Cultivating To Immortality

Chapter 734: Devil Head Is Dying

Liang Prefecture, Dajing Mansion, Yi River.

By the Guihong Marsh, the night was as cool as water.

"Hahahaha! He’s really here! Brother Zhao’s tracking technique is truly amazing!"

"Sheng Nian, Devil Head, obediently hand over that ancient talisman, and we will give you a quick death!"

Sheng Nian’s black robe was tattered and torn.

He was covered in blood, seemingly having gone through several major battles.

He looked around, panting slightly.

The saber in his hand was also broken, and blood continuously gushed from his wound, dripping onto the ground along the broken blade.

However, his eyes showed no sign of panic.

"Hmph, don’t even think about resisting anymore. At the Yi River mouth and Chian Valley, numerous Loose Cultivator Fellow Daoists have already laid out a net from which you cannot escape. This time, you are bound to be decapitated!"

Among the crowd, the leader was a handsome young Cultivator. He looked at Sheng Nian with disdain.

His words were filled with righteous indignation and fierce rhetoric.

"You beast, in order to seize the millennium Spirit Medicine from that Secret Realm’s medicine garden, you actually raped and murdered Miss Zhao, who treated you kindly! Today, you will not leave this Yi River no matter what!"

Someone else in the crowd shouted, "Not only that, but to seize the Golden Earth Supreme Spirit ’Sunken Sand Profound Gold,’ you also launched a sneak attack and killed my brother!"

"He also killed Fellow Daoist Hongyu!"

"His numerous crimes are abhorrent to both gods and men, too many to enumerate!"

"..."

Sheng Nian’s gaze was deep and profound, like an ancient well. He casually glanced at a few people, a cold sneer forming at the corner of his mouth: "Attributing your own deeds to me, Sheng..."

"Fellow Daoists of the ’Righteous Path,’ with such actions, how will your thoughts be clear in your future Cultivation?"

The leading young Cultivator’s face darkened, and he sternly shouted, "Nonsense! Spreading heresy even at death’s door!"

"When you committed those grave crimes, did you ever consider the fate of being collectively condemned by your peers today?!"

The night wind howled over the river, and the tattered black robe fluttered.

Looking around, among those who were chasing him, there were Righteous Path Cultivators from Hanging Sword Mountain, expert Loose Cultivators, and even... Demon Cultivators from the Demon Ruins disguised as Loose Cultivators.

Some of them wanted to silence him because he had witnessed their evil deeds.

Others attacked him because he had taken what they wanted from that Secret Realm.

And some simply wanted to use these greedy fools to eliminate him.

Sheng Nian sighed inwardly, after all, he was too impatient.

In this Secret Realm, besides the Heaven And Earth Treasure, there was an unexpected gain. According to the guidance of the ancient Devil Head within him, it should be another, larger ancient battlefield.

He had intended to ask Song Yan to explore it with him, but he didn’t expect these hypocritical fellows to act so quickly.

Under a series of relentless battles, even with Sheng Nian’s formidable Demonic Technique, he couldn’t endure such continuous combat.

Now, surrounded by enemies, if he didn’t use that secret technique to escape, he would surely die and his Dao would vanish.

"If not for that ancient talisman, which caused me to lose some Cultivation, these scoundrels..."

The voice within him rose faintly: "Kid, where there is life, there is hope. Use the escape technique if you must."

This secret technique had many drawbacks, which was why Sheng Nian had hesitated to use it.

Not only would his Cultivation drop, but his Foundation would also be affected. He had already consumed Cultivation and Realm for the treasure hunt, so this would be an even greater loss.

Moreover, after using it, due to his severe depletion of Origin Qi, Hermit Xin Shan would immediately sense that the demon seed he had left in Sheng Nian’s body had been sealed.

Coupled with his internal injuries, his Foundation Establishment would likely be delayed for a long time, and many of his original plans would be postponed and disrupted.

A series of consequences forced him to consider carefully.

However, with these people blocking the Yi River, if he didn’t use the Blood Escape secret technique now, he would surely die today.

"Old Xie, with my current Foundation, how long will it take to recover the damaged Foundation after using this secret technique?"

"At least two years," the voice in his heart said. "Your Evil Qi is already extremely heavy, and moreover, malevolent and vicious Qi is like a parasitic bone. It accumulates very quickly, and once it takes hold, removing it is like pulling silk."

"If you can seize that Unique Enlightenment Ancient Jade, perhaps it could be a little faster."

Old Demon Xie also felt a little regretful.

If not for the several unexpected changes in the Secret Realm that led to the current situation, he wouldn’t want this kid to use the secret technique.

Sheng Nian’s Comprehension Ability was extraordinary, and with his guidance, his Foundation was built incredibly solidly. Every step he took before Foundation Establishment was firm and steady.

This old fellow had lived for ten thousand years, and this was the first time he had taught a Disciple without reservation.

Naturally, he also wanted to see what heights such a perfect Foundation Establishment path, combined with his self-created Great Night Demonic True Technique, could reach.

It was simply a pity.

Sheng Nian pressed his large hand down, and the broken saber was stuck upright in the ground.

He prepared to use the secret technique.

However, strangely, none of the six or seven people who were clamoring made a move.

Sheng Nian possessed a terrifyingly bizarre Demonic Technique. In the previous sieges, everyone thought he was at the end of his rope.

But he always managed to employ some strange methods, not only escaping death every time but also managing to kill a few people.

Who knew if he still had any trump cards up his sleeve now?

Everyone knew that they were all here to kill and silence him for their own dirty deeds, or simply to rob and murder.

If anyone were to step forward first, they would face his dying counterattack, which would be a huge loss.

The leader, Jiang Chen, finished his harsh words, but seeing that no one around him moved, his expression grew somewhat grim.

He wanted to use the pretext of righteousness to eliminate this person.

And weren’t the others thinking the same thing?

Each harbored ulterior motives.

Jiang Chen knew that if he didn’t make a move, probably no one else would choose to act first.

If this dragged on, and this person somehow recovered and conjured up some more Demonic Technique, it would be even more troublesome.

Spiritual Qi gathered between his hands, and he loudly declared, "Devil Head! Today, I shall ensure you have no burial ground!"

Countless Spiritual Qi condensed into four identical Flying Sword Sword Qi beside him, emanating chilling coldness.

With a flick of his finger, the four Sword Qi shot towards Sheng Nian!

At the same time, the surrounding crowd also took up fighting stances, fully focused and ready to swarm and kill this person.

Blood Qi circulated, and the Blood Escape technique was already causing a faint burning pain in Sheng Nian’s Meridians.

Just then, a black-purple streak of light, breaking through the air from the east, cut down the four Sword Qi one by one.

At the same time, its momentum undiminished, it continued to shoot towards Jiang Chen.

He was greatly alarmed and hastily conjured a jade seal Spiritual Artifact, barely managing to block the black-purple streak of light.

Only then did they realize that this streak of light... was just a black feather.

"Caw—!"

A black crow flew out from somewhere, flapping its wings, and landed on the hilt of the broken saber Sheng Nian had stuck in the ground.

Everyone was puzzled, vigilantly watching the crow.

Sheng Nian was also stunned.

However, when he felt the unique aura emanating from the crow, he suddenly smiled with relief, and the Blood Escape secret technique dissipated.

The field suddenly fell silent.

The crow’s head looked at Sheng Nian, then turned to look at the surrounding Cultivators.

Only then did everyone notice that the crow’s eyes glowed with a strange golden light.

"Caw—!"

A sudden crow caw.

A black and white Flying Sword descended from the clouds, plunging straight between Sheng Nian and the Cultivators.

Above the hilt, an icy moon hung.

By the Guihong Marsh, the reeds swayed without wind.

Everyone saw a slender figure stepping on the scattered grass, walking leisurely. A dark Daoist robe brushed past the blood-stained wildflowers beside Sheng Nian.

He seemed to walk slowly, yet in a few breaths, he had already reached Sheng Nian’s side.

"Isn’t this Young Master Sheng?"

The young Cultivator had an ancient sword box on his back. He casually reached out and patted Sheng Nian’s shoulder.

His expression was playful: "After several years apart, how did you end up in such a state?"

"Cough... Ptooey." Sheng Nian’s eyes showed joy, but he spat a mouthful of blood at him: "You dog... only coming out after you’ve had your fill of the show?"

The newcomer was none other than Song Yan.

Upon hearing Sheng Nian’s words, he put on an indignant expression: "How can you so baselessly tarnish my innocence?"

Xiao Ju, panting, barely caught up to his side, and Chen Jiping and Lu Yuan also arrived successively.

Seeing Sheng Nian’s appearance, Chen Jiping showed surprise, but did not panic.

"A Yuan, go help Young Master Song. I will heal Young Lord."

"Okay."

Chen Jiping came to Sheng Nian’s side, helped him sit down, and streams of blood Qi flowed from her body to Sheng Nian through her hands.

Xiao Ju looked at so many Late Stage Qi Refining Cultivators, feeling uneasy.

In the past, she would have certainly run off to hide somewhere else, feeling she wasn’t qualified to stand here.

However, now, she desperately told herself.

"Xiao Ju! Keep your spirits up! Don’t disgrace Senior Song!"

The crowd besieging Sheng Nian felt a sudden panic when they saw the reinforcements.

Jiang Chen narrowed his eyes slightly and said to a few people, "Fellow Daoists, I am Jiang Chen of Hanging Sword Mountain. This person raped and murdered a female Cultivator and killed for treasure."

"I advise you to see this person’s ugly true colors, lest you aid evil and accumulate more Karma."

He then looked at Song Yan: "I also advise this Fellow Daoist to sever ties with him as soon as possible. Do not..."

"Ruin your own future!"

Jiang Chen’s expression was fierce. Sheng Nian had to die today, otherwise, if his rape and murder of that bitch from the Zhao family were exposed... After all, she was a Profound Origin Sect Disciple and from the Eastern Chu Zhao clan. Unless he immediately broke through to the Foundation Establishment Realm, even Hanging Sword Mountain would find it difficult to protect him.

Whoever tried to save him today would have to die!

Jiang Chen was at the Perfection of Qi Refining Realm, and the other six Cultivators besieging Sheng Nian were all at the Late Stage of Qi Refining.

In contrast, Sheng Nian had no strength left, and besides the young Cultivator with the sword box, who was at Level 9 Qi Refining, only the corpse puppet had some skill.

It was still a sure win.

Song Yan tilted his head slightly, looking at Sheng Nian. The crow leisurely flapped its wings, descended from the air, and landed on his shoulder.

Two pairs of golden eyes lit up simultaneously in the dark night: "Is there anyone here who needs leniency?"

Jiang Chen’s face darkened, and anger surged.

Sheng Nian grinned, raising his blood-stained finger to point at the crowd, one by one: "This one, raped and murdered a female Cultivator, framed me, and Cultivates a demonic art of yin-harvesting and yang-replenishing."

"This one, to snatch the Sunken Sand Profound Gold, ambushed his own brother and then falsely accused me."

Every person he pointed to showed some unnatural expression on their face.

"Immortal Master Song, please uphold justice for this humble one."

Jiang Chen shouted sternly, "Nonsense! You..."

Buzz—

Before he finished speaking, a blue and purple Flying Sword transformed into a streak of spiritual light and shot towards him. Jiang Chen was startled and hurriedly conjured the small seal Spiritual Artifact to block it.

Just before the two were about to touch, Song Yan softly uttered.

"Severing Tide."

Turbulent green Sword Qi surged from the Flying Sword, pouring out from bottom to top.

Hiss!

Caught off guard, with unstable Spiritual Qi, the spiritual light on the small seal flickered, seemingly struggling to hold on, and was cut upwards by the Sword Qi, shifting slightly.

Among the surrounding Cultivators, two of them quickly conjured their Spiritual Artifacts to meet Song Yan.

However, the person at the very edge of the crowd quietly took a step back, retreating behind everyone else.

In the battlefield, the Lord Lin and Weeping Moon Flying Swords were also conjured one by one, like swimming fish, meeting the three.

The crescent moon split into three arcs of light, sweeping out, as fast as thunder.

The power of these sword formation-amplified arcs of light was astonishing, and the three barely managed to resist.

The scattered Sword Qi transformed into sword marks.

The few people were about to counterattack.

But then Song Yan flicked his finger, and the Sword Qi activated the 疊刃 (layered blades), tearing through Jiang Chen’s protective Spiritual Qi.

At the same time, an incomparably sharp golden streak of light had already condensed at Song Yan’s fingertip.

Buzz—

The Sword Dao True Essence pierced through his body without any hindrance.

"Ah!!"

In extreme pain, Jiang Chen rapidly retreated backward, blood gushing from his chest, yet he did not die from it.

"Oh?"

Song Yan was somewhat surprised.

In battles against multiple enemies, his usual style was to first employ thunderous means, mercilessly reducing the opponent’s numbers.

He had originally thought that after this combination of attacks, Jiang Chen would undoubtedly die.

He hadn’t expected the opponent to survive.

Jiang Chen’s body was now surrounded by wisps of silver-white Spiritual Qi, slowly flowing into his pierced heart, repairing his injuries.

Well, it seemed that a Cultivator at the Perfection of Qi Refining Realm, after all, having some means of self-preservation, was quite normal.

Jiang Chen looked at Song Yan, utterly horrified.

This person’s actions were swift and decisive. If not for his Innate body being different from ordinary people, with his heart located on the right, and the secret art of yin-harvesting, he wouldn’t have been able to stabilize his heart Meridians.

At this moment, as if sensing that a major battle was about to begin, the masked corpse puppet walked to Song Yan’s side and bowed very politely.

"A Yuan is clumsy and acts foolishly. I hope Young Master Song will not blame him."

Song Yan nodded, but he felt that the corpse puppet’s voice was somewhat familiar.

The blood hole in Jiang Chen’s chest had stopped bleeding, and the silver Spiritual Qi mixed with the blood.

His expression turned ruthless, and his entire body surged with Spiritual Qi, the jade seal glowing with a brilliant green light.

"The Devil Head is hard to eliminate. Fellow Daoists, quickly help me kill this fiend first."

Song Yan snorted coldly, his sleeves billowing in the wind. The Sleeve Green Snake Sword Qi poured out like a waterfall, creating a curtain of Sword Qi in the center of the battlefield.

He took out a saber from his qiankun bag and casually tossed it at Sheng Nian’s feet.

"If you can recover a bit, then do it yourself."

"Don’t just sit there like a Young Master."

It was the saber obtained from the Tiger Demon Young Mountain Lord.