Chapter 509: Arrogant First, Respectful Later Shu Yinxian
As Yu Qingtan plucked the strings of the Green Jade Zither with his fingertips, a melodious yet sharp melody instantly spread out, piercing through the swamp and reaching deep underground.
This melody was unlike any sound of the mortal world. It seemed to penetrate the boundaries of matter, striking directly at the depths of the Nether Shadow Snake's soul.
In the swamp, the previously calm and stagnant mud began to churn, and strands of Nether energy stirred more violently under the influence of the sound waves. Indistinctly, the massive body of the Nether Shadow Snake twisted and struggled under the mire, seemingly resisting the heart-palpitating musical attack.
"Such a formidable Sound Dao Technique!" exclaimed Sage Emperor Yinxian, his eyes flashing with surprise. He quickly adjusted his state, preparing for the Nether Shadow Snake's emergence. Other Divinity Transformation Stage disciples also watched this scene tensely and excitedly under the protection of the Water-Wood Origin Realm.
Finally, under the relentless oppression of Devil's Penetrating Sound, the massive body of the Nether Shadow Snake could no longer hide. It burst forth from the swamp with Nether energy, lunging straight for Yu Qingtan.
However, Yu Qingtan remained unmoved, continuing to play the zither and unleashing Devil's Penetrating Sound.
Just as the Nether Shadow Snake was about to reach Yu Qingtan, Sage Emperor Yinxian seized the opportunity. His golden longsword Dao Artefact shone brightly, transforming into a sharp sword light that pierced through the Nether Shadow Snake's head at lightning speed, pinning its huge body in mid-air.
"Geng Metal Shattering Void Slash!" Sage Emperor Yinxian shouted, as the destructive force within the sword light instantly erupted. The Nether Shadow Snake let out a piercing scream and its massive body began to disintegrate, eventually dissolving into a mass of Nether energy that vanished into the air.
Sage Emperor Yinxian's Metal Dao was already on the verge of imprinting the Principle, his Sword Dao had reached the second-level Origin, and his Lifebound Artefact was a Superior Dao Artefact. His strength was truly extraordinary.
However, just when Sage Emperor Yinxian heaved a sigh of relief, from behind him, another gaping mouth with fierce fangs burst out from the churning swamp, biting towards him with the speed of lightning.
It was an even more powerful Nether Shadow Snake, with a faint aura of the Seventh Stage, bearing a terrifying power that made Sage Emperor Yinxian freeze on the spot, his hair standing on end.
But, at this critical juncture, a colossal three-legged cauldron appeared abruptly, slamming down with almost invisible speed onto the head of the Nether Shadow Snake that had just emerged. It was Yu Qingtan's newly acquired Immortal Artifact—the Blood Refinement Saintly King Cauldron.
"Bang!" An ear-splitting crash sounded as the Blood Refinement Saintly King Cauldron, with its cataclysmic strength, struck the Nether Shadow Snake's head with unerring accuracy. The ferocious jaws were instantly crushed and twisted, and the terrifying power seemed to shatter completely in that moment.
The Nether Shadow Snake let out an unprecedentedly miserable howl filled with despair and unwillingness. Its massive body struggled violently in the air but ultimately could not withstand the power of the Immortal Artifact. Its body swiftly disintegrated and eventually turned into a mass of Nether energy that dissipated into the atmosphere.
"Such a powerful Immortal Artifact!" Sage Emperor Yinxian watched the scene in shock, his esteem for Yu Qingtan's strength rising yet again. If it hadn't been for Yu Qingtan's timely intervention, he would likely have already died to the serpent.
The other Divinity Transformation Stage disciples were also in awe, marveling that Qing Shuang, despite her young age, possessed an Immortal Artifact and had thus become an Elder of the Longevity Imperial Palace.
"Elder Qing Shuang, thank you for saving my life!" Sage Emperor Yinxian looked towards Yu Qingtan with gratitude, his tone filled with sincerity, devoid of his previous arrogance.
Yu Qingtan offered a small smile, putting away the Blood Refinement Saintly King Cauldron, and said, "There's no need to be polite; we're a team and should support each other. I've investigated the area, and there seems to be no further danger in this marsh for now, but we must remain vigilant. The Nether Illusion Domain is filled with perils; we mustn't let our guard down."
Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.
"Next, let's stick to the original plan and collect the Biluo Youlan," Yu Qingtan said, her gaze returning to the blooming Biluo Youlan.
"I'll do it!" Sage Emperor Yinxian offered, then flew to the Biluo Youlan, and after carefully examining the surrounding area with Divine Sense, gently wrapped the roots of the plant in Metal Elemental Spiritual Power and carefully uprooted it from the swamp. He was very careful to avoid any omission or damage before placing it into a delicate Jade Box.
"Elder Qing Shuang, this Biluo Youlan is a rare treasure that greatly benefits cultivation. Please keep it safe." Sage Emperor Yinxian turned back to Yu Qingtan, holding the Jade Box with both hands and respectfully presented it to her.
Yu Qingtan was slightly taken aback, then shook her head with a smile, "Brother Yinxian, this Biluo Youlan is the fruit of our collective efforts; how can I enjoy it alone?"
"Elder Qing Shuang, please hear me out," Sage Emperor Yinxian insisted, "If it weren't for your timely action, we might have already encountered misfortune. This Biluo Youlan is rightfully yours."
While Sage Emperor Yinxian greatly desired the Biluo Youlan in his heart, it was indeed only thanks to Yu Qingtan and the others that it could be safely collected.
Moreover, Yu Qingtan, being so young and already an Elder of the Imperial Palace, also possessing an Immortal Artifact, was said to have been earnestly cultivating in the past, probably rather simple-hearted. If she were to become his Dao companion, wouldn't that be perfect?
The other team members, hearing this, also nodded in agreement and voiced their support for Sage Emperor Yinxian's proposal. They knew all too well that in a dangerous place like the Nether Illusion Domain, a strong team leader meant a vastly improved chance of survival. And Yu Qingtan was undoubtedly the most trustworthy and reliable person among them.
Faced with everyone's kindness, Yu Qingtan finally stopped declining; the Biluo Youlan was indeed useful to her. She accepted the Jade Box and said, "Since everyone insists so strongly, I will accept it."
Yu Qingtan secretly checked the system panel and saw a significant increase in Charm Points and even gained a large number of Affection Value, which came from a new Devotee, Sage Emperor Yinxian.
Yu Qingtan smiled to herself; such a high Realm Devotee not only contributed a lot of Affection Value but the "Love's Sharing" also provided a significant boost to her cultivation. Even though the system store was gone, she still had a great need for Devotees.
"Brother Yinxian, which direction should we move in next?" Yu Qingtan looked at the Treasure-Seeking Mouse on Sage Emperor Yinxian's shoulder and asked. Experience more tales on My Virtual Library Empire
"The Treasure-Seeking Mouse had previously sensed that the treasure was this Biluo Youlan. For the moment, it has not detected any other treasures. Moreover, which direction we explore next entirely depends on Elder Qing Shuang's decision," Sage Emperor Yinxian said, somewhat embarrassedly.
Cui Shuji cursed inwardly at this Sage Emperor Yinxian for his shamelessness in transitioning from arrogance to deference.
"All right, then let's head in this direction!" After using the Hongluan Secret Omen to divine once more, Yu Qingtan chose an auspicious direction and declared.