"Brother Lu, long time no see. How have you been?"
Yang Xiao greeted him with a pained grin.
But at this moment, he was in a wretched state.
After taking two direct Palm Seals from Yanm Changqing, even with his defense amplified dozens of times by the Nine Yang Celestial Skill and the Qilin True Body, he was at his limit.
His internal organs had been displaced.
His Qilin True Body had been completely shattered.
'Looks like I won't be able to use it again anytime soon.'
Blood trickled endlessly from the corner of his mouth, and as he spoke, another pool of it flowed out.
Lu Fangliang's eyebrow twitched at the sight.
The hostility in his eyes lessened considerably.
But he remained indifferent, standing a hundred feet away. He stared coldly at Yang Xiao and said, "You sent a voice transmission saying you knew the whereabouts of the Immortal Dao Demons. You can tell me now, can't you?"
"If you're lying to me, you should know that in your current state, I could kill you with ease!"
Lu Fangliang's voice was frigid.
But Yang Xiao could sense that he had no killing intent.
'In other words, even if I were lying, he probably wouldn't actually kill me.'
'This guy sounds so serious. But why does he call Immortal Cultivators 'Immortal Dao Demons'?'
Yang Xiao was puzzled, but he knew this wasn't the right time to ask about it.
Lu Fangliang had saved him for the trail of these so-called Immortal Dao Demons, and they were still deep within Medicine King Valley.
Yang Xiao couldn't stay for long.
He also had a favor to ask of Lu Fangliang.
So, after a brief hesitation, Yang Xiao began, "I do know the whereabouts of the Immortal Dao Demons you mentioned. What's more, I know their characteristics and how to identify them."
As he spoke, Yang Xiao took out the Immortal Dao Profound Technique manual he had confiscated from Xuan Tianzhan's two maids from his Storage Ring.
He handed it to Lu Fangliang.
Lu Fangliang took only a single glance before his expression changed drastically. "It is! It's really the Cultivation Technique of these demons. To think they've actually extended their reach here..."
Lu Fangliang was shaken to the core, as if something truly terrible had occurred.
He immediately pressed Yang Xiao, "Quick, tell me, where did you get this?"
"Well, I can only say that I've already killed the original owner of this. I also know others who are involved. But before that, I hope you can do something for me."
Yang Xiao had no intention of mentioning Xuan Tianzhan.
'That bastard is mine to kill personally.'
'How could I let someone else do it?'
"Do something? Are you trying to use me?"
Lu Fangliang's brows furrowed.
Yang Xiao shook his head. "Your strength is great, but I have no need to use you. What I want you to do is rescue my father. You must have heard about the recent events. I'm afraid the Medicine King will move against him! If you can help me, I will tell you everything I know."
"Really?"
Lu Fangliang stared at Yang Xiao.
Yang Xiao nodded calmly.
"Fine, I'll trust you. A man's family should be off-limits. Besides, while your actions were a bit extreme, it wasn't entirely your fault. I will save your father. But, if I find out you're lying to me..."
"You'll kill me? Right? All right, I get it. Don't worry. As long as you agree to rescue my father and ensure his safety, I will not go back on my word."
"Furthermore, I can give you a clue right now: you absolutely must participate in the Nine Sects Grand Competition, because you will have a great harvest there."
At these words, Lu Fangliang's expression changed yet again.
The Nine Sects Grand Competition.
He, of course, knew what that was.
If, as Yang Xiao said, he could have a "great harvest" at the Nine Sects Grand Competition...
Didn't that mean...
"I understand. I will keep my promise and rescue your father. Right now, you've provoked the Martial Saint Ancestor. Do you need my help to escape?"
Lu Fangliang believed Yang Xiao.
He intended to help him get away.
In truth, for some unknown reason...
...he felt a sense of closeness to Yang Xiao.
It was especially strong this time they met.
He was naturally unaware that Yang Xiao had comprehended the Greater Yang Treasure Pattern from him and even condensed True Greater Yang Fire.
This was naturally what Lu Fangliang was sensing.
It was the source of this feeling of affinity.
Of course, since Yang Xiao had obtained the Greater Yang Treasure Pattern from him, he would naturally be grateful and repay the favor.
If Xuan Tianzhan hadn't been his personal enemy...
...he probably would have revealed it long ago.
Even now, he was very curious about Lu Fangliang.
He didn't know why...
...he wanted to kill Immortal Cultivators.
However, he could only refuse Lu Fangliang's kind offer. "No need. Right now, my father's safety is my greatest concern. As for myself, I have my own ways of getting out. You don't need to worry."
Hearing Yang Xiao say this, Lu Fangliang didn't press the issue and said decisively, "In that case, I'll set out now."
Yang Xiao nodded.
This was, naturally, the outcome he most desired.
He then explained Yang Zhentian's situation in detail.
After a moment's thought, he took a Jade Token from his robes, inscribed some patterns on it, and handed it to Lu Fangliang.
He had placed an Array on this Jade Token, one that could activate a Vajra Armor, just like the ones he'd given to Yang Zhentian and the others. Giving it to Lu Fangliang served as a token of trust.
It was also part of his thanks.
After being told how to use it, Lu Fangliang didn't seem to think much of it.
He was clearly aware of Divine Magical Artifacts.
Yang Xiao grew even more astonished about his background.
However, since they were just beginning to cooperate, he couldn't very well pry into Lu Fangliang's past for fear of arousing his resentment. So, he could only suppress his curiosity.
Once the instructions were given, Lu Fangliang departed immediately.
He was always clean and decisive in his actions, never one to dawdle.
Moreover, he valued his promises immensely.
Since he had agreed to help Yang Xiao, he would absolutely see it through.
Although Yang Xiao hadn't known him for long, he was a good judge of character.
Otherwise, he would never have entrusted such an important matter to him.
Watching him leave...
...Yang Xiao finally breathed a sigh of relief.
'With someone like Lu Fangliang and his Greater Yang Treasure Body protecting him, even if that old bastard makes a move himself, he won't necessarily be able to harm my father. In that case, the next step is to heal my injuries.'
As for where he would recuperate...
...Yang Xiao already had a plan.
The reason he hadn't fled from Medicine King Valley, but had instead pressed deeper into its heart...
...was for the Earth Flame Cave.
To be precise, it was for the "king" herb of Ancient Spirit Medicine Level within the Earth Flame Cave.
Originally, he had come to Medicine King Valley to learn and as a guest.
Although he coveted that king herb...
...he had been hesitant.
Even if he had taken it, he would have done so with restraint.
He might have even given Medicine King Valley something in return.
With his abilities, casually offering them a single Divine Technique would have been a world-changing opportunity for Medicine King Valley—far more useful than a king herb they could only look at but never touch.
But now that things had come to this...
...Yang Xiao wasn't going to be polite anymore.
He was determined to take this king herb.
'That old man, Yanm Changqing.'
'So sanctimonious.'
'He looks kind, has this air about him.'
'But in reality, he's just like Yanm Kuan—they both want to kill me.'
'The only difference is that Yanm Kuan wanted my opportunities...'
'...while he wants revenge for Yanm Kuan.'
'There's no fundamental difference.'
Yang Xiao wouldn't let him off the hook either.
But to do that, his current strength was far from sufficient.
Even someone like Lu Fangliang, who had awakened the Greater Yang Treasure Technique, couldn't kill Yanm Changqing.
He was currently a long way off.
'But after I emerge from the Earth Flame Cave... '
'...that might not be the case anymore.'
'When the time comes, I'll turn Medicine King Valley upside down!'
With a grim smile...
...Yang Xiao arrived at the entrance of the Earth Flame Cave. He flicked his hand, and a jet of True Greater Yang Fire landed on a crucial point of the restriction.
Instantly, the Earth Flame Cave swung open.
Yang Xiao slipped inside.
Without a soul knowing.