191: Blood Shadow Old Monster

Jun Xiaoyao sat on the black iron chair in the core hall of Beyond Heaven, tapping his fingertips lightly on the armrest, his gaze fixed on the water mirror before him.

The mirror showed the concluding scene of Black Stone Canyon in Mobei: Li Kui's twin axes splitting the last altar stone pillar, Ma Yu's Heart Clearing Incantation purifying the lingering evil qi, and Di Yun using the Divine Illumination Scripture to heal the injured Shadow Group members.

Zhao Gao stood to the side, placing a new ledger on the desk. The cover of the ledger was inscribed with “The Net · Mobei Chapter” in cinnabar.

"Young Lord," Zhao Gao bowed, "The matter in Mobei is concluded. The left ear of the Wolf Tribe leader has been delivered to the Prince of Zhenbei as agreed, and he is very satisfied, adding an extra five thousand taels of gold as a reward.

However..." He paused, turning to a page in the ledger, "Daoist Ma said that although the shaman priest was captured, before dying he shouted 'The Wolf God will have his revenge,' which doesn't sound like ordinary tough talk."

Jun Xiaoyao remained unperturbed, merely taking out a bronze compass from under the desk. The compass needle trembled slightly, pointing northwest—the direction of Mobei. "Wolf God?" He chuckled softly, his fingertip tracing the edge of the compass, "Just some uncivilized superstitions."

As soon as he finished speaking, a faint sound of footsteps came from outside the hall. The Marshal of the Unruly pushed the door open, still carrying the dust and sand of Mobei.

He knelt on one knee, his voice low: "Young Lord, The Net's Shadow Group has withdrawn. That boy Night Owl rendered meritorious service in Black Stone Canyon, personally slaying two Blood Wolf Guards, and his temperament has mellowed somewhat. Your subordinate, as per your instructions, has assigned him to the 'Sharp Group' to be mentored by Di Yun."

"Mm." Jun Xiaoyao responded indifferently, his gaze still on the compass. "What's been happening with The Unruly lately?"

The Marshal of the Unruly looked up, a hint of solemnity flashing in his eyes: "Reporting to Young Lord, the Murong Family in Jiangnan seems to have sensed something. They've been frequently contacting various Sects recently, seemingly trying to form an alliance.

Their scout sent to the West Peak Sword Sect reported that the West Peak Sect Head is in seclusion, reportedly to break through to the Land Immortal Realm, and has handed over Sect affairs to his Eldest Disciple."

The compass under Jun Xiaoyao's fingertips suddenly stopped trembling, its needle pointing firmly southeast—Jiangnan. He raised an eyebrow: "The Murong Family wants to take advantage of the West Peak Sect Head's seclusion to seize the treasure basin?"

"Highly likely." The Marshal of the Unruly added, "Your subordinate found that Murong Fu, the family head of the Murong Family, recently invited a 'Blood Shadow Old Fiend' from the Western Regions. It is said he has already taken half a step into the Land Immortal Realm, is skilled in 'Blood Shadow Escape,' and kills without a trace."

Jun Xiaoyao finally moved his gaze from the compass to the summoning array in the center of the hall. After half a month of rest, the runes of the array glowed faintly golden again. Although its energy had not fully recovered, it was enough for one low-level summon. "It seems we need to add another person." He said to Zhao Gao, "Activate the array."

Zhao Gao responded and stepped forward, dripping a drop of essence blood into the groove of the array's eye. The array was instantly activated, golden light spreading outwards from the array's eye, and a chilling Killing Intent filled the air—a sign that a combat-oriented character was being matched.

[System Notification: Host's request detected, matching Wuxia character skilled in assassination and tracking... Match successful!]

A figure slowly emerged from the golden light, dressed in black tight-fitting clothes, with a black cloth covering his face, revealing only a pair of sharp, eagle-like eyes. A short blade hung at his waist. It was Flying from

[Character Panel Unfolded:

Name: Flying (from the sentimental swordsman, ruthless sword world)

Realm: Grandmaster Initial Stage

Martial Skills and Cultivation Techniques:

1. Fast Sword: Extremely Fast Sword drawing speed, so fast that ordinary people can hardly catch it, once killed three Grandmaster Realm experts in an instant

2. Heart Calming Art: Can maintain a clear mind in chaos, unaffected by external interference, making sword moves more precise

Special Abilities:

- Blood Shadow Tracking: Through the opponent's lingering aura and bloodstains, can pinpoint the target within a thousand li, even if the opponent uses disguise or stealth techniques

- Decisive Sword Intent: Once the sword is drawn, it must be fatal, without the slightest hesitation, suitable for assassination missions

Additional Items:

- Iron Sword (Mortal Weapon): Although the sword body is ordinary, it has developed spirituality under his care, each slash carrying a sharp Sword Intent

- Black Cloth (Special Material): Can isolate one's own aura, making tracking techniques difficult to lock on]

Flying knelt on one knee, his voice cold as ice: "Your subordinate Flying, greets Young Lord."

Jun Xiaoyao nodded slightly: "The Murong Family in Jiangnan has invited the Blood Shadow Old Fiend. You are to go there and keep a close eye on his movements. No need to act, just report his whereabouts."

"Your subordinate obeys." Flying rose, his figure flickered and disappeared outside the hall, leaving only a faint afterimage. His speed was even a few points faster than Di Yun's.

The Marshal of the Unruly looked in the direction Flying disappeared, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes: "Such a Fast Sword is perfect for dealing with Blood Shadow Escape."

Jun Xiaoyao didn't reply, but looked back at the water mirror. The scene in the mirror had switched to the Murong Manor in Jiangnan, where Murong Fu was accompanying an old man in red robes, tasting tea. The old man's face was deeply lined, his fingers thin as kindling—it was the Blood Shadow Old Fiend. The two conversed in low voices, occasionally glancing at a rockery within the manor. The rockery was heavily guarded, clearly indicating that the treasure basin was likely hidden there.

"What kind of person is the Eldest Disciple of the West Peak Sword Sect?" Jun Xiaoyao suddenly asked.

The Marshal of the Unruly immediately replied: "His name is Linghu Chong, the favorite Disciple of the West Peak Sword Sect Leader. His Realm has reached Middle Grandmaster Realm, and he is unrestrained and uninhibited, skilled in the Nine Swords of Dugu. However, he seems to have been confined recently due to some matter."

"Nine Swords of Dugu?" Jun Xiaoyao lightly tapped the armrest of the black iron chair with his fingertip. "Interesting." He looked at Zhao Gao. "Bring the West Peak Sword Sect's dossier."

Zhao Gao quickly brought a blue-covered dossier, which contained detailed information on the West Peak Sword Sect's personnel relationships and recent activities. Jun Xiaoyao turned to Linghu Chong's page, which read: "Linghu Chong, Disciple of Yue Buqun, skilled in the Nine Swords of Dugu, confined to the Cliff of Self-Reflection for associating with a Demonic Cult Elder."

"Demonic Cult Elder?" Jun Xiaoyao chuckled softly. "This temperament is a bit like Flying's." He closed the dossier. "Have The Net's Secret Group approach this Linghu Chong and see if a deal can be made."

The Marshal of the Unruly was startled: "Young Lord intends to...?"

"The West Peak Sword Sect wants to protect the treasure basin, and the Murong Family wants to seize it. We can just reap the benefits." Jun Xiaoyao's gaze fell on the rockery in the water mirror. "It doesn't matter if the treasure basin can truly generate wealth; what's important is that it can stir up chaos in Jiangnan. Only when it's chaotic can we fish in troubled waters."

Zhao Gao added from the side: "Young Lord is brilliant. Your subordinate has already deployed informants from the Shadow Group in Jiangnan. As soon as the Murong Family and the West Peak Sword Sect start fighting, we can seize the opportunity to collect leverage from both sides. Then, whether it's blackmail or cooperation, we will have the final say."

Jun Xiaoyao nodded slightly and looked at the summoning array again. The golden light of the array was dimmer than before, clearly indicating that summoning Flying had consumed a lot of energy. "No need to summon anyone else for now." He said, "Let Flying first probe the Blood Shadow Old Fiend's strength, and we'll observe the situation."

The Marshal of the Unruly bowed in agreement and reported on The Net's recent situation: "The Sharp Group's assassins have become more coordinated after the battle in Mobei, and that boy Night Owl has made the fastest progress, already able to complete Grandmaster Realm assassination missions independently. Di Yun is good at leading people, so entrusting the Sharp Group to him is very suitable."

"Mm." Jun Xiaoyao responded indifferently, his gaze never leaving the water mirror. In the mirror, Murong Fu was leading the Blood Shadow Old Fiend towards the rockery, seemingly to check on the treasure basin. The Blood Shadow Old Fiend extended his withered fingers and lightly pressed on a rock on the rockery. The rockery suddenly made a "cracking" sound, revealing an opening just wide enough for one person to pass through.

"It seems they're getting serious," Zhao Gao whispered.

Jun Xiaoyao said nothing, merely picked up a black chess piece from the desk. The chess piece was made of black iron, with the character "Net" carved on it. He placed the chess piece in front of the water mirror; its shadow perfectly covered the Murong Manor's rockery, as if an invisible net had quietly enveloped the skies above Jiangnan.

At this moment, a hurried footsteps came from outside the hall; it was the Secret Group's liaison. He held a message talisman in his hand and ran in, looking flustered: "Young Lord, this is bad! Flying was discovered while tracking the Blood Shadow Old Fiend; the opponent struck extremely viciously, and Flying suffered some injuries and has retreated to a safe point!"

Jun Xiaoyao's expression remained unchanged, but the black iron chess piece in his fingertips was squeezed tighter: "What is the Blood Shadow Old Fiend's strength?"

The liaison quickly replied: "Flying said that the opponent's Blood Shadow Escape is extremely fast, and he can create Clones. His Fast Sword could only injure the Clones, while the main body remained unharmed. If he hadn't reacted quickly, he would have almost been hit by the Old Fiend's Blood Shadow Needle."

"Blood Shadow Needle?" Jun Xiaoyao's eyebrows subtly arched. "It seems this Old Fiend is more troublesome than we thought." He looked at the Marshal of the Unruly. "Have The Unruly's informants in Jiangnan all move to assist Flying; don't let anything happen to him."

"Your subordinate will go at once!" The Marshal of the Unruly turned and quickly departed.

Jun Xiaoyao looked back at the water mirror. In the mirror, Murong Fu and the Blood Shadow Old Fiend had already entered the rockery cave, and the entrance quickly closed again. He placed the black iron chess piece back on the desk, letting out a soft "clang."

"Zhao Gao," he suddenly said, "how many more times can the summoning array's energy sustain?"

Zhao Gao quickly calculated and replied: "Reporting to Young Lord, it can support one more high-level summon at most. If it's a medium-level summon, there can still be three."

"Save the high-level summon." Jun Xiaoyao said, "First summon someone skilled in detoxification, in case of the Blood Shadow Needle's poison."

Zhao Gao responded and activated the summoning array. This time, the array glowed with a green light, and a refreshing herbal fragrance filled the air.

[System Notification: Host's request detected, matching Wuxia character skilled in detoxification and medical arts... Match successful!]

From the green light emerged an old man in a green robe, carrying a medicine chest, with a benevolent face. It was "Miracle Healer" Yellow Pharmacist from the legend of the condor heroes. Although not renowned for detoxification, he was proficient in pharmacology and had a thorough understanding of various poisons.

[Character Panel Unfolded:

Name: Yellow Pharmacist (from the legend of the condor heroes world)

Realm: Late Stage Great Grandmaster

Martial Skills and Cultivation Techniques:

1. Falling Blossom Divine Sword Palm: The palm wind is fierce, capable of stirring up petals to injure people, and can also use palm force to stimulate medicine, accelerating detoxification

2. Blue Sea Surging Tide Melody: Uses music to disrupt the opponent's mind, and can also soothe the emotions of poisoned individuals, aiding in detoxification

Special Abilities:

- Pharmacology Mastery: Can detoxify over ninety percent of all poisons, especially skilled at deciphering exotic Western Region poisons

- Formation Mastery: Can deploy the "Twenty-Eight Constellations Formation" to trap opponents, buying time for detoxification

Additional Items:

- Medicine Chest (contains various detoxifying herbs, silver needles): Can quickly formulate antidotes

- jade flute (Magical Artifact): Tool for playing the Blue Sea Surging Tide Melody, can also be used as a weapon]

Yellow Pharmacist cupped his hands in greeting, his voice gentle yet carrying a hint of arrogance: "This old man, Yellow Pharmacist, greets Young Lord."

Jun Xiaoyao nodded slightly: "Senior Yellow, Flying may have been hit by the Blood Shadow Old Fiend's Blood Shadow Needle. I trouble you to make a trip to Jiangnan to detoxify him."

Yellow Pharmacist stroked his beard and smiled: "Blood Shadow Needle? That's just a heterodox art from the Western Regions; this old man happens to want to study it." He picked up his medicine chest. "Young Lord, rest assured, with this old man here, that boy will be perfectly safe." With that, his figure flickered and he departed, treading with the Azure Wave Palm Technique, his posture elegant and unrestrained.

Watching Yellow Pharmacist's figure disappear outside the hall, Zhao Gao breathed a sigh of relief: "With Yellow Pharmacist here, Flying is safe now."

Jun Xiaoyao said nothing, merely looking at the rockery cave entrance that had closed again in the water mirror, his fingertips gently tracing circles on the desk. The waters of Jiangnan, it seemed, were about to become thoroughly muddied. Linghu Chong of the West Peak Sword Sect, Murong Fu of the Murong Family, the Blood Shadow Old Fiend, and the injured Flying, plus this suddenly appearing Yellow Pharmacist... this play was getting more and more interesting.

He picked up the black iron chess piece. In the candlelight, the character "Net" on the chess piece gleamed with a cold light. The Net had been cast, just waiting for the fish to swim into it. And he, sitting in this core hall of Beyond Heaven, watched this farce triggered by the treasure basin, patiently waiting for the moment to reel in The Net.

The night outside the hall grew deeper, and the wind from Jiangnan seemed to drift in through the water mirror, carrying a hint of dampness. Jun Xiaoyao picked up the teacup from the desk and took a light sip; the tea was warm, just right for this night of waiting.