Chapter 111: Cave Abyss Alligator Dragon
As Wei Qingfeng fell to the ground, Hong Yuan strode forward without looking back.
He didn’t kill Wei Qingfeng, but that finger, imbued with the strange power of the Seed Jade Skill, was enough to keep the latter in bed for a month or two.
After all, Song Yinglong’s ambition was too low; the goods traded were only worth that much.
Hmm, the Turtle Breath False Death Force and the Cave-Penetrating Eyes combined are worth half a month, and the remaining month and a half were gifted by him as Song Yinglong’s good elder brother.
It was also a way to honor their brotherhood.
Although Wei Qingfeng was severely injured by Hong Yuan in one encounter, appearing no different from a minor henchman casually dealt with.
In reality, his martial arts were extremely profound. Even when facing Song Yinglong, the outcome of a fight would have to be determined first.
Song Yinglong, as a Gang Body master, had a powerful physique and tough muscles and bones, giving him a significant advantage over Wei Qingfeng in group combat. However, in a one-on-one fight, the Seed Jade Skill actually had some restraint over Song Yinglong.
The reason Wei Qingfeng was defeated in one move was purely because Hong Yuan’s martial arts were more than one level superior to his, and he had risen through countless battles, specializing in the art of combat.
Let alone a martial artist like Wei Qingfeng, who was significantly inferior to him, it wouldn’t be strange even to encounter an opponent of the same level and see life and death in one encounter.
“Sect Leader!”
Seeing this scene, a group of Zhongyu Sect disciples who had caught up were both shocked and furious.
Some were greatly terrified and trembling, while a few, in their extreme anger, disregarded other considerations and drew their swords as they urged their horses forward.
The first two, one on the left and one on the right, dashed forward, slashing downwards with their swords. The sword edges tore through the air with a ‘swish’ sound, clearly indicating they were also Entering Force martial artists.
Hong Yuan didn’t even lift his eyelids. His wide sleeve robes swept out like flowing clouds. The long swords, clearly striking from both sides, were instantly wrapped by his sleeve robes and shattered!
A hundred fragments scattered, and the two disciples on horseback let out muffled groans and immediately fell.
Hong Yuan leisurely sat on one of the horses, gently patted its back, and turned its head, riding through the Zhongyu Sect disciples.
Dozens of disciples snapped back from their anger. It was as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over them, leaving them chilled to the bone. They stood dumbfounded, not daring to obstruct him.
Hong Yuan wasn’t in a hurry to return to Linjiang Prefecture.
Since he was in Xingqing Prefecture, he wanted to stroll around and see the local customs and traditions.
Moreover, from the words of Qi Changkong and others, Hong Yuan had learned of several forces that inherited microscopic level Force Techniques.
Even though he had already obtained two True Skills, Hong Yuan had not given up on collecting microscopic level Force Techniques.
In the eyes of the masters of this world, True Skills were as profound as immortal arts, far superior to Force Techniques.
But in Hong Yuan’s eyes, there was little difference between the two.
True Skills enhanced the “quality” of Force, while Force Techniques were about skill. The more he acquired, the more unpredictable the changes in his “Six Void Force” would become.
“However, I didn’t expect True Skills to also promote root bone…”
With a thought from Hong Yuan, rows of black characters floated before his eyes.
Blessed Land Dao Master – Stage Six Ascendant: Hong Yuan
Root Bone: 8/100
Comprehension: 9/100
Talent: Qi Flows Through the Hundred Skeletons, Clear Eyes and Penetrating the Obscure
Martial Arts: Six Void Force
The personal information table was as usual, with no changes.
However, Hong Yuan had a detailed and microscopic perception of his own body and could clearly feel that his root bone had indeed improved slightly with the achievement of the Seed Jade Skill.
“The Seed Jade Skill refines Force into the ‘liver’ and ‘blood’. In this process, perhaps not only was Force tempered into a strange force, but the liver and blood were also strengthened.”
“Hmm, next, I’ll practice the ‘Soul Chime Skill’ to verify it.”
Hong Yuan’s thoughts churned as he slowly rode his horse. Not being in a hurry to travel, he practiced, traveled, and enjoyed himself along the way, living a life of carefree pleasure.
The story divides here.
North of Xingqing Prefecture, at the foot of vast mountains, a small tributary of the Jade Belt River meandered.
Along the riverside, a village of several hundred people was gathered, half of whom were fishermen. Although they were usually oppressed by tax collectors and influential families, they could still make a living.
However, a few days ago, a group of fierce-looking individuals descended and completely shattered the village’s peace.
This group consisted of about seventy to eighty people, led by a middle-aged man in brocade clothes. The others were dressed as guards, wearing leather armor, fully armed, and all were robust and capable.
Upon entering the village, the man in brocade clothes immediately ordered the village’s strong men to search everywhere for something, especially caves, underground chambers, and ponds, forcing them to enter.
People had accidents and died on the spot every day. The villagers were trembling, but under the coercion of steel sabers, they dared not resist.
At the entrance of the village, on a flat area of land, a large tent was erected.
The tent was warm as spring, and the stove fire radiated heat.
A middle-aged man with a fair complexion and well-maintained appearance leaned comfortably in a chair covered with fur, poured himself a cup of freshly warmed wine, and took a sip with relish.
Immediately, he frowned and spat out the wine, taking a white handkerchief to wipe his mouth.
“What a lousy wine…”
The middle-aged man cursed and shifted his gaze to a low table beside him.
On it was a cage, covered with a black cloth. With the sides covered, only the occasional ‘buzzing’ sound from within could be heard.
Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed from outside the tent, and a guard leader in special leather armor strode in. Without pausing to salute, his face was filled with joy: “Steward, we found it!”
“What?”
The middle-aged man leaped from his grand chair, grabbed the guard leader’s arm, and exclaimed with surprise and joy: “Are you serious?”
“How would your subordinate dare to deceive the steward? Please look!” As he spoke, the guard leader carefully took out an item from his embrace and presented it to the middle-aged man.
The middle-aged man peered intently and saw a piece of scale armor, a stone-gray color, and about the size of a child’s palm.
He took it in his hand, his joy deepening. He laughed heartily: “Good, it was worth waiting all this time, Xie Kun. Where was it found? Let’s go!”
This middle-aged man named ‘Xie Kun’ was an influential steward of the Jiangling Xie Family, deeply trusted by Xie Lingjun, the most renowned genius of the younger generation of the Xie family, known as the “Xie Family Treasure Tree.”
The reason he was not enjoying himself in the prefectural city but had instead come to this “poor backwater” was to accomplish an important task for Xie Lingjun.
With a smile still on his face, Xie Kun grabbed the black cage and strode out of the tent.
Whoosh!
Immediately, over twenty guards fully armed with sabers and spears gathered. Led by the guard leader, they moved swiftly in the direction of the mountains.
“Hmm? People from the Jiangling Xie Family, how did they get here?”
Xie Kun and his group hurried along, unaware that hidden in the weeds not far from the tent were two figures, their eyes fixed on their retreating backs.
These two figures, one with a broad face and a beard, with a bronze complexion, and the other stout and smiling, were Yang Erhu and Yang Jinbao.
After bidding farewell to Hong Yuan that day, the two had entered Xingqing Prefecture.
Initially, they were somewhat worried about Hong Yuan, but as news after news arrived, they were completely numbed.
News of him single-handedly killing dozens of interceptors with one spear, the battle at Twin Dragon Gorge, killing two microscopic level grandmasters, Lei Meng and Han Ding Tian, in one battle, and suppressing the Grain Transport Gang.
Then came him single-handedly storming the prefectural city, defeating two thousand soldiers, and dividing Linjiang Prefecture with Song Yinglong of Crouching Tiger Manor.
From “Unparalleled, Startled Swan Spear” to Divine Prison Spear Master and Zhenhai Dragon King.
They were numb!
Yang Erhu and Yang Jinbao felt like they were listening to a celestial tale or a storybook. Was this still the Hong Yuan kid they knew?
Even Yang Erhu, who had witnessed Hong Yuan in action at the Moon Embracing Garden, found it incredible.
While marveling, the two did not consider returning to Linjiang Prefecture to seek refuge under Hong Yuan’s command. It wasn’t a matter of losing face to their elder.
Alright, Yang Jinbao didn’t care, but Yang Erhu had some pride to maintain.
The main reason was that revisiting old places had reminded the two of their prime youth, and they had a renewed desire to travel.
Therefore, during this period, they traveled all over Linjiang Prefecture. Even Yang Jinbao’s round figure had slimmed down a bit. Although he still looked very large, if he took off his clothes, he was all bulging muscles underneath.
Unexpectedly, while wandering here today, they encountered such a group of robust guards. The two hid in the shadows and gradually discerned their identity from the guards’ attire, badges, weapon styles, and conversations.
The Jiangling Xie Family!
One of the world-renowned Eight Great Clans, a top-tier clan in this era.
Such a force appearing in a small mountain village immediately piqued their interest.
“Hey! Er Gouzi, want to see what the Xie family is up to?” Yang Jinbao whispered, chuckling sinisterly.
Yang Erhu did not speak. He took out a piece of black cloth from his embrace and tore it in half with a ‘shrieking’ sound.
He tossed one half to Yang Jinbao and quickly covered his face with the other, tying it tightly.
Yang Erhu’s actions clearly indicated his stance.
If it were in the past, Yang Erhu might have had some reservations, fearing that if he and his companions died, the Tiger Subduing Sect would truly lose its legacy.
Now…
He was already a daring individual. What was the Jiangling Xie Family to him? He was just going to check it out, not planning to fight.
Moreover, even if they had to fight, Yang Erhu might not fear them.
With a thought, Yang Erhu touched his wrist, and a white silken snake slithered out, flicking its tongue with a ‘hissing’ sound and gently touching his palm, appearing somewhat affectionate.
His disciple was too outstanding, so outstanding that Yang Erhu felt he had lived a lifetime in vain. However, his qi and blood had declined, and further progress in martial arts was extremely difficult. He ultimately couldn’t resist and practiced the strange technique on the “Various Miscellany of the Baihai” island.
“Grass on Wings”!
The brothers quickly covered their faces and then merged into the grass and trees, their movements as light and agile as snakes. Their bodies brushed against branches and leaves, yet they made very little sound.
After a while, they quietly caught up with Xie Kun and his party.
The group proceeded into the mountains. After traveling about ten li, in a mountain hollow, a waterfall cascaded down from a cliff dozens of zhang high, crashing into the ground with a rumbling sound and flowing into a deep pool ahead.
Yang Erhu and Yang Jinbao observed from the shadows. They saw dozens of guards in leather armor surrounding the pool, all with solemn expressions.
In addition to these guards, there were also dozens of villagers with dark skin, all appearing uneasy and frightened.
“Is this the place?”
Xie Kun, carrying the black cage, stepped forward, his gaze fixed on the pool. After observing for a moment, he suddenly removed the black cloth covering it, revealing a specially made copper cage.
Buzz buzz!
Inside the cage were over a dozen insects resembling crickets, entirely dark gold in color, and the size of walnuts.
As they approached the pool, the creatures in the cage became agitated, flapping their wings and darting around the cage, emitting sounds like bells, as if sensing a terrible threat.
Seeing this, Xie Kun’s smile grew even wider.
“The ‘Golden Bell Insects’ are reacting. That beast is indeed here. Get ready!”
The guard leader couldn’t help but ask: “Steward, the Cave Abyss Alligator Dragon is huge. Will it really like these small insects?”
Perhaps in a good mood, Xie Kun didn’t get angry. Instead, he replied: “What do you know? Although these Golden Bell Insects are small, to the Cave Abyss Alligator Dragon, they are supreme delicacies, as irresistible as Xiaohaitang from the ‘Yingchun Pavilion’ to you. Do you understand?”
He smiled: “It is also fitting that our Xie family’s auspicious fortune is prosperous. Hmph! These people in the poor mountain village don’t know their worth. They caught ‘Golden Bell Insects’ and sold them at the market, and my Xie family’s people happened to see it… Where there are Golden Bell Insects, although there isn’t necessarily a Cave Abyss Alligator Dragon, the chance is still greater.”
As he spoke, Xie Kun placed the copper cage on a conspicuous large rock by the edge of the pool, about seven or eight zhang away from the water.
He then quickly retreated and ordered the guard leader: “Everyone get ready. Is the net trap arranged?”
The guard leader nodded: “Sir, rest assured, everything is in order. Besides the net trap, the ‘Soul Calming Incense’ is also ready.”
Xie Kun waved his hand: “Good. Use the Soul Calming Incense to weaken the alligator dragon’s ferocity, and then use the net trap to contain it. Capturing it alive is best, but if not, we must subdue and kill it.”
“But be careful not to damage the alligator dragon’s vocal sac. That is considered one of the most important materials on the alligator dragon.”
“Yes!”
With all arrangements made, the Xie family guards immediately sprang into action.
The calls of the Golden Bell Insects grew increasingly sharp and piercing, overpowering even the roar of the waterfall.
Time passed slowly, but Xie Kun and his group were very patient. Suddenly, a surge of water erupted from the deep pool, and a ferocious head covered in rock-gray scales emerged from the water.
A pair of chilling vertical pupils locked onto the copper cage on the bank. Then, with a roar, as if encountering a female demon from Elder Tang’s tales, it suddenly flipped out of the water and lunged towards the bank.
Only upon emerging from the water could one see that this monster was about two zhang long, resembling a lizard or a giant crocodile. Its head was broad, its mouth gaped astonishingly, and the most conspicuous feature was a large, bright yellow vocal sac on its throat.
Despite its immense size, its speed was astonishing. It seemed to have flashed to the side of the large rock in an instant, followed by a cold shout.
“Attack!”
With Xie Kun’s command, instantly, over a dozen flaming arrows whizzed towards the monster, followed by dozens of steel cables shot out from all directions, weaving into a net glinting with cold light, which suddenly enveloped the monster.
Roar!
The arrows struck the monster’s scales, immediately sparking flames, but one or two pierced the gaps between the scales, causing it to let out an enraged roar. Then, the vocal sac on the monster’s throat vibrated, and a deep sound reverberated.
With a ‘boom’ like muffled thunder, the villagers’ heads felt heavy and they staggered, but the Xie family members were all elites. Although they frowned and felt discomfort, they still endured.
They leaped up and tightened the net woven from steel cables. Strong men exerted their strength, firmly holding the monster within the net. Although it struggled frantically, its tail smashing the rocks on the shore to pieces, it could not escape.
“Good!”
Xie Kun’s face lit up with joy. He could see that the Cave Abyss Alligator Dragon could not escape, and then his gaze shifted to the dozens of villagers nearby.
“This alligator dragon is related to Young Master Lingjun’s cultivation. Although my Jiangling Xie Family doesn’t mind trouble, it’s better not to expose ourselves if we can avoid it.”
He nodded to the dozen archers who had not joined the encirclement of the alligator dragon and made a gesture towards the villagers.
