Stealthily cultivating in the chaotic world of demons and martial artists
Chapter 258 - 257: Conditions (Congratulations to the Silver Alliance!)_1

Chapter 258: Chapter 257: Conditions (Congratulations to the Silver Alliance!)_1

"I never thought that Thousand Island Lake would become such a coveted prize..."

Fang Xi went through the jade slips one by one, revealing a smile on his face, "I actually thought... that these Golden Core powers would surely wipe out Thousand Island Lake before starting their war..."

As soon as these words came out, Zhong Hongyu and Taishu Hong shivered, while Yuan Feihong maintained an awkward yet polite smile, "In fact... if it were truly possible, Thousand Island Lake would naturally be annihilated, but recently the Mysterious Heaven Sect’s Elder Zhang is rumored to be gravely injured, hiding within the Sect Guarding Array of the sect’s gate, not daring to venture out... and if Yiling Valley wanted to exterminate us, they would have to deploy Core Formation cultivators... and they would also have to get past the heavy defenses of the Mysterious Heaven Sect and penetrate deep into enemy territory, the risk is extremely high..."

"Moreover... Thousand Island Lake has not sided with any party as of yet, previously we’ve only conducted some trade with the Mysterious Heaven Sect..."

"Island Master, this is a once-in-a-millennium opportunity!"

Yuan Feihong exclaimed emotively, "Perhaps the Island Master can take this opportunity to request a Core Formation Spiritual Object, and see which of the three factions shows sincerity..."

"A Core Formation Spiritual Object?"

Zhong Hongyu and Taishu Hong exchanged glance, both seeing the excitement and longing in each other’s eyes.

In this tripartite Cultivation World’s warfare, could it truly be that the springtime for individual cultivators is coming?

Could it be that with the power of Thousand Island Lake, even a Core Formation Spiritual Object is within reach?

Could it be... that the Island Master has been quietly laying plans, waiting just for this day?

That move, when placed, was imperceptible, having begun to lay out like the spring wind and rain decades ago... and now at last, his wish fulfilled!

In their eyes, Fang Xi, who had quietly arranged the fate of Thousand Island Lake, had practically risen to the level of one who could strategize through the ages.

Little did they know that Fang Xi really had just casually picked a place to plant trees and had been staying at home ever since...

"Securing a Core Formation Spiritual Object, a once-in-an-eternity opportunity... but it also contains enormous risks. One slight mishap, not just Dragon Fish Island, perhaps the entirety of Thousand Island Lake might be destroyed..."

Fang Xi sighed, then turned to the three, "I’m aware of the situation now, leave it to me to handle it. As for yourselves, continue as usual, as you were..."

"As you command!"

Yuan Feihong and the other two bowed in response, still marveling in their hearts.

Even faced with the temptation of a Core Formation Spiritual Object, the Island Master could remain so composed; truly he was one who showed neither joy nor anger, possessing the strategical depths of mountains and rivers!

...

’I always feel these people have fabricated something quite formidable out of their imagination...’

Watching the backs of the three as they left, and thinking of how these Foundation Establishment cultivators were even more respectful than usual, Fang Xi stroked his chin.

’But I did not possess the foresight to see through the great war in the Cultivation World... I just happened to catch up...’

’It seems the longer one lives, the more likely one is to encounter anything...’

’As for the Core Formation Spiritual Object?’

If the Core Formation powers of the three nations had a heaven-defying Spiritual Object that could steadily cultivate Core Formation cultivators, why would Ancestor Jiang bother scheming for the Monster King’s Inner Core, and why would Master Bai Feng resign himself to Sitting and Transforming in disillusionment?

’Even though there might be some so-called superb Spiritual Pills that aid in Core Formation, at best they are on the same level as ’Mysterious Water Essence,’ and their effects cannot be stacked...’

’Compared to the consolidating effect of the ’Yi Wood Magic Body’ that I now possess, it’s simply worlds apart...’

’On the other hand, Mysterious Heaven Sect’s current alliance with the Green Wood Sect to resist Yiling Valley has turned the situation into an extremely dangerous one...’

Fang Xi’s expression gradually grew stern.

Fortunately, his cultivation has already advanced to the point where it can no longer progress; he no longer needs to do daily intense meditation. All that is required is to quietly wait for the ’Yi Wood Magic Body’ to continuously purify the Dantian Qi Ocean, solidifying the liquid magic power to its limit.

Thus, his days consisted of enjoying tea, occasionally watching the Qi Refining minors below fighting for power and wealth, with undercurrents stirring. It was rather amusing to him to wait until one couldn’t help but jump out and then give them a thunderous blow, almost like walking dogs and teasing cats.

Three months later.

An Escape Light landed outside Dragon Fish Island, revealing the figure of Ruan Xingling.

She cast a seal, and the Profound Wood Formation automatically parted, allowing her to travel directly to the Evergreen Pavilion.

Liu Sanqi and others were there as well.

Ever since the incident where they slew the Ghost Cultivator at the peak of Foundation Establishment, Thousand Island Island had become much calmer and at the very least, the Foundation Establishment cultivators could briefly leave their guarded islands.

"The envoys of the three sects actually showed such coordination this time, offering such an urgent timeline, clearly leaving no room for us to waver..."

Liu Sanqi took a sip of Spiritual Tea, still feeling relieved.

Fortunately, he didn’t return to Baize Immortal City back then, otherwise, it would have been jumping into a pit of fire.

That Baize Immortal City, after enduring a siege and the subsequent chaos, is rumored to have been catastrophic for its individual cultivators. Almost six out of ten died...

As he mused, he caught sight of Fang Xi standing tall, shaking his sleeve, "Let’s go... our guests have arrived."

The Azure Horn Fish Dragon circling outside Evergreen Pavilion emitted a long cry, carrying Fang Xi, along with several Escape Lights, to the edge of Dragon Fish Island.

Whoosh!

The sound of a Sword Light piercing through the sky erupted, drawing near rapidly.

The Sword Light gathered, revealing a sword-controlling youth, none other than ’Purple Cloud Sword’ You Chong!

"You Chong of Yiling Valley greets Dragon Fish Island’s Lord Master!"

You Chong greeted with solemn respect but did not enter Dragon Fish Island.

Considering his last encounter with the self-sounding Spiritual Sword, he still felt some lingering trepidation.

Yet now, as he touched his abdomen, without feeling any abnormality, his heart couldn’t help speculate about the success or failure of today’s encounter.

"It turns out to be Sir You, no need for formalities..."

Fang Xi, dressed in a green robe, had an aura that was subtle and restrained, as if he were a mere mortal without any magic power.

This was due to cultivating the ’Kuyong Skills’, which, after transitioning from the flourishing to withering state, came with a secret skill — Heart like a withered tree. It allowed all traces of aura, magic power, even thoughts and killing intent, to be retracted without a hint of leakage.

After all, the incident where You Chong had instructed ’Old Ling’ to launch a stealth attack was recorded by Fang Xi in his little notebook.

If the opportunity arises, he certainly won’t let this person off the hook.

"Since you’ve come to visit, why not come inside for a detailed discussion?"

Fang Xi cleared the way through the array, preparing to lure the dog in before killing it... to prevent any accidents.

"No need!"

In You Chong’s gaze, a flash of purple appeared, followed by a loud laugh and the flick of a finger.

Whoosh!

A purple Sword Qi streaked across the sky, crossing a distance of several dozens of yards. It was extremely sharp, and within it seemed to be numerous flickering runes that stirred the Heavenly Earth Spiritual Qi, with a momentum that was quite astonishing.

Pfft!

The Sword Qi tore through the air, revealing a man and a woman, both cultivators, in a formerly empty space.

The female cultivator had brows like a painting and wore a thin black gauze dress. Her demeanor was Piaomiao, yet it carried an elf-like temptation.

The other was someone all too familiar to the cultivators of Dragon Fish Island—it was Zhan Tu!

At this moment, both were holding a flag-shaped Spiritual Instrument, their faces full of surprise, seemingly puzzled as to how You Chong could see through their hidden secret skill.

"Heh... I told you long ago, this ’Mizong Fan’, though a replica of the magic artifact ’Mitian Banner’, can’t fool anyone. It’s only your Mysterious Heaven Sect that treats it like a treasure..."

Situ Qingqing let out a coquettish laugh, yet deep down, she was secretly shocked.

With her ’Illusory Spirit Root’ and in cahoots with Zhan Tu, wielding Mysterious Heaven Sect’s secret treasure, she thought herself seamless, but was seen through by You Chong in an instant!

Not just You Chong, but it seemed that Dragon Fish Island’s Lord Master, Fang Xi, also glanced this way a moment ago?

"Hmph..."

Zhan Tu snorted coldly and raised his hand to summon a crimson cauldron.

This cauldron was entirely red, with ancient patterns on its surface. From its mouth emerged crows made of fire, which flew towards the oncoming Sword Qi.

One by one, the fire crows were torn apart by the Sword Qi, dissolving into Fire Attribute spiritual energy.

For a moment, the sky seemed filled with drifting feathers of fire crows.

But ultimately, You Chong’s Sword Qi was diffused.

"Mysterious Heaven Sect’s Zhan Tu, meeting all the sirs here..."

Zhan Tu retracted the crimson cauldron, releasing a red halo that enveloped his entire body, before calmly bowing in greeting.

Situ Qingqing also performed a respectful bow: "Green Wood Sect’s Situ Qingqing, meeting everyone here... and Ruan as well!"

Ruan Xingling nearly couldn’t restrain herself from attacking when she saw Situ Qingqing, but realizing her own side’s Foundation Establishment cultivators had made no move and considering the Core Formation Sect the other party represented, she eventually raised her eyebrows and suppressed the urge.

"Dragon Fish Island’s Lord Master and everyone here... My Yiling Valley comes with good intentions. Could it be that you wish to side with this Demon Sect witch?"

You Chong raised his Sword Brows and asked coldly.

"Guests are guests..."

Confronted with Yiling Valley’s pressure, especially from You Chong, a late-stage Foundation Establishment sword cultivator, the sharp aura crumbling upon them caused Zhong Hongyu and Yan Dongqing to involuntarily show a hint of change in their expressions.

On the contrary, Fang Xi remained indifferent, with his hands tucked in his sleeves, casually saying, "Moreover... have you all forgotten the rules of Dragon Fish Island? Once you enter Dragon Fish, all grudges disappear, great calamities do not harm..."

"Haha... Do you really think, Lord Master, that you can protect the cultivators on the island and avoid the great war of the Cultivation World?"

You Chong let out a laugh with a hint of coldness in his eyes.

"Well... Dragon Fish Island will naturally choose to join a side. Please come to the island so that as the host, I can offer tea and hospitality, and let’s hear the terms from each family, shall we?"

Fang Xi yawned as he replied.

"That’s exactly what should be done!"

Zhan Tu’s mission for this trip was to secure Dragon Fish Island, and he naturally nodded in agreement repeatedly.

"Worthy of being an Island Master..." Situ Qingqing’s beautiful eyes looked at Fang Xi, seemingly with a flowing light reflecting in them.

"No need, let’s just talk here!"

You Chong, however, felt an emptiness in his heart. Although his Life-bound Spirit Sword did not give any warning, he remained cautious and touched the life-saving object hidden in his chest, immediately feeling more confident.

As long as he didn’t get trapped in some kind of array deadlock, he felt that even if he were attacked by these Foundation Establishment cultivators, he could escape with his life.

Otherwise, Yiling Valley wouldn’t have sent him here.

"Fine, let’s just talk here then. I’m rather interested to hear the terms from the three parties. If there aren’t any Core Formation Spiritual Objects, it’s going to be hard to impress me..."

Fang Xi said with a smile.

You Chong twitched the corner of his mouth and snorted coldly. A small sword with a jade slip flew towards Fang Xi: "Yiling Valley’s terms are here. You may want to take a good look, Lord Master..."

Zhan Tu and Situ Qingqing exchanged glances and decided it was Zhan Tu who flew out a jade slip: "This is our combined sincerity..."

"Oh?"

Fang Xi first took You Chong’s jade slip, reading it.

His face showed no emotion, and after putting down that slip, he began to read the one from Zhan Tu and Situ Qingqing.

After a moment, he also set down the jade slip, appearing to be in deep thought...

Seeing this, You Chong’s expression turned cold.