Chapter 227 : The Most Aggrieved Death

Chapter 227: The Most Aggrieved Death

“Roar!”

Under the power of the two Talisman Treasures, the Third-rank Emerald Alligator Turtle let out a sorrowful cry before finally crashing to the ground.

Its defensive barrier had been pierced, and its tail was drenched in blood.

Already old and seriously injured, further weakened by poisoning and depletion, the turtle—who had lived for over a thousand years—finally collapsed.

“Do it!”

Neither Lin Chang’an nor Hu Jin stepped forward. Instead, they controlled their Spirit Artifacts to sever the turtle's head and excavate the Demon Core, only then breathing a sigh of relief.

As long as the Demon Core was removed, there was no risk of the Third-rank Demon Beast playing dead.

Having prepared in advance, the two quickly used a jade bottle to collect the essence blood, while also harvesting its sharp claws, hard turtle shell, and other Demon Beast materials.

In less than half a stick of incense, the Third-rank Emerald Alligator Turtle, over three zhang in size, had been completely stripped by the duo.

Fortunately, both had purchased high-grade Storage Pouches in recent years due to frequent hunting of Demon Beasts, which had ample space.

“Haha, finally got our hands on a Third-rank Demon Core!”

Hu Jin beamed with joy. With this core, trading for a Core Formation Spirit Item wouldn't be difficult.

Lin Chang’an was equally satisfied. The value of the turtle shell alone wasn’t small, not to mention the other materials—they had gained immensely this time.

One could say that this Third-rank Emerald Alligator Turtle alone was equivalent to three years of hunting Sinister Spirits in the Land of Yin Spirits.

“But Old Lin, you’ve been hiding too deep. Since when could you even craft Talisman Treasures!?”

Hu Jin widened his eyes. He wasn’t a fool—he could tell that Lin Chang’an’s Talisman Treasure was clearly made using the Blood Fiend Sword acquired in that Secret Realm back then.

“Hurry and put away the formation, let’s prepare to leave.”

Lin Chang’an barked coldly. Hu Jin also knew this wasn’t the time for joking. With a wave of his hand, he began retracting the formation.

Lin Chang’an wasn’t at all concerned about exposing the Blood Fiend Sword Talisman Treasure to Hu Jin.

In fact, it would only make Hu Jin treat him even more seriously.

A Third-rank Talisman Master—any force would treasure such a person dearly.

Requesting a Core Formation Spirit Item as compensation wouldn’t be a challenge.

This move by Lin Chang’an was also aimed at getting more valuable items from Old Hu.

“Stop!”

Suddenly, Lin Chang’an, sensing a familiar mana fluctuation, immediately stopped Hu Jin from retrieving the formation.

“Old Lin!”

Hu Jin’s expression shifted drastically. Lin Chang’an stared intently outside the formation.

“It’s him!”

It was the Li-surnamed Guest Elder from Five Dragon Island! He hadn’t expected him to arrive so quickly.

“A False Core Cultivator!”

Hu Jin also sensed the presence and couldn’t help but gasp, showing a look of shock.

…

Outside the formation—

“Many thanks, Senior Li.”

“You flatter me, Young Master. The tracking imprint on this Fellow Daoist Chang was extremely well-hidden. Had I not been lucky enough to notice it, today would have been a fruitless endeavor.”

This Li-surnamed Guest Elder, upon seeing only two late Foundation Establishment cultivators inside the formation, displayed a smug expression.

He made it sound like all the credit belonged to him—had it not been for his discovery, nothing would have come of this.

They had the Spirit Ship follow behind, while they advanced ahead.

“Just two late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators. Even with some means, having just slain a Third-rank Demon Beast, there’s no way they still have their full strength…”

The Guest Elder appeared arrogant, but was carefully analyzing in his mind. His powerful divine sense swept the surroundings, and only after confirming no one else was nearby did he relax.

Fellow cultivators of his own realm posed risks, but Foundation Establishment cultivators? They were easy targets.

And these weren’t even at peak condition.

“Young Master, I suspect the two inside the formation are not ordinary.”

Rong Qing, who had accompanied them, showed a hint of caution in his expression.

By the time they arrived, the battle was already over, and only filthy blood remained on the ground.

Yet two late Foundation Establishment cultivators managing to slay a Third-rank Demon Beast—regardless of the conditions—meant they were no weaklings.

However, Dragon Changfeng only nodded mildly at Rong Qing’s reminder, a glint of admiration in his eyes.

“Quite the courage, quite the skill.”

…

Thus, both sides stared at each other across the formation.

Lin Chang’an and Hu Jin had been in disguise since setting out to sea, and the other side didn’t recognize them.

“Old Lin, our opponents are from Five Dragon Island!”

Hu Jin didn’t recognize the False Core cultivator or Young Master Long Changfeng.

But he did recognize Rong Qing.

This Five Dragon Island Patrol Leader now stood respectfully behind the other two—a clear sign of hierarchy.

“You two truly are skilled. The Demon Beast we’ve been tracking for months has been snatched away by you.”

Of the three outside the formation, Rong Qing, being the lowest in rank and strength, stepped forward. With a calm expression, he spoke toward the two inside.

Hu Jin focused on recovering his mana, while Lin Chang’an replied in a hoarse voice:

“My brother and I stumbled upon this heavily injured Third-rank Demon Beast by chance. We truly didn’t know it belonged to a Senior. But the Sea Abyss of Beasts is vast—by custom, whoever hunts it down first owns it…”

His hoarse yet calm voice echoed, giving off an unafraid impression—even before a False Core Cultivator.

Not to mention that he still had his Third-rank Spirit Pet, the Wind-Chirp Bird—even without it, one False Core Cultivator wasn’t enough to make them hand over the loot.

However, just as Lin Chang’an and Hu Jin were stalling for time, the False Core Cultivator struck without warning.

“Presumptuous! Mere Foundation Establishment cultivators dare be impudent!”

While cautious against fellow False Core cultivators, he had no such scruples here. The Li-surnamed False Core Cultivator shouted coldly, taking the opportunity to vent his pent-up frustration.

A massive earthen-colored seal suddenly descended from the sky. With a thunderous boom, it crashed onto the formation barrier.

“Crack!”

The barrier cracked. Not only had it been used earlier to trap the Third-rank Demon Beast, but it was already near its limit.

At the moment the attack landed, Lin Chang’an and Hu Jin didn’t hesitate in the slightest.

“Go!”

Talisman after talisman roared out, and under the full activation of the Five Elements Mist Formation, thick fog emerged, concealing even divine sense.

Yet, as the fog spread, the barrier suddenly expanded, trapping all three pursuers inside.

“Damn! Despicable scum, hiding a trick like this!”

The Mist Formation had a hidden function for external defense. They never thought they’d truly have to use it.

Lin Chang’an and Hu Jin threw away the Quasi–third-rank Formation, fleeing without looking back.

Inside the formation, Long Changfeng’s face turned ashen.

“Good! Good! Very good!”

The Li-surnamed False Core Cultivator was livid too—getting played by two Foundation Establishment cultivators!

A moment later—

With a loud boom, the formation finally shattered.

“Young Master!”

The fog dissipated, revealing the long-gone targets. Young Master Long Changfeng laughed in fury.

“I originally intended to recruit those two, but now—kill them!”

He had been utterly humiliated. Typically, the False Core Elder would intimidate the enemy, making them panic.

Then he would step in, recruit them, and they’d have no choice but to serve under Five Dragon Island.

But these two just turned tail and ran—completely ruining his script.

He had admired their abilities, thinking they’d flourish under Five Dragon Island, but now he only wanted them to understand the meaning of regret.

The three immediately gave chase without hesitation.

The Li-surnamed False Core Cultivator’s face was full of greed.

They were only Foundation Establishment cultivators—once caught, wouldn’t all those materials fall easily into his hands?

And the previously agreed turtle shell? That was irrelevant now. The prey had been killed by others.

In such situations, naturally, it went to whoever acted fastest.

Of course, he wasn’t a fool—when the time came, the Demon Core would be left for the Young Master, but surely they wouldn’t ask him for anything else.

…

The chase between the two sides continued. Though the formation had bought some time, the False Core Cultivator still held the clear advantage.

“Old Lin, the other side is using some sort of light-escape technique cast by a False Core Cultivator—they’ll catch up sooner or later.”

“Head for the Fog Sea of Tongtian!”

Hu Jin couldn’t help but curse. What rotten luck—to be hunted by a False Core Cultivator while demon-beast hunting.

Fortunately, they were alert and had a prearranged escape plan.

Hu Jin winced at the loss of the formation—it was a big blow.

Meanwhile, as Lin Chang’an passed by their retreat route, he retrieved a hidden formation along the way.

After all, their opponents had reinforcements. Relying on a formation to entrap them in place could easily lead to being surrounded.

Yet throughout it all, Lin Chang’an kept a cold expression. While fleeing earlier, he had already released the Wind-Chirp Bird.

Chase him down?

Let’s see who was hunting who!

…

Among the three pursuing them, the Li-surnamed False Core Cultivator used a technique that allowed him to bring the other two along in flight.

“Elder Li, I only want the Demon Core this time—the rest belongs to you.”

Upon hearing Dragon Changfeng’s words, the Li-surnamed False Core Cultivator was delighted, though he kept a composed, expert-like expression.

“Young Master, rest assured—those two won’t get far!”

Rong Qing watched this scene silently. He was clearly just a nobody in this situation.

And because of that, his heart was filled with resentment.

He swore to himself: he would form a core—never again would the Long Clan treat him as invisible.

Meanwhile, the Li-surnamed False Core Cultivator was inwardly ecstatic.

“This trip is turning out to be incredibly profitable. I’ll finally recover some of my losses.”

Just as he was quietly rejoicing, a streak of golden light suddenly appeared ahead, hurtling directly toward him.

“Not good!”

He hastily channeled his mana, summoning a protective artifact before him. But the terrifying golden light merely grazed past.

He saw it!

Yet in the next moment, his eyes widened in shock!

“Splurt!”

Blood sprayed everywhere. His mana shield was splattered with bloodstains.

Yet among the three, one was now missing.

That Young Master Dragon Changfeng still bore confusion in his eyes. But he was already falling from the sky, and as he descended, he saw Elder Li’s shocked face—and Rong Qing’s disbelief.

In the next instant, darkness swallowed him.

At the same time, Elder Li and Rong Qing stared wide-eyed, unable to believe what they were seeing—a severed head plummeted down, landing in the sea with a splash.

Even in death, Dragon Changfeng hadn’t realized he was already dead. After all, he wore protective armor and was even a Body Cultivator.

But the Wind-Chirp Bird had launched a full-powered strike this time, its beak carrying a trace of golden flame, a perfect counter against protective golden shields.

The moment it made contact, his armor had instantly melted.

Dragon Changfeng had been ambushed—pure and simple. Otherwise, given his heritage and abilities, even at full strength, a Third-rank Demon Beast wouldn’t have overwhelmed him so easily.

At the very least, he could have held out for a while.

Unfortunately for him, he encountered the Wind-Chirp Bird—a rare Spirit Beast among exotic beasts, particularly skilled in speed.

“Young Master!”

Rong Qing cried out in terror, horrified that one of the three had just vanished.

“Damn it! A dignified Third-rank great beast actually ambushed—”

The Li-surnamed False Core Cultivator had finally reacted. Eyes wide with shock—he was done for.

Utterly finished!

The Young Master was dead!

If he went back now, wouldn’t the Long Clan tear him apart?

From afar came the cry of a phoenix. The Wind-Chirp Bird, clearly delighted, held the other party’s Storage Pouch in its beak.

“Many thanks, fellow Daoists, for helping me slay the Long Clan traitor!”

The Wind-Chirp Bird called out, speaking in human tongue, repeating the exact words its master had instructed it to say.

After saying its piece, the bird turned without hesitation and gleefully soared off.

“Master said, succeed or fail, I was to flee immediately after my strike. But hey—I’ve accomplished something big!”

It greedily sniffed the Storage Pouch. It had already caught the scent of several tasty treats inside.

Yet as the Wind-Chirp Bird patted its tail and left, it abandoned the other two to the chaos of the aftermath.

Especially that final sentence—it packed a brutal punch.

“Fellow Rong!”

“Realman Li, I didn’t do it!”

The Li-surnamed Core Formation Cultivator stared at Rong Qing in shock, while the latter quickly raised his hands in protest, drenched in cold sweat.

How had things turned out like this? It was completely beyond imagination.

Naturally, Elder Li recognized that bird immediately, and his heart filled with dread. He had been targeted.

“Not good! That man bears grudges like no other—he’s been hiding in the shadows all along to get back at me. I’m finished!”

Rong Qing was equally terrified, thinking, “This is bad. Elder Li colluded with outsiders. Am I now in mortal danger too?”

Their eyes met. Elder Li forced himself to remain calm, wary of a sneak attack, and barked coldly:

“Fellow Rong, the Young Master is dead—we can’t report back. We must flee to the Fog Sea of Tongtian immediately!”

He believed he was being hunted, and after such a major incident, he couldn’t return regardless. Better to vanish for now.

Whether it was the Long Clan or the vengeful cultivator in hiding, he needed to disappear.

Besides, bringing Rong Qing along meant he could serve as a disposable shield if the assassin struck again.

Rong Qing, on the other hand, clasped his hands with no hesitation and said, “Many thanks, Realman Li, for saving my life.”

He wore an expression of deep gratitude, as though returning would spell certain death, and Elder Li’s willingness to flee with him was a great kindness.

Each harbored their own thoughts, but both cursed inwardly.

What a disaster—one trip out and they’d lost everything.

There was no going back.

Elder Li felt like crying. His comfortable life as a Guest Elder of Five Dragon Island was over.

Rong Qing nearly fainted. It was thanks to that title from Five Dragon Island that he’d achieved anything. Now, if he were cut off, he’d lose everything.

…

Azure Wave Island.

The Marketplace of the Fog Sea of Tongtian.

“Old Lin, why haven’t the pursuers caught up? That False Core Cultivator’s light-escape technique shouldn’t be this slow.”

They had reached the Fog Sea of Tongtian without further incident.

Hu Jin still felt lingering fear as he spoke.

Lin Chang’an, who knew the whole story, simply shook his head calmly. “Who knows? We’re safe, that’s what matters.”

As he spoke, he casually patted the Spirit Beast Pouch hidden at his waist.

Having a Third-rank Spirit Pet was simply a blessing.

Highly intelligent, and could carry out tasks—far more convenient than before.

“But we should still split up—enter the marketplace one before the other.”

Hu Jin nodded secretly. Indeed, caution was wise, especially after being targeted by a False Core Cultivator.

They were hunting two people. Entering separately would indeed reduce exposure.

“Let’s keep in contact via voice-transmission and first gather recent intel in the marketplace.”

As Hu Jin entered first, Lin Chang’an narrowed his eyes.

“Come out.”

“Master.”

The Wind-Chirp Bird landed on his shoulder and respectfully presented the enemy’s Storage Pouch.

When Lin Chang’an opened it—good heavens! His eyes widened.

He’d struck gold! No wonder someone like that warranted protection from a False Core Cultivator—what a fortune!

There were over a thousand mid-grade Spirit Stones, and even over a dozen high-grade Spirit Stones.

Pills, talismans, artifacts, spirit tools—there was even a Talisman Treasure inside.

“How aggrieved must one be to die like this?”

When he saw that Talisman Treasure, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but offer a silent moment of mourning for this stranger.

Anyone would feel wronged.

But who could have expected to be ambushed by a Third-rank Demon Beast—especially one as fast as a flying avian type?

“These things are all hot potatoes. Before news gets out, I need to offload them in the black market.”

But the Talisman Treasure—too tricky to sell. Best to keep it for now.

As for the Young Master’s death—well, the moment he started the pursuit, he and Lin Chang’an had become mortal enemies.

Besides, from another angle, wasn’t it Elder Li and Rong Qing who actually killed him?

They were clearly greedy for the loot!

Lin Chang’an nodded to himself—perfect, someone to take the blame.

And those two weren’t exactly clean either—might as well let them return to their usual roles.

In a way, he’d even helped them.