193: Chapter 193 The Infant Carp Beast! The Hunting Plan! Crisis!

Chapter 193: The Infant Carp Beast! The Hunting Plan! Crisis!

Tianmen Peak, Immortal Cave Meditation Chamber.

Lu Qiu sat cross-legged, his palm open. A tiny insect, no larger than a fingernail, with a gray body and faint silver patterns on its back, rested quietly on his palm.

life-substituting gu.

For some time now, he had been feeding this gu with his own Essence Blood once every seven days.

Now, this little creature had fully matured, becoming one with him, their hearts and minds connected.

With a slight thought from Lu Qiu, the gray insect transformed into a shadowy blur, barely visible to the naked eye, and burrowed into his body, hiding deep within his heart.

A faint, almost imperceptible link was established between him and the gu insect—a connection on the level of life itself, as if it were a part of him.

"With this gu, it's like having an extra life," Lu Qiu said, a satisfied smile appearing on his face.

The function of the life-substituting gu was simple, yet incredibly precious—if he suffered a fatal attack, this gu could withstand the lethal blow for him once, at the cost of the gu itself turning to dust.

Unlike the substitute gu he had refined in the past, this life-substituting gu was a true second life!

He collected his thoughts and turned his gaze to a pile of spirit Materials beside him.

These were the rare Materials obtained from the Qingyun Mountain Exchange Meeting—Snow Mist Spider Silk, Dry Spirit Water, Void Gazer Marrow, Fifth-level Demonic Beast bones...

Many of these were essential for refining high-grade Puppets.

Back when he received the 'Great Evolution Art' from 'Senior Brother Lin' in Yellow Maple Valley, he had also obtained a 'True Classic of Puppetry'.

However, over the years, he had been busy with Cultivation, Alchemy, and nurturing spirit beasts. Coupled with the difficulty in finding Materials, it had been set aside and unused.

Now that he had the Materials, it was a good time to refine a few high-grade Puppets.

He took out the Jade Slip containing the 'True Classic of Puppetry', extended his Divine Sense into it, and began to study it carefully.

...

Two months later.

The stone door of the meditation chamber slowly opened.

Lu Qiu stepped out, followed by four silent figures.

They were four humanoid Puppets, their bodies forged from Mysterious Iron Essence Gold and Void Gazer Stone, their joints flexible and free-moving, their surfaces engraved with complex runic circuits.

In their eye sockets were embedded two dark blue crystals, emitting a faint spiritual light.

Level Four Puppets!

They possessed strength equivalent to a Late Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator!

Although, given Lu Qiu's current strength, these four Puppets wouldn't be of much help in a true life-or-death battle.

They were, however, perfectly suited for exploring dangerous places, acting as guards, or handling various miscellaneous tasks.

Lu Qiu nodded in satisfaction, stored the four Puppets in his Storage Pouch, and walked towards the main hall.

In the main hall, Xin Ruyin and Xiao Mei were both present—a rare occurrence.

Xin Ruyin sat at a table, holding a volume on Formation Dao in her hands, her expression focused.

Xiao Mei sat nearby, cradling the purple-glowing Purple Crystal Sable in her arms, idly playing with it.

After arriving in the Chaotic Star Sea, this girl Xiao Mei had completely restrained her playful nature.

She often went into seclusion for bitter Cultivation, and with Lu Qiu's generous supply of resources, her cultivation had now reached the Late Foundation Establishment Stage.

As she put it: "I still have to serve Young Master and Young Miss for a lifetime, I can't die early."

As Lu Qiu entered the hall and was about to speak—

Xiao Mei saw him and immediately stood up, her face wearing an anxious expression: "Young Master, you're finally out of seclusion! Young Miss, she..."

"Xiao Mei!" Xin Ruyin interrupted her, her voice still gentle but carrying a trace of barely perceptible weakness. "I already said, it's nothing serious."

Lu Qiu's gaze fell on Xin Ruyin, and his brow furrowed slightly.

Her face was frighteningly pale, utterly bloodless, with fine beads of sweat faintly visible at her temples.

What alarmed Lu Qiu even more was the dense, scorching Yang Qi faintly emanating from her body—a heat that was domineering and utterly incompatible with her inherently soft, Yin temperament.

Dragons Roar Physique!

Lu Qiu realized instantly.

The Dragons Roar Physique was both a talent and a curse.

Women possessing this Physique had an imbalance of Yin and Yang within their bodies, with excessive Yang Qi.

If not properly channeled and suppressed in time, it could lead to Meridian damage at best, or life-threatening danger at worst.

Previously, with the suppression of decoctions brewed from thousand-year spirit herbs, coupled with the harmonizing effect of the "Yin-Yang Crown" secret technique during their Dual Cultivation sessions, the hidden dangers of the Dragons Roar Physique had not surfaced for a long time.

However, as Xin Ruyin's cultivation gradually increased, the power of her Dragons Roar Physique had also grown stronger.

Moreover, in recent years, Lu Qiu was often in seclusion, greatly reducing the time for their Dual Cultivation, causing the hidden dangers of Xin Ruyin's Dragons Roar Physique to flare up once more.

She had always been stoic, not wanting to worry Lu Qiu, and had kept it hidden.

Until today, when she finally couldn't hold on any longer.

Lu Qiu's expression turned somewhat grim, but looking at Xin Ruyin's pale face, he ultimately said nothing.

He stepped forward, swept Xin Ruyin up into his arms, turned, and headed straight for the bedroom.

Xin Ruyin let out a soft gasp, her cheeks flushing slightly, but she did not struggle, merely burying her head in his chest.

Xiao Mei watched from behind, unable to resist muttering, "It still takes Young Master to handle this."

...

One month later.

In the bedroom, the springtime warmth had subsided.

Xin Ruyin nestled in Lu Qiu's embrace, her complexion finally restored to its usual rosy hue, even more radiant and beautiful than before.

The hidden dangers of her Dragons Roar Physique had been completely suppressed under Lu Qiu's efforts over the past month.

To their pleasant surprise, Xin Ruyin's cultivation had actually advanced into the False Core Realm in one leap!

The Dragons Roar Physique was truly profound.

"Ruyin, you don't need to rush into Core Formation next,"

Lu Qiu stroked her long hair, speaking softly. "First, stabilize your Realm. It would be best to Cultivate the 'Great Evolution Art' to the second layer. The stronger your Divine Sense, the higher your success rate for Core Formation."

Xin Ruyin nodded gently, her eyes filled with sweetness. "I'll listen to you in everything."

The two lingered affectionately for a while longer before getting up.

...

Several days later.

Kuixing City, Tiandu Street, White Water Tower.

Lu Qiu sat upright in the third-floor VIP room, with Third Mother Feng seated opposite him.

Third Mother Feng took out an exquisite jade box from her Storage Pouch and presented it with both hands: "Elder Lu, these are the spirit Materials you requested last time. Please examine them."

Lu Qiu took the jade box, opened it, and a glint of satisfaction flashed in his eyes.

Inside the box lay quietly over a dozen rare items—there was thousand-year Spirit Milk, a complete Fifth-level Demonic Beast hide, Deep Sea Mysterious Iron, Netherworld Cold Jade... Each was an extremely scarce treasure. Gathering them alone would have cost him immense effort and time.

Having the platform of the Liulian Hall was indeed much more convenient.

He closed the jade box, took out a mutton-fat jade bottle from his Storage Pouch, and handed it to Third Mother Feng.

"This is the ningxin pill I promised you."

Third Mother Feng received the jade bottle with both hands, and an uncontrollable surge of wild joy instantly erupted in her eyes!

Her hands trembling, she uncorked the bottle. A clear, refreshing medicinal fragrance wafted out. With just one whiff, she felt her mind clear and distracting thoughts vanish.

With this pill, plus the three universally acknowledged Core Formation spirit items of the Chaotic Star Sea—snow spirit water, heavenly fire liquid, and dust settling pill—she finally had the confidence to attempt a breakthrough to the Core Formation Stage!

"Thank you, Elder Lu! Thank you, Elder Lu!" Third Mother Feng repeatedly expressed her gratitude, her voice trembling with excitement.

Lu Qiu waved his hand dismissively, saying calmly, "No need for such courtesy. Continue collecting the spirit items I need. If I have further needs in the future, I will naturally contact you again."

Third Mother Feng nodded repeatedly. Just as she was about to take her leave, she suddenly remembered something, her expression turning serious.

"Elder Lu, there is a matter... This humble servant needs to report to you."

Lu Qiu raised an eyebrow slightly. "What is it?"

Third Mother Feng lowered her voice, her expression grave. "Recently, one of our Liulian Hall's exploration teams discovered traces of a rare Level Six Demonic Beast in a secluded sea area nearby."

A Level Six Demonic Beast?

Lu Qiu was somewhat surprised upon hearing this.

The Chaotic Star Sea was divided into the Inner and Outer Star Seas.

The Inner Star Sea was the area humans had explored and inhabited long-term. High-level Demonic Beasts were almost entirely eradicated there, making Level Six Demonic Beasts truly rare.

Discovering a Level Six Demonic Beast in the Inner Star Sea was indeed an unusual event.

"I have already sent word to the headquarters about this," Third Mother Feng continued. "The headquarters takes this very seriously. In a few days, they will send a Core Formation Elder to assist Kuixing Island in hunting this Level Six Demonic Beast."

Someone from headquarters is coming again?

Lu Qiu frowned slightly, thinking of Elder Gu's intention to recruit him into the Nixing Alliance. He quickly said, "A mere Level Six Demonic Beast, This Lu alone can handle it. There's no need to request aid from headquarters."

"Elder Lu, you are unaware,"

Third Mother Feng shook her head, her expression growing even more serious. "This is no ordinary Level Six Demonic Beast. It is a rare Infant Carp Beast."

Infant Carp Beast!

Lu Qiu's heart jolted.

The Infant Carp Beast was a variant among water-attribute Demonic Beasts, extremely rare.

A Level Six Infant Carp Beast possessed combat power comparable to a human Late Core Formation Stage Cultivator!

Its innate Divine Ability, "Water Barrier Divine Thunder," was a dual water and thunder attribute killing move, immensely powerful and difficult to defend against.

Such an existence was indeed not easy to deal with.

However, at that very moment, a thought flashed through Lu Qiu's mind—

Infant Carp Beast... Liulian Hall... Group hunt...

He suddenly remembered a plot from the original story!

In the original story, the Liulian Hall had once organized a hunt for a Level Six Infant Carp Beast.

They had invited five False Core Cultivators, set up the "Six Evasion Water Wave Formation" to trap and weaken the Infant Carp Beast, with two Early Core Formation Stage Elders overseeing the operation.

Although they ultimately succeeded in killing the Infant Carp Beast, at the critical moment, Young Lord Young Master Wu Chou of Jiyin Island suddenly appeared!

Taking advantage of the two Elders' severely depleted magic power, he tried to seize the Demonic Beast Materials and forced the two Elders, in their desperation, to expose their identities as members of the Nixing Alliance!

At that time, the Nixing Alliance was still in a secret alliance phase. If exposed, it would inevitably draw suppression from the Star Palace!

To silence witnesses, the Liulian Hall and Young Master Wu Chou joined forces, intending to kill all the low-level Cultivators who participated in the hunt, including Han Li!

If he participated in this hunt, would Young Master Wu Chou still appear?

Since he was not a member of the Nixing Alliance, would he be targeted for elimination?

With his strength, plus the Bloodline Flood Dragon and the Golden-Backed Demonic Mantis, he was not afraid of Young Master Wu Chou.

But behind Young Master Wu Chou stood Ancestor Jiyin, that old monster at the Early Nascent Soul Stage!

If he truly killed Young Master Wu Chou, Ancestor Jiyin would certainly investigate, leading to major trouble.

Even more terrifying, once this matter was exposed, it would definitely attract the pursuit and silencing efforts of the entire Nixing Alliance!

Behind the Nixing Alliance were terrifying existences like the Myriad Laws Sect and the Six Paths Extreme Sage!

A dangerous situation!

This was absolutely a dangerous situation!

Seeing Lu Qiu's grave expression, Third Mother Feng thought he was worried about the difficulty of dealing with the Infant Carp Beast and hurriedly explained:

"Elder Lu, there's no need to worry! The headquarters takes this very seriously and has already dispatched Elder Gu to provide support. You've met Elder Gu before; he is at the Early Core Formation Stage and highly experienced. With the two of you joining forces, plus Formation assistance, capturing this Infant Carp Beast should not be a problem."

She paused, then added, "However, to deal with this beast, we need to set up the 'Six Evasion Water Wave Formation' to trap and weaken it. This Formation requires at least six False Core Cultivators jointly presiding over it to unleash its power. This humble servant counts as one, so we still need to recruit five more False Core Cultivators."

Lu Qiu took a deep breath, suppressing the turbulent thoughts in his heart, and nodded calmly:

"Leave this matter to Third Mother to handle. Be sure to select reliable individuals and absolutely do not let the news leak."

Third Mother Feng solemnly agreed: "Elder Lu, rest assured. This humble servant will definitely handle it properly."

Lu Qiu gave a few more instructions before rising to leave.

...

After leaving White Water Tower, Lu Qiu returned directly to Tianmen Peak.

In the main hall, his brows were tightly knit.

"Infant Carp Beast... Young Master Wu Chou... Nixing Alliance..."

Lu Qiu realized that the more he tried to avoid the Nixing Alliance, the more this force seemed to draw closer to him.

Participating in the hunt would place him in a perilous situation.

At that time, he would not only have to face the Infant Carp Beast but also Young Master Wu Chou's covetousness, and the potential silencing actions from the Liulian Hall.

Even if his strength was formidable enough to fight his way out, he would inevitably expose many of his trump cards, inviting even greater trouble.

But if he refused to participate...

Elder Gu was about to arrive. As an Elder of the Liulian Hall, it was his duty. If he insisted on refusing, it would inevitably arouse suspicion.

Gu Yuan already had intentions of recruiting him. If he sensed something amiss, it would likely become even more troublesome.

Should he leave now, escape, find a place to Cultivate in seclusion, and live under an assumed name?

But he had painstakingly built up his position over so many years. Now, on Kuixing Island, he was essentially second only to one person, above tens of thousands.

Starting over in a new place would be difficult, and he would have to constantly guard against investigations from the Nixing Alliance.

Or should he go to the headquarters now, pay respects to Deputy Hall Master Nangong, join the Nixing Alliance, hand over a wisp of his Primordial Spirit, and henceforth have his life and death controlled by others?

That was even more impossible!

Lu Qiu shook his head, dismissing this thought from his mind.

He didn't want to take either path.

He stood up and paced back and forth in the hall, his brow furrowed.

Just then, Xin Ruyin walked over. Seeing Lu Qiu's troubled expression, she quickly inquired.

Lu Qiu immediately recounted the day's events in detail.

The Infant Carp Beast, the Liulian Hall's hunting plan, Jiyin Island's interference, the threat of the Nixing Alliance...

Of course, he made no mention of the specific plot details from the original story, only saying that through some channels, he had learned that Jiyin Island might have already set its sights on this operation.

After listening, Xin Ruyin's delicate brows furrowed slightly. She pondered for a moment before asking softly:

"Husband Lu, if you didn't have the assistance of the Liulian Hall, could you, by yourself, have the confidence to hunt that Infant Carp Beast?"

Lu Qiu contemplated and said, "The Infant Carp Beast's combat power is comparable to a Late Core Formation Stage Cultivator, and its innate Divine Ability, Water Barrier Divine Thunder, is immensely powerful. If I go all out, plus the Bloodline Flood Dragon and the Golden-Backed Demonic Mantis, I'd estimate about a fifty percent chance of capturing it."

A fifty percent chance was already quite high.

But fifty percent also meant a fifty percent chance of failure.

Xin Ruyin smiled faintly and said softly, "What if we employ the 'Canglan Flood Dragon Locking Formation'?"

Lu Qiu was stunned!

Right!

He had actually forgotten about this Formation!

"If we have the assistance of this Formation..." His eyes shone brightly. "I have a ninety percent chance of capturing this Infant Carp Beast!"

Xin Ruyin nodded and said seriously, "Since the source of this crisis is the Infant Carp Beast, why don't we take action directly, ahead of the Liulian Hall, and slay this Infant Carp Beast? As long as the Infant Carp Beast is dead, the hunting plan will naturally be canceled, and the subsequent crisis will resolve itself."

Lu Qiu stared at her, his eyes full of admiration.

Yes!

As long as this Infant Carp Beast was eliminated, the crisis would resolve itself!

Rather than passively waiting for the crisis to arrive, it was better to take the initiative and solve the problem at its source!

"Ruyin, you are truly my strategist!" Lu Qiu couldn't help but grasp her hand, praising her sincerely.

Xin Ruyin's cheeks flushed slightly. She said softly, "I just said what came to mind. But Husband Lu, this matter must be carried out in secret. We absolutely cannot let the Liulian Hall notice. Otherwise..."

Lu Qiu nodded. "I understand."

He pondered for a moment, quickly calculating in his mind.

To hunt the Infant Carp Beast, they first needed to find its exact location.

Third Mother Feng had only said "a secluded sea area nearby"; the specific coordinates still needed to be investigated.

Secondly, setting up the Formation would require time.

The Canglan Flood Dragon Locking Formation used seawater as its medium. The setup process required diving to the seabed and completing it silently.

They couldn't be detected by the Infant Carp Beast, nor by the Liulian Hall's exploration team.

Finally, how to handle the aftermath after the hunt?

If the Infant Carp Beast suddenly "disappeared," the Liulian Hall would certainly investigate.

How to make them believe that the Infant Carp Beast had left on its own or was killed by another powerful expert?

He pondered for a long time and finally formulated a preliminary plan.

"Ruyin, if you were to set up this Formation, how long would it take?" he asked.

Xin Ruyin thought for a moment and said, "If it's just laying the Formation foundations, half an hour is enough. But to perfectly conceal its aura and avoid detection by the Infant Carp Beast, we need to choose the right timing."

Lu Qiu nodded. "Good. I'll go investigate the Infant Carp Beast's specific location first, then we'll make further plans."

He stood up, gave Xin Ruyin a few more instructions, and hurriedly departed.