According to the records in the Myriad Beasts Compendium that Chen Sanshi had read, he located the area where Dunhu frequently appeared. In less than half a day, he made a discovery.
Near a stream ahead, several entirely black spirit beasts were drinking water. They looked roughly like horses in build, yet bore wings like a goshawk. Their faces resembled those of primates, somewhat ferocious in appearance, and their tails were bald and smooth, like the tail of a Scarlet-Winged Serpent.
The Myriad Beasts Compendium recorded: there exists a beast with the body of a horse, the wings of a bird, the face of a human, and the tail of a serpent. It delights in lifting people aloft.
Dunhu!
Moreover, these Dunhu were quite small in size—about 7 or 8 in number.
Unlike the Lushu, Shuhu were left to roam freely from birth.
This truly required no effort at all.
These young Shuhu had almost no resistance. Chen Sanshi easily wiped out the entire nest.
After finishing, he took a detour back. This trip could be considered a full harvest.
Chen Sanshi threw the Dunhu and Lushu into Tiandu City, stayed in Chang'an for another 2 months, and only then returned to Heavenly Water Isle.
As for the death of the Moving Mountain Hermit, to the market it might have been that he died in the mountains, or was intercepted by demonic cultivators, or perhaps offended someone and fled the area. In any case, it caused little disturbance. Only acquaintances occasionally muttered a few words about it.
During this period, Chen Sanshi acted as though he had been in seclusion all along and had never left his residence. Under normal circumstances, no one would suspect him.
Unless it was the mastermind behind the scenes.
Without any witnesses, only the one who had orchestrated the plot would connect the Moving Mountain Hermit's death to him.
For now, Chen Sanshi could only wait and observe.
Recently, members of various sects and the Demon-Suppression Office were patrolling everywhere. As long as he avoided remote areas, there was no need to worry about safety.
The same applied to Little Bamboo Peak.
Three Foundation Establishment-level rogue cultivators resided here. Ordinary people would not dare cause trouble. After all, the entire Daze Market was merely a Foundation Establishment-level power. If even Little Bamboo Peak suffered an incident, no one would dare rent cave dwellings in the market again.
There was also a key and simple principle.
Since the mastermind only dared to resort to underhanded tactics, it meant they did not dare make a public scene.
Thus, he could simply wait for the other party to grow anxious and reveal a flaw, then act at the right moment.
Cultivation Method: Swallowing Fire Art · Qi Refining Eighth Layer
Progress: 530/1200
In at most 2 more years, Chen Sanshi would break through to Qi Refining Ninth Layer. At that time, it would be necessary to formally begin preparations for Foundation Establishment.
After finishing his immortal cultivation, he picked up a long sword and recalled the Heavenly River Sword Technique of the Ling family of Heavenly Water Isle.
During this period of seclusion, Chen Sanshi had been attempting to cultivate another attribute of True Force.
Otherwise, if a mid-stage True Force martial artist of the fire attribute suddenly appeared again in Beiyang Dao as before, it would be far too conspicuous.
For Chen Sanshi, martial practice had long become an inseparable part of life.
Within only a few days, he mastered the entire technique skillfully. However, problems arose in the subsequent process of refining spiritual power into True Force.
The birth of True Force required first drawing the spiritual qi of Heaven and Earth into the body through a breathing method. After circulating it through the full cycle and passing through the various "Scenic Spirits" in the body, the awakened Scenic Spirit shrines would transform spiritual power into True Force.
But the Scenic Spirit shrines possessed attributes.
After the first cultivation, they would manifest the same attribute as the technique practiced.
For example, the shrine within Chen Sanshi was the blazing fire of the Five Elements.
When he used a water-attribute breathing method, it conflicted with the original Scenic Spirit, causing the shrine to tremble and his meridians to ache intensely.
Skill: Water-Attribute True Force
Progress: 26/100
Effect: None
Yet the appearance of the panel meant it was not impossible.
Chen Sanshi did not rush. Whenever there were signs of meridian damage, he would stop and switch to cultivating other techniques.
In the blink of an eye, another 2 months passed.
Judging the timing about right, he went to the summit of Little Bamboo Peak to attend a gathering with the other dao friends.
"How things change!"
Deng Wuchang looked at the empty seat. "No one's bringing us meat anymore!"
"Indeed."
Qu Lingchuan sipped his wine and murmured with autumnal melancholy, "We cultivators pursue longevity. The path has always been solitary. Along the way, some inevitably fall behind."
"Was it demonic cultivators?"
Deng Wuchang muttered, "Surely he didn't just die in the woods?"
"Perhaps. Recently, demonic cultivators have indeed been more active."
Qu Lingchuan spoke solemnly. "And I've heard that the Bai family's conflicts with the other families are growing more intense. There might even be fighting soon. The surrounding area will likely be chaotic for a while. Fellow daoists would do well to avoid going out unless necessary."
"Daoist Qu,"
Chen Sanshi asked, "the Bai family still has someone at the Perfection stage of the True Force realm. Why would they be attacked by the masses?"
He usually went to Dusk Valley solely to refine pills, leaving immediately afterward. His interactions were limited and hardly intimate.
"Brother Xiao arrived relatively late, so there are things you may not know."
Qu Lingchuan spoke leisurely, "Although the Bai family has a long lineage, they were not originally from Heavenly Water Isle. They came to Beiyang Dao only about 60 years ago.
"To seize that land in Dusk Valley, they made quite a few enemies back then.
"For instance, the Li family, the Xu family, the Zhu family, and even the Qian family all lost people in that spiritual vein conflict. That feud was never resolved.
"Now, the Bai family's old ancestor is aged and declining, with little lifespan remaining. Within the clan, only Bai the Elder and Bai the Second remain, and they are merely at the middle stage of the True Force realm. Naturally, they will face reckoning.
"However—
"This time, it seems the imperial court is also involved."
"The imperial court?"
Chen Sanshi sipped his wine and, as if making casual conversation, said, "Doesn't the imperial court rarely interfere in matters of the cultivation world?"
"That only applies to Golden Core sects."
Deng Wuchang took over the conversation. "No matter how incompetent the Song court may be, it is still a Golden Core-level sect itself. When it comes to matters at the Foundation Establishment level, it still has a say.
"This time, it's the Eighth Prince of Great Song who oversees Beiyang Dao. He wants to build a larger centralized market in Dusk Valley and divide the profits equally with the surrounding families."
"The Prince of Beiyang Dao?"
Chen Sanshi fell into thought.
"Let's not talk about that. It doesn't really concern us anyway."
Qu Lingchuan changed the topic. "Brother Xiao, are you about to attempt Foundation Establishment?"
"In the next few years."
Chen Sanshi took the opportunity to ask, "To be honest, I've been inquiring about Foundation Establishment Pills. If any of you fellow daoists have leads, Xiao would be deeply grateful."
He had stayed on Little Bamboo Peak for 2 years and had some understanding of how rogue cultivators obtained Foundation Establishment Pills. However, he certainly did not know as much as these people, so it was only natural to gather more information.
"Generally speaking, there are 4 ways for rogue cultivators in Beiyang Dao to obtain a Foundation Establishment Pill."
Miss Zinan spoke gently, "The first, and relatively the simplest, is if one's aptitude is sufficient, to join a sect or marry into a family and compete for a pill through internal assessments.
"The second is the arena competition.
"Every 5 years, the Golden Core upper sects, together with the Beiyang Dao court, hold an arena tournament. Family cultivators are not allowed to participate—it is specifically reserved for rogue cultivators. If you fight your way to the end, you receive 1 Foundation Establishment Pill."
"Only 1?"
Chen Sanshi asked, "How many participate?"
"All late-stage Qi Refining cultivators across Beiyang Dao."
When Qu Lingchuan said this, he looked up at the setting sun. "Every time this happens, the number of late-stage Qi Refining rogue cultivators in Beiyang Dao is cut in half."
Chen Sanshi nodded.
Clearly, this was a method devised by the sects and the Great Song court to maintain stability among lower-level cultivators.
A single Foundation Establishment Pill was enough to drive rogue cultivators into mutual slaughter. It was an extremely cost-effective arrangement.
"Brother Xiao may not know."
Deng Wuchang gnawed on a piece of fruit. "Back then, our Daoist Qu fought his way out of that arena alive. Quite impressive!"
"The third method,"
Qu Lingchuan continued, "is to enter the Nine Nether Forbidden Land. It also opens once every 5 years, and all rogue cultivators may participate.
"Within the Nine Nether Forbidden Land, there is a large quantity of medicinal herbs. Among them may appear spiritual plants required for Foundation Establishment Pills, as well as various heavenly materials and earthly treasures.
"However, under normal circumstances, the treasures that appear do not exceed the second rank. Since the Nine Nether Forbidden Land first emerged, it seems only once in the past 100 years has a third-rank treasure appeared. That time, people truly fought until heads were broken."
As for the fourth method of obtaining a Foundation Establishment Pill—
Deng Wuchang yawned. "Auction.
"Though it sounds like it only requires money, in reality it's no easier than the previous three methods. Brother Xiao, good luck."
"Many thanks for the guidance, fellow daoists."
Chen Sanshi cupped his fists.
What they said was largely consistent with what he had already learned.
He did not continue the topic. After the banquet ended, he headed to the Bai family, intending to refine pills one final time in the near future before entering seclusion to cultivate to Qi Refining Ninth Layer. After that, he would handle matters concerning Foundation Establishment.
Within Dusk Valley.
Chen Sanshi refined pills with practiced ease. The Bai family girl softly recited the steps. The two cooperated seamlessly, with almost no mistakes.
"The pills for the past half year should be sufficient in number. I'll trouble you, niece, to pass them on to the Bai Family Head. I may enter seclusion for some time next."
This time, he remained in the alchemy chamber for a full 2 months.
Chen Sanshi originally intended to take his leave, but he discovered that many people had appeared in the valley—dressed in dark azure robes, wearing heart-protecting mirrors on their chests, and carrying long swords at their waists.
The Demon-Suppression Office!
He had seen these people more than once in Daze Market. They were the Demon-Suppression Office of the Great Song court.
Two Demon Guards of the Demon-Suppression Office drew their swords and blocked his path, informing him that Dusk Valley was sealed and that no one was allowed to leave.
He tilted his head slightly and looked at the girl beside him.
Bai Chaotong shook her head repeatedly. "I—I don't know either."
After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.
Among the Demon-Suppression Office personnel, a late-stage True Force martial artist with a golden heart-protecting mirror on his chest spoke in a deep voice, "By order, we are searching for demonic cultivators. You are to cooperate!"
"Demonic cultivators?"
Only then did Chen Sanshi learn—
Recently, demonic cultivators had grown increasingly rampant. Just last night, they had massacred several nearby villages.
He quietly observed the members of the Demon-Suppression Office.
There were not many martial families on Heavenly Water Isle, but within the Great Song's Demon-Suppression Office, half of them were martial cultivators.
Moreover, his own middle-stage True Force was no longer at the top. At most, it counted as middle-tier, roughly equivalent only to early-stage Foundation Establishment.
The Demon-Suppression Office searched aggressively through the surroundings, including the forging workshop, the alchemy rooms, and even the Bai family members' cave dwellings.
As for this—
The Bai family members merely showed expressions of disgust, but said nothing.
It was not until the commander of the Demon-Suppression Office personally led his men straight toward the Medicine Valley.
"Stop!"
Bai Liangbi, the Bai Family Head, shouted to halt them and reminded, "Chief Wu, there is no need to inspect the Medicine Valley, is there? We have our own people guarding it. If anything were discovered, we would certainly report it."
"And why would that be acceptable?"
Wu Wei replied with a smile that did not reach his eyes. "Besides, what is there in a mere Medicine Valley that cannot be inspected? Could it be that there are ghosts inside?"
"What ghosts could there be?"
Bai Liangbi snapped angrily. "Are you suggesting that my Bai family colludes with demonic cultivators?"
"Oh?"
Wu Wei seized on his words. "That is hard to say. It would be better if this humble one conducted a search personally, lest misunderstandings arise in the future—"
Before he finished speaking, he suddenly spun around. With a stomp of his foot, his body shot skyward like an arrow, intending to bypass the crowd and head straight for the Medicine Valley.
"Impudent!"
Bai Liangbi flew into a rage. A bamboo sword appeared in his hand at some unknown moment. A gentle breeze stirred, and though he made no obvious movement, his body floated lightly into the sky.
Xun Wind Breathing Method!
Without another word, his surging True Force roared upward. With a single thrust of his sword, a tornado manifested between heaven and earth.
It was late autumn. Within Dusk Valley, red maple leaves churned layer upon layer, like countless sharp flying blades. They coalesced into a massive python that opened its bloody maw, ready to devour the Demon Guard whole.
"Buzz!"
Wu Wei glanced sideways. A bronze staff in his hand began to spin and hum, as if a divine beast had awakened, roaring as it carried the heavy force of Thick Earth toward the giant python.
Earth-element True Force collided with gale True Force, erupting in a deafening explosion.
Bai Liangbi spat out a mouthful of blood and was blasted backward, crashing heavily onto the ground.
The giant python disintegrated in an instant, breaking apart into a sky full of crimson maple leaves that fluttered down in a chaotic dance.
Wu Wei was a late-stage True Force martial artist, while the Bai Family Head was only middle-stage True Force. How could he possibly be a match?
With a single strike, he was defeated.
"Family Head!"
"Don't worry about me—stop him!"
Bai Liangbi roared, revealing blood-stained gums.
However, how could the younger members of the Bai family possibly contend with him? They could not even keep up with his speed.
Just as Wu Wei was about to cross the canyon, under the setting sun, another figure arrived riding the wind. The man had not yet reached them, yet a slender willow branch had already lashed toward Wu Wei.
Wu Wei initially intended to block it.
But by the time he raised his hand, the willow branch had already fallen upon his chest like a phantom. The golden heart-protecting mirror shattered with a loud crack, and his entire body plummeted straight down like a falling star onto a mountain peak. The entire peak trembled, and countless boulders came rumbling down.
Again, a single strike!
And a late-stage True Force martial artist was crushed!
"Wu Wei, you have quite the nerve!"
The newcomer was an elderly man with only one arm. His right sleeve fluttered empty in the wind, while in his left hand he held a willow branch with tender green shoots.
He looked at Wu Wei lying atop the mountain, coughing blood, and narrowed his eyes slightly. "The imperial court is responsible only for mortal affairs. It has no authority to interfere in the cultivation world. That rule was set ten thousand years ago!"
"Heh…"
Wu Wei wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand and sneered, "Senior Bai truly remains vigorous in old age! Please do not misunderstand—this junior is merely searching for demonic cultivators. Matters concerning demonic cultivators are of great importance and must not be taken lightly."
"My Bai family originated from the Demon-Suppression Office in years past!"
Bai Xifeng said coldly. "How could we possibly collude with demonic cultivators?!"
"Senior speaks reasonably!"
Wu Wei forced himself to stand. "However, this junior is still somewhat curious. It is only a Medicine Valley. Why would Senior Bai rather interrupt his seclusion and personally intervene than allow us a single glance? Not even a glance?"
"Nonsense!"
Bai Xifeng curled his lips in disdain. "Precious treasures are planted inside. Naturally, I fear that thieves like you would grow covetous after seeing them!"
"Hahahahaha—"
Rough laughter suddenly echoed through the valley.
Another figure strode into the valley—a dignified middle-aged man clad in a great cloak, exuding noble bearing. "Senior Bai is refreshingly direct!
"However, this prince is indeed curious what treasure lies within that is worth Senior interrupting his seclusion and personally taking action to block us. Do you think even this prince would be tempted?"
Bai Xifeng stood atop a treetop. "That item is being cultivated on behalf of Elder Yuling of the Qingxu Sect. Should I pull it out and show it to the Eighth Prince?"
"Oh? So it is a treasure requested by an elder of the upper sect. In that case, it truly should not be disturbed. Wu Wei, you nearly offended a great figure. Get up and leave at once!"
Eighth Prince Zhao Xun cupped his fists. "Today was entirely a misunderstanding. This prince also believes that the Bai family would never have any connection with demonic cultivators!"
Bai Xifeng remained silent, merely standing in the wind, his white beard flowing and sleeves billowing.
"Withdraw!"
Eighth Prince Zhao Xun signaled the Demon-Suppression Office to retreat. "We have caused offense today. Once the matter of the demonic cultivators is resolved, this prince will certainly pay a visit to apologize in person. Farewell!"
The Demon-Suppression Office had come swiftly and departed just as quickly. In only a few breaths, they vanished from sight, leaving behind a scene of devastation.
"Cough… cough…"
Only after they left did Bai Xifeng slowly descend to the ground. The vigor in his face faded rapidly, turning pale.
"Old Ancestor!"
Ignoring his own injuries, Bai Liangbi hurried over to support him. "Are you all right?"
On the other side, members of the Bai family—including Bai Linxun—rushed over after receiving the news.
"It's nothing."
Bai Xifeng shook his head gently. "Help me back to rest."
As the crowd gradually dispersed, the farce finally came to an end.
In Chen Sanshi's eyes, the scene felt somewhat familiar.
He remembered that the last time, Changsun Miao had also found an excuse to enter the Medicine Valley. Back then, Bai Liangbi had refused on the grounds that the "feng shui formation" inside was fragile.
Today, the Demon-Suppression Office—
It was clearly also targeting the Medicine Valley, and this time, blood had truly been spilled.
This time, however, the Bai family's Old Ancestor had revealed a piece of information, claiming that something inside the Medicine Valley was being cultivated for an elder of an upper sect.
But the statement sounded more like something brought out to pressure the Demon-Suppression Office.
"Qingxu Sect?"
If Chen Sanshi remembered correctly, the sect his master and senior brother once mentioned was the Qingxu Sect. He had not expected it to have ties with the Bai family.
Wait—
A sudden thought struck him.
The various families of Beiyang Dao, together with the Great Song court, had been constantly making trouble for the Bai family. Could it be that they were after whatever was inside the Medicine Valley?
"Brother Xiao, you must forgive the spectacle."
Bai Linxun said somewhat awkwardly, "But rest assured, you are merely an external guest elder. The Bai family's troubles will not fall upon you. Nor will you be required to participate in dangerous matters."
"Not at all."
In truth, Chen Sanshi still owed the Bai family a favor.
If Bai Linxun had not gifted him medicine back then, his breakthrough would have been much slower. Later, when he came under the identity of Xiao Feng to cooperate, it had been purely a transactional relationship.
But from the current situation…
It seemed he could not insert himself into this matter.
These people were all at late-stage True Force or even True Force Perfection.
Speaking of which—
The Bai family's Old Ancestor, who had just displayed True Force Perfection, had utterly crushed a late-stage True Force martial cultivator. The intensity of his True Force far exceeded the fusion of three departments and twenty-four Mirror Gods.
Yet in Chen Sanshi's Dragon Scripture, after opening the three departments and twenty-four Mirror Gods, there was no further method recorded—let alone anything beyond True Force.
Taking advantage of the moment, he struck up a casual conversation.
"So Brother Xiao is curious about that."
Bai Linxun explained, "True Force Perfection is actually a transitional stage before breaking through beyond True Force. Its combat strength corresponds to late-stage Foundation Establishment of spell cultivators. One could also say that the True Force realm actually has 4 stages. Only after breaking through all of them can one cultivate toward the level beyond True Force.
"Beyond True Force is called the Glazed Golden Body Realm. It corresponds to the Golden Core realm of spell cultivators. It is said that once cultivated to completion, when mobilizing True Force, one's entire body becomes as pure as a glazed golden body.
"Of course, our Bai family does not possess the inheritance of the Golden Body Realm. Otherwise, we would not still be confined to this corner of Beiyang Dao, forced to endure the expressions of those around us."
Beyond True Force.
Glazed Golden Body!
Chen Sanshi pondered.
It seemed that the path of martial cultivation ultimately consisted of continuously tempering the physical body.
However, that level was likely still quite distant for him.
Without lingering further, Chen Sanshi left Dusk Valley, preparing to devote more time to seclusion and strive to break through to Qi Refining Ninth Layer as soon as possible.
Whether it was the arena or the forbidden land, their opening times were not far off. He needed to hurry.
Outside Dusk Valley.
Eighth Prince Zhao Xun reclined sideways in a carriage pulled by spirit beasts and asked leisurely, "Did you truly see nothing at all?"
"No."
Wu Wei of the Demon-Suppression Office still had blood on his face, and his voice was somewhat weak. "There is still some distance between the canyon and the Medicine Valley. This subordinate had no way to approach.
"However—
"That old fellow practically confessed himself. He admitted that precious spiritual medicine is being cultivated inside."
"Spiritual medicine?"
Zhao Xun sneered. "You believe that? After today's test, spiritual medicine is most likely a smokescreen. What that old fellow from the Li family said is probably true!"
"True—"
Wu Wei sucked in a cold breath, his body trembling slightly. "B-but from his tone, it seems connected to an elder of an upper sect. Would it not be difficult for us to make a move?"
"Hmm, somewhat strange."
Zhao Xun stroked his chin. "No rush. First investigate the Qingxu Sect's situation thoroughly. Then see whether we can bribe someone within the Bai family. As for the rest, proceed according to the original plan."
"Yes. This subordinate understands."
Wu Wei still seemed unable to calm his excitement. Looking toward Dusk Valley, he found it hard to steady himself. "Your Highness, if this is truly the case, then wouldn't it mean—"
"Look at your lack of composure!"
Zhao Xun warned, "Keep your mouth shut. If even half a word leaks out, no matter how brilliant the scheme, it will come to nothing!"
"Yes, yes, yes."
Wu Wei nodded repeatedly.
"The Great Song has stood for 2,000 years!"
Zhao Xun lay back on the couch within the carriage. "All this time, we call ourselves the imperial clan, yet in the various regions, even Foundation Establishment families dare to look down on us.
"Look at that old fellow of the Bai family. If this prince had not withdrawn, that willow branch would have lashed me next. It is simply outrageous.
"It is time for this world to change.
"Let the cultivators of Heavenly Water Isle understand what it means to be an emperor, what it means to be the imperial court. This Heavenly Water Isle should have order!"