Chapter 518

Chapter 518: Dragon Yang Spirit Herbs

With the Thunder Tribulation Immortal’s letter present, the staff became extremely cautious and respectfully led Fang Lie to the finest tea room.

Soon, a middle-aged man at Wind Tribulation Immortal level appeared, clasping his fists in greeting. "I am Lan Sanghai. Well met, sir!"

"Honored," Fang Lie replied with a light fist clasp.

"Might I inquire about your background and which senior you’re delivering this message for?" Lan Sanghai asked politely.

"My apologies," Fang Lie said evenly. "The senior wishes this matter kept confidential until I personally meet Elder Lan."

His true purpose involved plotting against Great Thunder Sound Temple – an affair too sensitive to share with subordinates. Even his identity needed concealment to protect both Zhongli Family and himself, for Great Thunder Sound Temple wasn’t to be trifled with.

Lan Sanghai’s brow furrowed slightly in displeasure, but he dared not object. Offending a Thunder Tribulation Immortal’s envoy exceeded his authority. His role was simply to guide, not make decisions.

Forcing a smile, he said, "In that case, please follow me."

Lan Sanghai led the way with Fang Lie close behind. They boarded a Fifth Rank Flying Boat, traveling over an hour before reaching a magnificent golden complex spanning hundreds of miles. The structures backed against an enormous smoking volcano, molten magma snaking down its slopes like fiery veins.

Despite the intense heat, lush vegetation flourished under protective enchantments – an extravagance that would stagger most cultivators.

As they progressed, curious onlookers stared. Proud youths made to block their path, but Lan Sanghai’s stern gaze prevented confrontation.

Fang Lie was finally ushered into a grand hall. Moments later, an elderly man materialized before him.

The wizened figure wore simple blue robes like a country gentleman, but his blazing eyes made Fang Lie’s skin prickle with heat. A mere glance radiated such terrifying power, revealing unmatched mastery of fire element Dao magic.

Undoubtedly, this was Elder Lan – one of Zhongli Family’s three Thunder Tribulation Immortals. His lineage originated from an ancestral son-in-law who married into the clan, eventually forming a branch family practicing their fire cultivation techniques.

Seeing his target, Fang Lie removed his hood and saluted. "Junior Fang Lie pays respects to Elder Lan."

"Fang Lie?" The elder blinked, then gasped. "The Mo Sect’s Fang Lie?"

"The same," Fang Lie smiled. "I’m surprised my humble name reaches your ears."

"Who hasn’t heard?" Elder Lan chuckled ruefully. "Suppressing a Small Demon Cave, extorting East Kunlun, forcing seven righteous sects to apologize regarding your father… These are legendary deeds! Few in the cultivation world don’t know you."

Fang Lie scratched his head awkwardly, uncertain how to respond.

"Ha! I mean that as praise!" Elder Lan boomed. "Even I wouldn’t dare such boldness! Sit, sit – let’s talk properly."

As the elder took his seat, Fang Lie settled opposite.

"That old codger Zi Ji sent you, didn’t he?" Elder Lan grinned. "How fares the stubborn fool after these Hundred Years?"

"Quite well," Fang Lie answered solemnly. "He recently reached late-stage Thunder Tribulation."

"What? Impossible!" The elder jolted upright. "Without the Dragon Yang Spirit Herbs, he couldn’t… Wait – was this your doing?"

Elder Lan’s eyes blazed like forge fires, clearly aware of Fang Lie’s reputation for miracles.

The young cultivator nodded modestly. "I provided minor assistance."

"Just as I thought!" Elder Lan sighed with envy. "That old bastard’s luck defies heaven itself!"

"Hehe~" Fang Lie smiled and handed him a letter along with a Jade Bottle.

Elder Lan accepted them curiously. After reading the letter, his expression shifted. He hastily grabbed the Jade Bottle, uncorked it, and inspected its contents. Joy spread across his face as he exclaimed, "Thank you! This Dragon Yang Spirit Herb’s Spirit Liquid has saved my old life!"

Like Immortal Zi Ji, Elder Lan had been trapped at the mid-stage Thunder Tribulation bottleneck. Both were of similar age and dwindling lifespan.

The only solution was a potent Fire Sun Spirit Pill, requiring a ten-thousand-year-old Dragon Yang Spirit Herb as its core ingredient.

Such herbs were rumored to be created by the breath of Fire Dragons. Even century-old specimens were treasures, while thousand-year-old ones rivaled Seventh-rank Treasures in value—priceless and rare.

Ten-thousand-year versions? Mere legends, unseen for millennia.

Elder Lan had abandoned hope long ago. The entire Zhongli Family faced this crisis—anyone practicing their ancestral fire-element cultivation needed this pill to break through. Their ancestors had left scant resources, and this generation possessed none. Even the Family Head, despite his talents, remained stuck at mid-stage Thunder Tribulation, awaiting death.

Fang Lie’s gift changed everything. This bottle of Spirit Liquid could brew an entire batch of pills. Success meant shattering the bottleneck and gaining a millennium of lifespan.

Overwhelmed, Elder Lan nearly knelt in gratitude, restrained only by dignity.

"A trivial gift," Fang Lie waved dismissively. "Think nothing of it."

"Nonsense!" Elder Lan insisted. "This ‘trivial’ gift is my life! Name your request—I’ll grant anything!" His eagerness stemmed not just from gratitude but hope for more Spirit Liquid for his clan.

Fang Lie hesitated. "My demand… is unreasonable. Feel free to refuse."

Elder Lan’s enthusiasm cooled. "State your terms."

"I require your Thunder Sound Golden Bell."

This Token couldn’t be stolen—Great Thunder Sound Temple only recognized legitimately acquired bells.

"Heavens!" Elder Lan gasped. "You’re targeting the Temple again?"

"Exactly." Fang Lie’s gaze hardened. "They traded me a defective Central World to reclaim their sect treasure—one hiding a spatial crack to the Demonic Realm! Then tried extortion. Shouldn’t they be taught a lesson?"

"But provoking them risks widespread condemnation!"

"The Elder Council already ruled in my favor days ago," Fang Lie countered. "They permitted retaliation."

Understanding dawned, but Elder Lan frowned. "This could make Great Thunder Sound Temple our enemy. We avoid unnecessary conflicts."

"Very well." Fang Lie stood to leave.

"Wait!" Elder Lan blurted. "This requires the Family Head’s counsel. Stay overnight—we’ll decide by tomorrow." He couldn’t risk losing future Spirit Liquid supplies through outright refusal.

Fang Lie agreed. When Elder Lan proposed a feast, he declined to maintain secrecy.

Alarmed, the elder complied, installing Fang Lie in their finest palace with his own son as attendant. Then he rushed to confer with the Zhongli Family Head and another Thunder Tribulation Immortal.