txolops Chapter 200 Provocation
Chapter 200 Provocation
Chapter 201 Provocation
When Lu Jianghe arrived at Holy Demon Island, he didn't immediately launch a killing attack like those who broke into the gate. Instead, he strolled leisurely onto this island, which could be described as a small continent and was one of the largest in the Chaotic Star Sea.
After entering the Nascent Soul stage, Lu Jianghe finally got rid of that top-heavy feeling, as if he had fallen from an immortal to the mortal world and was unable to exert his full strength.
Of all the methods, none are as pure and direct as a flash of sword light.
Previously limited by his cultivation level, he could now unleash some of the powerful sword techniques that required the Nascent Soul stage to execute.
If he hadn't absorbed the immense spiritual essence from the ten-thousand-year-old spiritual pool in the Void Heaven Palace, saving him at least sixty years of effort in breaking through to the next realm...
Even with his Nascent Soul cultivation, it would be difficult for him to break through so quickly.
The nearly sixty years of cultivation time saved is not the rigid passage of sixty years, but the pure time a sword cultivator spends calmly and focused on refining his sword.
The decades or centuries of cultivation mentioned by Qi practitioners are all the accumulation of energy through holding one's breath, concentrating one's mind, breathing in the heavens and earth, and refining one's spirit and essence bit by bit in seclusion and meditation.
This is the true "age" of a Qi cultivator, the foundation of their "real Dao age".
Besides, the so-called long lifespan is nothing more than the "nominal age" of wasted years.
Therefore, even if you achieve one goal, the journey of a hundred miles is only half complete at ninety.
Especially with Lu Jianghe's breakthrough to the Nascent Soul stage, even though he is still far from the true Great Perfection realm, the power of the title "Lu the Earth-Washer" can only be truly revealed when he crosses that crucial threshold.
Among the sword immortals recorded in the Sword Qi Great Wall over the past ten thousand years, Lu Jianghe is definitely among the most outstanding in terms of the breadth of his group killing range, the size of his coverage, and the thoroughness of his cleanup.
Assuming Lu Jianghe successfully ascends to the Ascension Realm in the future, and further transforms himself into a flawless Transformation Realm by channeling his natal flying sword into water.
This means that if outsiders want to kill him, two Ascension Realm cultivators would have to work together and obediently hand over their two lives.
Lu Jianghe was unaware that Chen Qingdu actually harbored some expectations for him and Lu Zhi to break through to higher realms and ascend to immortality.
As for Ning Yao?
In the eyes of the eldest sword immortal, there was no need to expect such a natural outcome.
As sword cultivators ascend to higher realms, it's like a stream flowing into the sea. Ning Yao's path is already like a surging river, and the Ascension Realm is merely the next broad estuary she will inevitably pass through. The Fourteenth Realm is a foregone conclusion.
Lu Jianghe descended gracefully from the mountaintop, his figure flashing as if shrinking the distance to an inch, appearing dozens of feet away with each step, each step revealing a new scene.
Before long, they ran into a patrol of cultivators.
The leader was only at the late Foundation Establishment stage.
Unlike other places, Holy Demon Island is surrounded by a barrier separating the inside from the outside.
This place is entirely private; there are no markets or trades, and no outsiders come and go.
The entire island resembled a vast and secluded sect or training ground.
These patrolling monks were merely performing their duties, maintaining order on the island.
At this moment, the group of monks was patrolling along the established route.
Lu Jianghe looked at the group of people and stopped in his tracks.
The two sides were several dozen meters apart, not exactly in a standoff. Although the patrolmen were on guard, they did not show any obvious hostility or murderous intent.
This is Holy Demon Island.
They had been patrolling this place for thirty years, and in their minds, this person was either a distinguished guest invited by the Six Paths Ancestor or an important figure under the tutelage of other demonic giants.
The leader asked, "Who are you?"
According to the rules, as long as the other party can give a reasonable account of their identity or relationship, he will take them to meet the person in charge to verify their authenticity.
Even if the other party is a Core Formation cultivator, or even a Nascent Soul cultivator, their patrol team is not entirely without confidence.
Anyway, with the Six Paths Ancestor in charge, what can a Nascent Soul cultivator do?
It's not like we haven't tried to stop them before, and they've always gotten away with it unscathed.
How can outsiders be allowed to act recklessly in the dojo of a powerful figure in the demonic path?
Lu Jianghe replied, "I've come to find your leader of the demonic path."
The late Foundation Establishment cultivator understood that someone who could speak so frankly and with such composure must undoubtedly be a Nascent Soul cultivator.
He nodded quickly, his posture respectful yet measured.
"Please come with us to verify your identity, senior. Once it is confirmed, I will immediately inform you and arrange your introduction."
The five teammates behind him also instinctively straightened their backs, feeling a chill run down their spines.
They knew that this conversation, which spanned two major realms, had already crossed the line with their questioning. If the other party was of a violent temper and could crush them into dust in an instant, they would probably find it difficult to even find a place to reason with them on this Holy Demon Island.
Fortunately, the other party didn't seem to mind.
Lu Jianghe nodded slightly, "Alright, please lead the way."
Seeing that the other party was so easy to talk to, the six members of the small team relaxed their tense nerves a little, and their guarded expressions also lessened.
As lower-ranking disciples, they possess their own survival wisdom: to be respectful when necessary, and never to lose face when required.
Concessions are acceptable, but we must never allow anyone to look down on Holy Demon Island.
It's not that living longer makes one more cunning; the shrewdness of ordinary men at the foot of the mountain is not necessarily inferior to that of the monks on the mountain.
Many cultivators are merely favored by the heavens and have gained some strength and cultivation, so they think highly of themselves and look down on people below the mountain. In reality, their character and methods may not be that much better.
The leading cultivator dared not delay, and gestured "please" to Lu Jianghe, leading him toward the wide mountain path flanked by ancient trees.
The others stood in unison on both sides, demonstrating their duty to protect while not daring to overstep their bounds.
As you pass through the forest, you can hear the faint sounds of bells and chimes from afar, along with the clear cries of mythical beasts.
A moment later, below, pavilions and towers were built along the mountainside, their flying eaves and brackets hidden among the clouds and mist, creating a solemn atmosphere.
And so they traveled with the wind, unimpeded.
In fact, the moment Lu Jianghe decided to accompany him, the leading Foundation Establishment cultivator had already used a communication technique.
He did it openly and honestly, without any concealment. He even performed the ritual in front of Lu Jianghe, his fingertips flashing with spiritual light, and a token flew deep into the island.
Lu Jianghe saw this but did not stop them.
It was this openness and composure that eased the tension in the hearts of the accompanying cultivators.
Since this senior is acting with dignity, this visit is most likely a business visit, rather than an intruding and troublesome visit.
Although this thought only flashed through my mind, it was enough to dispel a lot of invisible pressure. Ahead, the clouds and mist gradually parted, and the outline of a magnificent palace complex built against the mountain was revealed.
The eaves, like hooks, pierce through the flowing clouds. The dark palace is made of a material that is neither gold nor stone, and a faint light seems to flow through it.
The palace complex rises in layers, extending upwards along the steep mountainside, its highest point hidden in the clouds, seemingly connecting with the heavens. A wide staircase, carved from a single massive piece of black jade, winds its way up like a giant python, leading directly to the main hall's entrance.
On both sides of the steps, every ten or so feet there stands a stone statue of a demon god with a ferocious face and a different shape. Some hold halberds, some hold giant axes, their hollow eye sockets look down and exude a chilling pressure.
Upon reaching the large platform at the beginning of the steps, several people were already waiting there.
Standing at the very front was a young man, dressed in a black brocade robe, with a stern face and a tall crown on his head; he was clearly a late-stage Core Formation cultivator.
Behind him followed several Core Formation cultivators with considerable auras, each with a solemn expression and sharp eyes, scrutinizing Lu Jianghe and his group as they ascended the steps.
The late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator quickly stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and reported rapidly, "Your Excellency, this senior has expressed his wish to pay respects to the Ancestral Master. I dare not be negligent and have therefore led the way here."
Before he could finish speaking, the young man interrupted, his words utterly arrogant: "A complete stranger of unknown origin, merely requesting to see my master, and you dare to let him pass? When did the rules of Holy Demon Island become so lax?"
Before he could finish speaking, a sudden change occurred.
A flash of light appeared in the young man's hand, instantly piercing the head of the late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator who was guiding him, causing blood and brain matter to splatter.
From Lu Jianghe's perspective, the cultivator's head had been completely pierced through.
At the same time, several golden streaks of light, as swift as lightning, shot out again, heading towards the remaining five cultivators.
too fast!
Before they could even dodge or activate their protective artifacts, the streak of light pierced their vital points. Some had their chests explode, while others had their dantian shattered.
The screams stopped abruptly as several corpses collapsed to the ground, and the stench of blood instantly filled the air.
Lu Jianghe remained expressionless, his robes unstained by a single drop of blood, as if the bloody massacre before him had nothing to do with him.
He simply watched quietly, letting the arrogant young man do as he pleased.
The young man, referred to as "Young Master," stood atop the high platform, looking down at Lu Jianghe with a sharp, piercing gaze.
"You look unfamiliar."
A cold smile played on his lips. "I have a general impression of all Nascent Soul cultivators, whether they belong to the righteous or demonic paths. If you are not wearing a mask, then you are—a cowardly and secretive person."
He abruptly changed the subject, his tone filled with undisguised skepticism and intimidation, "So, sneaking into my Holy Demon Island in such a clandestine manner is like inviting an unwelcome guest?"
Upon hearing this, Lu Jianghe simply smiled calmly, "Concealing one's true appearance doesn't count."
The young man raised an eyebrow with interest. "Oh?"
Lu Jianghe did not directly respond to his probing. Instead, he asked, "With only a late-stage Core Formation cultivation, you speak so arrogantly to someone who seems to be at the Nascent Soul stage. Even if you are a disciple of the Six Paths Sect, at such close range, if I were to harbor murderous intent, what means do you think you could possibly survive?"
Upon hearing Lu Jianghe's words, the young man showed no fear whatsoever. Instead, he burst into laughter, the sound echoing across the empty platform with an air of arrogant arrogance.
Beside him, the maid who carried two swords and remained silent as a shadow moved slightly, subtly taking half a step forward, placing half of her body between the young man and Lu Jianghe.
Although she did not draw her sword, her aura was already tense, like a fully drawn bowstring, and her cold gaze was firmly fixed on Lu Jianghe.
The young man's laughter ceased, his eyes flashing with even greater sharpness. He reached out and gently pushed the maid who was blocking his way aside.
The woman carrying the sword stumbled slightly from his push, but quickly regained her balance and remained alert, though her position was no longer a perfect barrier.
"I, Wen Tianren, am aware of my own limitations. In front of a Nascent Soul cultivator, I am confident that even if I exert all my strength, I can only struggle for a short while to avoid death. To think that I can gain even the slightest advantage is just wishful thinking."
He abruptly changed the subject, a playful smile curving his lips: "However, this makes me really want to consider whether it's true, as the rumors say, that everyone below the Nascent Soul stage is nothing but an ant?"
Upon hearing this, the Core Formation cultivators behind him all tensed up and summoned their magical treasures.
Lu Jianghe joked, "Are you so eager to die? Or did the Six Paths Supreme Saint give you the confidence? No matter what, a cultivator who can reach the late stage of Core Formation shouldn't be so reckless as to provoke a Nascent Soul cultivator."
Wen Tianren laughed and said, "What? Are you backing down? Or are you too afraid to make a move? Are you afraid that if you hurt me, even if you kill me, you won't be able to leave this Holy Demon Island?"
Lu Jianghe shook his head, his words calm: "A late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator is not enough to make me wary. The reason I'm still standing here talking to you instead of taking action is simply to give the young man a chance."
Upon hearing this, Wen Tianren's arrogant smile faltered slightly. He then clapped his hands, producing several crisp "clap-clap" sounds, and chuckled, "You don't even consider a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator a threat? Ha, what arrogance! Do you think you're a Deity Transformation cultivator?"
Upon hearing this, Lu Jianghe simply smiled faintly and remained silent.
After he entered the Nascent Soul realm, he was no longer the same as before.
Even if he were to face a Nascent Soul cultivator from this realm, he was confident that he could put up a fight and might not be weaker than his opponent.
But if he were to truly commit murder and use his full strength, even the few remaining Nascent Soul cultivators in this realm combined would probably not be enough for him to kill.
Seeing the other person remain silent, Wen Tianren's heart stirred slightly, and he chuckled, "What? Not going to say anything?"
Upon hearing this, Lu Jianghe shook his head and said, "It's good that young people are energetic, but they shouldn't be so impatient and show off. What's the difference between that and a toddler in open-crotch pants wandering around the streets? It's drafty and exposes their buttocks, it's really unsightly."
Wen Tianren's expression changed slightly.
His words were provocative and he pressed on relentlessly. His real intention was not to fight to the death with a Nascent Soul cultivator at this moment, but to force the other party to make the first move.
He knew he was no match for a Nascent Soul cultivator, and that even with all his strength, he could only struggle for a short while.
However, he possesses a life-saving item that he is confident he can withstand a Nascent Soul cultivator's thunderous attack for even a moment!
The person in front of us has an unknown origin and speaks unclearly. Judging from the confidence in his voice, he is not like an ordinary early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, but more like a mid-stage expert.
If a fight breaks out and forces the Six Paths Supreme Saint to clash with the opponent, it will greatly delay the time it takes for him to recover from his injuries and return to his full strength.
In this way, he will have gained a much better chance to catch his breath.
The so-called "master" title in the Six Paths is nothing but a facade.
On the surface, they are master and disciple, but the Six Paths Supreme Saint has long regarded Wen Tianren as a useful vessel for his Nascent Soul incarnation, waiting only for the right moment to carry out the task of devouring souls with his divided spirit.
Wen Tianren was well aware of this calculation.
Or perhaps the Six Paths simply wouldn't bother to hide it.
The day Wen Tianren achieves Nascent Soul will be the day he truly perishes.
This is the fundamental reason why he dared to provoke a Nascent Soul expert with his Core Formation cultivation.