Chapter 172 : Fire-devouring Demon Spirit

Chapter 172: Fire-devouring Demon Spirit

Yunwu Mountain Range.

Under the bright moonlight, within a forest.

Among the three, Old Hu sat alone at a distance, while Lin Chang’an wore a peculiar expression. At the same time, Yun Yao coldly examined the loot from the slain cultivator.

The cultivator they had killed earlier was actually one of the Ten Foundation Establishment Cultivators of the Western District’s marketplace back then.

“Old Lin, I already told you before that I discovered this man’s tracks. Who would’ve thought that secretly following him would actually lead me to bump into you? You really tricked me, Old Hu, making me suffer so bitterly, saying you were in seclusion cultivating…”

So in the end, it was still the Black Market from back then that had stirred all this.

Especially since Old Hu had indeed come to look for him earlier, Lin Chang’an now felt somewhat embarrassed—it really did seem to be the case.

He had been entirely focused on the secret realm and naturally hadn’t thought about extraneous matters.

If he had paid more attention back then, perhaps he would have long discovered the other party’s purpose.

And Old Hu had acted with the intent to cut the weeds and eliminate the roots.

If it had been Lin Chang’an in the same position, without the secret realm in mind, he likely would have made the same choice after discovering the truth.

“So you’re saying, Old Hu, you discovered this man sneakily appearing in Tianxuan City, then chased and killed him all the way… You’re not from the Divine Sword Sect?”

“How could that be? This Talisman Treasure was handed down from my Old Hu family’s ancestors. I already told you before, my ancestor almost became a Nascent Soul cultivator.”

Old Hu glared with wide eyes—was Lin Chang’an actually suspecting him of being from the Divine Sword Sect?

Lin Chang’an fell silent. He used to think Old Hu was bragging, but he hadn’t expected it to be true.

That his ancestor nearly became a Nascent Soul cultivator seemed unlikely, but the Talisman Treasure was real. It was possible his ancestor had indeed been a Golden Core cultivator.

“And Old Lin, you’re really not from the Lihuo Palace? This Talisman Treasure was bought from the Many Treasures Pavilion?”

Did Many Treasures Pavilion really sell Talisman Treasures? Old Hu looked doubtful.

“Naturally. With my connections in Tianxuan City, buying one or two Talisman Treasures isn’t that difficult, is it?”

Lin Chang’an’s expression was calm. Whether the other party believed him or not, at least he himself believed his own words.

Only Yun Yao remained silent. She had always thought her own heritage and background were the deepest and her strength the strongest, yet both of them possessed Talisman Treasures.

After exchanging intelligence, they all couldn’t help but glance at each other.

“Then Old Hu, why was it that during the battle earlier, I sensed your mana fluctuations were completely different?”

This was also Lin Chang’an’s doubt. His usually sharp senses had failed against Old Hu this time.

“This is a treasure passed down from my Hu family ancestors. It can conceal one’s own mana fluctuations, making the false appear true.”

After saying this, Old Hu also looked at Lin Chang’an strangely, as if to say—aren’t you the same?

Lin Chang’an secretly nodded. As expected, the cultivation world had countless secret techniques.

“I am not the same as you, Old Hu. Mine are only some crude concealment methods. It’s just that comparatively, wood-element cultivation methods naturally have an added concealment effect.”

Lin Chang’an remained calm, not mentioning the special effects of the Bloodthirsty Poison Vine, and instead attributed it to his cultivation method.

And since Old Hu didn’t have sharp perception, he didn’t suspect further.

But neither of them had expected that one day, they might almost end up fighting each other because of these concealments.

“Old Lin, since the misunderstanding is cleared up, why don’t we return to Tianxuan City and talk more there?”

Old Hu’s face wore a hearty smile, though if not for the Talisman Treasure hidden at his fingertips, it would have been more convincing.

Lin Chang’an was no different. Having seen too much deception in the cultivation world, all three remained wary in secret.

Although they had good relations, in the face of such a great opportunity, if they had let down their guard so easily, they would have died many times already.

At the same time, Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao continued transmitting messages secretly.

“Daoist Yun, Old Hu’s discovery may have been by chance, but before this, I noticed traces of other cultivators here. I fear this place has already been exposed.”

Lin Chang’an frowned inwardly. The bad news was that the cave abode ruins had been exposed.

The good news, however, was that the other side had not yet investigated. The ruins were still intact.

Combined with Old Hu’s information about chasing down this person, the other side was most likely cultivators from Shayun Kingdom.

As for their strength or numbers, that remained unknown.

…

While Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao secretly exchanged messages, Old Hu’s eyes also flickered as he weighed the gains and losses.

Although they were longtime friends, in front of such an opportunity, they still guarded against one another.

That alone showed how rare such a chance was.

“Though my Old Hu family has ancestral heritage, when it comes to striving for Core Formation, I don’t have much confidence. But this opportunity cannot be missed.”

Turning over countless thoughts, Old Hu finally lifted his head, glanced once at Lin Chang’an, and then revealed a hearty smile.

“Old Lin, we are both nearly hundred-year-old Foundation Establishment cultivators now. Let’s not speak in riddles—this opportunity has clearly been discovered by others as well.

Even if you and Daoist Yun join forces, you may not be certain of success. Why not add me in?”

“You!?”

Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao looked at each other, brows furrowing tightly.

Leaving aside their relationship, even if they wanted to get rid of Old Hu, they couldn’t be sure. He possessed a Talisman Treasure.

Especially Lin Chang’an—his own Talisman Treasure only had one use left.

As for how many times Old Hu’s could still be used—who knew?

Old Hu also understood that if he forced his way in, it would create discord.

In such a dangerous secret realm, that could easily lead to disaster.

After all, he was just one person. Old Lin was manageable, but this Daoist Yun was clearly from a demonic sect. If Old Lin couldn’t resist her whispers, the two of them might scheme against him together…

At that thought, Old Hu clenched his teeth. Opportunities were rare—one couldn’t catch a wolf without sacrificing a child.

“Brother Lin, Daoist Yun, I won’t take advantage for free. What about my Hu family’s Core Formation Insight, handed down from our Golden Core ancestor?”

Old Hu knew well that cooperation needed a foundation. His sudden intrusion would naturally cause resentment. If he left outright—

Not only would he feel unwilling, Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao also wouldn’t feel at ease letting him leave.

It was better to be open and show sincerity.

“Core Formation Insight?”

Hearing this, Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao began exchanging messages secretly.

For rogue cultivators, Core Formation Insight was indeed extremely precious.

“Old Hu, do you really think we don’t have our own Core Formation Insights?”

Lin Chang’an’s tone was calm. A single Insight was clearly not enough.

“Old Lin, your secret realm is still floating in the sky—who knows if there’s anything good inside?”

Though he grumbled helplessly, Old Hu still revealed one of his trump cards.

In truth, he was also testing Lin Chang’an and this Daoist Yun, to see if they had already decided to target him.

If they agreed with just Core Formation Insight, Old Hu would instead look for a chance to flee. If they continued bargaining, then at least there was genuine intent for cooperation.

“Brother Lin, Daoist Yun, we are all striving for Core Formation. If I were to add a secret method that increases the chances of Core Formation—what then?”

A secret method to aid Core Formation!

Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao’s expressions tightened. If Old Hu had said this earlier, they wouldn’t have believed him.

But now, with the Talisman Treasure and Core Formation Insight—

Everything confirmed Old Hu’s ancestral heritage.

“This secret method was passed down from my ancestor. It compresses mana, bypasses the bottleneck of Core Formation, and increases the success rate.”

Old Hu’s hoarse voice recited the opening content of the secret method right before them.

Having cultivated for nearly a hundred years, both were naturally able to discern its authenticity.

Their expressions changed at once.

“Daoist Hu, it seems you intend to rely on this secret method to enter the cave abode ruins.”

Among the three, Yun Yao had the highest cultivation, so she naturally desired the method most.

Seeing their softened attitudes, Old Hu secretly breathed a sigh of relief. The secret method was just words—it was not that easy to cultivate.

But once the cave abode ruins were missed, such a chance might never come again.

“Brother Lin, Daoist Yun, your secret realm is still uncertain. Whether it even falls into your hands remains unknown.

But if you let me join, at least you won’t return empty-handed—how about that?”

Listening to Old Hu, Lin Chang’an’s eyes flickered. This Old Hu had hidden things very deeply indeed.

No wonder, after all these years, he had never given up on the pursuit of Core Formation. With such an inheritance, who would not fight for a chance?

“With one’s own cultivation method’s same-attribute Core or Demon Core as the guide, and then using this secret method to ignite true fire for refinement, it can increase the chances of Core Formation…”

Listening to the profoundness of this cultivation method, Lin Chang’an also felt somewhat moved.

Among the three present, the one with the poorest spiritual root aptitude was naturally him, and the dangers hidden within the cave abode ruins were still unknown.

Just as Old Hu had said, it could well end with them returning empty-handed, or perhaps with no valuable treasures at all. Such things were hardly unheard of in the cultivation world.

For a moment, Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao exchanged glances before secretly transmitting messages.

“Brother Lin, we both don’t know what lies within these cave abode ruins. It could very well be nothing but a wasted trip.”

Lin Chang’an secretly nodded. This secret method, however, was real and solid.

It was equivalent to having a guaranteed gain before even exploring the ruins.

It didn’t seem like a loss.

“Old Hu, then let us first set three rules. Whatever is obtained from the cave abode ruins shall temporarily be kept by Daoist Yun and me.

After we return to Tianxuan City and you hand over this so-called secret method, we will then distribute the gains accordingly. How about that?”

Hearing this unfair arrangement, Old Hu did not grow angry but instead secretly let out a breath of relief.

As long as Old Lin and Daoist Yun wanted the secret method, they wouldn’t join forces against him.

This was the best way to break the stalemate—three of them bound on the same line.

“Fine, Old Hu owes you a life, Old Lin. I trust you. This time, no matter what we obtain from the secret realm—even if it’s nothing at all—

Once we return to Tianxuan City, this secret method shall be handed over with both hands.”

Though usually brash, Old Hu was serious when it came to important matters.

In the cultivation world, if he didn’t fight, how would he ever form a Core?

“Let’s be clear first—these cave abode ruins were discovered by me. Brother Lin has already agreed. If there are Core Formation spirit items, I get first pick.”

Yun Yao was also tempted, but how to divide things was another matter entirely.

In the cultivation world, countless have slaughtered each other due to unfair distribution.

“Fine, you pick first if it’s Core Formation spirit items. But if there are Core Formation cultivator insights or cultivation methods, each of us copies one, while the rest of the treasures we divide equally.”

“Old Hu, now that’s unfair. Lin and I have been preparing for this exploration for twenty years, yet you suddenly join in and take a third…”

“Old Lin, isn’t my ancestral Core Formation secret method worth something?”

Old Hu glared. Matters of benefit must be fought for.

“Old Hu, your secret method is good, but the cultivation requirements are too harsh. A third-rank Demon Core—where am I supposed to find one?”

“Old Lin, at least it gives us a direction. That’s better than fumbling around without a clue, isn’t it?”

“Old Hu, with such heritage, and an ancestor who nearly formed a Nascent Soul, surely your family has other secret methods as well?”

After rounds of bargaining, Old Hu’s face turned green. Was this Old Lin really that greedy?

Even now, he was still coveting his family heritage.

“Well, let’s first see whether we can even get anything worthwhile this time. Don’t let it all end in empty joy…”

In the end, after a preliminary agreement, the three decided to wait a few days for the venomous scorpion swarm to settle down before delving deeper into the secret realm.

After all, since the secret realm had already been discovered, every day wasted could mean that Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao’s twenty years of preparation would only benefit someone else.

“The death of that cultivator earlier will surely arouse suspicion from those in the shadows. In a few days, we’ll enter the formation and investigate.”

Old Hu agreed as well. Soon, the three swore an oath upon their Dao hearts to temporarily join forces.

An oath on the Dao heart might not carry absolute restraint, but for cultivators, it was already the greatest binding force.

Especially for those whose pursuit of the Dao remained unshaken.

…

Seven days later.

With the venomous scorpions in the miasma zone settling down, the three once again came to this place.

“Old Lin, this man previously belonged to a family in Shayun Kingdom. This time it’s very suspicious—eight or nine chances out of ten, the six or seven Foundation Establishment cultivators traveling with him are the very ones you spoke of.

Most likely, they were the ones who discovered traces of the secret realm.”

After the alliance, Old Hu’s naturally easy-going temperament emerged again.

Lin Chang’an, watching from the side, couldn’t help but feel helpless.

“Old Hu, I am surveying the formation. But you—you being a second-rank Artifact Refiner was truly well-hidden.”

“Old Lin, it’s just that I didn’t know before. If I had, Old Hu would’ve forged you one or two handy spirit artifacts long ago.”

Old Hu rambled on, while Yun Yao calmly watched from the side, her mind more focused on the secret realm.

“Daoist Yun, Old Lin—we’ve known each other for many years. After this exploration of the cave abode ruins, we’ll be true Daoist companions.”

Old Hu’s laughter echoed, and Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao both nodded.

His words were crude, but the principle was sound. In the cultivation world, many Daoist friends could hunt demon beasts together fairly.

But when faced with great opportunities, greed easily arose, leading to conflict.

If the three of them could truly cooperate this time, then their bond could indeed be considered the beginnings of genuine trust.

“This is it!”

After some time, Lin Chang’an’s expression grew grave as he pointed into the distance.

“This is the weakest point of the formation. We’ll enter from here.”

Lin Chang’an took a deep breath, while Old Hu and Yun Yao tensed, standing guard at either side.

Raising his hand, Lin Chang’an revealed a talisman glowing with spiritual light.

“A Quasi–third-rank Restriction-Breaking Talisman!”

Seeing this, Old Hu couldn’t help but exclaim. Truly, one could never underestimate the cultivators of the world. He had ancestral heritage, but Old Lin was no weaker.

The talisman turned into a beam of light, releasing a strange power of disintegration. In an instant, the formation was stirred, revealing a transparent barrier.

Boom!

Yet even with such power, it was not enough. Lin Chang’an frowned.

“No, it’s still not at its weakest.”

As the first talisman was nearly spent, Lin Chang’an sacrificed another.

At the same time, the fluctuations of the formation attracted countless venomous scorpions.

On either side, Old Hu and Yun Yao began holding them back, buying time for Lin Chang’an.

The Wind-Chirp Bird, since Old Hu had joined, had not been taken out again.

Not only him—Yun Yao’s second-rank spirit pet, the Ice Flood Dragon, was also kept hidden.

Finally! After consuming five Quasi–third-rank Restriction-Breaking Talismans, a crack a zhang long tore open in the formation barrier.

“Go!”

The three figures swiftly entered the formation, as the rift visibly began to mend.

…

Inside the Blood Fiend Scarlet Sun Formation.

The moment they entered, a wave of scorching heat swept over them, leaving Old Hu visibly shocked.

“So this is a third-rank formation!”

Everywhere within was filled with blazing heat, along with a dense aura of baleful energy.

One after another, Fire-devouring Demon Spirits infused with baleful energy fluttered through the air.

“Be careful! Do not activate the grand formation—otherwise, none of us will leave here alive.”

Upon entering, Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao both raised their hands, casting Water Shield Techniques. A refreshing coolness instantly surrounded them.

“You two!”

Seeing Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao each take out a water-element spirit artifact, Hu Jin blurted out in shock:

“You really did prepare for twenty years!?”

Old Hu had thought it an excuse, but seeing the thorough preparations of Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao—

Especially their paired spirit artifacts—he, as a second-rank Artifact Refiner, instantly recognized them as custom-made for a joint attack technique.

Such artifacts could only be specially crafted.

“Old Hu, surely you didn’t think we were lying to you?”

After entering the formation, Lin Chang’an let out a breath and even allowed himself a rare jest at Old Hu’s expense.

Afterwards, under the guidance of Lin Chang’an, a second-rank Formation Master, the three began moving cautiously according to the formation’s pathways.

“If someone were controlling it, even weakened, a third-rank grand formation isn’t something ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators could break through.

But this formation has been operating for over a hundred years. Its power has greatly diminished. As long as we don’t recklessly trigger its restrictions, we can pass with minimal cost.”

“I understand.”

As they advanced, the Water Dragon Flags in Yun Yao’s hand rippled, releasing powerful water-element spiritual power that instantly extinguished the fiery spirits.

The fire-elemental creatures spawned by the formation had no intelligence.

Old Hu too raised a chilling saber.

One after another, the Fire-devouring Demon Spirits shrieked as they were destroyed.

Within this blazing formation, the three pressed forward for over half a month.