As Nan Yan gazed at Diezan’s face, a sense of familiarity grew stronger. When they reached the edge of the inner Huigu, she finally recalled that this female demon cultivator was the one who had competed with Ji Yang for the silver shark gauze in the market during their first encounter.
Though the demon cultivator’s appearance had changed, the coffin on her back remained identical to the one Nan Yan had seen before. Her spiritual sense then focused on Yin Ya, and she began to speculate.
Could it be that Yin Ya had known this demon cultivator in the market that day? Had he used illusion techniques to conceal her appearance and staged a performance to avoid the attention of righteous cultivators?
While pondering this, the group arrived at the inner barrier. Although invisible and intangible, a closer look revealed a pattern of scorch marks on the nearby grass. A cultivator used a spell to throw a pebble at the barrier. With a soft sound, black threads converged from all directions, tightly entangling the pebble until it crumbled to dust. Only then did the black threads disperse like smoke.
“This area was originally the first layer of the grand formation sealing the demon,” someone explained. “The higher one’s cultivation, the greater the impact of this formation.”
It was impossible for those who had formed a golden core to enter. Their spiritual energy, as dense as lakes and marshes, would be ensnared and drained by the black threads that craved spiritual power and vitality.
“However, there is a solution,” Deng Ba said, tapping his Qiankun pouch. An iron ring-like object flew out, and he chanted, causing it to float against the edge of the formation.
“Fellow Daoists, lend me your strength!” he called.
Diezan immediately acted, infusing the iron ring with demonic power. Yin Ya moved simultaneously, and surprisingly, despite appearing to be at the peak of Qi Condensation pretending to be at Foundation Establishment, his spiritual energy was unusually potent, indistinguishable from a true Foundation Establishment cultivator.
The iron ring, now charged with spiritual energy, expanded to about ten feet wide. The black mist gradually thickened within it, exuding a decaying odor.
“This formation-breaking ring is a pseudo-golden core treasure. It can last for twenty breaths. Everyone, enter quickly,” Deng Ba urged.
Without hesitation, the group flashed inside. As soon as Nan Yan entered, her brows furrowed involuntarily. The place reeked of yin and evil energy.
Yet, it wasn’t without benefits. The Seven Buddha Karma Scripture seemed to have a volatile temperament; the stronger the evil it encountered, the faster the technique circulated on its own. There were signs it might break through to the late stage of artifact refining.
In contrast, the others, including the demon cultivators from the Coffin Sect, showed slight discomfort. Demon cultivation, while not based on foul yin energy, still absorbed orthodox spiritual energy. Their methods sought rapid advancement, manifesting as demonic appearances. Though they had some resistance to this environment, they still needed to strengthen their spiritual energy barriers.
Deng Ba infused spiritual energy into a jade talisman, projecting a map of Huigu’s inner area. He explained, “Apart from the highly dangerous core area of Huigu, which must be avoided, the eastern ancient battlefield has relics left by ancient cultivators, and the western Extinct Cliff has spirit herbs and spiritual ores. Both are fertile grounds. However, before that, there’s a more pressing matter.”
He retrieved half of a black jade talisman from his Qiankun pouch and tossed it to Yin Ya. The surrounding demon cultivators eyed it covetously, but only Nan Yan nearly revealed her true nature upon seeing it.
This was none other than the Seven Buddha Karma Scripture! She vividly recalled that this half of the black jade talisman was identical to the one she had obtained, which had been carelessly sold in a cheap jade box at the market.
Diezan glanced at it and remarked, “You’ve prepared thoroughly. However, our sect has been collecting these black talismans for years, and even Foundation Establishment cultivators each have one. Are you certain we’ll find clues about this talisman in Huigu?”
Deng Ba replied, “Our sect has possessed this talisman for eight years. It’s said to contain a world-shaking technique. Even our sect leader attempted to unseal it but ended up with severe spiritual injuries and had to give up. That’s why it’s been distributed to fellow disciples. Whoever finds the other half will be rewarded with Golden Core Formation and Nascent Soul Formation pills.”
A single Foundation Establishment pill could cause bloodshed within a small sect, while a Golden Core Formation pill could help a Foundation Establishment cultivator break through to the Golden Core realm. The Nascent Soul Formation pill was even rarer, causing even Nascent Soul stage cultivators to fight over it for their disciples.
This demonstrated that the Coffin Sect was indeed a powerhouse compared to the Yangyue Sect.
“Be that as it may,” Diezan said, examining her well-manicured nails indifferently, “our sect has explored many secret realms over the years. Huigu is no exception. Many have died or been injured here. Is this small talisman truly worth such effort?”
“Of course it is!” Deng Ba asserted firmly. “Why should orthodox methods dominate nine-tenths of the world’s techniques, leaving no room for demonic cultivation to flourish? We of Bizhou will never let go of any possibility of surpassing orthodox methods! If we can complete this technique, it might open new horizons for our demonic path!”
Nan Yan thought to herself, “If only they knew it’s a Buddhist technique disguised as a demonic one.”
The demon cultivators discussed these sect secrets openly, disregarding Yin Ya and the others. It was unlikely they truly trusted them; more probably, they planned to silence them all once their task was complete.
After speaking, Deng Ba turned to Yin Ya and said, “Friend Yin, you have a talent for finding treasures. Few in this world can escape your notice. Please demonstrate your skill and guide us in determining whether the other half of the jade talisman is within Huigu.”
Nan Yan was surprised and secretly glanced at Yin Ya. She knew this fox demon seemed passionate about treasures, but this talent for finding them was news to her.
“Very well,” Yin Ya said, examining the black jade talisman with interest. His instincts told him it was indeed an extraordinary item, but demons differed from humans. For them, bloodline inheritance was the superior path of cultivation. This human technique was of little consequence to him.
Yin Ya levitated the jade talisman in mid-air. His eyes shifted from black to purple, becoming as transparent as amethyst. Moments later, a crimson light emerged from the black talisman and entered Yin Ya’s brow. Soon, he was covered in cold sweat.
“It works!” Deng Ba thought, barely concealing his excitement.
After a while, Yin Ya opened his eyes, looking pale as if greatly weakened.
“Well? Any clues?” Deng Ba asked eagerly.
Yin Ya caught his breath and replied wearily, “The talisman resonates with something… It’s surrounded by a sea of blood and overwhelming demonic energy. I can only vaguely sense its direction towards the western Extinct Cliff, but I can’t be certain.”
“Are you sure about this, friend Yin?”
Yin Ya scoffed, “Why would I lie? You humans should fight to the death over your doctrines.”
“Excellent!” Deng Ba produced a talisman and turned into a disciple. “Zhan Xian, if we’re consumed by the Yin Prayer, someone must relay this information. Take this barrier-breaking talisman and leave Huigu immediately. Report to the sect that half of the technique is likely within Huigu.”
“But Uncle Master, we rarely get a chance to enter Huigu’s inner area…” Zhan Xian, a Qi Condensation disciple, was reluctant to miss this opportunity.
Deng Ba glared at him. “Hmph, the greater mission takes priority. Dare you to disobey?”
“This disciple obeys,” Zhan Xian replied, casting a final glance at Nan Yan and Mu Zhanting before leaving reluctantly.
The group then headed west. They moved slower in the inner area of Huigu than in the outer area. Moving too quickly would unconsciously use large amounts of spiritual energy, potentially attracting the Yin Prayer.
After walking about half a kilometer, the surrounding trees became barren. Only some rare spirit herbs could grow in this harsh environment.
“That’s… Spirit Fragrance Grass, and it’s fourth grade!” someone exclaimed.
Nan Yan recognized it, having grown some for months, but this was her first time seeing a fourth-grade specimen. Standing two feet tall with lustrous leaves, it was of high enough quality to be used in Golden Core stage pill-making.
“Careful, there’s also a third-grade demon insect,” someone warned.
Upon closer inspection, a forearm-length flower stone centipede was coiled and sleeping under the grass. Unlike the previously encountered Crow Cry Snake, this was a genuine Foundation Establishment equivalent demon insect.
Diezan smiled at Yin Ya. “Friend Yin, I recently lost a Crow Cry Snake spirit beast due to injury. I’d like to capture this flower stone centipede as a new spirit beast. Why don’t we cooperate? You can have the herb, and I’ll take the insect. What do you say?”
The demon cultivator was testing Yin Ya’s abilities, but Yin Ya, accustomed to pretense, didn’t fall for it. He replied coolly, “I’ve just exhausted myself using a secret technique to search for treasures and need to recover. However, this fourth-grade Spirit Fragrance Grass is indeed rare. I’ll have these two under my control to assist you instead.”
He gestured vaguely towards Ji Yang and Mu Zhanting.
In reality, he did nothing, but since he was already acting, Ji Yang and Mu Zhanting had to play along.
Diezan smiled again. “What about this chubby little girl?”
Yin Ya met Diezan’s gaze. “You mentioned earlier that you wanted her. How could I not preserve her for you?”
Though his tone was somewhat haughty, his peach-blossom eyes were truly alluring. Diezan, meeting his gaze, was momentarily captivated. She quickly recovered, giggling and hiding her face with her sleeve. “Friend Yin, you’re of the fox demon clan. I, a mere demon cultivator, can’t withstand your fox charm. Please restrain your talent, or I might lose my senses and violate the cultivation world’s law against interspecies marriage for you.”
“Oh? Do demon cultivators have such taboos?”
“Enough, you two. If you want to obtain treasures, do it quickly. Don’t delay our search for the technique,” Deng Ba interrupted.
At this, Diezan ceased her flirtation. She removed the coffin from her back, and its lid fell open with a clang. Inside was a pool of foul-smelling black liquid that suddenly came alive, transforming into countless demon butterflies exuding dark energy. Slowly, a corpse puppet resembling a small old man stood up.
Though originally curled up in the small coffin, the corpse puppet emerged with surprising agility. Black liquid dripped from its body, and its fangs extended to its cheeks. It took two steps forward, then suddenly twisted its head 180 degrees, facing Nan Yan’s direction and drooling poisonous saliva.
Nan Yan struggled to control her expression, but Yin Ya spoke first, disgusted: “How revolting!”
“Corpse puppets are never pretty. Strength is what matters,” Diezan sneered, poking the puppet with her sharp nails. “I’ll cut off two of that chubby girl’s fingers later to satisfy your hunger. For now, restrain yourself and go capture that flower stone centipede.”
The corpse puppet obeyed, darting towards the Spirit Fragrance Grass in an instant. The seemingly sleeping flower stone centipede reacted swiftly, its tail flicking as it sprang up, its segmented body instantly coiling around the corpse puppet. They rolled together in a tangle.
As corpse poison met insect poison, black mist billowed, a chilling sight to behold.
Although Mu Zhanting had fought corpse puppets before, watching these two poisonous creatures battle with toxins splattering everywhere made him hesitant to approach. He summoned two fire whips and started lashing at the flower stone centipede’s rear from a distance. After a while, noticing no movement beside him, he turned to see Ji Yang had already swiftly uprooted the Spirit Fragrance Grass, soil and all, and stored it in a jade box before tucking it into his own Qiankun pouch.
As Ji Yang tucked the herb into his own Qiankun pouch, the demon cultivators didn’t react. They assumed he was under Yin Ya’s control and would eventually hand it over to Yin Ya.
However, Yin Ya was furious. He secretly transmitted, “What are you doing?”
Ji Yang, while casting ice awl spells at the flower stone centipede, calmly replied, “A gentleman loves wealth but acquires it properly. Or would you rather the demon cultivators notice something amiss?”
Yin Ya was speechless.
Soon, the flower stone centipede went berserk, wriggling free from the corpse puppet’s claws and charging at Mu Zhanting, targeting the seemingly weaker opponent. Mu Zhanting, fearless, met the attack head-on with flame-wreathed arms. Though the impact threw him back three zhangs, his flames severely burned the centipede’s antennae.
Simultaneously, Ji Yang, who had been casually casting spells, subtly manipulated fine vines to emerge from the ground, precisely binding each gap in the centipede’s armor.
Seizing the opportunity, Diezan commanded, “Demon butterflies, go!”
The demon butterflies formed from her coffin’s corpse liquid swarmed the centipede, entering through the gaps bound by vines. The demon insect thrashed violently, its body damaged. Diezan swiftly sealed and captured it in her spirit beast pouch.
Elder Deng Ba, who had been considering recruiting Mu Zhanting for the demon sect, muttered, “I’m not surprised a fire-attribute celestial root can withstand a Foundation Establishment demon insect unscathed. But this boy’s talent seemed ordinary, yet his vine-binding technique was so precise and perfect. I’ve never seen such skill in the Qi Condensation stage…”
Diezan, satisfied with capturing a Foundation Establishment spirit beast, returned the corpse puppet to her coffin. She approached Ji Yang, who maintained an expressionless puppet-like facade and remarked, “I was focused on his spirit root earlier and didn’t notice how refined this youth looks. Fan State couldn’t produce such an elegant young man. He’s more like an upper State noble’s son. I wouldn’t dare recruit a demon cultivator, but I’m tempted to follow the example of that romantic lord from Yin State and take a suitable companion…”
In the dim light of Huigu’s inner area, the fourteen or fifteen-year-old youth’s mere presence exuded an unmistakable noble aura. Upon closer inspection, he didn’t seem like an ordinary Qi Condensation cultivator, but rather a pampered aristocrat.
As Diezan seemed about to lift Ji Yang’s chin for a closer look, Nan Yan transmitted to Yin Ya, “You mentioned life-threatening danger before we came, but not this threat to chastity.”
Yin Ya, equally agitated, replied, “Exactly! It’s an insult to my fox clan that others face such peril! What’s with your human taboo on interspecies marriage? Wait, I’ll interrupt this!”
Before Yin Ya could act, an explosion came from Nan Yan’s waist. The spirit-sensing jade clasp she wore shattered, and a bone-chilling energy surged forth.
The clasp, designed to detect ghostly and demonic auras, had been warm since entering Huigu’s inner area but hadn’t exploded until now…
“Danger! A Yin Prayer is passing by. Everyone, hold your breath! Don’t reveal any signs of life!”
Instantly, both Foundation Establishment and Qi Condensation cultivators crouched low, not daring to move even their spiritual senses.
Gradually, Nan Yan saw a semi-transparent head emerge from a dense fog about fifty zhang away. It was an armored head, flickering with an eerie light. Empty eye sockets blazed with ghostly blue fire as it drifted through the air like a jellyfish. Soon, seemingly detecting the recent use of spiritual energy, it slowly floated toward them…