133: I want both

“What is the Third Elder doing?” Yang Qingpeng and Luo Tingwu, the two True Disciples, were momentarily stunned.

Why would the presiding Elder suddenly leave?

The bald Abode Master of Tianyuan Cave Abode was also stunned, and the two Heavenly Prides, Pang Feifeng and Chu Xianyin, were equally bewildered, not understanding why the Third Elder of the Dongming Sect had suddenly abandoned his duty and fled.

Even the Elder of Doujian Peak, as well as the Third Elder's True Disciples and Registered Disciples, were puzzled. Unfortunately, the Third Elder had no intention of explaining; after throwing Lu Chen out, he immediately left.

'He just ran away?' Lu Chen was also taken aback; he still didn't know anything!

He only heard that the Tianyuan Grotto-heaven had sold information about the remnants of the Twelve Phase Sect and the Demonic Path to the Dongming Sect. As for where those remnants of the Twelve Phase Sect and the demons of the Demonic Path were hiding, he was completely unaware.

“Ye Province, Liushan County, below Mount Liu, is one of the strongholds of the remnants of the Twelve Phase Sect and the Demonic Path,” Elder Lu Zifu of Doujian Peak reminded him with a timely transmission of sound. “Previously, the Third Elder's plan was to take all the Disciples into the Refining Demon Pot to go there, to avoid causing too much commotion and being detected by those remnants and demons.”

Lu Chen immediately understood, nodded, and his expression became solemn: “Everything proceeds as planned.”

Then, an Elder stepped forward, holding the Refining Demon Pot high: “All Disciples, heed the order, enter the Refining Demon Pot.”

In an instant, the Refining Demon Pot suddenly enlarged, filling the sky. Nearly three thousand Disciples from Doujian Peak, Yuan Province, and Qing Province all entered it, and the slightly vast crowd immediately vanished.

Even the Third Elder's True Disciples and Registered Disciples, as well as the three Elders from Doujian Peak, Zhang Kui and Elder Lu Zifu, entered the Refining Demon Pot. On the spot, only the two True Disciples, Yang Qingpeng and Luo Tingwu, the two Heavenly Prides, Chu Xianyin and Pang Feifeng, and the bald Abode Master of Tianyuan Cave Abode remained.

Lu Chen waved his hand and retrieved the Refining Demon Pot from Doujian Peak.

The remaining two Refining Demon Pots, which contained the Disciples from the two Sects in Yuan Province and Qing Province, were taken by Yang Qingpeng and Luo Tingwu respectively.

“Everyone, travel underground,” Lu Chen decided with a single word, and was the first to burrow into the ground.

Underground was the home ground for the Dao Soldiers, offering higher safety and making it more difficult for the remnants of the Twelve Phase Sect to detect them.

Although his Divine Travel Dao Soldier controlled the power of wind and also had an advantage high in the sky, it was ultimately not as concealed as being underground.

The other two True Disciples, Yang Qingpeng and Luo Tingwu, exchanged glances and nodded in agreement, praising: “Traveling underground is indeed more secure.”

The remnants of the Twelve Phase Sect and the demons of the Demonic Path were originally hidden deep underground. Even if they traveled through the air, they would still have to burrow underground in the end, making it easier to be discovered.

The remaining bald Abode Master of Tianyuan Cave Abode, Pang Feifeng, and Chu Xianyin followed Lu Chen without a word.

This place was originally the territory of the Dongming Sect, and even more so its home ground. They had no right to object; listening to Lu Chen was the correct course of action.

…………

Liushan County, below Mount Liu, deep underground.

This place was shrouded by a mysterious Formation, with palaces and halls scattered like stars. One could also see spiritual energy bubbling up, which was the spiritual pulse deep underground steaming. Although it couldn't compare to the astonishing spiritual pulse of a dominant Sect like the Dongming Sect, it was far superior to the spiritual pulse occupied by medium and small Sects.

Even more surprising was that not only was there dense spiritual energy present, but also eerie ghostly energy, corpse energy, and even malevolent energy and other impure energies entwined, yet separated from the spiritual energy, each occupying a side and not interfering with each other.

At this time, within the most magnificent and largest palace, Chen Dragon, Yin Tiger, and Shen Monkey, who had appeared and then retreated outside Yunyong Mountain in the South Chu Imperial City, were all present, but their true appearances were hidden by masks.

In addition, there were also three high-level cultivators from the Demonic Path, their bodies wreathed in ghostly energy, corpse energy, and malevolent energy, creating a tense atmosphere.

“Three Xiang Zhus and two high-level cultivators from my Demonic Path went to Yunyong Mountain together, so why are only the three Xiang Zhus the ones who returned?” The black-faced old man wreathed in ghostly energy spoke sinisterly: “Could it be that the three of you don't plan to give my Demonic Path an explanation?”

Xiang Zhu Chen Dragon, wearing the Chen Dragon mask, spoke helplessly: “Brother Heimian, please quell your thunderous anger! At that time, the three of us tried our best to dissuade them, but we still couldn't persuade those two Fellow Daoists to return, so returning first was also an act of helplessness!”

Those two fools insisted on going to their deaths, so did they expect the people of their Twelve Phase Sect to follow suit?

That makes no sense!

After the Twelve Phase Sect was destroyed once by the Dongming Sect, it was already severely weakened, even on its last legs. How could high-level cultivators like them in the Yin Spirit Realm easily take risks?

“An act of helplessness?” Black Face Daoist sneered: “Since you were going to leave, why didn't you explain the reason to the two Fellow Daoists of my Demonic Path and return together?”

As soon as he finished speaking, Corpse Daoist, his body shrouded in corpse energy, spoke hoarsely: “The Tianyuan Grotto-heaven was also contacted by your Twelve Phase Sect. Why didn't anyone from the Tianyuan Grotto-heaven come to help? Or is it that your Twelve Phase Sect deliberately wanted to use the Dongming Sect's hand to trap and kill my Demonic Path?!”

When Tianyuan Grotto-heaven was mentioned, Xiang Zhu Yin Tiger, wearing the Yin Tiger mask, smiled bitterly: “Do the three of you not know that the Heavenly Pride of the Twelve Phase Sect was killed by the Traveling Envoy of the Dongming Sect, and even the Abode Master of Tianyuan Cave Abode himself, who personally intervened, was struck down once by a mysterious Yang God Great Cultivator of the Dongming Sect, nearly being completely annihilated?”

Xiang Zhu Shen Monkey, wearing the Shen Monkey mask, sighed and continued: “The Dongming Sect is hidden too deeply. This time, it has just shown its sharpness, and it has already attacked the Tianyuan Grotto-heaven and the Flying Immortal Sect, two dominant Sects, crippling both.

“In such a situation, the Tianyuan Grotto-heaven can barely protect itself, so how could it have spare energy to help us?

“Even the Abode Master of Tianyuan Cave Abode, a Yang God Great Cultivator, was almost annihilated, so how could the three of you expect us three to act?”

As soon as this was said, Blood Demon Daoist, who had not spoken and was shrouded in a fierce red malevolent aura, was immediately startled: “The Heavenly Pride of the Tianyuan Grotto-heaven was killed by the Traveling Envoy of the Dongming Sect, and even the Abode Master of Tianyuan Cave Abode himself was struck down once by a mysterious Great Cultivator of the Dongming Sect? Damn it, with such strength in the Dongming Sect, how dare you remnants of the Twelve Phase Sect drag my Demonic Path into this?!”

“You brats, you have harmed my Demonic Path greatly!”

Black Face Daoist and Corpse Daoist were both shocked and angry.

The Demonic Path had been happily hiding from those major Sects. Although they were not tolerated by those major Sects, they were at least not being relentlessly pursued. But now, with the Dongming Sect revealing its fangs, it is likely that they will take serious action against the Twelve Phase Sect next.

And unfortunately, the Demonic Path is currently intertwined with the Twelve Phase Sect. If nothing unexpected happens, they will also be a key target for the Dongming Sect's attacks.

'Demons and heretics are indeed not to be trusted!' The three Xiang Zhus disdained in their hearts.

Before the Dongming Sect even made a move, these three were already scared like this. How could they achieve anything?

No wonder the Demonic Path has remained the Demonic Path for so many years, unable to even become demons, let alone suppress the entire righteous Sects of South Chu. It's simply ridiculous.

“The three of you can rest assured, the Twelve Phase Sect has been at odds with the Dongming Sect for not just a year or two. When have you ever seen the Dongming Sect attack us?” Xiang Zhu Shen Monkey smiled confidently: “It's not that my Twelve Phase Sect is boasting, but in a place like this, even if the Dongming Sect searched for hundreds or thousands of years, they might not be able to find it.

“After all, who would have thought that the Twelve Phase Sect, which has been at odds with the Dongming Sect for a long time, is actually hidden right under the Dongming Sect's nose!

“The so-called most dangerous place is also the safest place!”

“Hmph! The Abode Master of Tianyuan Cave Abode seems to have sensed this place. How can you guarantee that the Abode Master will not reveal this place to the Dongming Sect?” Blood Demon Daoist seemed to have calmed down a bit, but he still refused to give up.

He was just looking for an excuse to trouble the Twelve Phase Sect!

The ultimate goal was to take advantage of the opportunity to extort the Twelve Phase Sect and get benefits from them, not that their Demon Dao was truly afraid of the so-called Dongming Sect!

If the Dongming Sect really had the means, how could they have allowed their Demonic Path and the Twelve Phase Sect to exist in Ye Province, right under the Dongming Sect's nose, for so long? They would have uprooted this stronghold long ago.

“The Heavenly Pride of the Tianyuan Grotto-heaven was killed by the Traveling Envoy of the Dongming Sect, and even the Abode Master himself was struck down once by a mysterious Great Cultivator of the Dongming Sect. Given the Abode Master's fiery temper, it is impossible for him to cooperate with the Dongming Sect again,” Xiang Zhu Chen Dragon said with a smile. “Furthermore, the Abode Master only sensed it but may not know the specific location. The three of you can rest assured.”

Xiang Zhu Shen Monkey timely presented a qiankun bag: “It was our fault that the two Fellow Daoists of the Demonic Path died earlier. Please accept our condolences, Fellow Daoists!”

Black Face Daoist, Corpse Daoist, and Blood Demon Daoist immediately changed their tone: “Alas, it was also the misfortune of the two Fellow Daoists, which cannot be blamed on the three Fellow Daoists!”

Upon receiving the qiankun bag, the previously tense atmosphere immediately dissipated, and both sides were once again happy.

However, just as the words fell, a deafening 'rumble' suddenly came from outside the palace.

The entire ground was shaking, and shaking extremely violently.

“Not good, someone is attacking my protective Formation, who is it?!” Xiang Zhu Chen Dragon was instantly startled and angry, and suddenly looked outside the palace.

“Damn it, could it be that the Dongming Sect has really found us?!” Blood Demon Daoist, Black Face Daoist, and Corpse Daoist of the Demonic Path were shocked.

The previous happiness and the previous mindset of sitting back and watching the show were instantly shattered.

What fearless of the Dongming Sect?

Fearless my ass, they've found us now!

…………

Outside the Formation.

“Brother Lu's Puppets are indeed mysterious and unpredictable. They can even find this hidden place within such a mysterious Formation!” Chu Xianyin stood gracefully by Lu Chen's side, half a step behind, her expression still filled with admiration.

After all, they were the deeply hidden Twelve Phase Sect, especially those who were intertwined with rats in the gutter like the Demonic Path, and they were best at concealing themselves. The bald Abode Master of Tianyuan Cave Abode only knew a general location, and the specific location actually needed to be searched for.

But who would have thought that as soon as they arrived here, Lu Chen's strange Puppets quickly found the correct direction and easily brought them outside this Formation.

One must know that before this, even the Abode Master of Tianyuan Cave Abode, a Yang God Great Cultivator, had not found it.

It truly opened Chu Xianyin's eyes.

Even the Abode Master himself couldn't help but look at Lu Chen a few more times.

Lu Chen waved his hand: “Let's think about how to break the Formation first.”

He didn't want to discuss the Dao Soldiers too much, which would lead to a topic.

As for why his Dao Soldiers could quickly find this Formation?

Just kidding, underground is the home ground of the Dao Soldiers. If they couldn't even find such a Formation, then the Dao Soldiers wouldn't be qualified to have the title of 'underground home ground'.

“This Formation is better at concealment and lacking in defense. All the esteemed Disciples of the Dongming Sect, please step aside and let this old man break the Formation.” The bald Abode Master of Tianyuan Cave Abode took the initiative to step forward.

After all, he was a Yang God Great Cultivator who had cultivated for thousands of years, so he naturally had some knowledge of Formations.

Just as the bald Abode Master of Tianyuan Cave Abode stepped out, his body suddenly expanded, transforming into hundreds or thousands of feet tall. Then, he clenched his fist, and terrifying blood energy surged, as if transforming into a great sun in his hand, smashing down with a roar.

“Boom!”

The defensive Formation here shook violently, and even the boundless ground seemed to be completely churning and exploding, as if the sky was falling and the earth was cracking.

At the same moment, Lu Chen, Yang Qingpeng, and Luo Tingwu almost simultaneously took out their Refining Demon Pots and released the numerous Disciples.

“Surround them, leave no one,” Lu Chen ordered coldly.

“Disciples obey!” In an instant, over three thousand Disciples roared in response and scattered in all directions, surrounding the Formation here, and a killing intent simultaneously spread.

At the same time as giving the order, Lu Chen quietly retreated behind everyone and silently summoned over a hundred Dao Soldiers. Among them, he summoned eight Divine Travel Dao Soldiers comparable to the Yin Spirit Realm, and even the strongest Spirit Treasure Swift Travel Dao Soldiers were summoned by him to guard him.

The remaining ninety-two Five Elements Dao Soldiers comparable to the Dao Infant Realm, with such strength, it is no exaggeration to say that they are enough to overwhelm forces like the South Chu Royal Family, which are second only to dominant Sects.

“Boom!”

Another earth-shattering sound was heard, and the ground trembled even more violently. Cracks had already appeared on the Formation.

One could vaguely see the demon cultivators of the Demonic Path and the Disciples of the Twelve Phase Sect roaring and cursing within the Formation, but more were fleeing in all directions like headless chickens.

Unfortunately, outside the Formation were over three thousand Disciples of the Dongming Sect. Whether it was the remnants of the Twelve Phase Sect or the demon cultivators of the Demon Dao within the Formation, there was simply no escape.

“Abode Master of Tianyuan Cave Abode, Yan Chenhu, it's you!” Xiang Zhus Chen Dragon, Shen Monkey, and Yin Tiger emerged in shock and anger, and the first thing they saw was the bald Abode Master who was attacking the Formation, making them even more shocked and angry.

“Damn it, I knew this old bald head couldn't be relied on!” Black Face Daoist, Corpse Daoist, and Blood Demon Daoist were both shocked and angry.

However, Abode Master Yan Chenhu's eyes were cold, and he said with a forced smile: “Demons and heretics, everyone has the right to punish them. Let's call out your Ox Zodiac Lord!”

“Boom!” As soon as the words fell, Abode Master Yan Chenhu struck again. The terrifying fist, like a great sun, shattered the Formation, causing the entire ground to completely collapse and sink, as if the end of the world had arrived.

At the Yang Spirit level, one possesses the power to change the world, and can even create and alter rules, which is astonishing.

“Good one, Yan Chenhu, it's a shame you are also the master of a dominant Sect, yet you wag your tail and beg for mercy from the Dongming Sect, aiding evil!” Almost at the same moment, from the depths of a certain great hall, a great sun also seemed to rise.

Even being deep underground, that brilliant divine light could not be stopped.

Because it was the light of pure Yang, and also the brilliance of the Yang God!

“Ox Zodiac Lord, you are indeed here.” Abode Master Yan Chenhu sneered.

Good, it's not in vain that he, the Abode Master of Tianyuan Cave Abode, came here. Then, he will take the head of this Ox Zodiac Lord of the Twelve Phase Sect and reclaim a province from the Dongming Sect!

A Yang Spirit of the Twelve Phase Sect is worthy of this weight.

“Boom!”

The terrifying power of the Yang God erupted. The Ox Zodiac Lord, who had not yet fully revealed himself, had already collided with Abode Master Yan Chenhu, fighting into the deepest part of the ground, where the brilliant Yang God divine light annihilated everything.

Even the ground was struck down and sank!

At the same moment, Lu Chen waved his large hand: “All Disciples, heed the order, kill.”

“Obey!” Three thousand Disciples responded in unison and charged out with a roar.

Then, Lu Chen's gaze swept towards Pang Feifeng and Chu Xianyin: “There is no need for you to intervene with the Yin Spirit remnants. As for the rest, leave no one alive. Also, collect all ghosts and zombies.”

He wanted the high-level Yin Spirit cultivators of the Twelve Phase Sect and the Demon Dao, and he also wanted the ghosts and zombies raised by the Demonic Path.