Chapter 261

Chapter 261: Continuous Surprises

Fang Lie had long been guarding against Ghost-Eating Monster Granny’s final counterattack. He’d hidden the Amethyst Silkworm King within the clouds above – a classic case of the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. The monster granny never anticipated an aerial assault and fell victim immediately.

Though her strength normally matched the Silkworm King’s, everything ended when the crystalline creature burrowed into her flesh. Obeying Fang Lie’s command, the silkworm drained every drop of her millennium-old cultivation, including blood essence and soul itself.

With bitter reluctance, Ghost-Eating Monster Granny cast her final gaze upon the world before collapsing into desiccated remains, joining the bones of her victims.

As tension eased, Little Peach Red retrieved the monster’s Sumeru Bag. Fang Lie stored it without inspection, his eyes fixed ahead with growing unease. Killing the granny was simple enough, but the appearance of the Underworld Dragon Orb – a priceless Seventh-rank Treasure – spelled trouble.

The cultivation world proverb says: Sixth-rank tools, Seventh-rank treasures. Sixth-rank magical items barely qualify as tools, while seventh-rank possessions merit the treasure title. Seventh-rank Treasures possess not only basic restriction divine skills but also rudimentary awareness.

Ordinary treasures, however powerful, remain Dao-level implements. Though engraved with divine patterns, they lack systematic structures for unleashing true restriction power. Only Seventh-rank and above treasures organize these patterns into synergistic formations, birthing terrifying restrictions.

High-level Dao magic like Fire Dragon or Thunderfall Spells operate singularly. When inscribed on magical tools, they become ordinary treasures. Restrictions combine these spells into transcendent Dao magic – power equivalent to hundreds of simultaneous spells.

This constitutes merely entry-level restrictions. Any Seventh-rank Treasure must contain at least one such restriction. Even basic restrictions unleash hundreds of amplified high-level spells, threatening Purple Palace experts and forcing Wind Tribulation Immortals to retreat.

The Underworld Dragon Orb’s Underworld Dragon Soul-Splitting Roar typifies evil faction soul attacks. Seven Dragon True Immortals must unite to withstand it – Fang Lie or Mr. Suan Mei would face immediate soul-shattering annihilation.

Seventh-rank Treasures harbor primitive awareness, enabling autonomous combat without masters. This vital spirit multiplies power while reducing divine sense requirements.

Thus lies the chasm between sixth-rank tools and seventh-rank treasures. While Wind Tribulation Immortals might wield sixth-rank items, even Fire Tribulation Immortals struggle to obtain seventh-rank ones. Major sect elders often rely on sixth-rank tools for appearances.

The Underworld Dragon Orb’s value eclipses a hundred sixth-rank items, despite being low-tier among seventh-rank treasures. Seventh-rank spirit remains extraordinarily rare – even this flawed orb commands immense worth.

This was a heavy treasure. Though Fang Lie was formidable, he couldn’t guarantee surrounding Cultivators would remain rational after witnessing such temptation.

True to expectations, as Fang Lie’s concern surfaced, over a dozen dark specks approached from afar. Their terrifying flight speed revealed them all as Wind Tribulation Immortals.

They clearly didn’t want to cross Fang Lie too badly. None attacked him directly. Instead, one shouted, "Fang Lie! We only want the Underworld Dragon Orb. Let us take it and we’ll leave immediately. Order your Seven Dragon True Immortals to withdraw, lest accidents happen!"

Fury ignited in Fang Lie. He’d traveled far, spent over a month breaching the protective array, and slain Ghost-Eating Monster Granny. Now these interlopers wanted the prime Spoils of War? Was he their errand boy?

"Scoundrels!" Fang Lie roared. "Attack now and you become my sworn enemies! I’ll hunt down every last one of you!"

His murderous intent was palpable. Three among the Wind Tribulation Immortals hesitated, then withdrew. With such competition, seizing the Orb seemed unlikely. Why risk death and enraging this madman?

Yet most demonic path masters pressed forward, summoning treasures as they charged the Seven Dragon True Immortals.

"Have at them!" Fang Lie bellowed. "Seven Dao friends! Release the Orb and slaughter these rats! Forget the treasure – leave none alive!"

The Seven Dragon True Immortals laughed savagely. With combined effort, they hurled the restricted Underworld Dragon Orb toward the attackers.

Mistaking this for weakness, the charging Cultivators rejoiced – until restrictions lifted. The Orb erupted with an Underworld Dragon Soul-Rending Howl.

Invisible energy rippled outward. The first wave of Wind Tribulation Immortals convulsed. Five plummeted screaming, seven orifices bleeding, consciousness shattered – souls destroyed beyond recovery.

Others with soul-protecting treasures fared slightly better, though their artifacts cracked under the restriction’s might. Blood streamed from their faces as they suffered heavy injuries.

Survivors fled in terror, but the Seven Dragon True Immortals already encircled them with the Seven Dragon Formation, trapping both men and Orb.

"Mercy!" they begged. One Mo Sect Elder atop a mechanical dragon cried, "Fang Lie! I’m your father’s senior! Release me!"

The Seven Dragon True Immortals hesitated, slaughtering others instead.

"Elders stealing from juniors?" Fang Lie sneered. "How becoming."

"My crime isn’t capital!" the Elder protested. "As Benevolence Token Lord-to-be, you must show leniency!"

"Name and sect token!" Fang Lie demanded.

The man tossed his token. "Li Chengwen of Mo Sect!"

The token bore Mo Sect’s mark and Bai family’s insignia – likely a Bai son-in-law. Fang Lie’s jaw tightened. "Release him."

As Li escaped, he demanded his token back.

"Confiscated," Fang Lie declared. "Present yourself at the Ancestral Hall for judgment."

"You bully!" Li spat.

"Thieves call others bullies?" Fang Lie laughed mirthlessly. "Begone before I reconsider!"

The crowd dispersed after this display. As the Seven Dragon True Immortals neared sealing the Orb, a thunderous voice shook the air: "Boy! That’s my treasure!"

A crushing aura materialized nearby.

Mr. Suan Mei inhaled sharply. "Fire Tribulation Immortal!"