noffsinger Chapter 280 - 224: E Lian is Coming
Chapter 280 - 224: E Lian is Coming
The newcomer was none other than Huo Hu. Last year, within the Artifact Talisman Alliance, the conflict between Kuai Tong and Qi Wushuang had grown increasingly frequent, to the point where they were on the verge of open warfare.
Kuai Tong had gained the support of the Spirit Wood Alliance, greatly increasing his strength. Qi Wushuang, on the other hand, was naturally backed by the Southern Border Beast Taming Sect, but even so, her power couldn’t match Kuai Tong’s.
After mediation from several other factions, Kuai Tong and Qi Wushuang sat down and divided their assets. Kuai Tong took most of the territory of the Artifact Vice Alliance, while Qi Wushuang led the Cultivators willing to follow her to occupy the former gate of the Wei Family—Shandu Ling Mountain—and establish a new, separate faction.
It was during this period that Huo Hu, through Fang Qingyuan’s machinations, was released by Qi Wushuang.
Although Huo Hu had succumbed to demonic cultivation, his mind was still relatively clear. He was unwilling to return to the Huo Family, presumably too ashamed to face his kin.
However, Huo Hu still held some affection for the Beast Taming Sect. Thus, after some persuasion from Fang Qingyuan, he went into seclusion in the newly opened Wilderness Forest, agreeing to work for the Southern Border Beast Taming Sect in exchange for cultivation resources and to repay the debt of his rescue.
Now, at this very moment of confrontation between Fang Qingyuan and Jia Changqing, Huo Hu, being the closest, had received a secret signal from Fang Qingyuan and rushed over.
Even after years in the Artifact Talisman Alliance’s prison, during which his cultivation had not progressed an inch, Huo Hu’s combat prowess remained astonishing. His natural aptitude surpassed even that of Huo Bai, and with his Innate Divine Techniques, his cultivation realm was no true measure of his fighting ability.
Currently, one Huo Hu was worth half a Golden Core Cultivator. At his peak, even a Golden Core Cultivator would have been no match for him. But as things stood, his Spirit Beast was dead, his Magical Artifact shattered, and he couldn’t exert even half of his full strength.
But that was more than enough. Looking at the situation, Fang Qingyuan knew that Jia Changqing and his two companions were about to have their worldviews shattered.
Forced into the open by Huo Hu’s Seizing Hand Seal, Jia Changqing’s expression was grim. Before he could even think of a counterattack, he saw his two brothers also swept out by the massive black hand.
The three of them scrambled together, exchanging rapid words:
"Big Brother, this Cultivator is incredibly strong! Judging by his killing intent, he’s taken more lives than the three of us combined. What kind of monster is this? How could a character like him suddenly appear in such a remote place?"
The one who spoke was the man who had earlier adopted a seemingly objective stance. His current name was Jia Changlong; he had long since abandoned his previous one.
This was a tradition among Outer Sea Cultivators. To guard against curses and divination techniques, very few of them ever used their real names.
"He’s right, Big Brother. Why don’t we pull back for now? We can figure out a plan for the Transparent Seven Orifice Spirit Turtle Shell later."
The Cultivator of the trio who had yet to show himself now also spoke up, urging retreat. His name was Jia Changxing, and his Void Escape Technique was truly remarkable.
As their telepathic persuasions reached his ears, Jia Changqing’s mouth twitched. ’So, because the Transparent Seven Orifice Spirit Turtle Shell isn’t yours, you wouldn’t mind losing it,’ he thought bitterly.
The combined might of three Late-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivators was enough to strike fear into anyone’s heart, but Huo Hu was completely unfazed.
’Breaking the Void and Capturing the Tiger!’
The familiar signature move appeared. The faces of the few Foundation Establishment Cultivators beside Fang Qingyuan instantly changed, but they were sensible enough to say nothing, instead turning their heads away.
This technique could even threaten a Golden Core Cultivator. Faced with this move, the three Jia Changqing brothers immediately deployed their own countermeasures.
A golden bracelet, flashing with a brilliant light, shot forward to meet the attack. This was the Magical Artifact released by Jia Changqing.
In addition, there was a Bone Sword and a Coral Blood Ruyi. Both appeared to be second-order high-grade Magical Artifacts. The Bone Sword, in particular, was wreathed in vengeful souls, its power bordering on that of a Second-Order Top-Grade Spiritual Artifact.
Faced with the combined assault of three second-order high-grade Magical Artifacts, Huo Hu’s ferocity was only further ignited. The clawed hand he thrust out accelerated even more.
After a violent collision rang out, Fang Qingyuan focused his vision and saw that the Bone Sword was now grasped firmly in Huo Hu’s hand, writhing frantically like a large fish tossed onto the shore.
Meanwhile, the golden bracelet and the Blood Coral Jade Ruyi shrank back, not daring to advance.
Blood streamed from the cuts on Huo Hu’s hand, but he paid it no mind. He glanced at the Bone Sword in his grasp, and in the next moment, he actually brought it to his mouth.
CRACK! With a crisp snap, a large chunk was bitten out of the Bone Sword. A grinding, chewing sound then came from Huo Hu’s mouth.
Spiritually connected to his weapon, the Bone Sword’s owner, Jia Changlong, suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood. He stared viciously at Huo Hu, then turned and fled.
A man who could chew on his Magic Sword... that was simply too ruthless. Even in the Outer Sea, such a person was a rare sight. And so, Jia Changlong fled without a second’s hesitation.
To survive in the Outer Sea, the most important thing was to be discerning. Brainless Cultivators had long since been sunk to the bottom of the sea.
Seeing Jia Changlong be the first to fly off, the remaining two, Jia Changqing and Jia Changxing, hastily recalled their own Magical Artifacts. Not even daring to leave a parting threat, they activated their Escape Techniques and flew off in different directions.
Seeing this, Huo Hu hesitated for a moment, then locked onto one of them and gave chase. However, after flying for no more than half a mile, he returned to Fang Qingyuan’s side. With a casual toss, he threw the Bone Sword, now with a large chunk missing, to Fang Qingyuan.
"Fishy. Stinky. Tastes bad."
After giving his assessment of the Magic Sword, Huo Hu’s figure flickered and vanished without a trace.
But in Fang Qingyuan’s perception, he could sense that Huo Hu had gone far into the distance, chasing after Jia Changqing.
Only after all four had gone far away did Fang Qingyuan let out a sigh of relief. He had been wary of both the Jia Changqing trio and Huo Hu.
’Good, this matter is settled for now,’ he thought. ’All that’s left is to see what Huo Hu reaps.’
"First Seat, this Magic Sword...?"
A Foundation Establishment Cultivator at his side boldly inquired, because the Magic Sword did not look like a weapon of the righteous path and was somewhat taboo.
Fang Qingyuan casually tossed the Magic Sword into his Immortal Mansion and said nonchalantly:
"What Magic Sword? I didn’t see any. That’s enough. Let’s hurry back to the sect."
Fang Qingyuan had made his decision, and no one dared to say another word. The Camel Ray Beast Team set off once more, flying toward Celestial Gate Mountain.
...
Back in the sect, Fang Qingyuan had no sooner arrived than he was summoned by Lechuan.
Inside the Quiet Chamber, Lechuan wore a grave expression. Fang Qingyuan assumed he had received news of the ambush and was worried about him.
However, Lechuan’s next words made Fang Qingyuan’s own expression change:
"Zhao E Lian is coming. This time, he’s coming for the position of Southern Border Beast Taming Sect Master. We’re in trouble."
Fang Qingyuan was stunned. He instantly forgot all about Jia Changqing and Huo Hu. The news of Zhao E Lian’s arrival was a major event that threatened the very foundation of his position.
"On what grounds? Wasn’t Zhao E Lian exiled to a remote Land Realm to serve as a courtyard head? How can he challenge you for the position of Southern Border Beast Taming Sect Master again?"
"Hmph. Who knows how, but Zhao E Lian managed to pull some strings with a Nascent Soul Uncle in Zongshan. He reported to the main sect, asking to have me replaced. Normally, this wouldn’t be a huge deal, but Nascent Soul Uncle Huo Gan is currently unreachable, so there’s no one in Zongshan to speak for me. It looks like they’re about to push it through."
"Right now, I have no one in Zongshan, and with Zhao E Lian constantly scheming behind the scenes, there’s a real chance he could succeed. Someone tipped me off in advance out of old friendship. Otherwise, I would’ve been kept completely in the dark until the official appointment from Zongshan came down."
Lechuan spoke with a worried heart. After listening, Fang Qingyuan found it all incredible. When had Zhao E Lian acquired such influence?
In response to Fang Qingyuan’s confusion, Lechuan admitted his own bewilderment:
"I heard that Zhao E Lian has been developing his own territory quite well. For the past ten-odd years, his branch courtyard’s ranking has been steadily rising. Last year, it even broke into the top ten. With this track record, that Nascent Soul Uncle is willing to lend him a hand."
Fang Qingyuan frowned. His first instinct told him something was fishy about this. Knowing Zhao E Lian’s personality, how could he possibly have settled down to focus on development?
Just as Fang Qingyuan was about to discuss the matter further with Lechuan, Lechuan’s expression suddenly grew serious. Fang Qingyuan looked up to see Huo Bai walking in, his eyes red and bloodshot.