Volume 3 Chapter 30

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Volume 3 Chapter 30: The Next Night (Part 3) – Suspicion

Phoenix Spirit Fire! It’s actually Phoenix Spirit Fire! Could it be that in today’s cultivation world, besides the Feng family heir and Xu Qingfan, who possesses the Wutong branch, there is someone else who can use Phoenix Spirit Fire?

Phoenix Spirit Fire is unlike ordinary flames; it is the fire from the ancient Mythical Beast, the Flame Phoenix. The concentration and purity of its fire Spirit Qi far exceed that of regular flames, making it nearly impossible to extinguish and incredibly powerful.

Feng Qingtian is the last descendant of the Feng family, with the ancient Flame Phoenix’s bloodline in his veins, while Xu Qingfan possesses the Wutong branch infused with the Flame Phoenix’s power. Thus, both can wield Phoenix Spirit Fire under the influence of phoenix aura. But it has been thousands of years since a Flame Phoenix appeared in the Immortal Realm. How could anyone else possibly use Phoenix Spirit Fire?

The moment he sensed the aura of Phoenix Spirit Fire, Xu Qingfan had an ominous feeling in his heart.

Vaguely, Xu Qingfan seemed to recall something, yet he couldn’t quite grasp it. After silently exchanging a glance with Feng Qingtian, they both concealed their discoveries, deciding to discuss them further when no one else was around.

Who killed them?

All the cultivators present pondered this question, yet none asked it aloud. They secretly observed the expressions of cultivators from other sects with scrutinizing eyes.

Although the disciples from "Xuantian Gate" and "Yellow Spirit Mountain" were killed after putting up a strong resistance, judging by the wounds on their bodies, it was clear they were outmatched in the fight. After ruling out the possibility of intervention by those at the Condensed Core Stage, only the seven sects present had the strength to achieve such a feat on Huandao Island.

Hua Xian, the leader of Qingxu Gate, sighed softly after inspecting the bodies of disciples from Xuantian Gate and Yellow Spirit Mountain, noticing the gloomy and uncertain eyes of the other cultivators present.

Initially, he thought the situation on Huandao Island had become incredibly strange and unexpected, so he wanted to propose that disciples from the seven major sects join forces to ensure the safety of all present cultivators. Although the strength of the seven sects’ cultivators far exceeded those of other sects, they might not be able to ensure their safety against the mysterious cultivators who attacked the Xuantian Gate.

But seeing the expressions of the cultivators from other sects, who had become wary after discovering that the disciples of Xuantian Gate and Yellow Spirit Mountain were killed after a fierce battle, he sighed lightly in his heart and asked, "Fellow brothers, what should we do next?"

Upon hearing Xuan Xian’s words, Monk Xi Jun, the leader of Mercy Cloud Temple, softly chanted a Buddhist mantra before speaking slowly, "At this time, the teleportation array on Huandao Island is destroyed. Even if the elders and seniors on Zhantai are aware of the changes on Huandao Island, it would probably take them two days to arrive. However, the situation on Huandao Island is too mysterious now. First, several benefactors from other sects were killed, and just now, there were several unknown Condensed Core Stage masters battling here. The situation on Huandao Island is no longer within our control."

Hua Xian frowned and said, "Indeed, given the current situation, if we continue to act alone, it would indeed be quite dangerous. It’s possible that one of our sects might be the next to be attacked."

A person from the Five Elements Sect asked, "Are Master Xi Jun and Martial Brother Hua Xian suggesting that we should unite to ensure our safety?"

Monk Xi Jun nodded slightly and said, "There are unknown cultivators on Huandao Island who might attack us at any moment, and many unknown Condensed Core Stage cultivators with unclear intentions. We must unite to have the power to protect ourselves."

Another person from the Five Elements Sect sneered and said, "Has the master considered that the unknown cultivators attacking other sects could be from one of our own sects?"

Hearing this, the atmosphere on the scene became more serious. However, the words reflected what everyone was thinking, leading to a temporary silence.

After a long while, Monk Xi Jun clasped his hands together and said, "I don’t mean to underestimate everyone here, but with the strength of those present, it’s hard to imagine defeating the cultivators on Huandao Island in less than two days. Also, the island is under a ‘Mirror Technique,’ and our every move is being watched by the elders in Zhantai. In this situation, I suppose none of us would act recklessly, right?"

Hua Xian gave Monk Xi Jun a gentle smile and said, "I share the same thoughts as you, Master."

Lv Qingshang, unable to hold back, sneered and said, "As far as I know, the ‘Dark Rain Barrier’ from Liuhe Gate can block the ‘Mirror Technique’s’ surveillance, and they have a tendency to seize others’ achievements."

Deng Tianao replied coldly, "These sects have captured at most one or two Seven-colored Deer, to be honest, I’m not impressed. And to take their Seven-colored Deer, I don’t even need to use the ‘Dark Rain Barrier.’"

Previously, Deng Tianao was silently listening to everyone’s discussion, but now he couldn’t help but speak up. Observing him again, Xu Qingfan was surprised to find that Deng Tianao’s appearance had somehow reverted to his youthful look.

Suddenly, the leader of the Five Elements Sect, a young man dressed in golden attire, said indifferently, "We of the Five Elements Sect will not act together with all of you. We appreciate the Master’s goodwill."

As he spoke, he glanced around at the cultivators present, then without pause, gave a slight bow and briskly left the forest with his four brothers, who looked exactly the same, leaving the cultivators stunned.

Watching the backs of the departing Five Elements Sect group, Monk Xi Jun sighed inwardly. Clearly, the Five Elements Sect still suspected that the sudden deaths and disappearances of cultivators from the ‘Xuantian Gate’ and others were due to the hidden actions of someone among the seven sects.

However, though the remaining cultivators were somewhat displeased with the Five Elements Sect’s departure, they could understand the reasoning. If they were to act together, unfamiliarity in cooperation with other sect members and the need to constantly guard against possible betrayals from behind was too much to consider.

In contrast, the five brothers from the Five Elements Sect who came to Huandao Island practiced the Five Elements Taoist Method. They had a strong mutual understanding, and their defense was formidable after setting up the Five Elements Formation. At least, they had no worries about their safety, so they were not tempted by Monk Xi Jun’s proposal for a joint action.

After the Five Elements Sect left, the ten members from the White Lady Palace and the Eight Wilderness Hall, who had remained silent, also departed, led by the cold, white-clothed maiden and Huang Xie. They seemed to have full confidence in their own strength, uninterested in joining forces.

However, amidst the successive changes, to avoid being the center of attention and suspicion, Huang Xie didn’t seem interested in seizing other sects’ Seven-colored Deer at this time.

After the members of the Five Elements Sect, White Lady Palace, and Eight Wilderness Hall left, only the cultivators from Mercy Cloud Temple, Qingxu Gate, Liuhe Gate, and Jiuhua Gate remained in the withered forest at the center of Huandao Island.

Seeing Monk Xi Jun’s questioning look directed at him, Xu Qingfan pondered briefly, then said respectfully, "We brothers have other matters to attend to, I’m afraid we cannot act together with you, Master, and the others."

In truth, Xu Qingfan agreed with Monk Xi Jun and Hua Xian’s view, not believing that the deaths and disappearances of "Xuantian Gate" and other sect disciples were related to the seven sects present because even if they had the ability, they didn’t have the time.

Moreover, in this world, people’s actions always have an ulterior motive, and they act for self-benefit. But Xu Qingfan couldn’t think of what benefit the disciples of the seven sects would gain from killing members of other sects.

Compared to the seven sects’ disciples taking action, Xu Qingfan felt there was a larger conspiracy brewing on Huandao Island. Especially recalling Zhang Hualing and Bai Qingfu’s strange words earlier and the Phoenix Spirit Fire residues found on the corpses just now, Xu Qingfan had a stronger feeling that the conspiracy was closely related to Jiuhua Gate.

However, since the possibility of the seven sects’ disciples taking action couldn’t be completely ignored, and Xu Qingfan also needed to discuss the Phoenix Spirit Fire issue with others from Jiuhua Gate, it would be inconvenient with experts from other sects present. So after some hesitation, he declined.

Upon hearing Xu Qingfan’s words, Deng Tianao seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and respectfully said to Monk Xi Jun, "Thank you for your kind offer, Master, but my fellow brothers and I are accustomed to working alone, so I must decline."

Saying this, Deng Tianao led Chou Xuan and the others toward the edge of the forest. Before leaving, Deng Tianao gave Xu Qingfan a cold smile that made Xu Qingfan’s heart sink. He understood the meaning of Deng Tianao’s smile—it was a promise that the Liuhe Gate would continue to trouble Xu Qingfan and his companions. Having learned about Deng Tianao’s secret "Purple Womb Car" practice, they would not be spared.

It seemed that their enmity with Deng Tianao was now firmly established.

Xu Qingfan frowned slightly. After a moment’s hesitation, he finally decided not to tell the others about Deng Tianao’s practice of the "Purple Womb Car."

Realizing Deng Tianao’s youthful appearance had returned, Xu Qingfan understood that even if they accused Deng Tianao now, he likely already had a plan. Moreover, although Deng Tianao’s practice of the "Purple Womb Car" was certain, Xu Qingfan had no concrete evidence. Speaking out rashly might backfire, so he decided it was better to first report the matter to the elders at Zhantai and then devise a strategy.

Meanwhile, aware of Deng Tianao’s potential ambush at any time, Xu Qingfan remained cautious. As they passed each other, Xu Qingfan discreetly flicked some pollen onto Deng Tianao.

Practicing the "Purple Womb Car" would cause a purple aura to churn within the dantian. If necessary, Xu Qingfan might have to act first to capture Deng Tianao before he could destroy evidence of his practice.

However, for now, Xu Qingfan was more concerned about what was happening on Huandao Island.

So, after a bow to Monk Xi Jun and Hua Xian, Xu Qingfan led the four from Jiuhua Gate out of the forest as well.

Seeing the other five sects’ cultivators leave one after another, the forest was left with only the Qingxu Gate and Mercy Cloud Temple cultivators, making Hua Xian and Monk Xi Jun exchange faint smiles.

Although it has been said for thousands of years that the six Holy Lands are like branches from the same tree and that the major sects in the cultivation world are like one family, when faced with threats to their own safety, it is clear that the elite disciples of these sects ultimately chose protection, suspicion, and caution.

Some things are just empty words.

…

In the same place, there were again two mysterious figures, just as there is always darkness behind the light.

"Your people did well." After silently staring at each other for a long time, the larger figure suddenly broke the silence with a cold voice.

"Thank you for the compliment," the other figure responded calmly. "But now, you’re probably complaining that the details of this operation weren’t shared with you, right?"

"How could I dare? You are the one personally appointed by the master to oversee things. I just follow your arrangements and wouldn’t dare to complain."

Another silence followed.

"You arrived quite early this time."

"Hmph, stop the nonsense. According to your plan, what’s my next task?"

"Next, you should die."

…

Time flowed like water, and while meditating and recovering, it unknowingly turned to nighttime.

In the sky, the night was clear, the moonlight was like water, and sprinkled with twinkling stars.

After leaving the forest in the middle of Huandao Island, Xu Qingfan and the others found a secluded spot. Lv Qingshang set up a tight protective formation, and then everyone began meditating to restore their energy. During this time, the five took turns standing guard, ensuring one person was always awake to prevent any accidents.

In the battle with Liuhe Gate, the five from Jiuhua Gate consumed a lot of Spirit Qi. As soon as their energy finally recovered to ninety percent, the clear sunlight transformed into impenetrable darkness. Even though the moon hung high, it couldn’t dispel the slightest bit of it, much like the suspense everyone felt at that moment.

Since Xu Qingfan’s Spirit Qi was the most depleted among the five and he had spit up vital energy blood twice, leaving him severely weakened, he did not take a turn guarding this time and focused solely on meditating to regain his strength. The others understood Xu Qingfan’s situation, so they didn’t comment on his absence from the guard duty.

When Xu Qingfan awoke from his meditation and slowly opened his eyes, he found that the other four had already finished and were all watching him.