Chapter 165: Chapter 157: Dao Heart

Before coming this time, the upper echelons of the Hundred Beasts Mountain had analyzed for a long time and unanimously believed that the actions of the Lingshan Sword Immortal at the Qishan Market back then were just on a whim.

It’s just like a mortal seeing a stray dog on the side of the road and might throw a bun to it when in a good mood.

Can you say that this person cares about that stray dog?

It was precisely because of this conjecture that the Hundred Beasts Mountain dared to take action against Shen Wen’an.

On one hand, Shen Wen’an crossed Hidden Dragon Mountain and entered the area controlled by Hundred Beasts Mountain, which was provocation and an affront to the dignity of Hundred Beasts Mountain.

On the other hand, their chief disciple Yang Xun obtained confirmed news from that pack of wolves that the disciples from Cyan Ox Peak of Hundred Beasts Mountain died in the mountain range controlled by the Shen Family.

When Hundred Beasts Mountain requested to search, the Shen Family dragged in Qiyun Valley and Luoxia Mountain along with other Immortal Sects to obstruct them in every way possible.

This led Hundred Beasts Mountain to suspect that the disciples from Cyan Ox Peak most likely perished at the hands of Shen Wen’an.

Hundred Beasts Mountain always acted domineeringly, and often a mere suspicion was enough for the strong to take action.

With animosity both old and new, Hundred Beasts Mountain intended to use Shen Wen’an to exert influence and let the Immortal Sects at Qishan witness.

It didn’t matter even if there was a Sword Immortal protecting them; if one dared to provoke Hundred Beasts Mountain, they would still be ruthlessly slain!

But now that Pei Zhao said so, the Old Ape became indecisive in his heart.

The older one gets, the more they cherish life, and the more they become suspicious, which is a common trait among many creatures.

This Old Ape was no different, possessing both self-preservation and suspicion.

Just like the previous speculation, the stray dog was merely fed by the person when in a good mood, and the person might have long forgotten.

But who can guarantee that one day, if that person passes by again and remembers the stray dog they once fed, and upon inquiry, finds out that the dog was bitten to death by another group of stray dogs?

And coincidentally, if the person is in a bad mood, they might just vent their displeasure on that group of stray dogs.

That person is a Sword Immortal.

Though a young Sword Immortal who rose to prominence not long ago, they were still not someone Hundred Beasts Mountain could withstand.

Moreover, they had the Cyan Ruo Sword Sect backing them.

If the younger ones suffered, the elders would step in; by then, the entire Hundred Beasts Mountain might be flattened.

Seeing the old ape’s fluctuating expression, Pei Zhao was also extremely anxious in his heart.

He had no idea what the Lingshan Sword Immortal was thinking, he was merely betting on the Old Ape’s fear of death.

“Hehe…”

After mulling over it for a long time, the Old Ape seemed to have figured something out and let out a faint smile.

“The grudge between this child and our Hundred Beasts Mountain cannot be resolved just with a few words from you.”

“What does the senior intend to do?” Pei Zhao hurriedly asked.

He was prepared in his heart, if possible, he was willing to take out some of his own savings to compensate Hundred Beasts Mountain, as long as the conflict between them could be resolved.

A trace of cunning flashed in the Old Ape’s eyes as he sneered: “Simple.”

“That boy is just a junior. If our Hundred Beasts Mountain were to send Fetal Breathing Realm experts against him, it would indeed be bullying the weak and wouldn’t be honorable.”

“Old Ape, I heard that when you first entered Yangnao Land, you made a verbal agreement that no Fetal Breathing Realm cultivators would interfere in the matters of Yangnao Land?”

Upon hearing this, Pei Zhao furrowed his brows tightly.

This agreement indeed existed, but the Old Ape mentioning it…

“Since an agreement was made, it should be adhered to.”

“Today, on behalf of Hundred Beasts Mountain, I am declaring that as long as that boy refrains from acting, our Fetal Breathing Realm experts will not make a move again.”

“If that boy continues to act recklessly, I really want to see how much the Lingshan Sword Immortal cares about him!”

As Old Ape spoke, a flash of light appeared in his hand, and he took out a Communication Stone, issuing a command to the strong ones of Hundred Beasts Mountain in Yangnao Land.

Even though Pei Zhao still had doubts in his heart, having such a resolution at least ensured Shen Wen’an’s survival.

“Thank you, senior.”

He cupped his hands towards the Old Ape and then added, “Since the senior has decided, could you allow me to pass through to Yangnao Land to advise that boy?”

The Old Ape pondered for a moment and then nodded: “You may.”

Seeing his agreement, Pei Zhao quickly turned around and cupped his hands towards Qu Heng and the other two behind him, saying, “I must trouble the three fellow Daoists this time. Upon my return from Yangnao Land, I will personally visit to express my gratitude.”

Qu Heng and the other two returned the gesture, only saying that the three of them didn’t really provide much help. Since the crisis had been resolved, they wouldn’t follow to Yangnao Land.

After bidding farewell to the three, Pei Zhao immediately flew towards the barrier.

Not long after he left, a flash of light appeared on the barrier in front of him, and the bamboo pole old man from Hundred Beasts Mountain appeared before the Old Ape.

The bamboo pole old man had a sinister scar on his face, one eye split down the middle, and his aura seemed somewhat weak.

Seeing his current state, the Old Ape frowned deeply.

“The few of you joined forces, and yet were injured by that boy like this?”

Feeling somewhat embarrassed, the bamboo pole old man cupped his hands: “Forgive me, Ancestor, though that boy is only newly entered into the Fetal Breathing realm, his attainment in the Sword Dao is exceptionally deep.”

“The four of us joined forces, and although we heavily injured him, we each suffered significant injuries in return.”

After speaking, a hint of hesitation flashed across the bamboo pole old man’s face, but he gritted his teeth, gathered his courage, and continued: “If this child is not eliminated, he will undoubtedly be a great threat to our Hundred Beasts Mountain in the future. Why did the Ancestor suddenly order us to let him go?”

Standing up from the giant rock, the Old Ape laughed scornfully:

“You need to use your brain more when doing things. Destroying a genius doesn’t only mean killing him.”

“I just said the Fetal Breathing realm can’t make a move, but there’s no such restriction on other matters.”

“There’s such a large number of Barbarian Race people under the control of Hundred Beasts Mountain in the Western Wilderness, how many does the Shen Family have?”

“This child’s cultivation improves too quickly, which isn’t necessarily a good thing. For someone like him who values family ties, if those he cares about all die, he won’t need us to take action; he’ll naturally succumb to his Heart Demon.”

“For cultivators like him, destroying his Dao Heart is easier than killing him.”

Upon hearing this, a gleam of delight flashed in the bamboo pole old man’s single eye, and then he smiled as he cupped his hands: “The Ancestor’s plan is indeed brilliant!”

The Old Ape snorted coldly and waved his hand.

“Less flattery, focus more on your cultivation.”

“If you had the strength, killing that boy today would be as easy as squashing an ant, so why the hassle?”

After saying this, his figure flashed and disappeared instantly from the spot.

The bamboo pole old man thought for a moment and then returned to Yangnao Land.

Hidden Dragon Mountain.

A stream of light flickered and drifted from the direction of the prairie, crossing the mountains, flying toward the Black Water Pool.

Within that stream of light, Shen Wen’an was directing his sword, his face somewhat pale, and blood continuously oozing from the corner of his mouth, as if he might fall off the Dragon-Slaying Magical Sword at any moment.

As he saw the manor at Black Water Pool drawing closer, Shen Wen’an wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and bit his teeth to persist, directly rushing into the Black Water Pavilion.

Thud!

Inside Black Water Pavilion, Shen Yuan sat quietly on the first floor, with a look of reminiscence and worry, gazing at the sparkling pond water outside the window.

The surrounding array suddenly fluctuated, followed by the sound of a heavy object falling overhead from the second floor.

Awakening from his memories, he hurried to the second floor.

He saw Shen Wen’an slowly getting up from the ground, trying to sit cross-legged on the mat.

“Wen’an.”

Shen Yuan, seeing this, hurried forward to help him up.

“Father, I’m fine.”

Shen Wen’an squeezed out a faint smile and said, “The Alai Gu Tribe of the Barbarian Race in the battle with the several Fetal Breathing Realm experts from Hundred Beasts Mountain were almost completely wiped out.”

“Among the four from Hundred Beasts Mountain, two were severely injured by me; I’m just exhausted.”

What he said was the truth.

Having just entered the Fetal Breathing Realm, facing four mid-stage Fetal Breathing powerhouses, not to mention anything else, even the spiritual power accumulated in his body was far less than theirs.

Those old fellows from Hundred Beasts Mountain all realized this, unwilling to face him head-on, intent only on exhausting him to death.

Upon hearing this, Shen Yuan immediately retrieved the copper pot from the third floor, pouring out two drops of spiritual liquid.

“Take this spiritual liquid.”

Shen Wen’an took the jade cup, drank the spiritual liquid inside, and began to refine and absorb it.

Looking at the bloodstains on his clothes and his somewhat pale face, Shen Yuan sighed.

“Wen’an, you’ve endured so much…”

Although Huang Qingzhou’s death dealt him a great blow, it did not completely cloud his judgment.

The reason for sending Shen Wen’an to the Western Wilderness was mainly to show the Shen Family’s stance to other forces.

The father-in-law of the prestigious patriarch was killed; if the Shen Family remained silent, other forces would certainly look down on them.

On the other hand, it was also to signal the affiliated clans under their command.

To let them understand that the Shen Family values every meritorious person.

Shen Wen’an said nothing, but as the spiritual liquid in his body was gradually refined, his chaotic aura also steadily calmed.

The array of the Black Water Pavilion was triggered once more.

Shen Yuan returned to his senses, and as he reached the first floor, Shen Chongming was just walking in.

The young boy’s face still carried traces of sadness, evidently not yet recovered from Huang Qingzhou’s death.

“Grandfather, has Third Uncle returned?”

“Your third uncle has sustained some injuries; do not disturb him.”

Shen Chongming nodded, saying, “Dean Pei of Qiyun Valley has come, and Father asked me to fetch you.”

“Oh?” Shen Yuan was somewhat surprised and immediately said, “Grandfather will go over first; you stay here and keep watch.”

Upon returning home from the Black Water Pavilion, in the room, Shen Wenxing was having tea with Pei Zhao.

Shen Yuan entered the room, slightly cupped his hands, and said, “Immortal Master Pei.”

Pei Zhao stood up and returned the salute, saying, “Brother Shen is Wen’an’s father; Pei is Wen’an’s master. Let us address each other as brothers.”

Shen Yuan nodded, “Please, Brother Pei, have a seat.”

After the two sat down, Pei Zhao asked, “Has Wen’an… returned?”

Shen Yuan nodded, “He just returned, sustained some injuries, and is currently meditating to recover.”

“It’s good he returned, it’s good he returned…” Pei Zhao secretly breathed a sigh of relief, fearing that his disciple might perish at the hands of the Fetal Breathing Realm experts of Hundred Beasts Mountain.

“Upon receiving the news, Pei and several Taoist friends from the Vajra Sect and Luoxia Mountain intended to come to support immediately.”

“Who would have expected to be blocked by the ancestor of Hundred Beasts Mountain at the barrier between Danzhou and Yangnao Land.”

“It was an old monster at the Pseudo Pill Realm; the four of us could do nothing against it.”

Pei Zhao spoke wryly.

Pseudo Pill Realm…

Shen Yuan’s face was grave, “Brother Pei and the other Taoists, were you injured?”

Pei Zhao shook his head slightly, “We’re not seriously hurt; fortunately, that old fiend was suspicious and was scared off by Pei’s words, prompting a retreat.”

“He promised that as long as Wen’an doesn’t make a move, the Fetal Breathing Realm experts of Hundred Beasts Mountain won’t either.”

“If Wen’an makes another move, Hundred Beasts Mountain would probably risk eliminating him, so…”

Shen Yuan understood his implication and nodded, “This time, Shen acted impulsively, driven by the anger over an old brother’s death, the rage was hard to suppress…”

Pei Zhao sighed, “Pei understands, we cultivators may have stepped onto the path of the Immortal Dao, but we’re still human in the end.”

“As humans, naturally, we have emotions and desires; Brother Shen’s actions are understandable.”

“Brother Shen.” Pei Zhao looked gravely at Shen Yuan, “I’ve always thought that it’s suspiciously easy for those in Hundred Beasts Mountain to compromise; they must have another scheme.”

“I haven’t figured it out on my way here, so I can only remind you to be more cautious in the future.”

“The Shen Family has already forged enmity with Hundred Beasts Mountain, and given their domineering nature, they would never allow Wen’an to grow and become a threat to them.”

“Although the Shen Family manor has already been fortified with the Golden Light Array, for safety, Pei will later set up some additional arrays.”

“Not expecting them to be very powerful, but at least ensure the safety of the Shen Family members.”

Shen Yuan and Shen Wenxing repeatedly cupped their hands in gratitude upon hearing this.

Pei Zhao waved his hand.

“This is all Pei can do; the rest will have to be borne by the Shen Family themselves.”

After some chitchat, Pei Zhao did not waste any time and took out some array banners and materials, setting up an illusion array and an offensive and defensive combined array over the entire Black Water Pond Manor.

Shen Wen’an never awoke from his cultivation, so Pei Zhao did not wait any longer and left the manor directly.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep