gaze intense with inquiry.
The old man slightly opened his eyes, looked at Liang Ying, and a hoarse voice came.
“Similar?”
Qiao Zhixing showed a cold smile and said: “Although Poison Dragon Golden Body Technique is just a foundational cultivation manual created by Poison Dragon Tuo, it emphasizes the golden body, not the poisonous mist.”
“Gang Leader Liang, since you want clues from me, why beat around the bush?”
“Elder Qiao is joking. I’m from a wild background and know little about major sects. Please don’t mind.”
Liang Ying softened, his tone easing a bit.
Seeing this, Qiao Zhixing didn’t play coy and just said faintly: “The poisonous mist tide in Poison Dragon Valley in the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains occurs once every few years. The last opening saw disciples from Nine Peaks Sect, Beast King Sect, and Departing Fire Sect all sending people. What do you think it was for?”
“There was no Poison Dragon Valley a millennium ago. Poison Dragon True Person, to break through, hid his identity and joined Nine Peaks Sect, seizing the Heavenly Poison Golden Body Method and refining poison with pills. Combining it with Beast King Sect’s cultivation manuals, he created his own Poison Dragon Profound Skill. With nine poison dragons as mounts, he condensed his true body and became a Dharma Aspect Realm True Person.”
Liang Ying and the others listened intently. Although they had heard about the Poison Dragon Golden Body Technique from Qiao Zhixing before, they hadn’t known such details.
Perhaps seeing they had touched some clues, Qiao Zhixing threw out more information to make them more motivated.
He slowly said: “Poison Dragon Valley was formed because of him, and his entire inheritance is inside. With the Poison Dragon Golden Body Technique, entering the valley to seek treasure gives much more confidence.”
Unable to hold back, Xu Sanhu asked: “Stealing cultivation manuals from two major sects, how could he still safely leave an inheritance? Is Elder Qiao deceiving us?”
“Deceiving you?”
Qiao Zhixing snorted coldly, his breathing heavy: “Although I’m just an outer disciple of Nine Peaks Sect, in Yun Cang Town, or even Bailu County, I’m a somebody. Do I need to deceive you?”
“Pang Tianfeng entered the mountain valley and surely obtained treasure. Given the medicinal herbs he robbed and bought along the way, he must have Primordial Snake Poison Stem, so it can only be Poison Dragon Golden Body Technique. However, I suspect he has something else. As for what exactly, it depends on your own efforts.”
Qiao Zhixing said emphatically: “I’ve given you the news. For this matter, I want four shares of profit, as agreed.”
Lin Tianlang wanted to speak, but Liang Ying on the seat spoke first.
“Elder Qiao, rest assured. Even if we don’t find Pang Tianfeng’s treasure, with Elder Qiao’s pill refining skills, you will surely be a distinguished guest of Little Mountain Association.”
Qiao Zhixing is Little Mountain Association’s chief Pill Master. He was invited initially because of his pill refining skills.
Liang Ying wanted to use this as an opportunity to completely seize Hundred Herbs Hall’s power.
The current plan was seventy to eighty percent complete and had been going smoothly.
In the market for operating herbs and pills, Little Mountain Association and Lin Family dominate the market share of Hundred Herbs Hall.
What he hadn’t expected was that this Qiao Zhixing was not only a disciple of Nine Peaks Sect but an outer disciple who had retired, with deep ties to Nine Peaks Sect.
Qiao Zhixing gave Liang Ying a deep look, then said: “Then it’s settled. If we seize the Poison Dragon Golden Body Technique and the treasure on Pang Tianfeng, even if you can’t keep it yourself, Nine Peaks Sect won’t stint on rewards.”
Qiao Zhixing had been encouraging Liang Ying to turn toward Nine Peaks Sect.
He wasn’t asking Liang Ying to openly defect, which wasn’t realistic.
Beast King Sect has countless True Intent Realm experts, not to mention single-mountain Dan Qiao True Persons, and even lineage head seats like Dharma Aspect True Persons.
Liang Ying didn’t have the ability to rebel.
It was just subtle influence, gradually tilting toward Nine Peaks Sect.
Planting a nail would make recruiting disciples and collecting resources more convenient in the future.
What he was doing was similar to what Beast King Sect did.
Liang Ying didn’t answer, just said faintly: “Let’s seize it first and talk.”
“Xu Sanhu, Lin Tianlang, you two keep a close eye on that Su Yan. Find an opportunity to contact Long Qidao. The old thing’s hair turned white overnight; Wolf Smoke Seven Knives probably wants blood.”
Long Qidao’s younger brother, son, and disciples were all wiped out.
Although all said to be mountain bandits’ doing, with Golden Ape Martial Arts School acting like that, anyone with eyes could see.
It was probably Golden Ape Martial Arts School that did it, killing everyone.
Liang Ying thought to himself: “If it was really that Su Yan who started it, he’s truly a ruthless kid. Need to be a bit more vigilant.”
“Xiao Feng, keep an eye on Bai Changlin when you have time.”
“Understood.”
The group nodded in agreement. Liang Ying slowly said: “With Beast King Sect people here these days, pause all actions to avoid implicating us.”
“What about Yanzi Mountain?”
Lin Tianlang showed hesitation. Beast King Sect’s disciple recruitment assessment was at Yanzi Mountain, a great opportunity.
If they didn’t move at all, wouldn’t it be wasted?
Liang Ying knew Lin Tianlang’s thoughts, glanced at the group, and said faintly: “If disciples under you can, go challenge it, but don’t cause trouble. Once Xiang Ge and they leave, there will be plenty of time to deal with Su Yan.”
“Yes.”
——
Yun Cang Town bustled with people coming and going; ordinary folks saw the Pan Family Restaurant incident as martial world gossip.
But it didn’t greatly affect their lives.
Street vendors selling goods, as prosperous as ever.
Su Yan returned to town without drawing much attention.
“Back so soon? Didn’t find the herbs?”
Bai Yun looked at Su Yan in surprise. She had thought he would show up pressing the Yanzi Mountain appointment time, but this time her junior brother didn’t get lost in the mountains.
“Found them, but short some medicinal herbs that can be bought in town, so I came back first.”
Su Yan placed a yellow paper listing medicinal herb names on the table, didn’t take out banknotes, and directly said: “Total of eighteen medicinal herbs still needed. If Senior Sister can buy them all, Junior Brother will share some benefits with you.”
He spoke with a smile. Bai Yun glanced at him, paused slightly: “Good.”
Su Yan never lacked money, and Bai Yun knew this.
Since these medicinal herbs could be bought in town and her junior brother wasn’t short of money, he could get them himself.
The reason for going through her was that Su Yan wanted to give her something.
She wasn’t pretentious. Currently, she was at best on the same level as Lin Junhao and others.
But going further, leaving Yun Cang Town, through dozens or hundreds of county towns, to larger county cities, when so-called geniuses gathered at Beast King Sect, would she still have this advantage?
So-called geniuses sometimes just crossed certain thresholds to see things or people.
Bai Yun understood this deeply, so she knew what to do.
“Senior Sister, one thing: if commissioning Tian Feng Weapon Shop to forge a weapon, how long does it take?”
“Do you want to forge gloves or a spear?”
Su Yan’s gloves were just first-order superior Black Scale Gloves, one of Tian Feng Weapon Shop’s standard weapons. Though relatively scarce, they weren’t bad.
But compared to custom sharp weapon-grade ones, they fell short.
A spear was essential for Eighteen Styles of Blood Tiger. Like her, Su Yan came from fist techniques and needed a spear to fill the gap, so he needed a weapon no weaker than Lin Junhao’s Cold Iron Spear.
“Forging a spear. Eighteen Styles of Blood Tiger shares common ground with our fist techniques. One more skill is a good thing.”
“Custom second-order weapons in our Yun Cang Town can only be forged by Master Ge Ming. Usually, you need to prepare sufficient second-order materials and payment, then schedule with Tian Feng Weapon Shop.”
“Master Ge Ming never lacks custom orders; he doesn’t accept every one. For others, probably no chance before year’s end.”
Bai Yun paused here: “But you might have a chance.”
Su Yan grinned and said faintly: “I thought so. After all, three Rejuvenation Pills couldn’t even immediately heal Senior Brother, let alone the rumor that Tian Feng Weapon Shop’s Second Shopkeeper Pang Jian was seriously injured a few days ago.”
Killing three birds with one stone—he released only three Rejuvenation Pills at the trade fair instead of a bottle for this reason.
Three Rejuvenation Pills should heal Pang Jian by a small half.
But to avoid major aftereffects and long recovery, continued treatment was needed.
Pang Jian was injured by him, and he knew the ins and outs clearly.
