28-33

Chapter 28: Short-Lived

The four people in front of Mi Ke were naturally the four that Chen Chao previously saw in the mountain god temple.

The party of four were all qi refiners.

The person who was making things difficult for Mi Ke was naturally Guo Xi.

The temperament of this young qi refiner who came from Three Streams Manor was rather bewildering.

Chi Ganquan took a look at Yan Ruoshui who was over there. After a moment of silence, he slowly asked with inner-voice, "Fellow Daoist Yan, what is wrong with Guo Xi this person?"

The few people clearly came here for important matters and the sects behind him also viewed this with great importance. But Guo Xi did not seem to take it seriously at all. Not only did he directly shed all pretenses of cordiality prior to this, but he was also causing unnecessary problems after arriving here.

Yan Ruoshui glanced at Guo Xi before she also slowly said with inner-voice, "Guo Xi this person can't be gauged using common sense. You and I can just watch with caution."

Chi Ganquan sighed slightly, feeling somewhat dejected. None other than because the sect backing him was too small and that his cultivation realm was too low.

Even if just one of the two was slightly better, he would not have to exercise forbearance to such an extent.

Over there, Guo Xi was currently still sizing up this local magistrate. The killing intent in his eyes did not diminish in the slightest. There was no telling when he would rampage and kill people. But Mi Ke was just an ordinary scholar who had never stepped into cultivation. Hence, he completely did not know what kind of danger he was currently in. He was just thinking that even if the other party had an extraordinary background, he should not do something too overboard. He was just afraid that the other party had a noble background and that he just wanted to save face at this time.

And Mi Ke was already prepared to give the other party plenty of face.

In the end, Guo Xi just walked down the steps step by step and arrived not far in front of Mi Ke as he asked with a smile, "A scholar? Have you ever entered the academy before?"

Mi Ke shook his head and said calmly, "This official is dumb and has never studied at the academy."

Guo Xi gave an oh and was immediately rather disappointed, "I thought I could bump into a scholar here."

Virtually all the cultivators in the world despised martial artists and thought that they were vulgar and boorish. But, apart from looking down on martial artists, foreign cultivators added the word scholar too. It was because they believed that the confucianism lineage scholars were cultivators too, why did they have to work for a dynasty?

After all, the word dynasty had always been trampled underfoot by them.

After saying that, Guo Xi just reached his hand out and placed it lightly on Mi Ke's shoulder. Then, he smiled slightly and said, "Let's drop this trivial matter. There's still a small matter that I'd like to trouble Lord Mi Ke with."

At the same time that the other party placed that hand on his shoulder, Mi Ke suddenly trembled. But he returned to normal again in an instant. But it was absolutely impossible for him to know that right when the other party patted his shoulder, a barely visible hint of blue light already gushed out from on top of his head. Then, it was caught by the other party in his hand.

"Sir, please speak," Mi Ke was somewhat absentminded. Suddenly, he felt inexplicably fatigued and dazed.

Yan Ruoshui and Chi Ganquan exchanged a glance again at this moment, each of them having an additional hint of surprise and bewilderment in their eyes.

As fellow qi refiners, how could they not know that Guo Xi looked like he just casually patted the shoulder of this Lord Magistrate. But in reality, he already planted an extremely vicious means. After half a year, the man in front of them was destined to lose his vitality. Furthermore, he would even suffer great agony. To the average person, it would look like he suddenly fell ill and passed away in tormenting pain.

But apart from this, out of his three spiritual and seven physical souls, Guo Xi even shattered one of his physical souls in an instant, completely cutting off Mi Ke's chance of reincarnation.

Even among cultivators, the average person probably would not perform such a vicious technique. Because it was truly too offensive to heaven and men.

Guo Xi smiled slightly and said, "I wonder where is the local warden. We're looking for him."

After taking his hand back, Guo Xi clenched his fist tightly the entire time and never opened it up.

Mi Ke had just walked out of Peach Blossom Alley over there, he naturally knew that Chen Chao had not returned home. But, he was not prepared to tell the other party about it and asked patiently, "I wonder what are you looking for Warden Chen for?"

Guo Xi did not explain things, he just said, "He knows about this. Someone must have informed him before."

Mi Ke nodded his head and virtually recalled the matter of Warden Li coming to the county government office in an instant. Thinking about it, this lord magistrate said softly, "To be honest, this official had just been to Warden Chen's residence before. Warden Chen should have gone to inspect the surrounding area at present. Who knows when he'll be able to return."

Mi Ke paused for a bit and said seriously, "Warden Chen is a genuinely good official. Ever since he came to Tianqing County, it was all thanks to Warden Chen alone that it can be peaceful here. It can be said that..."

Although he did not know these few people's identities, Mi Ke still subconsciously praised Chen Chao.

Guo Xi smiled and did not speak. Instead, he turned his head and asked with a smile, "What do you think, Fairy Yan?"

Yan Ruoshui was stunned, seemingly not expecting that this Guo Xi who was used to being arrogant and domineering would actually ask about her opinion at this moment.

After a moment of silence, Yan Ruoshui still opened her mouth to say, "Since that's the case, then we'll stop over at the county government office for the time being and wait for that warden?"

Guo Xi nodded and quickly said, "Then the three of you go over to the county government office and rest. I'll go with this lord magistrate and take a look at that warden's house. Perhaps he already came back now. Then we'll be able to set off!"

Yan Ruoshui furrowed her brows imperceptibly, but she just nodded her head and did not say anything.

As for the Chi Ganquan two people, they naturally would not have any objections.

Guo Xi glanced at Mi Ke and said, "Bring me to take a look."

Mi Ke originally planned to take a good look at this Tianqing County today. Although he just came out of Peach Blossom Alley, he had no choice but to return to Peach Blossom Alley again at this time.

It was just that on the way, Mi Ke kept guessing what the identity of the young man behind him was.

Was he a major family's descendant from the state capital? Or was he related to some lord?

Although he could not come up with an answer after pondering along the way, Mi Ke was very clear that whether was it the former or latter, he could not afford to provoke him.

It would be best if these few people just wanted to travel to this remote place on a whim, then leave early.

As they approached Peach Blossom Alley, that young man with an otherworldly temperament suddenly stopped and began to take a closer look at the Peach Blossom Alley in front of him. The small alley that looked unbelievably normal to others, might be something else in his eyes.

He muttered words and streams of white light spread out of his mouth in strands that were hard to see with the naked eye, entering that Peach Blossom Alley. Just a moment later, those wisps of white light returned and flooded into Guo Xi's body.

Guo Xi furrowed his brows, a little surprised. He saw that this alley had good terrain and originally thought that he would glean something. But he did not expect that he made an error in judgment.

There was nothing special about the alley in front of him.

Shaking his head, Guo Xi laughed at himself and thought: Makes sense. This place is a remote hinterland. Having a special place is already something remarkable. How could there be gold everywhere?

Walking into the alley, Mi Ke led Guo Xi to the innermost house where the front door was currently still tightly closed.

Mi Ke turned around and was about to speak, but Guo Xi went past him and arrived in front of the door with a step. Extending his hand and swiping, the door lock on the door fell in response.

Mi Ke opened his eyes wide. Only at this point, did he understand something retrospectively. That was, what it meant for these four people to be able to appear in Tianqing County without any retainers following them.?

Just as Guo Xi was about to step into that small courtyard, a voice suddenly sounded out opposite, "Tsk tsk, it's broad daylight and you want to do something like trespassing a private property?"

A man carrying a large bowl walked out of his own home. While walking, he did not forget to shove a few large mouthfuls of rice into his mouth. The man munched on rice as he said indistinctly, "Isn't this Lord Mi? What's this... You, a magistrate... you're also doing this sort of thing now?"

While eating his meal, the man looked at Mi Ke and said seriously, "Lord Mi, not that I'm scolding you, but doing this sort of thing will shorten your lifespan!"

Mi Ke had a bit of guilty conscience. So even if he heard what this man said clearly, he only furrowed his brows and did not refute it. Previously, he did not want to speak up because he did not expect that the young man in front of him was going to push open the door and enter so casually.

But after he knew about the other party's cultivator identity, he did not dare to speak up even more.

Guo Xi who was originally going to push open the door enter stopped being in a hurry to enter after he heard that man's voice. Instead, he turned around and looked at the uncouth man who was holding a large bowl.

There was a look of amusement in his eyes.

The man was still carrying his large bowl as if he did not notice anything and kept gobbling rice non-stop. Finally, he plopped down on the doorstep and muttered, "Is there still any law?"

Guo Xi looked at the man and asked casually, "If I insist on going in, what can you do?"

The man spat and let loose a torrent of abuse, "Didn't your mother teach you manners when you were young?"

Hearing this, Mi Ke felt a chill run down his spine, thinking to himself that this man had already caused a terrible disaster.

He could not help worrying for the man.

But the man was indifferent and continued to gobble large mouthfuls of rice.

Guo Xi frowned. Suppressing the anger in his heart, he asked, "Have the people here always been so unsophisticated?"

The man gave a cold laugh and smacked the large bowl on the doorstep, "Your Father isn't a local!"

The implication was simple: what did the local people here got to do with Your Father?

Guo Xi gave the man a big thumbs-up and praised, "Amazing, really amazing!"

The man spat out a large blob of spit and looked disdainful.

All these filled Mi Ke with fear and trepidation.

Guo Xi was taken aback. Immediately after, he smiled brightly, then jogged over and patted the man's shoulder as he said with a slight smile, "As I said, you don't look like a short-lived person."

It was the same method as before. It was just that this time, no blue light seeped out of the man's body.

Everything was normal.

The man allowed the youngster in front of him to pat his shoulder and did not move. However, he quickly rolled his eyes and stared at the young man in front of him, "I think that you look short-lived."

Chapter 29: Meeting Again

At the same time that Guo Xi and Mi Ke went to Peach Blossom Alley, Chi Ganquan and Yan Ruoshui three people also slowly headed over to the county government office.

Chi Ganquan and Yan Ruoshui walked side by side, while the remaining woman walked behind the two.

Walking along the long street, Chi Ganquan suddenly took the initiative to ask, "Fairy Yan, since that Guo Xi is from a sect like the Three Streams Manor and is also undertaking such a heavy responsibility, he shouldn't be so flippant. But, why on earth is he like this?"

Chi Ganquan had been holding this question in since the day at the mountain god temple. Now, he finally could not hold it in anymore.

Yan Ruoshui also felt relieved to see that Guo Xi was not around. Hearing Chi Ganquan asking at this time, she said straightforwardly, "Something that even you can tell, doesn't he know it himself?"

Chi Ganquan was originally just a little puzzled. After hearing what Yan Ruoshui said, he seemed even more confused. Since the other party deliberately pretended to be like this and could not dupe any one of them, why did he still do it?

What was the point?

Yan Ruoshui had the name of Fairy Yan among the southern qi refiner lineage, not only because of her good looks but because she had always been level-headed and quiet as water; like a fairy. Otherwise, the South Heaven Sect behind her would not have let her undertake such a heavy responsibility this time.

Glancing at Chi Ganquan, Yan Ruoshui who felt that she should still give him a hint said softly, "When we came out, the three sects naturally made an agreement. But will anyone abide by those agreements after arriving here? That's hard to say. Guo Xi this person is extremely cunning. Every time he does something, he naturally has his own ideas. I can't see through him."

Chi Ganquan furrowed his brows and asked rather doubtfully, "Could it be that what Three Streams Manor is thinking, isn't just an investigation?"

"It's unclear. As an existence that's the acknowledged leader among the southern qi refiner lineages, I don't believe that Three Streams Manor didn't instruct Guo Xi beyond the agreements. But, if say that they have more ideas, I don't feel that it's realistic either. All in all, Guo Xi this person should be strictly guarded against."

Yan Ruoshui suddenly stopped on the side of the street. Looking at Chi Ganquan, she said calmly, "Fellow Daoist Chi, if Guo Xi takes any unusual action afterward, we can join forces."

Chi Ganquan was taken aback and immediately smiled bitterly, "Fairy Yan, that Guo Xi is a Three Streams Manor's cultivator."

The implication was very clear: dealing with Guo Xi was easy. But, how would they deal with the Three Streams Manor backing him?

One had to know, regardless of whether was it his sect or the sect behind Yan Ruoshui, there was nothing that they could do when facing the Three Streams Manor, this behemoth.

Yan Ruoshui looked at Chi Ganquan, her expression calm. Even at this point when Guo Xi was not around, she likewise could not say some things flat out. But, not saying it clearly did not mean that Chi Ganquan could not think about it.

Chi Ganquan smiled bitterly.

Although he did indeed fancy Yan Ruoshui just as Guo Xi said, these things had huge implications. He could not make promises because of what he thought. So, he could only keep his mouth shut and not say a word.

Yan Ruoshui did not get any answer from Chi Ganquan, but she still opened her mouth to warn, "Fellow Daoist Chi, if it really comes to that, do you think that it will be something that only concerns the South Heaven Sect alone?"

Chi Ganquan could only pluck up his courage to ask, "Fairy Yan, if it really comes down to that, how does Fairy plan to clean up the mess?"

A hint of dejection flashed across Yan Ruoshui's eyes. She shook her head and did not speak.

The county government office already lied ahead.

Just when Yan Ruoshui wanted to enter, she saw that a youth in black with a short blade hanging from his waist walked out of the county government office.

When Yan Ruoshui looked at the youth in black, the youth also glanced at her. The two people exchanged glances before shifting their line of sight away again.

Then, that youth in black did not stop and passed her by.

...

...

Not only did Guo Xi not get angry about being cursed short-lived by that man, he asked about Chen Chao's affairs rather leisurely and did not have the intention to avoid that man at all. After all, in his eyes, the man was currently already a bona fide dead man.

Mi Ke did not dare to slight him and talked about Chen Chao's history. But, this Lord Magistrate still chose to hide some things for Chen Chao and did not go into full detail.

After all, he was someone who had jostled in the officialdom for many years. He was still considered adept at talking about these things.

The man raised his eyebrows.

After Mi Ke finished talking, Guo Xi just glanced at the house opposite and no longer thought about going in.

He turned around to leave this Peach Blossom Alley.

But the man called out and stopped Mi Ke.

Guo Xi did not turn back and walked straight out of the alley.

Mi Ke wanted to rush out, but his sleeve was grabbed by the man who forcibly dragged him to sit down on the doorstep.

Mi Ke was an ordinary scholar in the first place, he was physically weak and naturally could not break free. After sitting down, his heart burned with anxiety and he wanted to get up several times but was pressed down by the man. He said angrily, "What the hell do you want?!"

Not that he was not willing to stay here a moment longer, it was really because the identity of that capricious young man was too mysterious. If anything went wrong, it was likely that whether was it he or the man in front of him, they would both face a great calamity.

But the man was indifferent. He just pulled Mi Ke and sat on the doorstep, saying in all seriousness, "Lord Mi, eat whatever that you should eat."

Mi Ke looked at this man in confusion.

The man sighed and said, "Lord Mi, I wish that you live to a hundred years old."

The man who finished saying these two sentences stopped pulling Mi Ke too, allowing this Lord Magistrate to stand up freely. But, when Mi Ke got up, he reached out and touched Mi Ke's hem, then he swiped his hand.

After that, the man also stood up and patted his own shoulder, as if there was some dust that was easily wiped away by him at this moment.

Looking at Mi Ke's back view, this man muttered, "Really deserve to die."

...

...

When Mi Ke walked out of Peach Blossom Alley, Guo Xi was waiting for him at the end of the alley. After he saw Mi Ke walk out, this young qi refiner just smiled and did not do anything else. He showed no intention of blaming Mi Ke.

Mi Ke was just thinking of saying something when he just so happened to see that youth in black arrive at the alley's entrance.

"W-Warden Chen!"

Mi Ke opened his mouth and stopped Chen Chao who was returning home.

Chen Chao stopped where he was and glanced over here. Immediately, he saw the young qi refiner who ventured in and out of the mountain god temple several times. But, he just treated it as if he had not seen him. Smiling as he looked at Mi Ke, he asked, "Lord Mi isn't in the county government office today. How come you have the time to come here? Are you inviting me for supper? It's just that it's still early. Oh, right, why does this sir look a little unfamiliar..."

Without waiting for Chen Chao to speak, Mi Ke interrupted, "This sir came to look for you. It's not just him alone, there's a total of four people. The other three should be over at the county government office now. They said that as long as you see him, you'll know the reason."

Chen Chao feigned ignorance and said, "What reason?"

Guo Xi who did not speak the entire time had been sizing up this young warden all along. Only at this point, did he speak straightforwardly without any beating around the bus, "The few of us want to visit the mine and take a look. I presume that your superior has already given you a heads-up."

Only after hearing this, did Chen Chao come to a sudden realization and said with a nod, "So that's how it is."

After saying this, Chen Chao took another few steps forward and arrived next to Guo Xi. He asked in a low voice, "Sir, what are we going to the mine for?"

Guo Xi smiled and said, "Didn't your superior tell you?"

Chen Chao shook his head honestly. At that time, that Warden Li just told him to go and investigate. Furthermore, there was no hurry and there would be a few people who would be going with him. Other than that, there was nothing else.

Guo Xi said straightforwardly, "Going to choose two unusual stones. This has been agreed upon beforehand."

Chen Chao gave an 'oh' and nodded his head as if thinking of something. While at it, he unwittingly took a look at Guo Xi.

This guy was not like how he behaved in the mountain god temple.

Very soon, Chen Chao asked, "When are we leaving?"

Guo Xi said, "Setting off at once."

Chen Chao furrowed his brows. Then, he lowered his voice and asked somewhat hesitantly, "Is Sir from a foreign cultivation sect?"

Guo Xi raised his brows and did not refute it either.

Chen Chao was immediately enlightened and said, "I was wondering why sir has a demeanor that ordinary people can't compare to. It turns out that you're a foreign land immortal master!"

Guo Xi patted Chen Chao's shoulder with a smile, "Pretty good eyes. I also feel like we're hitting it off well right from the beginning. I keep feeling like I've seen you somewhere before."

Chen Chao's heart sank and he immediately thought of what happened in the mountain god temple. However, his expression still remained unchanged as he said with a chuckle, "Immortal Master probably remembered wrongly. But, if I've ever met Immortal Master before, that would be a great blessing."

Chapter 30: I Have a Story

Arriving at the county government office, Yan Ruoshui trio had already received the news and were long already waiting at the entrance of the county government. Seeing Chen Chao who came here with Guo Xi, Yan Ruoshui frowned, seeming a little surprised.

They met once in the county government. But she did not expect that this youth in black in front of her was the local warden.

This warden really seemed to be a little too young...

Chen Chao looked at Yan Ruoshui three people and took the initiative to say with a smile, "Indeed foreign land cultivators. Immortal masters, you really have extraordinary airs."

Yan Ruoshui was expressionless, but when Chi Ganquan looked at Chen Chao, there was some disdain in his eyes that could not be hidden. Cultivators had always looked down on martial artists, this was not some secret either. He could be indifferent to the likes of Mi Ke because he could directly ignore people like Mi Ke; he did not even count as an ant. But, Chen Chao was different. He was a martial artist, a natural target of dislike for cultivators.

Chen Chao perceived the disdain in Chi Ganquan's eyes, but he did not care. He just took it as he did not see it. Glancing over at Guo Xi, he currently had both hands placed behind his hand, a bright smile on his face.

Seeing Chen Chao look at him, this young man who was considered to have already killed two people consecutively in this county town said with a smile, "There's no need to say no more, we should go to the mine early. After the few of us have picked the stones, we can go home earlier too."

Seeing that Guo Xi had already spoken, Yan Ruoshui and Chi Ganquan naturally would not object.

Guo Xi turned to look at Chen Chao and asked, "Warden Chen, there's no problem, right?"

Chen Chao shook his head. He just looked at Mi Ke and said with a smile, "A dossier should be left behind in the county government for this kind of thing. Immortal masters, wait for a moment."

Guo Xi smiled and nodded. The other three remained silent.

Mi Ke was an experienced man, he already knew what Chen Chao was thinking after meeting Chen Chao's eyes. The two people quickly walked into the county government office. Seeing that they could no longer see Guo Xi and co., Mi Ke lowered his voice and said, "Younger Brother Chen, these few people aren't good people. It's especially so for that leader, he's temperamental and unpredictable. Younger Brother Chen, you got to be more careful."

He immediately recounted the events that happened before, including the matter of Guo Xi wanting to go to Chen Chao's house previously.

Chen Chao furrowed his brows and softly, "For the time being, I don't know what objectives these few people have. But Elder Brother Mi please write a letter to Warden Li at once and inform him of the situation here."

Mi Ke nodded his head without any hesitation.

After that, Chen Chao instructed about a few more times. By the time he walked out of the county government office again, Guo Xi was still totally unconcerned. But among the four people, Chi Ganquan and Yan Ruoshui two people already had some impatience in their eyes. There was a lot more undisguised loathing when looking at Chen Chao.

Chen Chao clasped his hands toward Guo Xi and had an apologetic look, "I've kept immortal masters waiting."

Guo Xi waved his hand and just urged Chen Chao to set off.

Hence, after the three people left the county government office, they soon left the city and headed towards the mine that Chen Chao had already gone to before.

When they walked to the foot of the mountain where that mountain god temple was located, Guo Xi asked with a smile, "Warden Chen, tell me about the situation of that Xuanming Mine?"

Chen Chao looked bewildered, "I've never been to that place either. Doesn't Immortal Masters know about it beforehand?"

Seemingly worried that Guo Xi did not know what was going on, Chen Chao was even somewhat uneasy as he said, "That's an important place of the imperial court. Even if it's me, I can't arbitrarily trespass that place without prior notice."

Guo Xi smiled, indicating for Chen Chao not to worry, "We already received news before coming, that quarry's mining has already ended. There's not a soul over there now. We're just going to casually go down to the mine to search for some uncommon stones to try our luck."

Chen Chao let out a long sigh of relief and said softly, "So that's how it is."

After saying this, he immediately continued, "Actually, whether are there people or not, if immortal masters are coming, would they not let immortal masters go down into the mine to take a look?"

Looking at Chen Chao keep on being so obsequious to Guo Xi who was hostile to her senior apprentice brother, that girl could not help sneering coldly. At this moment, she was full of hatred towards Chen Chao, this young warden, in her heart. Even more so than when she learned previously that Chen Chao was a martial artist.

Before approaching that mountain god temple, Guo Xi casually asked, "When we came here before, we didn't find any demons around. It's likely thanks to Warden Chen's work."

Chen Chao smiled with some smugness on his face. But he immediately started smiling bitterly, "I don't dare to deceive Immortal Master either, there were originally many demons here. But a few years ago, an even stronger demon suddenly came here and drove all the demons around away, monopolizing this place. But, I didn't expect that later on, it seemed that a sword cultivator passed by and slew that demon with a single sword. That was how there have been so many years of peace."

Chen Chao's expression did not change as he casually made up a lie.

Guo Xi frowned, "Sword cultivator? Did you see him?"

Chen Chao nodded his head, "Saw a glimpse from far away, it was a sword cultivator wearing a blue shirt. The flying sword under his feet was also incredible; a dark-green color. It seemed like... springtime weed?"

"Springtime weed?"

Guo Xi furrowed his brows and said somewhat disbelievingly, "Could it be that person?"

Not only him, but even Chi Ganquan and Yan Ruoshui had some astonishment in their eyes at this time.

Actually, when Chen Chao uttered the words springtime weed, they had practically locked down that sword cultivator's identity already.

Two years ago, Sword Qi Mountain's hundred-year minted new sword was produced. The sword's name was Wild Grass. At that time, countless sword cultivators climbed Sword Qi Mountain, all wanting to bring this Wild Grass away. But in the end, it was taken away by a young sword cultivator. That sword cultivator's traces were indeterminate, but being able to obtain the recognition of Sword Qi Mountain, he was destined to have great accomplishments in the future.

In reality, as early as in the second month after he took Wild Grass away, news came that the sword cultivator slew a Bitter Sea Realm demon.

Young sword cultivator? It was likely a young fifth-realm sword cultivator.

"Are there any other characteristics?"

A hint of strangeness flashed across Guo Xi's eyes.

Chen Chao was taken aback too. He was merely making up nonsense, how would he know who it was?

Chen Chao shook his head and was somewhat ashamed as he said, "At that time, I just saw a glimpse from a distance. I couldn't even get close. I didn't see clearly what that sword cultivator looked like, but I saw that sword cultivator hovering between these mountains for a long time. No idea what he was looking at."

"You're saying that the sword cultivator hovered between these mountains for a long time?"

This time, it was Yan Ruoshui. She could not help but ask, "Did you see clearly? It was between these mountains?"

The corners of Chen Chao's mouth twitched and he said with a nod, "It's that mountain behind the mountain god temple, it's near the location of the mine."

Either way, the fictional story had already begun, so Chen Chao just supplemented more details, "At that time, the sword cultivator seemed to have said something. I was too far away and only heard a few words, something about a fine mountain..."

Although the story was fabricated, Chen Chao could roughly guess from these few people's expressions that the so-called search for uncommon ores was also a randomly made-up reason. As for the real reason, it was likely not so simple.

At this moment, these four young qi refiners all furrowed their brows. They had no doubts about what Chen Chao said. Because as early as Chen Chao mentioned the sword cultivator, they had already tacitly approved everything.

When they finally arrived before the mountain god temple, Chen Chao asked, "Immortal Masters, do you want to go in and rest for a while?"

"No, go to that mine immediately!"

The story that Chen Chao casually fabricated had already unsettled him. At this moment, he just wanted to go to the mine as soon as possible to investigate things, to see if their sects' efforts had already been thrown to the wind.

Chen Chao nodded his head. It was just that he almost could not hold his laughter in anymore.

The few people quickly passed that mountain god temple and crossed that mountain, and then crossed the other mountain. This time, the qi refiners advanced without sparing any effort, completely disregarding the expenditure of qi. Chen Chao followed behind them and deliberately pretended to be out of strength, falling behind the others by several hundred feet from start to end. Furthermore, he kept on panting heavily.

After finally arriving on the official road, the few people stopped in place and waited for Chen Chao for a while.

Only after Chen Chao caught up, did the few people continue.

When they arrived before the quarry again and stood on top of that huge pit, Chen Chao opened his mouth slightly and tried his best to feign a look of shock.

Guo Xi and co. completely did not pay attention to Chen Chao's thoughts at this time. They took out the magic artifacts that they were carrying one after another.

What Guo Xi took out was a small wooden compass. It was only the size of a palm. A crystal clear bead was inlaid in the center of the compass. It was clear that it was not an ordinary item. While Yan Ruoshui took out several small flags and slowly stuck them into the ground. The magic artifact that Chi Ganquan took out was even simpler; just a bronze mirror.

It was Chen Chao's first time seeing these assortments of magic artifacts and he was somewhat out of sorts. Prior to today, although he had killed two cultivators before, those two people were either swiftly pummeled to death by him, or were conceited until they did not utilize magic artifacts.

And qi refiners was a special branch among immortal cultivators to begin with, these magic artifacts were naturally special too.

After Guo Xi took out that compass, his other hand which had been tightly clenched the entire time also finally opened up at this moment, and pressed on the compass.

The blue light captured from Mi Ke's body before was sent into the bead in the center of the compass at this moment.

For a moment, that originally crystalline bead suddenly radiated light at this time.

Chi Ganquan cast his gaze and could not quite conceal his envy.

Yan Ruoshui also could not help looking over here. This South Heaven Sect's Fairy Yan had a complicated look in her eyes currently.

Guo Xi completely ignored the two and closed his eyes tightly, muttering away under his breath.

A moment later, Guo Xi suddenly opened his eyes.

It was just that he did not look into the pit, but looked elsewhere.

Yan Ruoshui lowered her head and glanced at those small flags that were only vibrating slightly at this moment. There was some anger in her eyes.

While Chi Ganquan had already kept his bronze mirror.

Compared to the magic artifacts of Three Streams Manor and South Heaven Sect, he was very clear about where he stood.

Guo Xi was expressionless as he headed north of the pit.

The others immediately followed.

Chen Chao walked in the rear.

He quietly pressed on the sable hilt at his waist.

Except that in an instant, he took his hand back like lightning.

Because Guo Xi who was walking at the front turned to look at him.

Chen Chao looked at him and smiled.

Chapter 31: Different Ideas

The few people soon arrived in front of a warehouse in the northeast direction of the mine.

This place was used to accumulate Xuanming Stones in the past. It was built in front of a precipice and made of boulders. It was clearly quite sturdy.

In the past, there should have been many guards here. But now, not a soul could be seen.

Guo Xi stopped in front of the warehouse and looked around.

Yan Ruoshui stopped and glanced at Chen Chao without leaving any traces. While Chen Chao was sizing up the surroundings, a little curious.

Previously, he went back and forth more than once in front of that mining hole and failed to find any abnormalities. Only afterward, did he leave somewhat reluctantly. But he was very clear that this quarry definitely held a secret.

When he saw Guo Xi and the rest cast their secret arts over there, he virtually already confirmed this.

However, these few young qi refiners could find it, but Chen Chao did not have that ability.

Actually, Chen Chao would sigh a bit every time he thought of this.

The path of a martial artist was seriously too arduous.

Guo Xi stood in front of the warehouse, but he was not in a hurry to make a move. Instead, he looked at Yan Ruoshui who was by the side, and said with a faint smile, "I'll have to trouble Fairy Yan."

Yan Ruoshui took a look at the warehouse. Without hesitation, her two hands formed a complicated hand seal in front of her. Then, streams of blue light slowly converged behind her. Then, an armored immortal appeared. That armored immortal was several dozen feet high, its aura like the abyss. It seemed to be from ancient times, filled with the scent of archaicness and years.

This was one of the secret arts of qi refiners. It was called Spirit Exorcism and it achieved the same wondrous effect as another lineage of qi refiners that reared demons to battle via different means. However, this Spirit Exorcism formed a contract with some wandering remnant souls between heaven and earth. Through secret arts that were unique to qi refiners, they would make up the three spiritual and seven physical souls for these wandering souls so that they would have the possibility of reincarnation. During this period, these wandering souls had to serve their host.

If cultivators failed to reincarnate after death but were also not completely eradicated, they would naturally become wandering souls.

Yan Ruoshui's armored immortal was once a previous dynasty's great general before his death. He had a powerful cultivator. After being summoned by Yan Ruoshui at this time, he received an indication from his host and a fist suddenly smashed toward that warehouse.

With a loud bang, the warehouse that was made of boulders collapsed.

Dust flew all over the place.

Chen Chao looked at this scene. When he looked at Yan Ruoshui again, he felt a little more apprehensive.

Guo Xi arrived next to Chen Chao and said with a slight smile, "This Fairy Yan is from the southern qi refiner sect, South Heaven Sect. Their lineage of qi refiners is most adept in Spirit Exorcism. Virtually everyone in their sect has one, it's extremely hard to deal with."

"This armored immortal is Great General Fen Wu from the previous dynasty. When he was alive, he was a fifth-realm martial artist."

Chen Chao was taken aback and in hindsight, "The means of Immortal Masters are truly amazing."

He glanced at Guo Xi, wanting to speak but swallowing the words back.

Guo Xi asked, "You want to ask where I'm from?"

Chen Chao chuckled and said somewhat embarrassedly, "I'm just curious. Seeing how brilliant Immortal Master is, I presume that you won't be worse than this fairy."

Guo Xi smiled and said softly, "My sect is also a lineage of qi refiners. In fact, we can stand up to the South Heaven Sect as an equal too. But the sect that I'm in has researched destiny quite a bit. If we really fight, we aren't inferior to their South Heaven Sect."

Chen Chao shook his head and said, "Immortal Master is too modest."

Guo Xi pointed to that pair of apprentice brother and sister over at the other side and said, "These two are nothing remarkable. They are from a small sect, there's nothing to pay attention to."

Chen Chao took a look at the warehouse over there. Currently, the dust had yet to dissipate. After retracting his sight, Chen Chao lowered his voice and said, "Immortal Masters shouldn't be here for something as simple as looking for some uncommon stones, right?"

If they wanted to look for those Xuanming Stones that were not yet mined, they could just go to those mining holes that had been mined. Why was there a need to destroy this warehouse here?

Guo Xi shook his head and said calmly, "This mine has the stones that we want, but it won't be in those harvested mining holes. Those Xuanming Stones outside don't cost much skygold currency. What we're looking for is naturally not those things."

After saying that, Guo Xi looked at Chen Chao again and said, "Are you worried that we didn't tell your superior what we're doing and that you'll get into major trouble afterward?"

Chen Chao hurriedly shook his head and said in a low voice, "Whatever Immortal Masters want to do, just go ahead, I'll just take it as if I didn't see it. This place is already an abandoned mine, what amazing things can there be?"

Guo Xi patted Chen Chao's shoulder. Then, he said in astonishment, "Your physique seems pretty good. You must have spent quite the effort to temper your body, right?"

Chen Chao smiled bitterly and said, "The path of a martial artist is a slow grind in the first place. My aptitude is lacking and my paltry salary can't buy any good medicinal herbs either. I'm afraid that it's hopeless for me to attain the second-realm in martial arts in this lifetime."

Guo Xi waved his hand with a smile and said, "You shouldn't be so unduly humble. Your northern army has many great generals whose cultivation realms are extraordinarily high. Martial artists at that realm, forget about qi refiners, probably even sword cultivators might not dare to approach them too."

"How can I dare to be equated to those great generals? I only hope that I'll be able to sit in Warden Li's position sometime in my lifetime and that would already be amazing."

Chen Chao's eyes held hope, his face full of envy.

Guo Xi stopped talking, he just looked toward the warehouse over there.

At this moment, the dust dispersed and the warehouse had already become ruins. But, a mining hole the size of a human was revealed behind the warehouse.

With one glance, Chen Chao knew in his heart that this was that mining hole that he saw on the county government file. It was just that he could not find it before.

It was true that there was a mining hole here and it was intentionally covered up with a warehouse. Actually, it already indicated a lot of problems.

At this moment, the armored immortal behind Yan Ruoshui slowly dispersed and disappeared.

Guo Xi looked at Yan Ruoshui and praised, "Fairy Yan indeed has excellent abilities!"

Yan Ruoshui smiled slightly and did not speak.

Chen Chao suddenly said, "Since Immortal Masters want to go down, then I'll wait here for Immortal Masters."

Guo Xi turned his head and said with a faint smile, "It doesn't matter, go down together. It wasn't easy for you to lead us over either. If we find some nice things, you'll get a share."

Hearing Guo Xi say so, Chi Ganquan furrowed his brows and wanted to speak.

Yan Ruoshui interjected, "Fellow Daoist Guo is right, go in together, Warden Chen. We're bound to find some good stuff along the way."

Seeing that even Yan Ruoshui had spoken up, Chi Ganquan who was about to speak before immediately stopped.

Chen Chao hesitated for a moment before saying with a nod, "Since Immortal Masters are so kind, I'll have to thank Immortal Masters."

Guo Xi nodded his head, very satisfied.

After that, Guo Xi took out a snow-white bead. No idea what secret technique he used, this bead floated on its own, emitting a dazzling white light not far in front of him. It was sufficient to illuminate the mining hole.

"Fairy Yan, please go ahead. Fellow Daoist Chi will be last."

Guo Xi decided on the order of entering the hole with a few casual words.

Yan Ruoshui did not hesitate at all and walked right in.

After that, Guo Xi turned to Chen Chao and said with a slight smile, "Warden Chen."

Chen Chao secretly cussed, but he still smiled as he lowered his head and walked in.

Guo Xi followed closely behind.

The last was Chi Ganquan two people.

...

...

Upon entering this mining hole, Chen Chao could not help but be shocked. This mining hole was different from those mining holes that he entered before. It was much wider and could totally accommodate someone to advance with ease. The size of those previous mining holes could virtually only be entered by bending over.

Before taking a few steps, a number of forked paths appeared in front, leading to different places respectively.

Every time Yan Ruoshui encountered these forked paths, she would have to take the small flags from before out of her bosom and plant one at the entrance of each cave.

Only after waiting for one of the flags to move without any wind, would she enter that cave and continue moving forward.

And each wait would take at least 15 minutes.

And Guo Xi who was behind him did not show any impatience either. He was very patient.

Chen Chao observed the surroundings without batting an eyelid. He was long already clear that this mining cave was definitely not as simple as being used for mining Xuanming Stones.

The few people had walked for goodness knows how long and experienced god knows how many forked roads. When they reached another forked road, Yan Ruoshui took the small flags out. After waiting for 15 minutes, there were still no small flags that moved without wind. Only then, did she say softly, "Fellow Daoist Guo."

Guo Xi casually pointed at a cave on the left and said with a smile, "Looks like the South Heaven Sect's secret art isn't that useful either."

Yan Ruoshui smiled slightly and just stepped into it.

The few people continued walking in the cave.

Chen Chao silently calculated the distance and thought to himself: This is already much longer than those mining caves that I've entered. It's at least the length of three mining caves already.

It was unknown how long had passed.

Yan Ruoshui stopped.

The scenery before their eyes was already completely different.

This place became very spacious, like a great hall. And there was a green pond of water in the middle. Further afield, there were countless passageways that lead in all directions.

Guo Xi passed by Chen Chao and arrived in front of the pond. After squatting down, he extended his finger, dabbed it, then raised his head and asked, "What does Fairy Yan think?"

Yan Ruoshui wanted to speak but swallowed the words back.

While Guo Xi muttered away on his own, "This is the right place. We just need to find the correct path, then we'll be able to find that place."

Chi Ganquan's eyes stirred, but he still did not speak.

"What methods does Fairy Yan have? When are you waiting for if you're not using it now?"

Guo Xi smiled and said, "Could it be that South Heaven Sect just gave these few lousy flags?"

Yan Ruoshui was expressionless, "South Heaven Sect is naturally inferior to Three Streams Manor. We'll have to depend on Fellow Daoist Guo's divine abilities."

Guo Xi smiled and said, "Fairy Yan, do you really have no solutions?"

Yan Ruoshui did not speak.

Right at this moment, Chen Chao suddenly felt a stirring in his heart. An inner-voice sounded out in his mind, "Warden Chen, are you aware that your life is in danger?"

It was a woman's voice.

Chen Chao frowned and did not respond.

"Do you take it that the Guo Xi in front of you is some good guy? Do you believe that when we arrive at our destination, you'll die there?""

Chen Chao was silent.

Yan Ruoshui continued to say with inner-voice, "I'm not his match by myself. But if you and I join hands, we should have the strength to fight. After he's dead, the magic artifacts and skygold currency on him will all belong to you. I also won't tell anyone about this matter."

Chen Chao still did not give any response.

"Apart from this, I can even give you a pretty good magic artifact and a large sum of skygold currency..."

Hearing this, Chen Chao began to struggle a little.

Yan Ruoshui frowned imperceptibly, but she noticed Guo Xi looking at her, so she could only terminate her thoughts.

At the same time, ripples stirred in Chen Chao's heart. Guo Xi's voice sounded out, "I want to kill this b!tch in front of me now."

Chapter 32: Shedding All Pretenses of Cordiality

The two people spoke to Chen Chao with inner-voice one after another. Chen Chao felt rather helpless.

He smiled bitterly and replied with inner-voice, "Fellow Daoist Guo, I can't be of help for this sort of thing."

Guo Xi wanted to kill Yan Ruoshui, Yan Ruoshui wanted to kill Guo Xi. Although Chen Chao vaguely knew that these few people were at odds from as early as in the mountain god temple, he did not expect that they were already prepared to attack and kill each other now. It was just that the cultivation realm that he revealed was merely Initial Realm, what could he do?

Chen Chao pondered in silence. His thoughts suddenly drifted from here to the mountain god temple back then.

Guo Xi smiled and said using inner-voice, "What did that b!tch say?"

He looked at Chen Chao. Although he was still smiling, it seemed like if Chen Chao did not speak truthfully, he would be the first to die.

Chen Chao felt very helpless. In the end, he still chose to tell Guo Xi what Yan Ruoshui told him with inner-voice before truthfully.

Guo Xi smiled slightly and asked, "Do you think that what she said will come true in the end?"

Chen Chao smiled bitterly and did not speak. Clearly, he was at a loss on what to do.

Guo Xi glanced at him and no longer spoke with inner-voice. Instead, he turned to Yan Ruoshui and said with a slight smile, "Fairy Yan, are you really not going to use your ultimate move?"

Yan Ruoshui was silent for a moment before slowly saying, "Since Fellow Daoist Guo isn't willing to take action, then I can only make a fool of myself."

Guo Xi nodded his head and stood up from next to the pond and took a few steps back.

Yan Ruoshui took an archaic little jade cauldron out of her bosom and placed it before the pond. Then, her two hands formed seals non-stop and wisps of white smoke slowly overflowed from the small jade cauldron. Then, Yan Ruoshui reached out and scooped a handful of water from green pond and poured it into the jade cauldron. The white smoke grew thicker and drifted toward the surroundings.

Looking at this scene, Chen Chao bit the bullet and asked, "Dare I ask Immortal Masters what's behind these mining caves?"

Guo Xi shook his head, "Warden Chen, there's no benefit in you knowing these things."

When he said so, sure enough, Chen Chao stopped asking.

He fell silent.

Before long, Yan Ruoshui kept that archaic little jade cauldron, her face somewhat pale. At this moment, some white fog had gathered in front of a mining cave out of those countless mining caves.

Guo Xi praised, "Fairy Yan is indeed amazing. South Heaven Sect's secret art is also impressive."

Yan Ruoshui was not willing to say much, she said just calmly, "Please go ahead, Fellow Daoist Guo."

Guo Xi nodded his head with satisfaction and stepped into that mining cave first. That snow-white bead was still following him.

Yan Ruoshui followed him in.

Chen Chao was just thinking of catching up when Chi Ganquan suddenly said, "You stay at the back."

Chen Chao nodded his head. He was naturally extremely willing to walk last. This meant that if there were problems later, he could be the first to leave.

However, that girl who he did not know her name this entire time, looked at him and snorted coldly.

Chen Chao frowned slightly and paid it no heed.

The party of five continued on their way.

The mining caves here were much more spacious than before.

Furthermore, the deeper they went in, the more it was so.

Chen Chao knew that even though it looked like they were not going down, ever since they entered the mining cave, they had been extending downward all the way.

Which was also to say that they were likely already deep underground at this moment.

One had to know, it was very hard for those ordinary mining caves to maintain stability when it reached this depth. Unless there was a formation that everyone had long already set up here to maintain stability.

This was absolutely no ordinary mining cave. Because along the way, there were no traces of mining Xuanming Stones at all.

At this point, he remembered the county government files again. It was recorded that this mining cave collapsed not long after they started mining. But looking at it now, the cave-in was likely utter nonsense. What was closer to the truth was that this mining cave was never to mine stones right from the beginning, but had another purpose. The reason why they said that it was a collapse was entirely to hoodwink people.

Perhaps what was in this mining cave was the most important secret in this mine.

These few young qi refiners naturally knew the truth of the matter. But Chen Chao himself could only guess.

Being at the very back of the squad at this moment, what he was thinking about was something extremely important.

These few young qi refiners entered the mine with the tacit consent of the imperial court. Then, did the imperial court know the truth? If they knew, why did they let him accompany them? What was it for?

Thinking up to here, Chen Chao could not help but secretly curse. If the imperial court had long known about this matter, why did they not tell him before? At least he would not have to make wild guesses.

Gritting his teeth, Chen Chao continued ahead.

No idea how long had passed, a cliff appeared before their eyes.

In the endless underground, there was actually a cliff when the passageway reached this place?

The cliff was very wide and could accommodate several people standing shoulder to shoulder. Guo Xi's snow-white bead floated above the cliff. It was still bright, but it could not illuminate this cliff. At least, they were unable to see clearly what was in the abyss.

Chen Chao discovered that these people's expressions became rather heavy at this moment.

There was some excitement between Yan Ruoshui's brows.

Guo Xi was still very calm.

"It depends on Fellow Daoist Guo now."

Yan Ruoshui smiled, like a delicate and beautiful flower.

Guo Xi nodded his head, then reached out his hand. Motes of earth-yellow light fell from his body, spreading into the abyss.

Those lights were exactly the same as what they saw on that mountain god idol in the mountain god temple.

Before long, the sound of a languid dragon roar actually came from the bottom of the cliff.

Chen Chao suddenly raised his head.

Motes of yellow light started emerging from beneath the cliff.

This time, it could be seen with the naked eye.

Guo Xi was still calm, but Yan Ruoshui already started laughing.

She started laughing again.

Guo Xi turned to Chen Chao and asked, "Do you know what this is?"

Chen Chao was taken aback, somewhat dazed. Although he was a cultivator too, he was a martial artist. Other than being more skilled in killing demons, he did not have that many methods. His understanding of the world was definitely limited too. Xie Nandu had talked to him a lot before and told him many things.

But, there were still countless unknowns waiting for him to understand.

Guo Xi said on his own, "This is a dragon vein, also known as national blessing. However, this isn't the main vein."

"Each dynasty will give birth to a dragon vein after founding the country. This dragon vein will shoulder the destiny of a dynasty. Qi refiners cultivate with heaven and earth destiny as a supplement. We naturally covet the destiny of a dynasty greatly. In fact, qi refiners have played extremely important roles in the succession of dynasties."

Chen Chao frowned and said, "If this is a dragon vein, why wouldn't our imperial court guard it strictly? Instead, they let you guys in!"

Guo Xi shook his head and said, "Do you think that your imperial astronomers' qi refiners are remarkable characters? What ranking can they have among qi refiner lineages in the world? How can they clearly see the mysteries involved? A bunch of mediocre talents, they merely think that there's a profound vein underground here, that's all. How would they know that there's also a dragon vein under the profound vein!"

"They built this mine to hoodwink people, thinking that it's some amazing trick. But in reality, it's laughable to the extreme. The profound vein has dried up now, they naturally think that there's nothing good in this mine. When they heard that we were coming, they didn't care either. But, who would know that what we're seeking weren't these?"

Guo Xi slowly stated the purpose of this trip, his eyes all smiles.

"This dragon vein is our goal!"

Chen Chao's expression was ugly. How could he have imagined that there was still such a layer in this matter?

But, did Warden Li knew about this matter?!

"Warden Chen, do you think that you can still live after learning this secret?"

Guo Xi stared at Chen Chao and said with a smile, "I'm from the Three Streams Manor, it's an extremely important sect among the southern qi refiner lineages. I actually don't have any ill intent toward you. As for the aftermath consequences, I can bear it too. Let's make a deal. I know that your realm is definitely not just Initial Realm, help me out here. These guys have long wanted to kill me, I want to kill this b!tch too. You and I will join hands and kill them. After that, I'll let you go. How about it?"

"I don't need you to do much either, help me tie down that pair of apprentice brother and sister. After I kill this b!tch, I'll go find trouble with them."

The space suddenly became tense.

Yan Ruoshui still wanted to say something when Guo Xi already started smiling again, "Since this b!tch wants to kill me, it's already a major problem regarding how to explain to Three Streams Manor. She won't let a martial artist like you off. Because no outsiders can know about this matter."

Yan Ruoshui's smile had yet to dissipate, but at this moment, it immediately froze on her face.

Chi Ganquan had a stupefied look.

In the next moment, Yan Ruoshui shouted, "Do it!"

Following this voice, the bronze mirror in Chi Ganquan's bosom suddenly floated out and hovered in front of him. Streams of light poured out and shone at Guo Xi!

Yan Ruoshui began to summon that armored immortal again.

While that woman who had been silent all along gave a cold laugh at this moment. After her apprentice brother and Yan Ruoshui attacked in succession, she raised her hands and swung out, and streams of white light shot out from her sleeves.

Guo Xi floated above the abyss. Waving his sleeves to block the light shot out from the bronze mirror, he laughed coldly, "Slut, you want to kill me? I'm afraid that you're asking for trouble!"

While on Chen Chao this side, as early as when Guo Xi said that sentence, he already detected that something was wrong. When this woman attacked at this time, Chen Chao turned around and ran outside without any hesitation. It was just that he had just run out several dozen feet when he collided with an invisible air wall, forcibly stopping him in place. Only when he reached his hand out, did he confirm that this place was already sealed off. One could not easily leave.

When the woman rushed in front of him, Chen Chao just dodged the woman's killing move, acting a little panicky.

The armored immortal behind Yan Ruoshui had already gradually appeared. She who had summoned this immortal again had a solemn expression.

When she was conversing with Chen Chao with inner-voice previously, she was also talking to Chi Ganquan at the same time.

It was then, that she completely convinced Chi Ganquan two people. The three people joined forces to eliminate this Three Streams Manor's young qi refiner.

As for Guo Xi, how would he know?

Yan Ruoshui no longer had time to ponder this question at this time. After summoning the immortal, she said in a cold voice, "Kill him for me!"

That previous dynasty's great general nodded woodenly. At this moment, he suddenly swung his fist and smashed it forward!

It threw a punch out!

Endless gale winds bellowed here, making people momentarily unable to differentiate whether it came from the abyss or somewhere else.

Guo Xi laughed coldly. That compass he had been holding in his hand immediately flew out and hovered in front of him.

It constructed an unbelievably sturdy and powerful air wall.

Streams of white light wandered above the abyss and then converged.

That immortal's fist landed on that powerful air wall. But it only trembled a little and failed to truly penetrate it.

Chi Ganquan picked up that bronze mirror and leaped up, arriving in midair. A dazzling white light immediately erupted from the bronze mirror and crashed into Guo Xi like a snow-white giant python.

But after that, it was similarly blocked by the barrier constructed by that compass.

The three qi refiners attacked each other; a majestic and grand panorama.

Chen Chao was continuously dodging that woman's attack in the passageway.

On several occasions, he deliberately let the woman's white light land on that invisible barrier. But the final result was that it still failed to penetrate.

Chen Chao's heart turned cold.

Regardless of Yan Ruoshui who spoke before, or Guo Xi who seemed amicable, Chen Chao felt that the four people here would not let him off.

Since they came to snatch a section of the Great Liang Dynasty's dragon vein, how could they possibly let the news leak?

Which was also to say that no matter what, he would definitely be viewed as a must-kill target by them.

Chen Chao's heart sank. This was indeed a certain-death situation.

Even if he had already plotted some schemes prior to this, how could he have thought that the end result would be like this?

Dodging a stream of white light from that woman's sleeve, Chen Chao reached out and gripped his saber hilt. But soon, he let go again.

There was no chance of survival in the current situation.

"Immortal Master Yan, I've thought things through, I'm willing to join hands with you and kill this Immortal Master Guo!"

Chen Chao seemingly dodged that woman's attack flusteredly, then he immediately expressed his thoughts.

Without waiting for Yan Ruoshui to speak, the woman already sneered and said first, "Fairy Yan, this person is bound to be a backstabber, he can't be trusted. A boorish martial artist, if he's killed, so be it. He's of no help!"

When Yan Ruoshui heard this, she nodded her head too and did not say anything.

She had already figured things out in this short while. The reason why Guo Xi knew what she was thinking, was because this person informed him about it.

"Fairy Yan, I genuinely want to help you guys!"

Hearing this, Chen Chao secretly cursed her for being a crazy woman. But when he opened his mouth, he was still full of sincerity.

How could they be so stupid?

From the start until now, regardless of whether was it what Yan Ruoshui or this woman showed, there was only the word stupid. If it was Chen Chao, he would eliminate Guo Xi no matter what before talking about other things. But these two crazy women were far inferior to Guo Xi in terms of cunningness.

At this moment, Guo Xi who was being targeted by the two laughed loudly and said, "I already said long ago, these people won't let you off. Why don't you join forces with me and kill these b!tches!"

Chen Chao said helplessly, "Immortal Masters, I only want to keep my pathetic life. Why won't you give me any chance?"

Chi Ganquan who had been silent all along said contemptuously, "Uncouth martial artist, you shouldn't be alive in the first place!"

Chi Ganquan furrowed his brows and quietly cussed Chi Ganquan's 18 generations of ancestors.

"Immortal Master Guo, I've thought things through. You're a good guy, I was hit by that woman's illusion previously and didn't think things through for a moment. I've thought things through now, I want to help you!"

Chen Chao looked at Guo Xi and yelled, still looking so sincere.

Chapter 33: Murder

Guo Xi was too busy to care about other things at this time.

Although his cultivation realm was not low, having to face Chi Ganquan and Yan Ruoshui's teaming up, even if it was him, he would not be having an easy time too.

Controlling the compass to continuously block that armored immortal's attacks over and over again, Guo Xi poked his head out to look at Chi Ganquan and said in a cold voice, "Chi Ganquan, do you really think that you can hide the matter of killing me? Let me tell you, if I were to really die here, that sect behind you will definitely pay the price!"

His voice was very cold. After Chi Ganquan who was holding that bronze mirror heard that, he nearly lost his wits.

What he was worried about in the beginning was this. Killing Guo Xi might be easy, but how to conceal things after killing him was a big problem. After all, as an important disciple of Three Streams Manor, Guo Xi must have some unknown magic weapon on him. At that time, he might be able to transmit today's matters to Three Streams Manor in its entirety. At that time, even if they killed Guo Xi, it would be hard to escape Three Streams Manor's blame too.

Just as Chi Ganquan was feeling a little uneasy, Yan Ruoshui laughed coldly, "I've already set up the Sky Mesh Trap here. No news can be transmitted out!"

Hearing the three words Sky Mesh Trap, Chi Ganquan instantly felt relieved. That was the South Heaven Sect's secret treasure. Once there was this item here, it would be impossible for any news to transmit out within the range of this item.

Many people knew about this secret treasure among the southern qi refiner lineage.

For Yan Ruoshui to be able to bring it out at this moment, it was sufficient to prove that when she came out, the South Heaven Sect already foresaw that such a thing might happen today.

Guo Xi glanced over at the other side. Chen Chao was currently fighting with that woman. The situation looked incomparably perilous, but Guo Xi was very clear that the young warden was clearly hiding his strength and did not go all out.

As for why, it was an easy answer.

Guo Xi shook his head and pushed the compass forward. Then, he followed the momentum forward. When that armored immortal smashed a punch at the compass, Guo Xi tapped his feet and leaped forward by borrowing that armored immortal's body, passing the immortal and confronting Yan Ruoshui.

Yan Ruoshui lifted her head. Looking towards Guo Xi who came floating like an immortal, there was no panic in her eyes. A multi-colored ribbon instantly shot out of her sleeves, instantly tangling towards Guo Xi like a spirit snake dancing.

Guo Xi frowned slightly and flicked his finger. A stream of white light shot out and instantly pierced through this ribbon. But it failed to stop the momentum of the ribbon for even a second, it still headed toward him. Guo Xi suddenly went upwards and stepped on the ribbon with a foot. It was just that he did not leave, but had his foot caught by that ribbon instead. Guo Xi lowered his head and frowned slightly. The entire ribbon instantly became taut.

The armored immortal behind him already turned his head. His mind was long already connected to Yan Ruoshui. So after turning his head, he already threw a punch that struck Guo Xi's back.

Chi Ganquan also turned the bronze mirror at this moment, enveloping Guo Xi's body.

His bronze mirror looked ordinary, but in reality, it was very extraordinary too. However, due to his meager cultivation realm, he could not unleash too much of this bronze mirror's power. Shining it on Guo Xi's body at this moment, he only wanted to trap Guo Xi for a moment.

Sure enough, when the dazzling white light landed on Guo Xi's body, this Three Streams Manor qi refiner's body suddenly came to a standstill.

Right at this second, the armored immortal's punch already smashed through Guo Xi's body.

But after Yan Ruoshui saw this scene, her expression suddenly became ugly.

Guo Xi's body indeed turned into a burst of green smoke in an instant. Then, a green talisman slowly drifted down.

"Puppet Talisman?!"

Yan Ruoshui willed with her mind and made that armored immortal arrive in front of her to protect her. It was just that when the armored immortal appeared in front of her again, Yan Ruoshui suddenly looked over to Chi Ganquan. Her lips moved and she was about to tell him to be careful.

But sadly, she was still late by a fraction.

Guo Xi appeared behind Chi Ganquan. This Three Streams Manor's young disciple showed no hesitation. After appearing, a palm landed on Chi Ganquan's back.

"Senior Apprentice Brother?!"

The woman who was fighting with Chen Chao instantly became distracted and exclaimed in stupefaction.

The boundless qi activity poured out in its entirety like floodwaters at this moment.

Guo Xi was powerful to begin with. Otherwise, Yan Ruoshui also would not have chosen to team up with Chi Ganquan to fight him. At this moment, all of Chi Ganquan's attention was on that Puppet Talisman before, how could he have imagined that Guo Xi would appear behind him at this moment?

While he was inattentive, he already suffered a heavy blow.

The bodies of qi refiners were not considered tough in the first place. At this moment, Chi Ganquan's body naturally could not withstand the blow that Guo Xi schemed for a long time. The qi activity within his body was instantly cut off and his flow was blocked. That bronze mirror's dazzling white light was instantly extinguished. If not for the fact that Chi Ganquan was still holding onto the bronze mirror tightly, the bronze mirror would likely fall.

Having succeeded with his strike, Guo Xi's figure suddenly dissipated. At the same time that he left, that armored immortal's punch already struck where he appeared before.

When this punch landed, the earth quaked and mountains moved.

Even Chi Ganquan was affected too.

Guo Xi clicked his tongue and said, "You're indeed ruthless, you b!tch. You don't even care about your own ally anymore at this moment?"

Yan Ruoshui was silent.

Guo Xi turned to look at Chen Chao and said with a slight smile, "Warden Chen, if you still don't make your move now, I won't be so amicable in a while."

Chen Chao furrowed his brows. At this moment, that woman was concerned about her senior apprentice brother, her mind was no longer on Chen Chao long ago. Hearing Guo Xi speak at this moment, she just subconsciously turned her head, wanting to see how this uncouth martial artist in front of her would react. In the end, she had just turned her head when that black shirt arrived in front of her in an instant. Then, he sunk his shoulder and threw a punch out!

With a loud bang, the woman's body was struck flying and slammed onto the stone wall by the side.

The woman collided with the stone wall with great force. That face that was still considered pretty was full of disbelief.

How could the young man who had been continuously suppressed by her seriously injure her with one punch?

"You... boorish... martial artist..."

The woman's eyes were full of resentment. The contempt in her eyes still did not change at this point.

It was just that there was an additional hint of fright in the depths of it.

Without waiting for the woman to stand up, Chen Chao already arrived in front of her again and still threw a punch out. Who knew what kind of powerful strength that seemingly frail body contained?

After that, that punch struck the girl's chest.

In just an instant, the girl's chest instantly caved in. Her eyes instantly became completely bloodshot!

After two punches, the girl's lease of life had already been severed!

Chi Ganquan looked at this scene and opened his eyes wide in disbelief as he muttered, "Junior Apprentice Sister..."

He had no power to fight anymore at this moment.

While Guo Xi laughed wildly, "Good! Well killed! Indeed not the typical fool! That's how it should be, as it should be!"

Chen Chao ignored Guo Xi, but turned his head to look at Chi Ganquan. Then, he slowly gripped his saber hilt.

...

...

Without Chi Ganquan by the side, even if Guo Xi subsequently faced off against that armored immortal, there would not be any pressure anymore.

In reality, even if the two joined forces, it was also merely a matter of time for Guo Xi to clinch victory.

It was just more troublesome.

On the other side, Chen Chao already arrived before Chi Ganquan.

At present, this young qi refiner was already seriously wounded. It was very difficult to even protect himself, let alone face this young warden with an ominous cultivation realm.

Seeing Chen Chao coming towards him at this moment, his expression was a little ugly. There were many more things in that pair of eyes.

It was no longer the indifference from before.

Chen Chao glanced at him. There were more complicated emotions in his eyes.

In the next moment, Chen Chao pulled out the broken saber at his waist.

Chi Ganquan struggled to muster up the remnant bit of qi left in his body.

But a moment later, he froze.

The youth in black did not stop for even a moment in front of him. Instead, he took a step out straight away and shot toward Guo Xi who was above the abyss!

The black broken saber shot out a steak of black saber light in midair.

The youth in black followed closely behind and crashed into that young qi refiner who was akin to an immortal.

Yan Ruoshui was shocked at first, but she returned to her senses very quickly and directed that armored immortal to attack Guo Xi. At the same time, she even sent out that ribbon to stop Guo Xi's route of retreat.

Currently, Chen Chao's saber already arrived in front of Guo Xi.

Guo Xi furrowed his brows. He did not expect that things would actually turn out like this. He originally thought that Chen Chao would wait for victory to be decided between him and Yan Ruoshui before making his move.

But, he did not expect that he was so impatient. He actually made his move fiercely without waiting for victory to be decided between him and Yan Ruoshui.

Looking at it now, he still overestimated him!

Guo Xi gave a cold laugh. A hand blocked in front of him in a sleeve-flicking form and the other hand made a water-drawing stance, wanting to cast a daoist magic here and kill the youth in front of him in one fell swoop.

It was just that when he was drawing water, he suddenly felt his qi activity stagnate. Turns out that it was precisely when his old qi was already depleted and new qi had yet to be born.

Frowning slightly, he felt a little doubtful. Had the youth in front of him been waiting for this chance all along? Or was it dumb luck?

Very soon, he stopped thinking about these things. The flow of qi activity within his body accelerated and his other hand was placed in front of his chest too. He only needed to tide over this slash from the youth in black, then the situation would instantly fall back under his control.

But... would things really work out the way he imagined?

It was coming!

Chen Chao arrived in front of him with a fierce and decisive bearing in an extremely short time.

He was akin to a comet; falling rapidly.

Guo Xi's expression was grave.

But when the two collided, Guo Xi still found out that he thought wrongly.

There was another saber in front of that youth in black.

A broken saber.

The extremely sharp blade was the first to arrive.

Rippp!

Guo Xi's sleeve was sliced.

The flesh and blood of the two hands that he blocked in front of him were sliced apart by the blade and fresh blood flowed out.

The bodies of qi refiners were naturally not as tough as martial artists. But, it was impossible to be easily sliced apart too. That seemingly ordinary saber was likely not ordinary.

Guo Xi did not have time to think about these at the moment.

He was a little scared.

Because he discovered that the cultivation realm of the youth in front of him was too high and not the second-realm.

Such a young Divine Trove martial artist?!

Guo Xi's expression changed slightly. Even if Chen Chao was not a martial artist but an immortal cultivator, being Divine Trove Realm at this age, it also meant that this young man in front of him was an absolute genius.

At this time, Guo Xi thought of a lot. But those ridiculous ideas did not stay in his mind for too long. He came back to his senses very quickly. The youth in front of him already sent out a second slash.

His hand that was gripping the saber was very steady and his expression was very serious.

Guo Xi saw many strange emotions in his eyes.

He looked like a butcher.

As if he was not a person in his eyes, but a... pray awaiting slaughter.

What he did not know was that this youth in front of him had always hunted demons for a living.

But what he knew was that after he landed in this youth's hands, it seemed like it really became impossible for him to survive.

Just as Chen Chao's second slash had yet to land, Guo Xi felt the new qi in his body had already begun to flow. He had tided over the most difficult moment and obtained a glimpse of hope to live!

It was just that when he wanted to revolve the qi activity within his body, that broken sabar was already nailed into his chest.

Psht...

That was the sound of a sharp weapon piercing flesh and blood.

The intense pain interrupted Guo Xi's thoughts and also blocked his qi flow.

Guo Xi gritted his teeth. A palm landed on Chen Chao's chest.

There was not much power.

Guo Xi fell into the abyss.

Chen Chao borrowed the force and landed on the cliff.

He did not stand firm yet.

He borrowed the saber momentum and slashed at Chi Ganquan!

A bloody human head fell into the abyss.

A headless corpse collapsed.

"Are you mad?!"

After Yan Ruoshui realized it, she cried out somewhat involuntarily, "Do you know who we are? You little bastard!"

Born in the South Heaven Sect, she had been lauded by countless people since young like a bright pearl held in the palm. How could Yan Ruoshui have imagined that people like them would one day be killed by a martial artist that they despised the most!

Standing by the cliff, Chen Chao looked at this woman, the broken saber in his hand was still dripping blood.

He was not prepared to talk, but ready to continue killing people.

Heyo, it is I, your flawless and beautiful translator. Just want to share some bad news regarding chap updates, I'll be overseas for a work event next week, so there won't be chap releases between 13th - 20th Jan. Highly dependent on how much free time I have this week because I need to prep for the event.

In addition, I'll likely announce a hiatus from early March - mid April due to other commitments(compulsory military stuff + overseas trip). After I'm back in April, release rates should be more consistent around 5 chaps/wk. I'll also try to ramp up and build a stockpile of advance chaps for Patreon. I'll do another announcement closer to March, just giving you guys a heads-up first.

I'm a permanent Discord denizen, so just give me a ping in the HostedNovel server if you wanna ask anything(not related to spoilers or increasing release rate).

Ciao~