Chapter 474: The Truth Comes to Light

No matter how Zhuang Xueqin tried to persuade, Shen Xuan did not express his opinion.

He claimed that this matter was of great importance and required careful consideration.

He asked Zhuang Xueqin to gather intelligence first, keeping a close watch on these five Tribulation Cultivator leaders, and wait for further developments.

"Senior Brother Shen, you are being too cautious!"

Zhuang Xueqin said helplessly.

"As the proverb goes, ’The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.’ When it involves a True Master’s scheme, you can never be too careful!"

Shen Xuan said with a smile, "It’s not too late for us to take action when the time is ripe."

Zhuang Xueqin could only nod in agreement.

Without Shen Xuan’s help, he dared not act rashly.

Zhuang Xueqin took out a Storage Pouch.

"Oh, by the way, these are the Spirit Medicines I’ve collected over the years. Let’s trade some Foundation Establishment Pills, Senior Brother Shen."

Shen Xuan took the Storage Pouch and scanned it with his Divine Sense. Inside were more than thirty Jade Boxes containing the main ingredients for the Cold Jade Pill.

"How about eight Foundation Establishment Pills?"

"Agreed. I need various attributes."

After completing their transaction, the atmosphere between them improved significantly.

Shen Xuan took out a medicine list, which included ingredients for Longevity Spirit Pills, besides those for Cold Jade Pills.

"Senior Brother Zhuang, take a look. If you have any Spirit Medicines from this list, let’s discuss the price."

Zhuang Xueqin glanced at the medicine list, his expression peculiar.

"Speak your mind without hesitation."

"Senior Brother Shen, this list of Spirit Medicines seems to be for refining Longevity Spirit Pills."

"Indeed. Life Extension Pill and Life-Extending Pill."

Zhuang Xueqin’s body trembled.

He stared at Shen Xuan, speechless.

After a long while, he hesitantly asked, "Senior Brother Shen, sorry to ask, but can you refine the Life-Extending Pill and Life Extension Pill?"

"I can’t refine the Life-Extending Pill. The Life Extension Pill, I can barely break even, two pills per furnace."

Shen Xuan said with a sigh.

"This..."

Zhuang Xueqin retrieved the Medicine Bottle containing the eight Foundation Establishment Pills he had just stored.

"Senior Brother Shen, could we trade these for Life Extension Pills instead?"

Shen Xuan found this amusing.

"Eight Foundation Establishment Pills can only be exchanged for two Life Extension Pills; are you sure about this?"

"I’m sure!"

Zhuang Xueqin pondered in his heart.

If he had known Shen Xuan could refine Life Extension Pills, he certainly would not have traded for Foundation Establishment Pills.

Two Life Extension Pills can increase lifespan by fifteen to sixteen years, delaying the decline of vigor and vitality.

This would slightly increase his chances of Condensing the Inner Core.

No wonder Senior Brother Shen was unwilling to take risks personally.

With such expertise in the Alchemy Dao.

Year after year, in twenty to thirty years, when reaching Foundation Establishment Perfection.

Even without returning to the Cyan Cloud Sect, the accumulated wealth could be exchanged for a Golden Transformation Pill.

Zhuang Xueqin’s attitude toward Shen Xuan became even more respectful.

He was well aware of his own limitations.

He dared not offend this Senior Brother Shen in front of him.

Others might think he was just a Talisman Master.

But he knew that Shen Xuan was the sect’s tournament champion, capable of sweeping through the same tier in the Cyan Cloud Sect.

Back then, Shen Xuan quietly disappeared from the Cyan Cloud Sect.

The Cyan Cloud Sect issued a ban prohibiting anyone from mentioning Shen Xuan.

No one knew the hidden truth behind it.

However, Shen Xuan disappeared at the same time.

With Vice Hall Master Xiao Jinsong of the Battle Hall.

This person was reputed to be the Cyan Cloud Sect’s number one Fake Pill True Master!

In Zhuang Xueqin’s eyes, Shen Xuan was enigmatic and deeply concealed.

Even if his actual combat power wasn’t as good as the Fake Pill True Master’s.

He could still hold his own for a time.

This was why he proactively approached him for collaboration.

The two conversed for a bit longer before Zhuang Xueqin took his leave.

He promised to do his best to gather the Spirit Medicines listed.

Shen Xuan personally saw him off.

Advising him to keep a low profile.

And avoid being discovered by the likes of the Sea Dragon King and others.

Upon returning to his Cave Mansion,

Shen Xuan pondered quietly.

If what Zhuang Xueqin said was true,

and an opportunity did arise, he would certainly take action.

With three main ingredients for the Golden Transformation Pill already in hand, collecting the other auxiliary materials would be much easier.

He simply didn’t want to collaborate with Zhuang Xueqin.

Given his current strength,

in an environment like the East Sea,

not to mention the likes of the Sea Dragon King, Zhenhai King, or Chang Sheng Ship Master, these Fake Pill True Masters,

even if True Master Lu were to personally visit,

he had confidence in remaining undefeated.

As a Tier Three Cultivator,

with the Great Success of "Dragon Blood Boiling," his combat power increased significantly.

In the vast ocean, he should be able to withstand True Master Lu’s Divine Power.

"I must find a way to gather information on True Master Lu’s Divine Power."

"Know your enemy and yourself, and you’ll always prevail!"

Shen Xuan thought to himself.

In Wuling County and the coastal region, he only feared True Master Lu.

Without mastery of Divine Power, the Fake Pill True Masters

would find it hard to threaten him.

...

Several days later,

late at night,

after finishing his practice of "Dragon Blood Boiling" atop the mountain, Shen Xuan removed the barriers and descended alone.

At this moment, the mountain wind was bitterly cold, and the night was dark and deep.

The sounds of insects in the mountains had completely stopped.

Wherever Shen Xuan passed, all was silent.

Only after he left did the insects dare to resume their chirping.

As he approached his Cave Mansion,

Shen Xuan felt something amiss and looked up.

Chen Dafu’s figure was waiting there.

"Who?"

"It’s me, Chen Dafu. Talisman Master Shen, the clan ancestor has something important to discuss with you outside of the island."

Chen Dafu said softly.

The clan ancestor of the Chen Family wanted to discuss something with him off the island?

Shen Xuan laughed coldly to himself.

Not to mention that Chen Dafu’s disguise was unconvincing.

Even if it were the real Chen Dafu saying these words, he wouldn’t believe it.’

Given his current status and position, the Chen Family’s clan ancestor didn’t have the face to instruct him to visit in the middle of the night.

What is meant to come will eventually come.

No matter how one tries to stay clean, one cannot avoid the fate dictated by destiny and karma.

He stopped and stared at Chen Dafu across from him.

In the darkness, his expression was unclear, and his robe flapped in the night wind.

In fact, Shen Xuan had sensed something was wrong from several miles away.

This person was clearly a Demon Cultivator.

Certainly possessing the unique Evil Qi of a Demon Cultivator.

"The clan ancestor wants to see me?"

Shen Xuan’s expression remained calm.

"Yes. Please leave the island at once and see him, Shen Talisman Master."

Chen Dafu urged.

"Then let’s go."

"Okay, I’ll lead the way."

Two figures, one in front and one behind, maintaining a distance of three zhang, flew swiftly to the exit of Spring Wind Island.

Chen Dafu made a gesture to cast a spell, opened the island protection array.

"Please, Shen Talisman Master."

Shen Xuan walked out expressionlessly.

Beside him, Chen Dafu suddenly let out a cold chuckle, his eyes flickering like ghostly fire, his body swelling, and with a lift of his hand, a slightly fishy-smelling black demon net covered him.

"Shen Talisman Master, surrender obediently, and I’ll spare your life!"

Chen Dafu cackled eerily.

His whole face suddenly peeled off some old skin, turning extremely fierce.

Suddenly.

The sound of clothes tearing rang out.

In view, Chen Dafu straightened his hunched body, transforming into a lean and iron-like man, spat out a stream of black Qi aimed at Shen Xuan’s face.

Shen Xuan shook his head.

Middle Stage demon cultivator.

A body full of demonic Qi, relatively speaking, still quite dense and pure.

If he were dealing with an ordinary Foundation Establishment Middle Stage Talisman Master.

It would be an easy win.

Unfortunately, he didn’t know how terrifying the person he faced at this moment was.

Shen Xuan’s heart remained calm.

This demon cultivator pretending to be Chen Dafu posed no threat to him.

Seeing the demonic Qi about to spray on his face.

Shen Xuan extended a finger.

At his fingertip, a Dark Ice Fish condensed, leaping out.

Instantly transformed into a blue Spiritual Wall, enveloping him.

"Ice Condensation Shield!"

"A bit of skill there!"

The lean demon cultivator sneered.

Using a spell gesture, the black demon net immediately tightened.

Tightly wound around the blue ice wall.

Shen Xuan trapped inside couldn’t move.

"Why does the Dao brother want to do this to me?"

"Haha, Shen Fei, you’ve been found out!"

"Please explain, Fellow Daoist."

"Master wants to see you, you’ll find out then."

Shen Xuan looked as if he had an epiphany.

"Is it Profound Leaf Demon Sovereign?"

"You’re not stupid, you know Master’s name."

This lean demon cultivator posing as Chen Dafu was actually a disciple of Profound Leaf Demon Sovereign.

"I didn’t expect someone like Profound Leaf Demon Sovereign to notice a small figure like myself. If she wants to see me, she just needs to say so, why bother with this?"

Shen Xuan asked with a bitter smile.

"That bitch Zhu Yingying is somewhat sinister. Let me imprison you first. Enough nonsense, come with me!"

However, the lean demon cultivator repeatedly cast spells, the black demon net binding Shen Xuan showed no reaction.

"Going, I will go."

Shen Xuan sneered: "However, I don’t like being tied up to go."

In the next moment, Shen Xuan’s body erupted with waves of Spiritual Light.

His hands shone faintly with golden light, grabbing the black demon net.

With slight pressure.

With a "tear" sound.

This middle-grade demon treasure was torn into two halves by Shen Xuan’s bare hands.

The demon cultivator was instantly dumbfounded.

After a moment of shock, he turned and transformed into a black escape light, fleeing rapidly.

The cultivator who tore a middle-grade demon treasure by hand, this was his first encounter.

Just from the divine power displayed earlier, he knew he wasn’t a match.

The best plan is to run away!

However, Shen Xuan shook his head.

His body erupted with Thunder Arcs.

Instantly thunder escaped in front of the lean demon cultivator.

Revealing his shape, blocking his path, he pointed slightly at him.

His fingertip flew out a Dark Ice Fish, instantly hitting his body, freezing him into an ice sculpture.

"A Hehuan Sect Middle Stage disciple, not much of a threat."

Thinking about it, it makes sense.

It’s not that the other party is too weak.

But rather, he is too strong.

Even without using Body Refining Technique.

The capacity of Dao Foundation Spirit Sea surpasses Foundation Establishment Perfection, Spiritual Power pure enough to rival Fake Pill True Master.

Facing someone with the strength of this lean demon cultivator, even if a hundred and eighty came, Shen Xuan wouldn’t frown.

At this moment, Shen Xuan didn’t deliver a fatal blow.

The lean demon cultivator’s magic power was restrained, his body unable to move, could only blink his eyes, fearfully looking at Shen Xuan.

Where is this a Foundation Establishment Middle Stage Talisman Master!

His strength is almost on par with his Master!

Shen Xuan didn’t kill the lean demon cultivator for a reason.

Firstly, he called Shen Xuan as Shen Fei.

This indicates the lean demon cultivator didn’t get real information from Zhu Yingying.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t dare masquerade as Chen Dafu, came alone to Spring Wind Island, and faced Shen Xuan.

Secondly, the lean demon cultivator didn’t deliver a fatal blow either.

The means used, black demon net and mouth spraying demonic Qi, were controlling in nature.

Not intending to take his life.

Obviously, he wanted to control him first, then take him to meet Profound Leaf Demon Sovereign.

Thirdly, Shen Xuan didn’t want to make a big deal of things.

He doesn’t have preconceived notions.

He doesn’t feel the need to have a life-and-death battle with Profound Leaf Demon Sovereign.

Essentially, the two are strangers, without fundamental interest conflicts.

Profound Leaf Demon Sovereign is merely a Fake Pill Demon Sovereign.

In terms of strength, surely not his match.

But behind Profound Leaf Demon Sovereign is a giant entity, the Hehuan Sect.

Shen Xuan doesn’t want to provoke.

He doesn’t understand the grudges between Zhu Yingying and Profound Leaf Demon Sovereign.

Nor does he trust Zhu Yingying’s one-sided narrative.

Profound Leaf Demon Sovereign embezzling her mother’s heritage, controlling her to become his vessel.

Shen Xuan doesn’t believe a word.

In the lean demon cultivator’s incredulous gaze.

Shen Xuan waved his hand lightly.

Released the Profound Ice restraint on him.

"Fellow Daoist, didn’t you say your Master Profound Leaf Demon Sovereign wants to see me?"

"Please lead the way!"

The lean demon cultivator felt cold all over.

The chill penetrated his bones.

He hadn’t felt "cold" in many years.

Looking at the smiling Shen Xuan.

He felt like he fell into an ice cellar, shivering all over.

After a while.

He finally operated his Demon Technique to dispel some of the cold.

"Fellow Daoist Shen, I’ll take you to see Master now."