Chapter 052 Senior Brother – “— Unless they’re Dao partners!!” (17/19)
In an instant, the Sect Master sprang into action, activating every defensive formation and barrier he had the authority to open!
Meanwhile, the demon beasts cascaded down like an avalanche, rushing forward in a frenzy.
The Shuixing Peak’s protective array had been forcibly activated by the Sect Master, keeping all those beasts at bay. Yet this horde seemed devoid of reason—unfazed by pain, fearless in the face of death—as they launched one attack after another against the surrounding arrays and barriers!
At that moment, in the sky above, the black vortexes that had suddenly appeared had ceased expanding. They now hung motionless in the air, like a series of enormous, terrifying eyes.
It had only been three years since the last demon beast uprising! Was three years enough for this horde to recuperate and start all over again?
They had slaughtered so many of them!
The Sect Master acted decisively, immediately activating the teleportation arrays within each peak. Several curved, transparent “gates” appeared before everyone, each corresponding to a different location. Out of concern for the disciples, the peak masters quickly sent the disciples of Shuixing Peak into the nearest teleportation array.
The very next second, a bolt of thunder suddenly struck the Peaks Protection Array head-on!
The expressions of both the Sect Master and the Disciplinary Elder changed instantly, while several Qi Cultivation Stage disciples, unable to withstand such an attack, were knocked to the ground.
The beasts let out excited roars, one after another, as if they would never stop.
At that moment, the Sect Master suddenly understood why these beasts had chosen to launch their attack today.
Because today, someone was undergoing Tribulation!
The Lightning Tribulation was the most impartial, yet the most merciless; no matter what happened, it must run its course and could not be interrupted.
And as long as the Peak Protection Array was activated, the Lightning Tribulation, blocked outside the formation, would launch attacks against it until the array was destroyed and the tribulation could resume its mission.
And the very reason the beasts chose today was to exploit the tribulation!
Moreover, the strength of these beasts was no less than it had been three years ago.
No, no, no… they were even stronger now!
The last beast uprising, combined with the ambushes by ghost cultivators and demon cultivators, had inflicted incalculable losses on the cultivation world. This was evident from the fact that not a single new Foundation Establishment cultivator had emerged in the past three years.
In that battle, the Golden Core Immortals and Nascent Soul Great Sages of the upper echelons suffered severe injuries while protecting their disciples; as for the Foundation Establishment cultivators and Qi Refining disciples of the lower ranks, countless lives were lost.
They had assumed the casualties among the beasts, demon cultivators, and ghost cultivators would be far worse than ours, especially the beasts, but the result was…!
“Take them away first,” the Sect Master said gravely to the Disciplinary Elder, gesturing toward the other disciples of Shuixing Peak.
The Disciplinary Elder ushered the disciples into the teleportation barrier and whispered, “The disciples of the Main Peak are still waiting for you, and so are we.”
“I know,” the Sect Master replied solemnly. “I will leave Shuixing Peak before the grand formation is broken.”
“Sect Master… Sect Master…!” a Shuixing Peak disciple cried out, his voice breaking with tears. “Senior Brother is still undergoing his tribulation.”
The Sect Master closed his eyes and said sternly, “All Liuchong Sect disciples, heed my command! Obey the Peak Master’s orders and fight back against the demon beasts with all your might!”
The Disciplinary Elder replied gravely, “Yes.” He then shielded the Shuixing Peak disciples as they temporarily returned to their peak.
The Sect Master strained every nerve to sense Shi Jingge’s location.
Boom!
Another massive bolt of lightning struck Shuixing Peak’s protective array. Amidst the demonic beasts’ frenzied attacks and howls, the entire Shuixing Peak seemed shrouded in a thick, ominous cloud.
Across both the main and secondary peaks of the Liuchong Sect, all protective arrays had been activated. Immediately following, the secret sect-protecting array was also triggered, enveloping the entire Liuchong Sect in a protective barrier.
But how long could this defense hold?
Years ago, the Peak Protection Array and the Sect Protection Secret Array had been damaged by those demonic cultivators. It had only been three years; the arrays had recovered only partially and simply couldn’t hold out for very long.
Unable to sense Shi Jingge, the Sect Master’s heart filled with even greater alarm.
If the demonic cultivators had taken control of Shi Jingge and launched a coordinated attack from within and without…that would be a catastrophe!
Was he to abandon Shuixing Peak?
No—he couldn’t. Unless absolutely necessary, he could not abandon Shuixing Peak.
The spiritual vein at Shuixing Peak was a main vein, and since it had only passed through two masters—Gu Yun and Shi Jingge—its remaining extraction potential was extremely high. If the demon beasts were to seize that…
The Sect Master couldn’t bear to think of it any further.
His mind raced, but his hands were not idle either. Countless demon beasts fell beneath his blade, yet just as many rushed in to take their place. The horde was staggering, far greater than it had been three years ago!
Moreover, the Sect Master noticed that the demon beasts he slew were being sucked back into that black vortex in the sky.
The Sect Master gritted his teeth and launched an attack at the vortex. But how could the beasts possibly allow him?
Thousands upon thousands of them stood in front of the black vortex, absolutely refusing to let anyone strike it.
The Sect Master’s expression grew even more fierce.
Since the Sect Protection Array and the Peak Protection Array had both been activated, the Sect Master could clearly see the situation on the other peaks. Undoubtedly, the other peaks were faring much better than Shuixing Peak; the number of beasts there was nowhere near as high as on Shuixing Peak.
It seemed the beasts knew that it was their best point of entry.
Boom!
Another bolt of heavenly lightning struck down. Though it did not actually damage the Peak Protection Array, Shuixing Peak was clearly affected, the earth shaking and mountains trembling. This was a warning, and a threat.
Faced with this scene, the beasts were undoubtedly extremely excited.
They became even more reckless.
The Sect Master’s heart grew even heavier; he could tell that Shuixing Peak’s protective array was on the verge of collapse.
And he still hadn’t found Shi Jingge.
Perhaps… they would have to abandon Shuixing Peak.
If that were the case, they would have to sever all ties between Shuixing Peak and the other peaks—and even the Liuchong Sect—to prevent the beast horde from using Shuixing Peak as a gateway.
But if they did that, then Shi Jingge would…
“Awoo!”
The demonic beasts seemed to have caught a glimpse of victory; they had completely thrown caution to the wind. No matter how many were wiped out, they kept pouring out endlessly. At this very moment, they had even learned to self-destruct.
They were using that to damage Shuixing Peak’s protective array!
Disciples from the other peaks also noticed the situation. Their breaths caught in their throats, followed by a wave of dread.
…Shuixing Peak… Could Shuixing Peak hold out any longer?
As for the Shuixing Peak disciples who had been taken away, they wept bitterly on the spot. They had no other choice but to fight desperately to kill those beasts, but they were merely Qi Cultivation Stage disciples; what harm could they possibly inflict?
Not to mention, those beasts didn’t care about dying at all.
Just as the disciples of Shuixing Peak were plunged into despair, a cold voice suddenly rang out, “Who dares to run amok within this peak?”
The voice wasn’t loud, yet it carried clearly to everyone’s ears—and to every single beast’s ears as well.
Then, immediately afterward, wave after wave of beasts exploded. In the blink of an eye, the seemingly endless horde was completely wiped out!
No one knew exactly what had happened. Nor did anyone know how to react.
A single sentence… that person spoke just one sentence… and those beasts, which seemed as though they could never be completely eradicated, simply vanished!
Moreover, the beasts’ cultivation levels were by no means low; even the lowest-ranked among them could hold their own against Foundation Establishment disciples!
This person… no, no, no, this great power—just how terrifying was his cultivation?
Trial… Trial Stage?
Could someone in the Trial Stage possess such world-shattering power?
Or had he…already ascended?
But if he did, how could he still be in the lower realms?
As for the Sect Master, standing on Shuixing Peak, he dared not even move. That one-sided suppression stemming from his cultivation made him feel as helpless as a child.
Shuixing Peak… how could there be a cultivator with such terrifying power here?
And what was his purpose? Was he on their side, or helping the demonic and ghost Cultivators?
Although the demonic and ghost Cultivators hadn’t pledged their allegiance yet—for now, there was only the army of demonic beasts—the Sect Master was absolutely certain that they were behind this.
Just then, he suddenly realized that the next bolt of heavenly lightning had not struck.
Could it be… could it be that this person’s cultivation was so formidable that even the heavenly lightning feared him?
The Sect Master’s palms were covered in sweat. Since this person killed those demon beasts, he must be on our side, right?
A thousand thoughts raced through his mind, though in reality, less than a minute had passed.
No new demonic beasts appeared. The black whirlpools gradually shrank, as if trying to flee. But in the next second, they were pinned to the spot.
“Coming and going as they please—it seems they don’t hold this master in the slightest regard.”
The man’s tone remained calm, but the black whirlpools in the air began to ripple. It seemed they were afraid.
Just then, a bolt of heavenly lightning struck once more, radiating a blinding light. But this time, it did not strike the Peak Protection Array.
Could it be… could it be that Shi Jingge had emerged?!
That person was still there; he made no attempt to conceal his presence. Without his consent, the Sect Master dared not look up.
But immediately afterward, he heard a meow.
“Meow~”
The three-tailed cat leaped in front of the Sect Master, meowing several more times in a dismissive manner.
The Sect Master understood its meaning, but hesitated out of deference to the man.
However, upon further reflection, he realized that the man’s power was so overwhelming that even if all the members of the Liuchong Sect joined forces, they would be like moths flying into a flame. If the man harbored any ill intent, they would be completely powerless to resist.
With that thought, the Sect Master felt at ease. He activated the teleportation barrier, and just as he was about to leave, he glanced up.
He didn’t see Wen Xusheng; he only saw a three-tailed cat.
A three-tailed cat!!
The Sect Master’s pupils contracted, and in that instant, he vanished. When he returned to the main peak, he was still somewhat stunned—it was actually a three-tailed cat!
Spirit beasts like the three-tailed cat was truly extremely rare, yet their characteristics were unmistakable: three tails were enough to prove their identity.
The three-tailed cat was a very special spirit beast, scarce in number and aloof in nature. Most lived in seclusion within their tribal territories, though no one knew where those territories lie.
As for Three-Tailed Cats that had formed contracts with human cultivators, they could be counted on one hand—and every single one was a figure of great renown.
Consequently, it has been many years since the cultivation world has seen a single Three-Tailed Cat.
So just how powerful was that person’s cultivation?
The Disciplinary Elder arrived via a teleportation barrier and patted the Sect Master on the shoulder. “In any case, this is still a good thing for us.”
“That’s true,” The Sect Master wiped his face. “When I think of the demonic beasts over there, and the demonic and ghost cultivators lurking behind them, I feel rather fortunate.”
The Disciplinary Elder nodded in agreement.
“I sent word to the other sects immediately.” The Sect Master sighed. “This time, none of the other sects were attacked, only our Liuchong Sect.”
“It seems this time, they’re targeting us directly,” the Disciplinary Elder said, pursing his lips. “No wonder there are so many more beasts this time.”
“Three years ago, they started by attacking the smaller sects, but we defeated them in the end. Perhaps they’ve learned their lesson, which is why they’re coming after us first. Their timing is particularly good—beasts don’t usually have that kind of intelligence.”
The Sect Master paused, and the Disciplinary Elder picked up the thread in perfect unison. “The demonic beasts, demonic cultivators, and ghost cultivators have formed an alliance.”
This was truly not good news.
Just then, a terrifying blue-purple bolt of lightning struck down, emitting a deafening roar.
The Sect Master and the Disciplinary Elder spoke in unison, “The eighth bolt of heavenly lightning.”
The moment their words fell, the ninth bolt of heavenly lightning split the sky, striking with overwhelming force that instantly turned both their faces pale.
No, there shouldn’t have been such a short interval between the eighth and ninth bolts. Visually, it looked as though they had struck simultaneously!
Could this be the effect of the Peak Protection Array blocking the lightning tribulation?
As the eighth and ninth bolts struck together—both among the most powerful—Shi Jingge could only use the defensive treasure given to him by Wen Xusheng to block them. The lightning refused to dissipate, their aftereffects lingering. Shi Jingge grabbed a sword, suddenly withdrew the defensive treasure, and flew toward the thunderbolts with the sword in hand!
The three-tailed cat instinctively let out a cry, grabbing the hem of Wen Xusheng’s robe, its eyes filled with panic. Wen Xusheng patted its head, the corners of his lips curving slightly.
My partner is truly remarkable, he thought. Brave and resourceful, with a resilient spirit—utterly captivating.
The three-tailed cat couldn’t understand why Wen Xusheng wasn’t the least bit worried; it was so anxious it almost wanted to go up and help Shi Jingge.
Wen Xusheng pulled it back. “Have you forgotten my blessing?”
The three-tailed cat froze for a moment, then turned and lay down.
Wen Xusheng gazed at Shi Jingge’s figure; even amidst the heavenly thunder, he could still spot his Dao companion.
It was unclear how much time had passed, but the heavenly thunder finally subsided. The dense, dark clouds in the sky vanished, making the black whirlpools appear all the more terrifying.
However, those black whirlpools had long been brought under Wen Xusheng’s control, along with the demonic and ghost cultivators behind them. The members of the Sixfold Sect all breathed a sigh of relief, and the disciples of Shuixing Peak wept with joy. Senior Brother had successfully passed his tribulation!
Suddenly, Shi Jingge charged toward the black whirlpools, his long sword shifting into countless forms. The disciples of Shuixing Peak gasped in shock. Soon, a wave of screams erupted as a massive serpent so large it could almost block out the sun, with no fewer than six heads, appeared in midair!
Its scales were enormous, and on each one stood a “person.”
They were demonic and ghost cultivators.
No wonder those demon beasts hadn’t cared about death at all—their true, most formidable combat power had never even been revealed!
And in fact, there was far more than just one serpent.
Hidden deep within every black vortex was a demonic beast of equal caliber, and they, too, were densely covered in ghost and demonic cultivators.
This—This was the very reason they dared to attack the Liuchong Sect!
Upon getting a clear look at the snake, the disciples of the Liuchong Sect gasped in unison. The lower-ranked disciples were filled with terror and unease, while the peak masters of the various peaks wore solemn expressions.
Only the Sect Master’s solemnity was tinged with a hint of confusion. If the demonic beasts possessed such combat power, why hadn’t they appeared three years ago?
Why… exactly?
And why hadn’t this snake made a move yet? Hadn’t it already been exposed?
Just then, a mocking voice suddenly rang out, “After all these years, you ghost cultivators have really let yourselves go. Now you’re resorting to such cheap tricks to deceive people. Let me guess, how did you trick that group of demonic beasts into fighting for you with such reckless abandon, O Lord of the Demonic Beasts? It sounds laughable.
“The body of the Six-Headed Snake King—even if it’s long dead, leaving only an empty shell that can barely be driven by tens of thousands of top-grade ghost stones, only a ghost cultivator would dare to defy the Snake King’s curse.”
Wen Xusheng paused, snapped his fingers, and spoke with an even colder tone, “You shouldn’t have, you really shouldn’t have—but you went and chose my territory.”
The next second, blazing flames suddenly engulfed the Serpent King. The ghost and demonic cultivators clinging to it screamed as they retreated, but once the flames touched them, how could they possibly escape?
“Heavenly Fire consumes only those whose sins are as vast as the heavens.”
In that instant, everyone in the Liuchong Sect felt something truly extraordinary.
Those things that had inspired fear and unease were now casually reduced to ashes. Is this what it felt like to be under a big shot’s protection?
The moment the six-headed Serpent King was incinerated by the Heavenly Fire, one of the black vortexes suddenly twisted and shattered into fragments, falling into the flames and turning to ash along with the Serpent King’s body.
Shi Jingge lured out the second one, and Wen Xusheng promptly dealt with it.
One lured, the other finished it off—their coordination was flawless.
Soon, the black vortexes in the sky vanished without a trace. The sky became clear like before, and in the distance, a faint rainbow appeared, dreamlike and ethereal.
Shi Jingge landed on the ground of Shuixing Peak. Wen Xusheng’s inscrutable coldness vanished instantly. He rushed forward, embraced Shi Jingge, and nuzzled him a couple of times. “You nearly scared me to death. You went running off without even consulting me! And you still refuse to use those treasures I prepared for you! Tell me, you never actually wanted to use my things, did you? Are you trying to keep your distance? I worked so hard to pull them out one by one—how could you do this to me?
“I don’t care. I’m going to punish you. Your punishment is dual cultivation with me for the next few days.”
At first, Shi Jingge felt a twinge of guilt, but as he listened, it sounded more and more ridiculous, and a wave of exasperation washed over him.
Wen Xusheng: “!!!”
“Domestic violence! This is domestic violence! You’ve committed domestic violence, yet you still won’t practice dual cultivation with me—you won’t even hold a dual cultivation ceremony for me! You’ve changed your mind, haven’t you?”
“Right,” Shi Jingge admitted bluntly, “I want to find a new Dao companion.”
Wen Xusheng was about to launch into a tirade, but sensed spatial fluctuations around him. He reached out to intercept them, then looked at Shi Jingge, who nodded.
Wen Xusheng withdrew his spiritual energy. Soon, the Sect Master, the Disciplinary Elder, and several other Peak Masters personally escorted the disciples of Shuixing Peak back.
The disciples had experienced extreme highs and lows; the tear streaks on their faces hadn’t even dried yet, and they looked somewhat disheveled.
The three-tailed cat leaped past them, moving with the grace of a dancer, bringing comfort to everyone and soothing their frayed nerves.
Not only did the low-cultivation disciples of Shuixing Peak felt better, but even the other Peak Masters also felt much more at ease.
Truly, the three-tailed cat lived up to its reputation!
The Sect Master looked at Shi Jingge and said sincerely, “Congratulations.”
“Thank you, Sect Master,” Shi Jingge replied earnestly.
The Sect Master’s gaze shifted to Wen Xusheng, avoiding his face, then quickly returned to Shi Jingge. “And this great expert is…?”
Shi Jingge looked up at Wen Xusheng, gesturing for him to speak for himself.
Wen Xusheng reluctantly replied, “I am the artifact master invited by Shuixing Peak. To teach the disciples the art of artifact forging.”
The Sect Master: “……”
The Peak Masters of each peak: “……”
Who would believe that? Who dared to believe it?
So everyone silently shifted their gaze back to Shi Jingge.
Shi Jingge furrowed his brows and said calmly, “Shuixing Peak’s protective array might need to be rebuilt.”
That thunderbolt had struck with no mercy at all. With that, Shi Jingge dispelled the Shuixing Peak’s protective array. It was truly a disheartening sight.
The next moment, the sound of objects crashing to the ground rang out one after another. Just as the Peak Masters were on high alert, the corpse of a flying demonic beast landed at their feet.
“What…?”
Shi Jingge looked down. “It seems to be the demonic beasts that died after colliding with the protective array just now.” After a pause, Shi Jingge explained slowly, “The others either self-detonated or were blown to pieces. Only these died from exhaustion of their magic power. They still have bodies, but since our Peak Protection Array was active, they couldn’t land, so they must have been trapped against the barrier. Once the Peak Protection Array is deactivated, the corpses just fell down, right?”
The crowd: “……”
That explanation actually made a certain amount of sense.
Never mind. They weren’t alive anyway. Why bother with how they appeared?
“Then I’ll,” one Peak Master tentatively suggested, “dispose of it?”
The others nodded in unison. A spiritual flame flared at the Peak Master’s fingertips, swiftly engulfing the beast.
An unbearably foul stench gradually wafted from its body.
Shi Jingge frowned. How could Wen Xusheng bear to see Shi Jingge frown?
Wen Xusheng waved his hand, and the spiritual fire naturally went out. The Peak Master looked at Shi Jingge in surprise.
Wen Xusheng said coldly, “Is this the kind of fire you use to destroy high-tier beasts?”
No one dared to speak.
Wen Xusheng said, “No wonder the beasts can make a comeback so quickly.”
He gave a light snort, and the demonic beast caught fire once more. However, this flame looked different from the others. It was actually white.
Soon, a faint fragrance wafted toward everyone’s noses. It was completely different from the foul stench of moments ago; now, it was a rich, meaty aroma. The scent was hard to describe, yet undeniably alluring.
Everyone present, with the exception of the disciples of Shuixing Peak, was at the Golden Core stage or higher. Having abstained from food for years, their appetite had dwindled to almost nothing. Yet at this very moment, they actually felt a stir of hunger!
If even they were affected, one could only imagine how the disciples of Shuixing Peak felt.
Especially two disciples with particularly strong appetites; gazing at the burning demon beast, they were practically itching to pounce and take a bite.
What was being roasted here? It was practically grilled meat!
But Wen Xusheng was still there. Who dared to make a move?
Forget raising a hand; they didn’t even dare to turn their heads, for heaven’s sake!
A breeze blew by, and the aroma grew even more intense. It really was delicious.
Those two from Shuixing Peak had always had a strong appetite. They loved going down the mountain to the mortal realm to eat and drink, having tasted countless delicacies from land and sea, yet they had never smelled anything this fragrant.
Drool… they’re practically drooling!
They want to eat that grilled meat… they really, really want to eat it…!
Would it smell even better if they sprinkled some seasoning on it?
Damn it, they couldn’t think about it anymore. If they kept thinking, they’d lose all self-control!
To distract themselves and prevent themselves from actually doing something they shouldn’t do, one of the Peak Masters turned to Shi Jingge. “You…”
What exactly is your relationship with this big shot? Though he didn’t voice the question, his gaze made the inquiry crystal clear.
In an instant, everyone turned to look at Shi Jingge, including Wen Xusheng.
The pressure shifted to Shi Jingge. He remained silent for a long moment, then pointed at the three-tailed cat. “He’s the three-tailed cat’s owner.”
The crowd nodded; everyone already knew.
“So am I,” Shi Jingge said slowly.
Oh, so they’re co-owning a spirit beast.
Everyone thought indifferently.
Three seconds later.
The crowd froze in place, staring at Shi Jingge in disbelief.
!!!
Wait a minute!
What the hell?!
Co-owning a spirit beast?
Two owners for the three-tailed cat?
The creature was such a proud spirit beast. How could it possibly have two owners?
Unless… Unless…
The Peak Master who had just asked the question closed his eyes, nearly fainting on the spot.
Unless they were Dao companions!
Author’s Note:
The Peak Master in question: Thanks for the invite. I didn’t die in the mouth of a demonic beast, but I almost died of shock from the news from my own people.
The Peak Master in question: Suggestion: for major news like this, don’t be so subtle—just drop the bomb. Don’t make me think about it; I’m afraid I’ll scare myself to death
Demonic Beast: Hah, want to eat me? You won’t get a bite! I’m the grilled meat you’ll never have! Pfft! Demonic Beast? I’m a demonic feast!
I’m craving grilled meat now QAQ
Edit: Krone
Proofread: Choux_choux
