Morning came, as autumn rain drizzled softly.
The Outer Door Hall was packed with sect disciples, all uniformly clad in light blue robes.
Despite the large crowd inside the hall, the atmosphere was eerily quiet. All the disciples bore grave expressions, and few spoke a word.
Everyone clearly understood the gravity of the situation. Though several Foundation Establishment Elders from the Outer Sect would be accompanying them, they were tasked with capturing Old Demon Ye—a figure renowned for his prowess, even among Early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators. The danger of this mission was exceedingly high!
Ning Daoran stroked Big Stupid Deer's neck, entirely aware of the situation unfolding around him.
It was all Outer Sect disciples, not a single Inner Sect disciple in sight. The sect evidently intended for the Outer Sect disciples to serve as cannon fodder.
"All disciples, heed my command!"
An Outer Elder appeared at the far end of the hall, his voice spreading gently yet firmly with the aid of spiritual power, "Old Demon Ye has murdered sect disciples; the Chaotic Sect will not stand idly by. After entering the Yellow Dragon Mountain Range, you must act cautiously.
If you discover Old Demon Ye or assist in capturing him, not only will you be promoted to Inner Sect disciple immediately, but the sect will greatly reward you!"
"Yes, Elder!"
The disciples' eyes lit up, and they all bowed in unison.
At this moment, not far from the Outer Foundation Establishment Elder, an Inner Sect disciple responsible for counting heads suddenly noticed Ning Daoran in the crowd and froze in surprise.
The man was Zhao Lichen.
"Why is Junior Brother Ning here?"
He quickly turned around and looked toward Martial Uncle Xu, an Outer Elder. "Martial Uncle Xu, why is Ning Daoran among those being sent?"
"Oh?"
Martial Uncle Xu narrowed his eyes, "Why not? Is Ning Daoran not an Outer Disciple?"
"But…"
Zhao Lichen furrowed his brows tightly. "Junior Brother Ning has already cultivated the Rain Transformation Technique to the Fourth Layer and steadfastly contributes Second-tier Spirit Rice to the sect every year. He…"
"Nephew Zhao,"
Martial Uncle Xu replied indifferently, "This list of disciples heading out was jointly decided by ten Outer Elders. Do you take issue with it?"
"This disciple would not dare, but…"
"Enough. The departure draws near. Do not cause unnecessary trouble. The court's representatives are already waiting."
"Understood. This disciple will comply…"
Zhao Lichen said no more, but immediately stepped into the crowd. He embraced Ning Daoran's and Big Stupid Deer's necks with one arm each and spoke softly, "Once you're in the Yellow Dragon Mountain Range, prioritize self-preservation. Don't even think about the capture mission. Even if you encounter Old Demon Ye, survival should be your utmost concern."
Ning Daoran felt a touch of gratitude and nodded in agreement, then followed the crowd out of the hall.
...
Outside, the rain continued its fine, misty descent onto the earth.
Four Outer Elders from the Chaotic Sect took to the skies, all Early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators. With a sweep of their long sleeves, they transformed into tunneling light to lead the way for the disciples.
Hooves thundered suddenly as the court's contingent began to move.
Led by Li Jue, a martial artist at the Condensed Liquid Realm, nearly a hundred cavalrymen surged deeper into the Yellow Dragon Mountain Range.
Ning Daoran activated his Green Bamboo Leaf, flying low alongside Big Stupid Deer. His group included several mid-tier Outer Sect disciples at Qi Refining Middle Stage, comprising about half of the contingent.
Looking down from above, the figures of Early Stage Qi Refining disciples from the Outer Sect were dispersed sporadically across the land. Should they encounter Foundation Establishment cultivators, it was unlikely they'd be able to mount any form of resistance.
A Foundation Establishment Elder called out, "Disciples, spread out to search. If you spot any sign of Old Demon Ye, do not act rashly. Immediately let out a piercing cry to signal the discovery.
Also, do not act alone. Groups of three to four are best to avoid being instantly slaughtered by Old Demon Ye."
"Understood, Martial Uncle!"
The disciples responded loudly in unison.
"This Senior Brother,"
In the woods, an Outer Sect female disciple clad in a green skirt approached Ning Daoran. "Would you be willing to form a team?"
"Sure,"
Ning Daoran didn't refuse.
The female disciple, at Qi Refining Second Layer, timidly replied, "My name is Zhao Yurou. May I know yours, Senior Brother…"
"My name is Ning Daoran."
"Senior Brother is at Qi Refining Middle Stage. I hope you'll look after me during this endeavor."
"I'll do my best."
At that moment, another Outer Sect disciple with a burly physique and a battle hammer stepped forward, exuding the aura of Qi Refining Sixth Level.
"Junior Brother and Junior Sister, would you like to form a team together? I am Lei Chong of the Outer Sect—Qi Refining Sixth Level."
Ning Daoran and Zhao Yurou promptly agreed; having a Qi Refining Sixth Level cultivator with them was certainly beneficial.
"Junior Brother Ning's spiritual beast…"
Lei Chong glanced at Big Stupid Deer and grinned, "Interesting! It seems to be a descendant of some Ancient True Spirit, though its bloodline is muddled—it hasn't even grown antlers."
"Moo~~~"
Big Stupid Deer wanted to explain that it used to have antlers, but they were broken off by a powerful figure, and for some unknown reason, they never grew back.
"Hahaha~~~"
Lei Chong laughed heartily and gazed into the rain-filled distance. "Since the three of us have decided to team up, why not be upfront about our abilities—sharing details about our magical treasures and techniques?
Let me start. I'm at Qi Refining Sixth Level, practicing the Body Tempering Technique and Thunder Flame Technique. The hammer I wield is a first-tier mid-grade magic artifact."
Ning Daoran followed suit, "I don't have much in terms of magical treasures—just the sword on my back, also a first-tier mid-grade artifact. I'm trained in Body Tempering Technique and Evergreen Technique."
"Oh? Junior Brother Ning cultivates the Evergreen Technique? Judging by your strength, you must be on the First Layer; reaching the Second Layer is unlikely."
"Senior Brother, your keen eye misses nothing."
Both of them turned their attention toward the young junior sister.
Zhao Yurou meekly confessed, "I'm at Qi Refining Second Layer. My magical treasure is… a brocade handkerchief, a first-tier low-grade magic tool for defense. The sword I have is merely of mundane quality."
"Given that's the case," Lei Chong remarked, "Junior Brother Ning, we of the Qi Refining Middle Stage must protect Junior Sister Zhao."
Lei Chong suggested, "We should fly low on either side while Junior Sister remains in the center—advancing cautiously. How does that sound?"
"Senior Brother Lei…"
Ning Daoran frowned. He had originally planned to lay low, avoiding active searches in the Yellow Dragon Mountain Range.
Sending cultivators at Qi Refining Middle Stage to track down a Foundation Establishment expert—such folly was scarcely believable. The safety risk was immeasurable.
"Has Senior Brother Lei considered the danger of this mission? My recommendation is that we advance ten miles into the range and find a secluded spot to hide. When the elders announce the end of the operation, we can return to the mountain safely. It's the most prudent strategy."
"Huh?"
Lei Chong froze momentarily, then a trace of contempt flickered across his gaze. He laughed, "Junior Brother Ning must be joking. Since we've accepted the mission, we shouldn't evade our responsibilities.
Moreover, should we truly discover Old Demon Ye's whereabouts, it would bring great merit to the sect—granting us entry into the Inner Sect and even additional rewards. As cultivators, shouldn't we strive for that?"
Zhao Yurou gently added, "Senior Brother Ning, I think what Senior Brother Lei said makes sense…"
Ning Daoran sighed, "Since Senior Brother and Junior Sister feel that way, let's proceed then."
"Great!"
Lei Chong smiled broadly, promptly flying ahead on his magic artifact.
...
The forest was damp, the autumn rain persistent, and the sprawling mountains painted with crimson leaves.
Ning Daoran hovered cautiously on his Green Bamboo Leaf, while Big Stupid Deer traveled underground to provide backup.
Unknowingly, the three had ventured over a hundred miles into the Yellow Dragon Mountain Range by noon.
Zhao Yurou, despite being at Qi Refining Second Layer and having a physique and spiritual power far superior to ordinary humans, had become exhausted—her face flushed red with exertion. Consequently, Lei Chong and Ning Daoran repeatedly lowered their flying speed.
"Junior Sister,"
Lei Chong frowned, "If you don't mind, would you ride with me?"
"Huh?"
Zhao Yurou froze, her cheeks turning a bright shade of red. "Senior Brother… is that okay?"
"Why not?"
Lei Chong, sensing her thoughts, slapped his chest confidently and laughed, "Flying together will also help me protect Junior Sister better."
"If that's the case…"
Zhao Yurou hesitantly agreed.
Ning Daoran pretended not to notice anything.
*In the cultivation world, the strong preyed on the weak. Zhao Yurou clearly came from a common household that had selected her for the sect. Without familial backing and possessing inferior spirit roots, she was destined to receive meager cultivation resources within the sect.*
*Lei Chong, however, was different. He had achieved Qi Refining Sixth Level at a young age, owned offensive and flying magical artifacts, and undoubtedly hailed from a family with significant influence.*
*If Zhao Yurou could align herself with Lei Chong, it would provide her with a modicum of protection. Her future cultivation resources might… improve somewhat.*
*Besides, Zhao Yurou's appearance was average at best; Lei Chong's interest in her might be considered a fortunate turn of events.*
...
Not long afterward, the sound of galloping hooves rang out through the forest.
A mounted figure appeared in the woods and immediately set his sights on Ning Daoran and his two companions.
The rider was none other than Li Jue, the Condensed Liquid Realm Colonel.
"Ah, it's Lord Li Jue."
Lei Chong maneuvered his magic artifact to lower his altitude and greeted him respectfully, "We've searched the area but have yet to find any trace of Old Demon Ye."
"That's fine."
Li Jue's lips curled into a sinister smile as his gaze turned toward Ning Daoran, "Capturing Old Demon Ye isn't the sole objective of coming to the Yellow Dragon Mountain Range."
"Oh?"
Lei Chong was surprised. "Lord, what are you implying…"
Before Lei Chong could finish, an overwhelming explosion of blood qi erupted from Li Jue's form. His body shot into the air like lightning, drawing his battle saber at an unthinkable speed. In an instant, a blade light swept through horizontally!
"You!"
Lei Chong and Zhao Yurou cried out in shock.
The blade's glow passed, and both were severed at the waist, their bodies falling heavily to the ground.
Miraculously, they were still alive.
"Senior Brother Ning…"
Zhao Yurou stretched out her hand from the muddy ground, tears welling in her eyes. "Help… Help…"
"Junior Brother Ning…"
Lei Chong's eyes brimmed with unwillingness. "Save me…"
"He cannot save anyone."
Hovering above, Li Jue spread his fingers wide. A massive palm print descended and crushed their bodies into pools of flesh and blood.
Nobody could have foreseen this—the court's Colonel actually striking against sect disciples.
*Years ago, when the Emperor of Great Xia founded the dynasty, he decreed 'to govern the realm alongside the sects.' Ever since, the cultivation world's sects and the imperial court had maintained a non-interference agreement.*
*Yet Li Jue's actions… were not entirely unexpected by Ning Daoran.*
Ning Daoran descended slowly, stowing away his Green Bamboo Leaf. His eyes reflected nothing but vigilance as he stared at his opponent.
"Do you possess the fragment of the secret technique?"
Li Jue asked calmly, "If you hand it over, I'll spare your life."
"Why did you kill my Senior Brother and Junior Sister?" Ning Daoran's expression turned grim.
"Why?"
Li Jue chuckled coldly, "Gongyang Yan, that old coot, won't personally act even when Old Demon Ye has insulted the Chaotic Sect's dignity. Instead, he sends these cannon fodder Outer Sect disciples as sacrificial lambs. Does he truly think I, Li Jue, am so easily manipulated?
*Every dead disciple from the Chaotic Sect will have their deaths pinned on Old Demon Ye. The more disciples perish, the more likely the sect will dispatch Foundation Establishment cultivators above mid-stage to hunt him. Surely, you can grasp this reasoning?*
The secret technique fragment is either with you or with Old Demon Ye. If his whereabouts are forced out, I'll have my chance at obtaining the fragment as well."
With those words, Li Jue's expression twisted into a bloodthirsty snarl. "So what's your decision? Will you surrender the fragment? No? It matters little. If the fragment is on your person, I can still retrieve it after your death."
"Lord, wait. Not long ago, I indeed came across something, though I'm uncertain if it's the item you're after."
Ning Daoran adopted an air of submission and reached toward his storage bag, prompting Li Jue to approach eagerly. Suddenly, Ning Daoran pulled out a pitch-black spear and, as smoothly as flowing water, launched a direct strike aimed at Li Jue's head!