I Have Unlimited Dantians

Chapter 294: Chapter 281: Younger Brother’s News

"What’s wrong?"

Seeing the Black Cloud Leopard’s reaction, Tie Lan jumped in surprise.

The Black Cloud Leopard was famous for its speed. Now that it had advanced to the Ultimate Venerable Level, even an average Ultimate Venerable Peak powerhouse would have trouble catching it if it tried to flee. ’What on earth could it have sensed to be this terrified?’

SWOOSH!

Before the Black Cloud Leopard could even speak, a figure flashed through the air and a young man landed in the courtyard.

"Nie Yun? You’re here..."

A flicker of joy passed through Tie Lan’s eyes as she got a clear look at the young man. She then shot the Black Cloud Leopard an annoyed glance.

’It’s just Nie Yun, not some stranger. What are you making such a fuss for...?’ As the thought crossed her mind, her eyes swept over to the Black Cloud Leopard, and she was instantly startled by the sight.

The Black Cloud Leopard was lying flat on the ground, trembling uncontrollably as if crushed by an immense aura. It was like a mouse before a cat, not only unable to resist but not even daring to flee.

"From now on, you will serve Tie Lan faithfully. Your strength has indeed reached the Ultimate Venerable Level, but in my eyes, it’s nothing to look at!"

Nie Yun said coolly, glancing at it.

PHEW!

As soon as he finished speaking, the Black Cloud Leopard felt the oppressive aura vanish. It slowly got to its feet, only then realizing that sweat had soaked its fur and was now pooling on the ground.

Demon Beasts were proud creatures that only submitted to those stronger than them. Although the Beast Taming Dantian prevented it from defying its master’s will, it could still be outwardly compliant but inwardly disobedient. If Tie Lan were in real danger, that could be a terrifying liability. That was why Nie Yun had immediately put the Black Cloud Leopard in its place, extinguishing any thought of resistance!

"Black Cloud wouldn’t dare..."

The Black Cloud Leopard shuddered again at the young man’s rebuke. It knew he wasn’t lying. Even though it had advanced to the Ultimate Venerable Level, compared to the person before it... he could probably kill it with a single glance.

’He’s absolutely terrifying!’

"Tie Lan, let’s go inside and talk!"

Seeing that his goal was achieved and the Black Cloud Leopard no longer dared to harbor any disloyal thoughts, Nie Yun paid it no more mind and led the way into the room.

"Is there any new information?" Nie Yun asked directly.

"Yes. I was looking for you a few days ago specifically to tell you about this..." A trace of disappointment appeared in Tie Lan’s eyes upon hearing his question.

"Tell me!" Nie Yun said, his interest piqued.

"After our careful investigation, it seems the disappearance of your parents and the others is related to a secret organization in the Divine Holy Empire called the Celestial God Association. People from the Demon Race were also involved!" Tie Lan said after a moment’s thought.

"The Celestial God Association?" Nie Yun was taken aback.

Groups called "associations" were usually for spreading doctrines and gathering faith. Some were smaller organizations formed to maximize profits. It was just like within the Major Sects of the Floating Heaven Continent, where many disciples often formed various "associations" like the "Snow Lotus Association," the "Little Saber Society," or the "Cloud Hall Association."

These associations might not seem large, but they held immense influence. Some of the larger ones had connections that reached the heavens, played both sides of the law, and had countless tricks up their sleeves.

’This Celestial God Association suddenly appeared in the Divine Holy Empire... could it be related to the Floating Heaven Continent?’

"Yes. The origins of this Celestial God Association are very strange; it just appeared out of nowhere. And its members are all incredibly strong. It’s said that they are at least at the Ultimate Venerable Level. That man you captured last time, Tuxin, was one of them. However, he wasn’t part of the core, just a peripheral member!"

Tie Lan relayed the information she had gathered piece by piece.

"The Celestial God Association is extremely secretive, so we had no idea where to even begin. We probably wouldn’t have found out even this much, but something strange happened that gave us a few clues!"

As she said this, a look of confusion appeared on Tie Lan’s fair face.

"What happened?"

"It’s strange. This happened about twenty days ago. A corpse was hung from the highest wall in Guangming City. Below it, a white cloth detailed his identity, his status, and the things he had done. This person was a member of the Celestial God Association. The writing on the cloth was very detailed and even gave the association’s address. However, when our people went to investigate, we found the place was completely empty!"

Tie Lan said.

"It seems someone else is opposing the Celestial God Association," Nie Yun nodded.

"Mhm. A few days later, another corpse was hung on the wall, also from the Celestial God Association. This time, our people recognized him. He was the Divine Holy Empire’s Southern General, an Ultimate Venerable Peak Powerhouse. He died a gruesome death, pierced through the throat from behind by a longsword. Both the position and the angle of the attack were extremely odd! After that, several more bodies were hung on various parts of the city walls. Judging by the technique, it was all the work of one person. Because the victims were all Nobles of the Empire, it caused a huge sensation. Now, almost everyone in Guangming City has heard of the Celestial God Association!"

Tie Lan said, lightly running a hand through her jet-black hair.

"The work of one person? To dare oppose the Celestial God Association and kill so many people single-handedly... that’s pretty ruthless. Have you found any information on this person’s background?" Nie Yun asked suddenly.

’The minimum requirement to join the Celestial God Association is the Ultimate Venerable Powerhouse level, so it must be a behemoth of an organization. To dare oppose them single-handedly... this person is truly formidable.’

"We don’t know his specific background, but it’s said his name sounds a lot like yours. The reports are a little inconsistent, but they call him Tongyun. He has an Ultimate Venerable Level Tiger-Headed Beast as a Demon Pet and comes and goes like the wind. No one can catch him!"

Tie Lan said, looking puzzled.

"Tongyun? A Tiger-Headed Beast..."

Nie Yun’s expression suddenly changed, and he clenched his fists tightly.

’The last time he went to Demon Saint Ancient Void, he had used the alias Yun Tong, which he created by taking a character from his own name and one from his brother Nie Tong’s name. Now this person was called Tongyun, the reverse of his alias, and rode a Tiger-Headed Beast... Could he have some connection to Nie Tong?’

’His parents and the others had disappeared along with Xiaohu!’

’Back then, Xiaohu had already reached the Peak of Qi Sect. After not seeing him for several months, it wasn’t impossible that he had broken through to the Ultimate Venerable Level. But... I know my brother Nie Tong’s strength. Reaching the Qi Sect level would be the absolute limit for him. How could he possibly kill an Ultimate Venerable?’

"Who could it be?"

Nie Yun’s face paled, his expression a mixture of worry and disbelief.

’If this person really is Nie Tong, openly challenging authority in Guangming City, killing members of the Celestial God Association and government ministers... he would definitely be hunted down by the Divine Holy Empire Royal Family. He would be in grave danger!’

’But if it isn’t Nie Tong, why would he use the name Tongyun and ride a Tiger-Headed Beast?’

Suddenly, a thought struck Nie Yun. "What were the specific characteristics of the people he killed? What made you all certain it was the work of one person?" he asked hastily.

"Characteristics? According to the reports we received, it seems he uses an incredibly light and thin longsword to pierce the throat in a single strike. The speed and power are both immense. But the strangest part is..." Here, a look of disbelief appeared in Tie Lan’s eyes. "The strangest part is that there wasn’t the slightest fluctuation of True Qi in his sword thrust. It seems to have been done purely with physical strength. It’s because of this detail that everyone determined it was the work of one person. After all, Demon Cultivators who practice Body Cultivation are extremely rare, and to be this powerful... it’s simply heaven-defying..."

"A Demon Cultivator who practices Body Cultivation? Purely physical strength? It really is Nie Tong..." Nie Yun shot to his feet.