Chapter 962: Chapter 417: Peak of Fourth Rank Middle Grade Spirit Vein; Qi and Blood Enhancement_2

Yan Feng, this newly-advanced Late-Stage cultivator, personally greeted them at the mountain gate, and gave Xu Ping a solemn bow. "I have yet to thank Fellow Daoist Xu for assisting me in breaking through to the Late Stage."

"Fellow Daoist Yan is too polite, it was but a small favor." Xu Ping cupped his hands in return.

Just as Yan Feng was leading Xu Ping and the other into the newly arranged spirit hall—

An abrupt change erupted!

Boom!

A brutal, overbearing, terrifying demonic might, like a tangible black giant mountain, suddenly descended without the slightest warning, fiercely pressing down over the entire Mystic Water Sect.

Countless disciples within the sect were cowed by this terrifying pressure; those of lower cultivation turned pale and trembled uncontrollably.

"Hm?"

Yan Feng’s expression changed slightly.

Xu Ping suddenly raised his head, his gaze piercing the Array light curtain to look toward the high heavens.

He saw within a cluster of ink-dark, endlessly rolling demonic clouds, a figure standing with hands clasped behind his back.

His features were sinister and cold, his eyes arrogant and condescending; Demonic Qi surged violently around him. The weight of his pressure far surpassed that of an ordinary Late-Stage, having clearly reached the very pinnacle of Late-Stage Nascent Soul.

"Xuanmo True Monarch?"

Xu Ping recognized the newcomer at once, but his eyes narrowed slightly.

Why had this demon come to the Mystic Water Sect?

From what he knew, Xuanmo True Monarch had never had any dealings with the Mystic Water Sect before.

"Fellow Daoist Shan’s transformation into the Dao is also a matter of great regret to this seat. I have come today only to pay my respects to an old acquaintance and express a token of my feelings."

The demonic clouds gradually dispersed, revealing the figure within—none other than the great titan of the demonic path, Xuanmo True Monarch.

Yan Feng naturally recognized this foremost, infamous figure of the demonic path; his wariness rose to its peak.

But the other’s words did not seem to carry an intent to immediately make a move, and he even mentioned paying respects. If he were to refuse outright, it would instead make the Mystic Water Sect appear cowardly and discourteous.

Yan Feng pondered for a moment, then spoke in a deep voice, "Fellow Daoist Xuanmo is most considerate. Since you have come to pay respects, my Mystic Water Sect naturally has no reason to refuse."

Though the other’s strength was far greater than his, with the Sect Protection Array to rely on, he naturally did not fear him.

All the more with Xu Ping present; even if the other was a peak Late-Stage cultivator, he absolutely would not be able to stir up much of a storm.

Yan Feng formed a Spell with his hand. The light curtain of the Sect Protection Array rippled, opening up a gap just wide enough for a single person to pass through.

The corner of Xuanmo True Monarch’s mouth lifted in a barely discernible arc. His figure blurred, and he passed through the Array, landing upon the plaza.

That terrifying demonic might was withdrawn by more than half along with him, but it still shrouded everyone’s hearts like a shadow.

His gaze swept across those present, finally landing on Xu Ping. A seemingly amiable smile appeared on his face. "Fellow Daoist Xu, I trust you have been well."

"Fellow Daoist Xuanmo."

Xu Ping’s expression remained calm as he cupped his hands in greeting.

He had a feeling that Xuanmo True Monarch was probably not here for the sake of paying respects to Shan Tianyou, but very likely had come because of him.

Xuanmo True Monarch did not speak further. He truly walked toward the spirit hall, took up incense and candles, and bowed toward Shan Tianyou’s spirit tablet, his posture fully in accordance with propriety.

Throughout the process of offering respects, no abnormality occurred.

Not until the rites for Shan Tianyou were concluded.

As Xu Ping had expected, Xuanmo True Monarch smiled and said, "Fellow Daoist Xu, it is rare to meet today. With mountains high and waters long between us, yet we hit it off at first sight. I wonder if we might find a quiet place to speak alone?"

Xu Ping’s gaze flickered slightly, and he nodded. "Since Senior Xuanmo has extended an invitation, Xu Mou naturally has no reason to refuse."

He also wanted to see what medicine this demon was selling in his gourd.

The two came to a quiet side hall.

Xuanmo True Monarch flicked his finger, and a sound-proofing Restriction rose up. Though not top-tier, it was sufficient to block out prying from within and without.

"I wonder for what matter Fellow Daoist Xuanmo has sought out Xu Mou?" Xu Ping got straight to the point.

Xuanmo True Monarch smiled slightly, not beating around the bush. With a flip of his palm, a Ten Thousand Souls Banner, wreathed in chilling Yin Qi, appeared in his hand.

Immediately after, he guided a Spell, and the banner cloth writhed. A Nascent Soul, bound by countless pitch-black chains, its light dim, its face twisted in extreme terror, was forcibly dragged out.

That Nascent Soul’s form was blurry, but its features could still be vaguely discerned.

"Xuanyin Island Master?"

Xu Ping was slightly taken aback as he recognized her.

Back then, among the three who joined forces with the Old Demon of Hehuan in a sneak attack on him, she had been one of them.

He later heard that she had thrown herself under Xuanmo True Monarch’s command.

So what exactly was going on here?

"What is the meaning of this, Fellow Daoist Xuanmo?"

Xu Ping remained outwardly unmoved, his thoughts racing.

"Heh heh."

Xuanmo True Monarch’s smile did not change, his tone light, as if speaking of something trivial. "This woman is truly audacious; she actually once formed a vendetta with Fellow Daoist Xu."

"This seat only learned of this matter recently. How could I allow such a hidden danger to remain at my side and sow discord between myself and Fellow Daoist Xu?"

"Thus I took her down and hand her over to Fellow Daoist Xu. Whether you wish to kill or flay, it is entirely up to you."

"Hand her over to me for disposal?"

Xu Ping’s brows creased ever so slightly.

If he were to unleash all his means, he would definitely be stronger than Xuanmo True Monarch and could certainly defeat the other.

But to actually kill him, that was absolutely beyond Xu Ping’s current ability.

So was there really any need for the other to go this far?

To directly seize a subordinate under his command, and one who was even a Mid-stage Nascent Soul Cultivator.

"Yes."

Xuanmo True Monarch looked at Xu Ping, his tone seemingly quite sincere. "This seat sincerely wishes to befriend Fellow Daoist Xu, and naturally does not wish for any rift to arise between us on account of a mere subordinate who does not know life from death."

"Fellow Daoist is truly... most considerate."

Hearing this, Xu Ping sneered inwardly, though his face remained impassive.

He did not believe this nonsense in the slightest.

Xuanyin Island Master had taken refuge under him long ago. How could such an old grudge only be discovered today?

There had to be a deeper scheme behind this move; he just had yet to discern it.

But no matter what the other had planned, as long as his own strength was sufficient, he need not fear any specter-like tricks or ploys.

Before absolute strength, all schemes and intrigues are nothing but a joke.

Seeing Xu Ping accept the "gift", Xuanmo True Monarch did not linger. He laughed heartily. "In that case, I shall not disturb Fellow Daoist Xu and the various members of the Mystic Water Sect any longer. Farewell!"