Chapter 137: A True Fiery and Icy Affair
Wei Suo produced a stalk of Amethyst-fox rose. Yet he didn't choose to hand it over to Old freak Mo, but instead directly stuffed it into his mouth like a defiant thug.
You!" Old freak Mo was startled and his eyes brimmed with murderous intent. "Do you have a death wish?!"
"Die then so be it. Seeing what you guys want me to do, I know I probably wouldn't make it out alive." Wei Suo defiantly chewed the Amethyst-fox rose as he squeezed a muffled voice out. Simultaneously, he clutched onto his Cyan Emperor Gourd. "Besides, if you really wish to kill me, I'll just shatter this Cyan Emperor Gourd, and both sides will lose out."
"Very good!" Old freak Mo fumed. "I really want to see whether I can kill you faster than you shattering that Cyan Emperor Gourd."
"Whatever you wish." Wei Suo continued testing his luck, and retorted. "Anyway, I cannot trust you. In the end, even if I managed to accomplish your affairs, this stalk of Amethyst-fox rose still wouldn't end up in my hands……"
Old freak Mo sneered. "Little rascal. Are you trying to test my patience?"
"Wait." Observing that Old freak Mo was seemingly about to act out, Old freak Feng and Granny Jin simultaneously called out. When he heard Granny Jin's call to halt, Old freak Mo instantly kept silent and allowed her to continue speaking.
"I can tell this little doll is rather astute. Old freak Mo, if you really killed him, I'm afraid you wouldn't be able to find another better subject right? Moreover, those experts from the Thunder Heaven Sect and Heaven's First Sect are possibly nearby, even we ourselves cannot ensure our hundred percent safety." Granny Jin continued urging. "Moreover, I do have great interest in this little doll. If he wishes to retain that stalk of Amethyst-fox rose, then so be it. Besides, the value of your Fire Unicorn magic robe isn't beneath a stalk of Amethyst-fox rose….."
Old freak Mo glanced briefly at Wei Suo diabolically as he made his resolve. "Fine, little rascal, that Amethyst-fox rose can stay on you."
"f***!" Wei Suo was drenched in cold sweat, his heart continued cursing at Old freak Mo's mother.
Evidently, these few individuals were aware of the Amethyst-fox rose within the Immortal Exterminating Valley, but had no clue there were a total of 5 stalks. Hence, Wei Suo only utilized one stalk.
However, even if it was just one stalk, Wei Suo was still reluctant to hand it over to Old freak Mo.
One who was unaccountably solicitous with benefits, is definitely hiding evil intentions. These 4 old freaks were clearly in cahoots since the past, with the goal of killing and plundering. Tossing him with a bundle of amazing objects was definitely not for righteous generosity. Listening to their current words, Wei Suo understood they wanted him to retrieve something. However, that thing was located inside a treacherous place, a place they themselves dared not venture into; thus, making Wei Suo to enter……
Moreover after observing the few individuals, especially this Granny Jin with her depleting longevity, Wei Suo didn't believe they would spare him after he assisted them with their matters; allowing him to leave with the Amethyst-fox rose.
Granny Jin appeared kind and pleasant, but her eyes glowed with an ominous glint. She was definitely not an honest one, clearly realizing that Wei Suo wasn't an ordinary cultivator, and wanted to continue reaping benefits from him.
Even if he were to die, Wei Suo had resolved to consume and waste away those 4 stalks of Amethyst-fox rose instead of allowing those 4 old freaks to gain any advantages.
As expected, as Wei Suo was distracted in his thoughts, Old freak Mo suddenly spoke, "Little rascal. If you really wish to survive, then you better listen to my words carefully. What we need you to do this time is to extract an Earthflame Immortal Lotus."
"Earthflame Immortal Lotus? This godforsaken place is really nine tribulations of fire and ice……." Wei Suo's pupils swelled as he subconsciously recalled that Mythical Underworld Immortal Lotus and the perfectly flawless jade body of that absolute beauty.
Mythical Underworld Immortal Lotus, a heaven grade spirit medicine that grows in lands of extreme chilling yin.
As for the Earthflame Immortal Lotus, it was the completely opposite, and bloomed within an Earthflame Magma pool. A heaven grade spirit medicine that absorbs fire spirit energy to grow!
Just like how refining a Mythical Underworld Immortal Lotus would allow one to cultivate an Ice spirit root, refining an Earthflame Immortal Lotus would provide a great chance of cultivating a Fire spirit root!
Furthermore, it is said that in the entire cultivation world, the accomplishments of a Fire Spirit Root cultivator would normally be greater than other cultivators with one spirit root. The reason was simple; that was because blacksmith forging and pellet concoction would require fire elemental cultivation techniques, in coordination with fire controlling skill.
Hence, the value of the Earthflame Immortal Lotus vastly exceeded that of the Mythical Underworld Immortal Lotus…….
Possessing a Mythical Underworld Immortal Lotus was already a frightening feat. Yet this Sky Valley actually had another area that hosted a stark contrast - the Earthflame Immortal Lotus.
"That Earthflame Immortal Lotus is located in a nearby cavern, within its Earthflame Magma pool. However, that magma pool is resident to a Scarletwing Flame Devil, who has stayed there from a decade ago, awaiting for its internal pellet-dan to strengthen by a definite extent. Once it becomes capable of refining the Earthflame Immortal Lotus, it will then consume it. According to my estimation, in another 4-5 years, that Scarletwing Flame Devil will be able to consume the Earthflame Immortal Lotus. Therefore, this is the only opportunity…."
"Old freak Mo, who are you kidding!" Without him finishing his statement, Wei Suo had interrupted him. "A Scarletwing Flame Devil is a level 6 demonic beast. By entering, I will only compound more worry onto others, do you really think I am able to snatch away that Earthflame Immortal Lotus right under its eyes?"
"If you dare to argue again, I will not hesitate to slaughter you….." White radiance flashed out from Old freak Mo's bone robe, as he viciously glared at Wei Suo and continued, "After that Scarletwing Flame Devil had entered the Earthflame Magma pool district, due to the Five-coloured venom miasma, It wasn't able to enter the pool. Therefore, it has never left the area, persisting in guarding that Earthflame Immortal Lotus."
"Apart from the Scarletwing Flame Devil's formidability in fire elemental arts, it can primarily utilize the Magma pool to swiftly regenerate its wounds. Therefore, even if we collaborate and enter, it is not possible to slay it."
With your current cultivation, trying to force it would naturally result in being incinerated without even leaving behind ashes. However, as long as you can harvest that Earthflame Immortal Lotus, or incite its rage and cause it to pursue you out; the few of us would have our methods to defeat it outside……"
"The intellect of a Scarletwing Flame Devil is immensely high, however, it only relies on aura sensing and divine sense; equivalent to a blind person. Using your Cyan Emperor Gourd, infiltrate 17 metres into the cavern. After that mark, when you approach the Earthflame Magma pool, you can wear my Fire Unicorn magic robe. In this manner, there is a possibility of tricking it. However, you must remember, before reaching 17 metres in, refrain from employing the Fire Unicorn magic robe. If not, with its intellect, it will immediately determine a fire elemental energy appearing in an area that wasn't supposed to appear, and will infer that a cultivator has infiltrated its lair. When that happens, you will die without being buried."
Remember, at the instant you pluck the Earthflame Immortal Lotus, you must immediately activate that Blood Evading talisman. Fluctuations of energy when plucking the Earthflame Immortal Lotus will definitely not go unnoticed. Using the speed of the Blood-light mount, there is still a chance for you to escape, and finally lure it out……."
"Damn it!"
Wei Suo finally understood the underlying objective of these bunch of freaks.
They not only wished to acquire that Earthflame Immortal Lotus, they even lusted for that Scarletwing Flame Devil.
Many material parts of a level 6 demonic beast can be used to forge true spirit class artifacts and above. Furthermore, the internal dan-pellet of the Scarletwing Flame Devil had the efficacy of bolstering one's longevity and treatment of injuries. Moreover, it is said that if one could perfectly refine the internal dan-pellet of the Scarletwing Flame Devil, one's fleshly body would be bestowed with shocking regenerative prowess; having natural regeneration capabilities much stronger than that of other cultivators when injured.
"If you can't harvest that Earthflame Immortal Lotus, or fail to incite the wrath of that Scarletwing Flame Devil to chase you to the cave entrance……there is also a cultivator's corpse inside. If you can, retrieve that corpse……all these that I require you to execute, you should be very clear by now." Old freak Mo observed Wei Suo sinisterly. Brandishing his claw-like hands, a regiment of green flames flickered over his palm. Concurrently, a wave of extreme chilling yin permeated through Wei Suo's entire body, swiftly binding towards Wei Suo's heart meridian.
Wei Suo's face turned pale instantly. "Old freak Mo, what did you do to me?!"
"Nothing much, except to arouse that restrictive control within your body. You still possess a Heavenly Circuit Stage level 2 cultivation, and ordinary restrictive control is futile against you." Old freak Mo scoffed. "After this restrictive control of my is aroused, if you can't escape 20 metres away from me, your heart meridian will rupture within an incense stick worth of time."
"This cunning man." Wei Suo almost cried out with a teary expression. So where is that ghostly cave you mentioned?"
With Wei Suo's sharp and wretchedly intelligent mind, how would he not understand the logic behind Old freak Mo placing a restrictive control on him……..With that move, Old freak Mo prevented him from hiding after entering the cavern, and deciding not to extract that Earthflame Immortal Lotus.
To leave a 20 metres proximity was akin to forcing Wei Suo right beneath the eyelids of that Scarletwing Flame Devil.
"Follow me." Old freak Mo stood up from his stone pillar with a contented look. Under the hateful gaze of Wei Suo, he leisurely strolled towards a direction deeper into the valley.
Only after travelling for 30 plus metres, a mountain cavern had appeared before Wei Suo; a cavern incessantly emitting waves of dense sulfuring fiery aura.
"Little rascal, pray for your own luck." Old freak Mo pointed towards that pitch-dark cavern with an emotionless expression. Then, he relaxed his hand down and no longer uttered any more words.
"Mother, damned old fart. If I can preserve my measly life here, I will definitely not spare you." Wei Suo cursed silently in his heart with great depression. He clenched his teeth and activated his Cyan Emperor Gourd, and entered that cavern brimming with fiery aura.
The entire cavern was not narrow, and allowed 5-6 members to enter together. The 4 sides of stone walls were scorched black, with a thick layer of black ashes. Puffs of heat waves flushed out in fits, and a red glow faintly illuminated the innermost region.
"Bleh!" Wei Suo spat out that stalk of Amethyst-fox rose that was still within his mouth.
Swallowing it down without refining it in time, would in turn damage the medicinal properties of the Amethyst-fox rose.
After storing this stalk of Amethyst-fox rose, he carefully counted his steps. After advancing 17 metres deep over the black ashes and stone, the astounding heat was currently piercing agony onto Wei Suo's skin in waves; causing both his eyes to squint with difficulty.
"Wei Suo, you aren't really thinking of helping them harvest that Earthflame Immortal lotus right?" Just when Wei Suo had produced the Fire Unicorn magic robe and was about to put it on, the green-gowned Old Man's voice suddenly rang in his ears.
"Relax, don't worry. The Scarletwing Flame Devil relies purely on aura sensing and divine sense. Not only is it blind, but also deaf. It cannot hear any noise." Realizing that Wei Suo didn't dare mutter a single sound, the old man immediately added that phrase.
"Wakao!" Wei Suo squeezed out a whisper. "Old man, you finally dare to speak. Do you have a plan?"
Chapter 138: Deadly Delay!
"You aren't really thinking that they would release you after luring out the Scarletwing Flame Devil for them, right?"
"What situation is this already and you're still beating around the bush." Wei Suo answered. "Hurry up, what idea do you have?"
The old man replied, "You can only stake everything in with them, delay first before we talk."
"Delay?" Wei Suo gritted his teeth. "How do we even delay?"
"Just find a place inside to hide." The green-gowned Old Man replied. "Isn't the unsealing period of Sky Valley only 3 days. It is almost past the first day, after two days, the five-colored venom miasma will resurface; they will have no choice but to leave. Besides, that restrictive control left by Old freak Mo isn't a lie. That restrictive control he installed in you should be the 'Heart Shattering Curse' of the Ghost Spirit Sect from before. As long as you can advance a few more metres, that restrictive control will lose its effectiveness……"
"Fine!" Wei Suo defiantly nodded. "Then I'll just delay them." As he spoke, Wei Suo attempted to put on that Fire Unicorn magic robe. But, that green-gowned Old Man smirked abruptly. "If you use this artifact robe, then don't think about making it back to Spirit Peak City alive."
"What do you mean?" Wei Suo replied dejectedly. "Old head, I know your knowledge is profound. But at such a time now, can you cease with your purposeful mysterious antics."
"How is it purposeful mysterious antics. When I just asked you if you thought they'd let you off previously, didn't you tell me to cut the crap." The old man snorted. "I originally already wanted to advise you, that Old Freak Mo obviously wouldn't leave you a way out……..An Amethyst-fox rose as compared to an uncommon United Void pellet; that is merely like comparing to advancing in a single level of cultivation. Furthermore, they are all Heavenly Circuit Stage level 5 cultivators, and would obviously not hand over such a significant Amethyst-fox rose to you. If I haven't guessed wrongly, that Fire Unicorn magic robe not only possess a restrictive control that can sense your aura, but also contains Thousand Year Silk. You can check your inner sleeves."
What!" Wei Suo's expression sank drastically as he folded the Fire Unicorn magic robe over, and carefully inspected it.
As expected, Wei Suo discovered a faintly indistinct green glow hidden inside the left sleeve. As for the right sleeve, it revealed several white thin silk threads.
Those white silk threads were all secretly woven into the material composition of the Fire Unicorn magic robe. If one didn't carefully notice, it was simply impossible to identify it……
Wei Suo cautiously plucked those white silk threads out, one by one, without moving any true energy.
A total of 7 threads that combined into a foot long.
Thousand Year Silk. This name sounded pretty alright, but in actuality, it was a ruthless artifact weapon that was forged with the hair of a Thousand year old corpse by the White Skull Sect. Once a cultivator infused true energy in, it would automatically enter the cultivator's body, and flow along one's blood veins before piercing into the cultivator's heart meridian; only to react after an incense duration of time. Furthermore, such a ruthless artifact weapon was extremely enduring. Unless one had the cultivation of Thought Division Stage level 4-5, one's true energy would be insufficient in attempting to break those Thousand Year silk that had bored into one's body, and be incapable of discharging them out.
For such a weapon, only the White Skull Sect had knowledge of its forging method; specially utilized to secretly install into the opponent's artifact, and used to assassinate…….
If not for the Old Man's warning, once Wei Suo had worn that Fire Unicorn magic robe, he would be plagued by those Thousand Year Silk without knowing. Then, after retrieving the Earthflame Immortal Lotus, he would collapse to his death after a period of time; there was no way of escape.
"No wonder that Old freak Mo was completely clad in vile bony artifacts, so he was an elder of the White Skull Sect!" Wei Suo finally managed to ascertain the identity of Old freak Mo.
In fact, it was also because Wei Suo's previous cultivation was too low, apart from being ignorant and inexperienced. Old freak Mo was actually one of the most famous elders of the White Skull Sect, and was infamous for his ruthless methods. Moreover, his formation arrangement techniques were exceedingly powerful, and even a Thought Division Stage cultivators would be wary of him.
"You only have two options….." Wei Suo glanced at those 7 strands of Thousand Year silk with an ugly countenance and stored them. The old man cut straight to the point, and continued, "First, you can use your Seal Cleaving talisman to destroy the restrictive control on the Fire Unicorn magic robe. I reckon the restrictive control of the White Skull Sect should be similar to the Moonlight Sect. That Seal Cleaving talisman encompassess so many sects, it very likely includes that restrictive control of the White Skull Sect as well. However, by cleaving away the seal, I'm afraid it would be realized by that Old freak Mo. Moreover, while doing so, there is a chance of triggering the senses of the Scarletwing Flame Devil; this plan only has a 50% confidence. The second option is to directly fling the Fire Unicorn magic robe into the Earthflame Magma pool. Besides, that old granny had gifted you with a Fireflow magic pearl. You can activate the fire spirit energy within, and complement it with your 'Secret Concealment Art'. There should be a 70-80% chance of escaping the notice of that Scarletwing Flame Devil. That Old freak Mo will probably think you had failed and perished inside……. I'm guessing those old foxes had planned this 10 years ago, and wouldn't give up so easily. If they believe you had perished inside, who knows, they may enter themselves and attempt to lure that Scarletwing Flame Devil. When that time comes, if both sides inflict grievous wounds on each other, you will have an opportunity to preserve your measly life. Anyway, to keep this true spirit class Fire Unicorn magic robe, or to take the risk, it is up to you."
"Your sister!"
Wei Suo's heart was experiencing immense heartache.
This was a true offensive-type spirit class artifact robe. One was akin to two spirit class artifacts.
If it wasn't in Wei Suo's possession, then forget about it; but now that it had fallen into his hands, to ask him to throw it away, it was indeed something heart wrenching to do.
Still, after whimpering depressedly, Wei Suo still produced out that Fireflow magic pearl from Granny Jin. After examining it closely, and determining this pearl wasn't infused with any despicable methods, he then clutched the fireflow magic pearl in his hand……
As a stream of true energy entered, the scarlet red Fireflow magic pearl emanated loops of fiery red glow brimming with rich fire spirit aura, which wrapped around Wei Suo.
Wei Suo could then feel a cooling air flush through his body, as the temperature plunged significantly; as though the abundance of scorching heat around had been completely blocked off.
Consecutively, Wei Suo didn't delay in wearing his Concealment robe, before he nervously advanced forward.
"Screw this!"
Approximately 6 metres further in, Wei Suo suddenly halted as he heavily breathed in a cold air……
The cavern before him was like a massive palace hall that was as broad as a few hundred metres. The major portion of it was scattered with black granite that discharged scalding fumes. Right at the end, was an Earthflame Magma pool that was roughly 40 metres.
Fist-sized red bubbles frothed incessantly within, issuing gurgling explosions and black puffs of fumes. Even the cave ceiling was scorching red, with melted rock dripping down; before condensing into stalactite and various oddly shaped structures.
Inside the Magma pool were several pieces of jarred out fiery-red rocks. Resting right on top of one of those rock that could be used as a barbecuing charcoal, was a big brother that caused Wei Suo's heart to palpitate in fear - the Scarletwing Flame Devil.
"Tsk tsk! Indeed a level 6 demonic beast cannot be compared to a low level demonic beast…." as though it was the first time seeing such a demonic beast, the Old Man gasped in amazement into Wei Suo's ears.
Only, this Scarletwing Flame Devil didn't have a large exterior. It was like a scalded skin dog, with its head and limbs appearing analogous to wolves or dogs.
However, its entire body was seemingly covered in blazing rocks, riddled with excessive cracks. Even cracks were brimming with red glows, with fiery radiance dispersing out. It was as though its internal was filled with magma. Twin goat-like giant curved horns grew from its head, appearing exceedingly malevolent.
Apart from that, observing from faraway, this Scarletwing Flame Devil not only didn't have eyes nor ears, but an absence of nose as well. It merely had a large mouth, that would occasionally spray out clumps of black fiery rays.
As for the fire spirit energy on its back, it naturally coagulated into two long and fluorescent flame wings, bolstering the viciousness of it…..
Still, Wei Suo released a sigh of relief. This level 6 demonic beast that appeared stunning savage, looked as though it failed to discover Wei Suo's infiltration. Only its tail repeatedly twitched as it lazily laid on the ground without moving.
Wei Suo surveyed his four surroundings.
Instantly, Wei Suo noticed that right before where the Scarletwing Flame Devil was at, within the Magma pool, was a blooming lotus. It was like ruby and was the size of a bowl, as it float along the momentum of the magma; discharging out a shocking amount of fire spirit energy.
"No wonder those old freaks schemed for so long. So this Earthflame Immortal Lotus had already bloomed to the 6th grade." The green-gowned Old Man suddenly added his opinion.
"What do you mean the 6th grade?"
This Earthflame Immortal Lotus is different from the Mythical Underworld Immortal Lotus. The Mythical Underworld Immortal Lotus blooms with 7 lotus petals, and its lustre will only grow deeper as it age. This Earthflame Immortal Lotus differs, and started only with 3 lotus petals, hailed as the 3rd grade. With every 2 centuries, a new petal will sprout. Right now, this Earthflame Immortal Lotus has 6 lotus petals, and known as the 6th grade. It is at least over 6-700 years old. For a 6th grade Earthflame Immortal Lotus, each of its lotus petal is able to allow the cultivator to form a Fire Spirit Root."
Wei Suo nodded as he glanced around his surroundings. He noticed on the left side of the mountain wall, laid human remains dressed in Black-iron long robes; peacefully laying on the ground.
It was unclear what material was used to forge a black-iron robe. Under the searing heat of the flames, those human remains were already covered in charred black; utterly petrified. Nevertheless, the black-iron robe still glittered brilliantly, untainted by even a speck of dust; it was as though a peculiar spirit energy was preventing dust and ash from gathering over it. One look, one could tell it was no ordinary object.
The waist area of the human remains was slightly bulging, and radiated with a faint glow; as though the Treasure Receiving Pocket was there.
Wei Suo grumbled indiscernibly, but decided not to investigate. Instead, he surveyed around in search for a place to hide himself.
After a brief while, Wei Suo inched towards Scarletwing Flame Devil slowly with soft jelly legs. After reaching the bank of the Magma pool, he quietly loosened his grip on the Fire Unicorn magic robe, allowing it to fall into the magma. Then, he glanced at the clueless Scarletwing Flame Devil before slowly detouring behind it, and hiding behind two oddly shaped large stone structures.
Equivalent to two spirit class artifacts, the Fire Unicorn magic robe bobbled up and down inside the magma briefly before gradually sinking downwards; utterly vanishing.