txolops Chapter 85: Counterattack
Chapter 85: Counterattack
As for the two companions still trapped in the earthen prison, there was no attempt to rescue them; they were completely ignored.
"Trying to run now? Isn't it a bit too late?"
Tong Bingfeng formed hand seals and forcibly extracted the little remaining mana from his dantian, placing it on the water-controlling fork from a distance.
This magical artifact, which was not originally fast, suddenly increased its speed by more than double with ample support, and slammed into the air with an irresistible force.
The remaining two cultivators trapped in the earthen prison talisman struggled with all their might, but they were still somewhat outmatched by the first-grade high-level talisman.
"With such strength, they dare to act as evil cultivators? Is the strength of cultivators deep in this icy domain really that weak?"
Tong Bingfeng couldn't imagine how such a mediocre cultivator could have committed such evil deeds in previous battles, yet he was helpless against a mere first-grade high-level Earth Prison Talisman.
However, he had forgotten the exorbitant prices of every spiritual item that aided cultivation at the trading point, as well as the scarcity of various spiritual items deep within the Ice Domain. It was already difficult for ordinary rogue cultivators to search for some spiritual items, let alone purchase high-quality first-grade superior talismans that exceeded their cultivation level.
The Azure Water Sword was unleashed, transforming into a streak of light. It entered the earthen prison through the gaps in the walls and swiftly took the lives of its inhabitants as easily as cutting melons and vegetables.
"Bang"
A first-grade high-quality water-controlling fork landed on the fleeing cultivator, piercing his abdomen and pinning him firmly to the ice surface through the fork tip. He was unable to move, and apart from the occasional slight tremor, he had no strength to struggle.
"One is at the fourth level of Qi Refining, one at the fifth level, and one at the sixth level. They dare to try and ambush us, even though they have such strength. They are overestimating themselves."
The battle ended smoothly, and Tong Bingfeng seemed relaxed, but he was panting heavily because the series of actions had caused excessive consumption of mana in his dantian.
After a short rest, he dared not delay for a moment. He hastily put the storage bags of the three cultivators into his pocket, and after confirming that no spoils of war had been left behind, he forcibly drew the mana from his dantian and disappeared in a stream of light.
As for the corpses of the three evil cultivators, they were completely ignored. Later, when night fell, the monsters devoured them, leaving not a single piece of ice stained with blood.
Although the battle did not take much time, the daylight in the northern ice region was extremely short. At this time, the sun was not far from the distant western mountains, and the little sunlight that shone on the ice surface could disappear completely at any moment, turning the entire ice region into a pitch-black night.
"We have finally returned to the Spirit Ice Mine. Although we have successfully achieved our goal, the journey has been full of ups and downs. The situation deep within this ice domain is more complicated than we expected."
As night fell and darkness was about to once again blanket the earth, the location of the spirit ice vein finally appeared at the horizon in his sight.
Although with a cultivation level of six Qi Refining, one can endure a night in the icy region where both the temperature is low and demonic beasts rage, this method definitely comes at a price.
Being able to return to the Spirit Ice Mine smoothly at this time, without having to worry about various attacks and torments from monsters and low temperatures, and saving some energy, is naturally excellent.
"Fellow Daoist Liu, please open the passage quickly so that I may enter the mine."
As agreed by both parties, upon arriving at the Spirit Ice Mine, Tong Bingfeng shouted loudly and simultaneously released his magical aura to identify himself.
Deep within this icy realm, neither of the two cultivators were familiar with the situation here, so they naturally needed to be cautious in their actions. A cultivator's voice can be imitated, but their aura is unique.
Even when a cultivator suffers severe injuries, their aura will undergo slight adjustments, inevitably resulting in fluctuations compared to their peak condition.
"Fellow Daoist Tong, you've had a hard day. Did you find anything today? Did you discover any trace of a trading point? What's the situation deep within this icy region? Is it even more chaotic than what's spreading on Ice Spirit Island?"
After a brief assessment, the Concealing Spirit Array opened a passage about the size of a person, and Liu Zong took the initiative to ask questions.
According to the task assigned by Erxiu, Liu Zong should go to the Ice Domain tomorrow to conduct a more detailed search. At this time, obtaining even a little bit more information is beneficial.
"Today, I was fortunate enough to discover a central trading point, which is about a hundred miles away from the Spirit Ice Mine. I purchased a map for two spirit stones. According to the shopkeeper, there are four smaller trading points attached to it. Fellow Daoist, you can try to explore these trading points tomorrow."
"On my way back to the Spirit Ice Mine from the central trading point, I was ambushed by a vicious cultivator. After a fierce battle, I finally managed to kill him. The dangers deep within this Ice Domain are far more exaggerated than those on Spirit Island, and cultivators are even more detestable than demonic beasts. Tomorrow, when I explore, I must learn from today's experience."
After briefly explaining the basic information for the day, Tong Bingfeng couldn't wait to return to the simple but safe stone cave.
The continuous rapid battles of the day must have taken a toll on a cultivator at the sixth level of Qi Refining. Although he appeared calm and composed on the outside, the emptiness in his dantian still brought him a sense of unease that was hard to suppress.
For a rogue cultivator like him who struggles on his own, having a full supply of mana in his dantian is the most important source of security.
"Although Fellow Daoist Tong's words are simple, today's journey is by no means simple. We should still be careful and cautious when we go to explore tomorrow. Better safe than sorry."
Liu Zong was also a clever man. He was able to guess the situation hidden behind Tong Bingfeng's words and some simple body language.
Nothing was said that night, and before they knew it, it was the morning of the next day.
When Tong Bingfeng opened her eyes again, Liu Zong had already left as agreed and was exploring the other four trading points under the guidance of the map.
"No matter how things change, the essence remains the same. It is indeed the abundance of magical power in one's dantian that brings unprecedented satisfaction. We haven't even had time to count the spoils of yesterday's great battle."
Tong Bingfeng deftly emptied the three storage bags, but very few spiritual items appeared on the ground. The most valuable item was a mid-grade first-level mountain-splitting axe, and the rest were some miscellaneous spiritual items.
The other two cultivators, bound by the Earth Prison Talisman and ultimately falling to the Azure Water Sword, had completely empty storage bags. Apart from an ordinary, unremarkable first-grade mid-level magic weapon and a few spirit talismans, each only had about twenty spirit stones, making them truly penniless.
"They say murder and arson bring wealth, yet these three evil cultivators are so destitute. These three mid-stage Qi Refining cultivators haven't even managed to collect a single bottle of mid-grade first-tier Qi Enhancement Pills."
Looking at the spoils in his hand, Tong Bingfeng's disdain was clear, but his hands moved quite quickly, sorting the spoils into categories and transferring them to the storage bag at his waist.