Chapter 695: Startling Thunder

“I don’t think so,” Fang Daoyun said, shaking his head.

Those who rise from humble beginnings must possess extraordinary qualities. A true Flood Dragon will eventually soar to the heavens, even if it starts in a small pond. It’s only a matter of time.

Hearing this, Yan Lianxing did not argue.

The truth would reveal itself soon enough.

The two arrived at Bidao Hall and entered as if it were completely deserted, strolling right in thanks to their exquisite Concealing Breath and Concealing Trace Technique.

After a brief observation, they quickly found the Workshop Market’s manager: Si Huandou, a man over three hundred years old with an Early-stage Core Formation cultivation.

…

Inside the Master’s Quiet Chamber.

Si Huandou, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly broke out in a cold sweat. When he realized what was happening, the calm expression on his face instantly changed.

“Who is it? Who’s here!”

“What are you looking for? Aren’t the ones you seek right before your very eyes?” A cold laugh echoed from an empty corner of the Quiet Chamber. Fang Daoyun and Yan Lianxing appeared, sneering at Si Huandou.

“N-Nascent Soul Cultivators!” A familiar, oppressive pressure filled Si Huandou with dread.

Even when he activated his Spiritual Eye Skill, he couldn’t discern their cultivation levels. Still, one thing was certain: the two of them were definitely at the Nascent Soul Stage. He even suspected they might be just like his own patriarch—Great Cultivators at the late-stage of Nascent Soul.

At this thought, despair flooded Si Huandou’s heart.

He was probably doomed today.

Despite this, Si Huandou was still unwilling to accept his fate.

He had shed so much blood and sweat to gather the resources for Core Formation. He had only enjoyed his new status for a few days, so how could he be willing to die just like that?

‘I have to live!’

But the moment he moved, an ice sword was already pressed against his neck.

The blade was incredibly sharp; a light touch tore through the collar of his Dharma Robe. He had paid a hefty price for it. While not quite at the level of a Magical Treasure, it was a rare and exquisite item.

At that moment, Si Huandou had no doubt.

If he made one wrong move, he would be instantly decapitated.

Having subdued him with ease, Yan Lianxing fixed her gaze on Si Huandou and said with a faint smile, “Such a futile, powerless struggle. Now, will you answer my questions about Star Sun True Monarch willingly, or must I use the Soul Searching Technique to find the answers myself?”

Her voice was as beautiful as heavenly music, but to Si Huandou’s ears, it sent a chill down his spine.

These two strangers were clearly here to harm his patriarch. In a two-on-one fight, his patriarch would be at a clear disadvantage. Most importantly, the only power capable of dispatching two Great Cultivators at once would be one of the Central Earth Immortal Sects.

‘An Immortal Sect is making a move against Lü Zhong?’

He struggled internally.

“What questions might you have for this junior, Seniors?” After a moment, Si Huandou made his choice. Believing Lü Zhong’s defeat was inevitable, he decided to gamble for a chance at survival.

“Hahaha! A smart man!” Fang Daoyun burst out laughing.

Yan Lianxing gave a smile that wasn’t quite a smile. ‘People who betray their masters are destined to be disrespected, no matter where they go. If he had resisted to the bitter end, he might have been granted a swifter death.’

Of course, she didn’t let her thoughts show on her face.

After some questioning, the two learned a great deal.

But the more they found out, the more unsettled they became.

No matter how they looked at it, it was impossible that a man who had almost never tasted defeat and had repeatedly triumphed against overwhelming odds would suddenly choke and fall to the two of them.

Barring any accidents, this man was destined for Divinity Transformation!

“This Lü Zhong’s power is completely unexpected. I’m afraid he might even be stronger than you or me!” Fang Daoyun said gravely, not bothering to hide his words from Si Huandou.

“So a Flood Dragon can emerge from shallow waters after all. I misjudged,” Yan Lianxing said, glancing coolly at Si Huandou. ‘This man is useless now. We can’t kill him, though, or his Soul Token might alert our target.’

So, she lifted a finger. After a flash of blue light, an ice sculpture stood in his place.

Whatever the reason for Lü Zhong’s astonishing power, one thing was now certain: this had just gotten complicated.

At this thought, a shadow of worry inevitably clouded Yan Lianxing’s features.

“So what’s our next move?”

“We find an opportunity and take his twins hostage!” Fang Daoyun said, his eyes glinting with malice.

The move was dishonorable, but it was a decisive blow against Lü Zhong’s weak spot. Even if it didn’t force him to submit, it would be enough to throw his mind into chaos. In combat between high-level cultivators, an unsettled Heart and Spirit was a massive vulnerability, one that could greatly diminish their power.

The scales of victory would surely tip in their favor because of it!

“And as luck would have it, a rare opportunity is right around the corner.” Fang Daoyun glanced at the ice sculpture and continued with a sneer, “According to our traitor, the decennial grand auction will be held here soon. I’m sure those twins won’t be able to stay away.”

Coming from a noble background himself, he projected his own experiences onto them and had no trouble guessing what Tianwen and Jiuge would do.

When the time comes, even if they have a Nascent Soul Cultivator as a guard, we’ll strike them down with lightning speed by working together. The only potential complication is whether Lü Zhong himself will be with them.

Fang Daoyun felt there was no need to worry about that.

In his eyes, Lü Zhong was an Ascetic Cultivator, dedicated solely to the Dao. He spent nearly all his time in seclusion and was highly unlikely to show up.

Even if the unexpected happened, the two of them could simply choose another time. The worst that could happen was waiting another ten years. As Nascent Soul Cultivators, they had patience in spades.

“Then let’s proceed according to your plan, Senior Brother,” Yan Lianxing said, nodding.