Chapter 1102 - 919: God-slaying Technique

Ever since reports resembling the 'Beidou Refusal Array' emerged from Yanfu Continent, Feng Xi has been paying close attention to the situation over in the Heavenly Domain. Especially after leaving Dingnan Prefecture last time, he has been increasingly vigilant regarding Shi Chun's movements, demanding that every detail be reported. That's why this information was delivered promptly.

Feng Huanchu asked, "Did Kuang Yao Bi Dao meet?"

The messenger hurriedly replied, "Yes, upon the arrival of the news, Chai Wenwu had already ventured into the mountain to negotiate with him."

Feng Huanchu doubted, "Kuang Yao Bi Dao, also known as Kuang Dao. His arrogant nature is well-known. Who is this Chai Wenwu, and if he's merely a subordinate of a Commander, how could he easily gain an audience with Kuang Yao?"

Feng Xi first waved to the messenger to withdraw, saying, "Investigate further."

"Yes." The messenger accepted the order and quickly left.

Once he was gone, Feng Xi explained, "Chai Wenwu is merely an insignificant old man at the Human Immortal Realm, originally a prisoner. He gained an opportunity by participating in the Battle of Great Pardon, closely following Shi Chun. Now, he's one of Shi Chun's nine City Lords, but as for his specific abilities, I'm still investigating."

Previously, he didn't care much about who Chai Wenwu was. Only after monitoring the relevant situation in Dingnan Prefecture did he start to pay attention to some of the corresponding individuals.

Since Chai Wenwu is relatively marginal in Shi Chun's camp, he initially didn't think much of it. However, it now appears necessary to clarify the specific situation of this marginal figure.

Feng Huanchu again questioned, "How's Shi Chun's progress in introducing industries in West Niu?"

Feng Xi shook his head, "No progress; this should be the first case."

Feng Huanchu, surprised, remarked, "Going directly to Bi Dao for the first case? With Kuang Yao's arrogant character, what is Shi Chun thinking…" His voice suddenly trailed off, shifting his gaze to Feng Xi's face, sensing a solemn expression. It seemed both had reached the same conclusion.

He then changed to mind transmission, "Could Shi Chun be trading the site where Jin Zhan perished with Bi Dao?"

Feng Xi also transmitted mentally, "If he sees we're not trading with him anytime soon, finding another trading partner makes sense."

Feng Huanchu immediately leaned on his staff, pacing back and forth for a long while, then halted in front of Feng Xi, pondering, "'Beidou Refusal Array' stolen, if something could carry off the 'Beidou Refusal Array'... could it be that Jin Zhan's burial site has indeed appeared?"

Feng Xi responded, "Great Elder, at present, this is merely speculation."

Feng Huanchu squinted his drooping eyes narrowly, musing, "Could that legendary Demon Book be hidden there? Or has it already been excavated?"

Feng Xi slightly shook his head, "I don't know if it still exists; we might need to probe Shi Chun's intentions, yet fear falling into his trap. During our last meeting, I'm certain that, as rumored, he's as deceitful and difficult as they say."

Seeing Feng Xi's seemingly indecisive attitude, Feng Huanchu had to remind him, "Our Phoenix Clan, typically, can only cultivate Lifebound Techniques. Other cultivation techniques are nearly impossible for us. The Six Paths Strange Books contain the mysteries of creation, with their Demon Path able to include us. The Demon Book is one of the few cultivation techniques our clan can practice. After Jin Zhan obtained that Book, his power wasn't comparable to the current Demon Lord. If our Phoenix Clan could cultivate this book, restoring divine bloodline, we wouldn't need to rely on those vile influences. Compared to some face, which weighs more?"

Feng Xi hesitated, "After my last meeting with him, he spread rumors and caused trouble. Meeting him again, would that not validate those rumors?"

Feng Huanchu, "The matter of the Demon Book, do you think this is suitable for more people to know? Do you think sending someone else is appropriate?"

After contemplating for a while, Feng Xi slowly nodded, "Fine, I'll have another secret meeting with him. Regardless of any trap, I'll explore it first."

Feng Huanchu nodded, "Exactly, discreet departure is needed."

Shortly thereafter, Feng Xi, accompanied by several reliable aides, quietly slipped away through a secret passage...

In the Central Bowan Building of Nanshan Royal City, the subtly disguised Shi Chun quietly arrived. Below, a confidant of Miao Dingyi discreetly met him, leading him secretly upstairs.

Shi Chun's visit was at Miao Dingyi's invitation.

After taking him upstairs to a room, the guide exited and closed the door.

Shi Chun also lifted his cloak and bowed to Miao Dingyi.

Sitting behind the desk, Miao Dingyi didn't stand, merely gesturing to forgo formalities, yet his gaze at Shi Chun was somewhat peculiar.

Previously, he'd told his wife Lan Qiaoyan that if Shi Chun managed to secure the position of the Domain Master in the Heavenly Domain, he would marry his daughter to Shi Chun.

Then, immediately afterward, corresponding commotion arose in the Heavenly Domain, rumors that the Phoenix Clan was backing Shi Chun as the Domain Master.

He wondered if his wife, Lan Qiaoyan, had told Shi Chun something, prompting such action from Shi Chun. Without securing Dingxi and Dingbei Prefectures, starting to covet the Domain Master's position—is this reasonable?

Upon inquiry, Lan Qiaoyan retorted, she hadn't said anything to Shi Chun, insisting she hasn't recently contacted him at all.

Of course, Lan Qiaoyan was curious about the big commotion in the Heavenly Domain, as people aware of her close relationship with Shi Chun were asking her what was going on.

Miao Dingyi ultimately rose, exhibiting friendliness, rounded the desk, directly addressing business, "Why did Feng Xi suddenly run to see you?" Afterward, he unexpectedly added, "It's not only me who wants to know; I've been summoned for questioning."

He didn't specify who summoned him for questioning, but considering the status and position of those able to do so is conceivable.

In other words, this time he's asking on behalf of someone even higher up.

Shi Chun chuckled, "You could say there's something, you could say there's nothing. The origin of the matter lies in Yanfu Continent. Wu Jinliang used a protective array, and Feng Xi suspects it's the 'Beidou Refusal Array' stolen from the Phoenix Clan's Divine Mountain. He wants me to bring it out for him to inspect."

Miao Dingyi was slightly taken aback. So that's it. When it came to the treasure used on Yanfu Continent, he had also been wanting to find an opportunity to ask what it was after he found out. He immediately asked, "Is it the stolen 'Beidou Refusal Array'?"

Shi Chun nonchalantly replied, "Who knows what array it is. I don't know what array it is either. I still don't know the name of the array. During the Battle of Great Pardon, a disciple of the Qiankun Sect attacked me; I countered and took their treasures, snatching a few in passing. I don't even know the names of those treasures. The Qiankun Sect wouldn't tell me either. I gave one to Wu Jinliang for protection when entering Yanfu Continent, not knowing it would attract the Phoenix Clan's leader."

Miao Dingyi asked again, "Did Feng Xi confirm it was the stolen item from the Phoenix Clan's Divine Mountain?"

Shi Chun frankly said, "Sir, the Phoenix Clan neither controls me nor cares about giving me face. Since there's no benefit, why would I let him see it easily? If he wants to examine it, at least relocate some of the Phoenix Clan's assets to my Dingnan Prefecture, right? He's asking me for it, not the other way around. I'm already troubled about future tax collection; he delivered himself to me, so I naturally couldn't let it go. As a result, he got angry and left."

Miao Dingyi chuckled at these words and asked, "What about the rumors of the Phoenix Clan supporting you to become the Domain Master of the Heavenly Domain?"

Shi Chun said, "That's a rumor I spread, to test how much Feng Xi cares about the Divine Mountain Formation. Outrageous pricing, waiting for him to offer a counter. Plus, it builds momentum for the people I sent to West Niu to introduce industries. People from the small Dingnan Prefecture find it hard to get an audience with the bigwigs of the Demon Realm. Flap the beautiful wings of the Phoenix Clan a bit, and it becomes different. It provides a chance to meet those bigwigs and talk."

Miao Dingyi had been about to ask more about the people Shi Chun sent to West Niu, but now he got his answer as an aside.

Thinking about how Feng Xi was wrung dry of his usefulness upon meeting Shi Chun, Miao Dingyi couldn't help but point and laugh at Shi Chun's slyness, "You, you, always so cunning."

Shi Chun feigned an innocent chuckle, then suddenly turned serious and asked, "Sir, when will the Heavenly Court return my mount?"

Miao Dingyi pondered, "Well, the Heavenly Court has never seen such a spirit beast before. They've searched through lots of bestiaries and found no match. A rare thing is valued. Before the Heavenly Court figures it out, it's not easy to retrieve it. You'll have to wait for the right moment. But rest assured, it's kept in the Imperial Garden of the Heavenly Court, with good food and drink, very safe, but..."

Shi Chun's heart tightened and quickly asked, "But what?"

Miao Dingyi: "They say your mount seems somewhat arrogant, looks down on the other spirit beasts in the garden, doesn't bother to associate, even displays disdain. It makes people uncomfortable."

"...." Shi Chun was speechless. So that's it, just Asan being Asan, quite normal. Even Wu Jinliang is used to it.

Miao Dingyi asked again, "Did you bring the array Feng Xi mentioned?"

Implicitly, he wanted a look.

Shi Chun had brought it, it was on him, but he denied it, saying, "No, I gave it to Chai Wenwu to take to West Niu for protection."

Thus, Miao Dingyi responded with an "Oh" and didn't concern himself further. Since it's a treasure of the Qiankun Sect, it's likely traceable. He casually replied, "Then let's talk about it when it's back. Show it to me when you have time."

"Sure." Shi Chun readily agreed.

After that, they chatted about some family matters. Gong Shaoci's betrothal was quite significant for people of a certain level, and Shi Chun couldn't help but be curious about what would happen to Miao Yilan, given they've been old friends for many years.

Most importantly, he was about to make a move against the Gong family and wanted to clear some things up. If the Miao family truly severed ties with the Gong family, he would have no qualms about bringing up the Gong family's involvement with the Demon Path.

Upon leaving, Miao Dingyi's most trusted subordinates quietly led him away through a shortcut...

In Beiju Continent, outside Refining Heaven City, below the Refining Heaven Sect, the aquatic system is well-developed under the sunset's shadow. Situ Zhen, alone, sails a small black-roofed boat on the lake.

As the black-roofed boat leisurely wanders in the lake, there's a sudden disturbance, and a human figure silently breaks the surface, flipping into the boat's cabin.

The person's figure steadies, their face hidden, wearing a black mask. They turn and kneel on one knee in the confined space, bowing to Situ Zhen's graceful silhouette, "Greetings, Holy Lady."

Situ Zhen glanced around and was about to lower her body into the cabin when she suddenly paused.

As a Water Flame Spirit Body, she was sensitive to any changes in the water. Sensing something unusual, a surge of superpower inexplicably spread from her, locking onto something. Her gaze lifted, fixating on the figure behind the intruder in the cabin.

She waved her sleeve, and several vibrant pink streams of light intertwined and shot out, like meteors, revealing a red mist lurking in the void.

The masked intruder turned around, alarmed, seeing the red mist recoil in pain and shrink, like smoke, quickly retreating. Once out of the pink light's range, it vanished into the void again.

Situ Zhen, having withdrawn her hand, flashed onto the roof of the boat, her cold gaze fixed on the direction the red mist retreated.

The intruder in the cabin dared not show his face, hiding inside, and asked in a mix of fear and doubt, "Holy Lady, what's happening?"

Situ Zhen coldly replied, "Someone tracked you using a technique similar to a divine sense. The person's eyes should've been blinded by my God-slaying Technique. Quickly gather nearby people and investigate in that direction."

"Understood." The shocked intruder immediately accepted the order and slipped back into the water.

Situ Zhen then flew to a nearby island, alarmed the disciples of the Refining Heaven Sect on the island. Without waiting for their greetings, she pointed in a direction, "Someone was spying on me bathing in the lake. They should've been blinded by me and escaped in that direction. Organize the sect members to investigate, capture all the blind ones!"