Chapter 1021 - 718: Hidden Dragon Startling Sword

Chapter 1021: Chapter 718: Hidden Dragon Startling Sword

According to Zhang Shifan, in this place, even Tier Three Upper Grade Fire Attribute Demon King Inner Cores and various rare Tier Three Puppet materials can be traded using the Golden Transformation Pill.

This is undoubtedly extremely beneficial for his subsequent cultivation and puppet development.

"Moreover, we must always monitor the war situation between the Human and Demon Races in Qin Country, especially the movements related to the Spirit Control Sect, Bright Flame Sect, Thunder Roc Demon Emperor, and Poisonous Mosquito Emperor..."

His gaze slightly darkened.

Even if temporarily stable, there should not be a slightest relaxation.

When trees desire peace, yet the wind ceases not; the cultivation realm is perilous at every step.

Sometimes a seemingly insignificant oversight can drag a person into the abyss of eternal damnation.

...

Yulong Mountain, the forbidden area behind the mountain.

Here, Spiritual Qi swirls, strange peaks rise, and flowing springs and flying waterfalls dot the landscape, offering exceptional scenery.

In a scenic pavilion by the cliff, a middle-aged man in a moon-white brocade robe stood with his hands behind his back, overlooking the sea of clouds and layered mountain vistas below.

The man’s posture was tall and straight, with a square face, rugged features, and eyes that carried the dignity of long-held authority. He was Ren Zhiyuan, the contemporary patriarch of the Ren Family in Yulong Mountain, a Golden Core Cultivator.

"Whoosh!"

A faint green True Pill Escape Light tore through the sky, landing lightly outside the pavilion.

As the light dissipated, it revealed a female cultivator in a water-green tight-fitting dress with a graceful figure.

Appearing to be in her thirties, her appearance was exquisite, her demeanor was sharp yet carried a trace of mature allure.

"Zhiyao pays respects to the patriarch."

The female cultivator stepped forward, respectfully saluting.

"No need for formalities."

Ren Zhiyuan did not turn around, his voice calm.

"Well, were you able to find out any clear information?"

This woman was his clan cousin, Ren Zhiyao, with a cultivation at the True Pill Middle Stage, always in charge of internal and external intelligence gathering for the clan, with a meticulous mind.

"Reporting to the patriarch, it has been verified. The one returning to Phoenix Perch Mountain is indeed Zhang Shifan, that direct descendant of the Zhang Family who left home over a hundred years ago."

"He did not return alone, but brought a Daoist partner, named Lady Hu, with a cultivation at the True Pill Early Stage. This woman seems somewhat peculiar, with a faint unusual sweet and fishy scent on her body, suspected of practicing some non-mainstream poison techniques."

"A poison cultivator?"

Ren Zhiyuan slightly raised his eyebrows, turning around.

"Most likely. But her aura is well-concealed. It would be hard to detect unless intentionally noted."

"I’ve already given orders for our people, when interacting with the Zhang Family soon, to carry Upper Grade Antitoxic and Detoxification Elixirs with them, just in case."

"Hmm, it’s better to be cautious."

Ren Zhiyuan nodded.

"Did Zhang Shifan bring others along?"

"Exactly. Besides the Daoist partner, there are two others, said to be friends he made while wandering outside."

Ren Zhiyao continued reporting: "One is named Gu Xiaoyao, with True Pill Cultivation, a winemaker; his aura seems hollow, so his combat ability should be mediocre and not worth worrying about. But the other one..."

She paused, her expression becoming obviously grave: "The other one is named Shen Xingchen, of unknown origin, with Fire Technique Golden Core Early Stage cultivation, a Tier Three Alchemist, and Body Refining cultivation at the Dharma Realm. And that’s not all..."

"Oh? Not all?" Ren Zhiyuan’s gaze sharpened.

"We acquired some information from passengers on the same Fu Hai Commerce Alliance smuggling spaceship."

Ren Zhiyao took a deep breath and slowly said: "This person is likely a Tier Three Array Master!"

"A Tier Three Array Master?"

Ren Zhiyuan gasped in astonishment.

A Tier Three Array Master, in terms of rarity and importance, surpasses even a Tier Three Alchemist!

A figure of this caliber, regardless of which faction they ally with, is an honored guest, with a status of high esteem.

Even in Myriad Phenomena Daoist Palace, among over twenty Nascent Soul True Monarchs, those who can cultivate the path of arrays to Tier Three are few and far between.

"That’s not all."

Ren Zhiyao’s voice became even more subdued, carrying disbelief.

"It’s said that this person’s combat power is extremely formidable. Some time ago, that Fu Hai Commerce Alliance spaceship was in imminent danger when attacked by a coalition of tribulation cultivators and demon birds. It was this Shen Xingchen who boldly intervened, wielding a treasure fan of astonishing power, and with a single wave, flames surged to the sky, reducing several Tier Three demon birds to ashes, while the tribulation cultivator leader, Green-faced Wolf, was also pursued and killed by him soon after!"

The pavilion fell into silence, save for the rustling sound of the mountain wind brushing past the pines.

"The Zhang Family is indeed fortunate!"

Ren Zhiyao’s face showed a trace of unwillingness.

"Originally, as long as Zhang Shixiu unexpectedly perished, leaving the Zhang Family without anyone to succeed, we could have made a move, gradually infiltrating and annexing them. Who knew that Zhang Shifan would return at this time, and furthermore, bring back such a formidable figure!"

Ren Zhiyuan remained silent for a moment, the initial shock on his face gradually dissipating, his expression returning to deep tranquility.

He glanced at his worried-looking clan cousin, and suddenly smiled slightly.

"Zhiyao, don’t be discouraged. The Zhang Family’s fate has not yet run its course; it will still take time."

His tone was calm, as if discussing a trivial matter apart from himself.

"As for Shen Xingchen, someone of such caliber, akin to a hidden dragon in a deep abyss, will he remain lurking in a gradually declining Zhang Family indefinitely? It’s merely a temporary resting place. At late it would be three years, at soon one year, he will surely leave. The Zhang Family cannot retain him."

"Then, should we continue with our previously planned arrangements and moves against Phoenix Perch Mountain?"

Ren Zhiyao inquired.

"Stop them all for now."

Ren Zhiyuan waved his hand, decisively ordering.

"Send orders to all personnel involved to immediately halt all covert operations against the Zhang Family, lie low, protect themselves, and avoid exposure. For now, we shall watch and understand Shen Xingchen’s background before taking action."

He walked to the pavilion edge, gazing in the direction of Phoenix Perch Mountain, his eyes distant.

"In any case, the Zhang Family of Phoenix Perch Mountain ultimately remains a subordinate family of the Myriad Phenomena Daoist Palace. Some things are done unsaid. Certain misdeeds should not leave one with a bad reputation. Otherwise, it would also impair the standing of our ancestor in the Daoist Palace."