Chapter 444

Chapter 444: Countermeasures

The sword was pitch-black like ink, its material indistinguishable. Ancient and unadorned, its hilt bore an Underworld Dragon Orb alongside scattered beads of varying shapes and colors, including an inconspicuous crimson one.

The blade hovered mysteriously in mid-air through unseen power, faintly leaking dreadful killing energy.

After thorough examination, Immortal Youhuo remarked with astonishment, "This is truly exceptional! It condenses boundless demonic energy from heaven and earth, fused with countless swordmaster souls. Powered by the Seventh-rank Underworld Dragon Orb’s endless Netherworld energy, its unleashed might becomes unstoppable – especially under a swordmaster’s control. Even ordinary Wind Tribulation Immortals would fall to a single strike, while weaker Fire Tribulation Immortals might withstand brief combat. For a mere Seventh-rank Flying Sword to achieve this… remarkable!"

"Humph!" Fang Lie sneered. "The profundity of Mo Sect’s refining techniques surpasses your heretical comprehension."

"True enough!" Immortal Youhuo chuckled. "Mo Sect’s craftsmanship remains unparalleled. This blade stands supreme among Seventh-rank treasures with potential for Eighth-rank ascension. But ultimately…" His grin widened. "…it’s mine now. You intended to trade it for the Dao Pattern Heavenly Eye, didn’t you?"

"What if I did?" Fang Lie growled through clenched teeth.

"Then you’ve gifted me splendidly!" The immortal gloated. "This treasure alone justifies my journey!"

"Fool!" Fang Lie retorted. "Its accumulated death-taint from eons of hatred and poison would corrode even a Thunder Tribulation Immortal’s soul during refinement. None would purchase this cursed blade – you hold worthless firewood!"

"Poorly reasoned, boy." Immortal Youhuo wagged a finger. "Though unusable, surrendering it to sect stores earns substantial contribution points. Exactly what I need to claim cultivation pills. My urgent matter resolves neatly!"

Fang Lie feigned furious silence while inwardly smirking. ‘All proceeds as Bird Bro foresaw. This "trash" entering the Sect Treasure Vault shall become their regret.’

Delighted by the youth’s scowl, Immortal Youhuo taunted, "My thanks for this generous donation!"

"Celebrate prematurely?" Fang Lie shot back. "You sacrificed the Dao Pattern Heavenly Eye for my capture!"

"Naïve child!" The immortal laughed. "The artifact will be reclaimed through auction at mere transaction costs – perhaps one hundred thousand spirit stones. Your worth barely registers!"

Speechless with rage, Fang Lie glared as his captor waved dismissively. "Enough chatter. Sleep now."

The gesture plunged Fang Lie into unconsciousness. Immortal Youhuo methodically applied dozens of restrictive seals before imprisoning him in a specialized spatial cage.

"Though merely a junior, his capabilities warrant personal attention from this late-stage Thunder Tribulation cultivator," the immortal mused, vanishing after securing his prize. "Once recovering the Heavenly Eye, immediate teleportation shall rid us of this troublemaker."

Thousands of miles distant, within illusion-shrouded mountains, Fang Lie’s true body – golden-winged and single-eyed – emerged from meditation. Sensing his blood clone’s incapacitation, he urgently contacted his advisor.

"Bird Bro! Ghost Realm Sect possesses Witch Sect Straw Figures! They plan to curse me!"

"Of what grade?" the old bird demanded.

"Crafted by a Great Witch himself!"

"Pah! Mere Semi-Immortal level?" Bird Bro scoffed in relief. "Your life-bound Dao seed resides safe in Nirvana Fire Realm’s protective array. Ten such witches couldn’t breach our defenses."

Fang Lie chuckled. "So their witchcraft proves feeble behind strong arrays?"

"Foolishness!" The advisor chided. "Ancient Witch Sect slaughtered protected sect leaders through combined Ninth-Rank treasures and grand formations. Their hundred-strong Semi-Immortal cabal could murder through any defense!"

"Then why fret now?"

"Modern remnants lack ancestral might," Bird Bro explained. "Their lone artifact presents opportunity – seize that Straw Figure!"

"While bound by dozens of seals?" Fang Lie protested.

"Curse magic’s flaw!" The advisor revealed. "It consumes lifespan energy. Only desperate juniors would waste vitality cursing Qi Sea realm ants. Slay the weakened caster during your blood clone’s Nirvana Rebirth!"

Understanding dawned. "The Nirvana Fire Seed you planted! My clone will revive unrestrained!"

"Precisely! Claim that Eighth-rank tier treasure!" Bird Bro urged. "Modern tolerance allows its use without persecution."

"Then I’ll curse Immortal Youhuo himself!"

"Reckless!" The advisor warned. "Curse potency mirrors strength disparity. At best, you might injure Fire Tribulation foes. Higher cultivators remain beyond reach."