Their divine senses brushed in an instant, and the Poison King immediately grasped what had transpired. A chilling glint surfaced in his eyes.
The demonic wind surged into a swirling vortex. Like a serpent gliding through the void, the gu insect wriggled its body with eerie grace and swung around.
At the same time, the demonic wind abruptly darkened. A single bead of black liquid condensed from the gale, bursting in the next breath into a small cloud of black smoke. Sweeping past Master Huaiyin, it surged furiously toward the Daoist nun.
The billowing smoke traveled with astonishing speed, accompanied by a sharp, howling screech.
With the Poison King covering his retreat, Master Huaiyin was freed from immediate danger and quickly broke away from the battlefield.
The Daoist nun had opened her eyes at some point, fixing her gaze upon Master Huaiyin's retreating back. She saw that his helper had arrived, and though the master's aura wavered, he still appeared remarkably vigorous.
Not only had his internal injuries failed to erupt, but pink granulation tissue was sprouting over his wound at a speed visible to the naked eye, as if he were on the verge of complete recovery.
The Daoist nun cast Master Huaiyin a profound look, then closed her eyes once more.
Su Zinan and Qin Sang both cursed under their breath.
The smoke appeared to be aimed at the Daoist nun, but who could guarantee that the Poison King had no sinister intentions? As they closed in on the nun, they were also caught within the strike range of that smoke.
The plume gave off no strange odor and looked rather ordinary, yet given the Poison King's dread reputation, it was bound to be lethal—undoubtedly a form of virulent poison smoke.
Assisted by the Heavenly Eye Butterfly, Qin Sang had the spare attention to observe his surroundings. He noted that the smoke originated from the spirit insect nestled within the demonic wind.
The spirit insect was slender and covered entirely in fine fuzz—a caterpillar.
Such a form was far too common.
Qin Sang could name dozens of similar spirit insects in a heartbeat, making it impossible to identify its exact species on such short notice. Moreover, Ten Thousand Poisons Mountain excelled in raising gu; once subjected to the grueling methods of gu refinement, spirit insects became even more difficult to distinguish.
Even so, the caterpillar's fuzz evoked an immediate sense of familiarity. It bore a striking resemblance to the hair that Ten Thousand Poisons Mountain had given him before, though slight differences remained: this insect's fuzz was finer and lacked the brilliant luster of that single strand.
According to the Master of Seven Fragrances Pavilion, that hair had been taken from the sacred relic of Ten Thousand Poisons Mountain. This spirit insect was almost certainly tied closely to that very relic.
The scar-faced man had been afflicted by the sacred relic's venom and had failed to purge its lingering poison even after a century, attesting to its terrifying virulence. The Poison King's gu insect was likely just as formidable.
Qin Sang dared not act carelessly. Diverting a wisp of his attention, he activated the poison bead and coated his body in a layer of poison-warding armor. With a slight flick of his wrist, the three divine birds beat their wings, taking flight from the tree trunk and converging into one.
The aura of Nanming Primordial Fire clashed against the Nine Lands Metamagnetism.
Magnetic radiance and spiritual fire collided, yet also intermingled, giving rise to soaring plumes of radiant flame around the Sun God Bird—a magnificent spectacle possessed of staggering momentum.
Though Su Zinan made no visible move, his robes billowed outward as another hazy layer of blood light washed over him. Staring at the Daoist nun, his lips moved as he silently incanted.
With his chant, the Death Seal on the nun's chest turned an increasingly vivid crimson, sinking inward inch by inch, poised to engrave itself directly into her vital organs.
At that moment, Qin Sang and Su Zinan saw the Daoist nun close her eyes, as if she had given up the struggle.
*Whoosh!*
Everywhere the Sun God Bird passed, raging flames churned with boundless, terrifying might.
Just as the nun was about to be swallowed by the inferno, Qin Sang's expression shifted drastically. The fissure beside the nun expanded frantically, transforming in an instant into a dark vortex that exerted an endless suction, dragging her plunging downward!
*Rumble!*
The dark vortex was merely the prelude. The Nine Lands Metamagnetism erupted into total chaos, and an astonishing violent force rippled outward at extreme speed as the void gave way!
In a flash, the magnetic light whipped into a tempest. Countless fissures burst into existence within the storm like slithering serpents and giant pythons, shooting in every direction. Both Qin Sang and Su Zinan felt their bodies tense up, realizing upon coming to their senses that they were already encircled by the metamagnetic storm.
The Daoist nun had shattered the divine restriction herself to break free, setting off the rampage of the Nine Lands Metamagnetism.
Qin Sang sighed inwardly. The nun possessed far too many ways to manipulate the Five Elements Divine Restriction, managing to escape even when trapped in an apparent death sentence. Knowing that the chance had passed, Qin Sang withdrew the wisp of divine sense controlling the Sun God Bird.
The Sun God Bird detonated immediately. Spiritual fire surged into the sky, only to be swiftly drowned by the wildly chaotic metamagnetic storm. The Poison King's toxic smoke was likewise shredded and scattered.
Su Zinan also felt the Death Seal slip beyond his control and had no choice but to retract his arts.
Standing at the center of the metamagnetic storm, Qin Sang saw fissures yawning everywhere. Perilous as it was, escaping was not difficult. By riding the currents and choosing a suitable fissure, one could leave the divine restriction behind.
Just then, an uncanny pulling force gripped him, threatening to drag him into one of the tears.
Whether this was the nun's mischief or the natural shifting of the restriction, Qin Sang would never surrender himself to chance. Splitting his attention, he manipulated the mani pearl and vibrated the Astral Fire Cover to resist the suction.
Sweeping his gaze around, his Heavenly Eye ability pierced through the gloom, catching faint glimpses of the scenes beyond the fissures.
The vistas varied: some showed flights of bluestone steps, some carved cliff faces, and some a stretch of wall. Yet the perspective remained consistent—all were clearly the interior of Dishou Mountain, enclosed by the Five Elements Divine Restriction.
Different fissures led to different locations.
The Five Elements Divine Restriction was not a genuine spatial restriction, meaning these locations could not be too far apart.
Older fissures merged into gaping chasms while new ones continually appeared. The locations they revealed were far from static, flickering past like fleeting shadows in rapid succession.
Thoughts raced through Qin Sang's mind, yet he was in no rush to flee. Weaving with great effort through the metamagnetic storm, he shifted his gaze upward.
The treasures blasted away by Master Huaiyin had also been scattered. Already battered from the prior exchange, they were now subjected to the metamagnetic storm's onslaught. The petite jade sword burst into a flash of blinding white light.
Within that white light, the jade sword snapped in two, its spiritual power exhausted, and disintegrated into drifting ash.
Of the two longswords, one had been swept away by the metamagnetic storm to parts unknown, while the other had not drifted far. Yet that had been the sword resting across the dead cultivator's lap, almost certainly her natal spirit sword.
Qin Sang set his sights on the remaining small sword. This one was golden, sturdier than the jade blade, though the light flickering along its length showed that it could not hold out much longer either.
The metamagnetic storm grew more violent by the second, making maneuverability increasingly difficult. Qin Sang hesitated no further, darting toward the golden sword.
*Thump! Thump! Thump!*
The Astral Fire Cover shuddered violently.
Qin Sang pushed his speed another step faster, flitting like a phantom as he brushed past fissure after fissure. Reaching the golden sword, he extended his hand to snatch it.
Right at that moment, a sphere of dark light bounced out from a nearby fissure—none other than the female cultivator's other relic, the black jade treasure box.
The black jade box had originally tumbled into a fissure, but the turbulent magnetic light had unexpectedly knocked it back out.
The seals upon the box were severely damaged, leaving the lid slightly ajar. A spill of milky-white light leaked from within, illuminating an intact spirit pill preserved beneath the residual seals!
It was actually a Boiling Snow Pill!
The pill was useless to the Daoist nun, so she had never swallowed it. She had prepared it as extra bait in case the spirit swords proved insufficient, though she clearly had no use for it now.
The spirit pill was revealed.
Qin Sang was not the only one who spotted it; Su Zinan had seen it as well, and he was even closer!
Su Zinan had just collected one sword and was about to seize the female cultivator's lap sword when he caught sight of the pill. Without the slightest hesitation, he switched targets. Blood light erupted from his palm, condensing into a colossal blood-red hand that swept through the air.
Just as the bloody hand was about to close around the pill, strange chanting resonated abruptly within Su Zinan's mind. His Nascent Soul was struck by a piercing ache, and the hand faltered for a fraction of a breath.
Immediately following, a bolt of celestial thunder struck the pill squarely, blasting it to powder on the spot.
"How dare you!"
Su Zinan's eyes nearly split with fury as he watched the Boiling Snow Pill turn to ashes.
Paying no heed to Su Zinan's rage, Qin Sang retrieved the golden sword and plunged straight into a fissure. Rather than let Su Zinan gain the Boiling Snow Pill, destroying it was far better!
***
At the outer periphery of the metamagnetic storm, Master Huaiyin and the Poison King retreated in rapid succession.
Master Huaiyin possessed an iron will. Neither the enticing relics left by the dead cultivator nor the murderous grudge against the Daoist nun could sway his decision.
He had surged outward without looking back, which was why he had avoided being ensnared by the metamagnetic storm.
Master Huaiyin knew his own condition best. Though one could escape through the fissures in the divine restriction, being cast deeper into the Five Elements Divine Restriction would be disastrous for him in his current state.
The Poison King recalled his gu insect, keeping it at Master Huaiyin's side to guard him.
The two fell back again and again.
Though the interior of the metamagnetic storm was now completely obscured, the Poison King continued to gaze toward it, lost in thought.
"It was this poor monk who grew overconfident and nearly threw his life away here."
Master Huaiyin pressed his palms together and bowed to the Poison King in gratitude.
The Poison King drew back his gaze and accepted the bow. Inquiring further, he learned that Master Huaiyin was determined to leave. After a brief hesitation, he said, "I will escort you down the mountain, Master."
By now, Master Huaiyin's wound had mostly closed. Only a small patch of raw red flesh remained exposed, with no splintered bone or severed vessels visible.
The granulation tissue continued to spread, soon covering the opening completely. A wash of golden light passed over it, leaving the skin entirely restored.
A miraculous feat!
Watching this, the Poison King was shaken by Master Huaiyin's astonishing regenerative power. Yet he also understood that the surface healing was merely an illusion; the monk's core vitality had been heavily damaged and would not recover so easily.
No such heaven-defying technique existed in this world without exacting an appalling price.
Master Huaiyin's aura was already showing signs of decline. The secret art clearly had a strict time limit; otherwise, he would never have retreated so readily.
After some thought, the Poison King decided to personally escort Master Huaiyin down the mountain to earn his goodwill. Having already figured out the inner workings of the sword formation, making a round trip would not take much time anyway.
In this hunt for the scar-faced man, it was only with Master Huaiyin's help that the Poison King had felt confident of success. Now that his powerful ally was gravely wounded, he had to reconsider his plans.
With this favor owed, their relationship would no longer be a matter of pure transaction.
If the scar-faced man managed to escape and he later invited Master Huaiyin to take the field again, could the monk possibly refuse?
Furthermore, the Poison King had drawn inspiration from the Daoist nun.
Dishou Mountain was a murky mire where dragons and fish mingled, with Daoists and demons locked in conflict. He could turn this to his advantage, watching the tigers fight from the mountain heights and biding his time.
Yielding now was, in truth, an advance disguised as a retreat.
Waiting for chaos to engulf the mountain before reaping the harvest was an excellent strategy.
"I trouble Fellow Daoist, then."
Master Huaiyin expressed his regret and made no attempt to decline.
Although the metamagnetic storm had thrown the region into disorder, one could still deduce the exit by gauging the intensity of the Nine Lands Metamagnetism. Fixing their bearings, the two deployed their movement arts.
As they flew, Master Huaiyin recounted every detail of the encounter: "Neither Su Zinan nor the Fire Demon is someone to be taken lightly. The Fire Demon's protective astral shroud carries towering demonic energy, yet secretly harbors Buddhist intention, inexplicably reminding this poor monk of the Buddhist Golden Bell Shield—truly bizarre. As for Su Zinan, though he concealed it deliberately, this poor monk caught the scent of a discordant aura within him, though its origin remains unknown..."
Even in the throes of mortal danger, Master Huaiyin had maintained keen observation in every direction.
He then spoke of the Daoist nun, describing her in meticulous detail and warning the Poison King that she was ruthless and warranted the utmost caution.
The Poison King nodded and asked a few questions in return, focusing primarily on Qin Sang.
In the heat of the moment, the information gathered had naturally been limited, and Master Huaiyin could offer little more.
Under the protection of the Poison King and his gu insect, the female cultivator never made an appearance after all. The two smoothly cleared the Nine Lands Metamagnetism and reached the outer Five Elements Restriction.
Faithful to his word, the Poison King escorted Master Huaiyin all the way out of the Mist Tide Formation.
Stepping beyond the jade gate, both men looked toward the mountain's exterior in unison.
To the east of Dishou Mountain lay what Su Zinan had identified as the Metal Phase Hall and Earth Phase Hall. Fluctuations rippled across their restrictions, indicating that people were actively breaking formations to hunt for treasures.
The commotion to the southwest of Dishou Mountain was even greater.
Far off among the peaks, streaks of escape light flashed continuously. A large contingent of cultivators had already entered the ancient mansion and was hurrying toward the mountain, the vanguard having already covered half the distance.
"Fellow Daoist, please return. Do not let me delay your important affairs."
Master Huaiyin paused in his steps.
The Poison King was worried that the Daoist nun might mount a surprise attack.
Master Huaiyin shook his head, standing tall and proud as he said calmly, "That woman's skills are mediocre at best, relying entirely on the Five Elements Divine Restriction to bolster her might. Should she dare pursue me outside the mountain, this poor monk shall ensure she never returns!"
"Cultivators are gathering outside the Wuxiang Immortal Sect, and factions are arriving in succession. Master might wish to find a safe place nearby to tend to your wounds..."
Seeing his confidence, the Poison King pressed no further and cupped his hands in farewell.
Yet Master Huaiyin had noticed the Poison King's preoccupation along the way and said bluntly, "If Fellow Daoist has something on your mind, you may speak freely."
The Poison King hesitated a moment, then asked, "Does Master believe that Su Zinan and the Fire Demon possess the ability to slay that scoundrel and Old Ghost Qiling?"
Master Huaiyin started slightly, falling into deep thought.
"I too felt it sounded like a fantasy," the Poison King said, shaking his head. "That scoundrel and Old Ghost Qiling are birds of a feather; at the very worst, they wouldn't lose their lives here. Yet after being on the mountain for so long, there is no sign of them. That thief claims to be a successor of the Wuxiang Immortal Sect, but he merely chanced upon a few ancient texts. Could he truly be faster than Daoist Master Zilei and Old Devil Zhu, who are genuine inheritors? Why would he ignore the flawed Metal Divine Restriction and not enter?"
Bright stars had appeared across the sword formation; had the scar-faced man been inside, he couldn't have failed to notice.
"If so... who does Fellow Daoist suspect?" Master Huaiyin asked in return.
"That female cultivator is elusive and holds every geographic advantage, while Su Zinan and Mo Xingdao act in concert—both possibilities exist. However, I believe the Fire Demon warrants close attention as well."
The Poison King beckoned back the gu insect cruising above and gently caressed it. "Earlier, to cover your retreat, Master, I spurred it to breathe out a plume of Spirit-Extinguishing Smoke. Though the toxic smoke was subsequently scattered by the metamagnetic storm and its potency greatly diminished, even Su Zinan had to yield slightly. Yet that Fire Demon appeared quite composed... You should know that the scoundrel's foundation was forged at Ten Thousand Poisons Mountain, and more than half his divine abilities lie in poison arts. If the Fire Demon possessed a method to counter poison arts, it would be equivalent to crippling half his prowess. According to Su Zinan, the thief and Old Ghost Qiling separated; if he provoked the Fire Demon alone, one can well imagine the outcome."
Piece by piece, the clues fell together, drawing the Poison King ever closer to the truth.
Hearing this, Master Huaiyin shook his head. "These are all Fellow Daoist's conjectures."
"Indeed, they are my conjectures, but not wild fantasies. They can be proven later."
Storing his gu insect, the Poison King took his leave of Master Huaiyin and turned back up the mountain.
***
Qin Sang and Su Zinan had been cast out of the Five Elements Divine Restriction.
The Poison King and Master Huaiyin had descended the mountain.
Only Mo Xingdao remained behind in the Nine Lands Metamagnetism.
Waiting outside, he had soon sensed the eruption of the Nine Lands Metamagnetism and deduced a fierce battle was underway within.
Having no desire to wade into muddy waters, Mo Xingdao had retreated repeatedly.
After waiting for some time, the metamagnetic storm peaked and began to subside, yet Su Zinan had still not emerged. Noticing the fissures within the storm, Mo Xingdao surmised that Su Zinan would not die so easily and had likely already passed through.
Pondering briefly, he retraced his steps to the Seven Mansions Divisive Field Sword Formation, located its hub, and crossed through the Five Elements Divine Restriction.
Chapter 1662