Chapter 99: Chapter 82: Fish Dragon Hundred Transformations Spirit Technique, an Upper Cultivator’s Bone-Chilling Methods

’The hierarchy of a Demon Dao Dharma Lineage truly is strict, a fact ingrained deep in the heart.’

Jiang Yi recalled his Grandpa’s frequent words: in Cultivation, there have only ever been three realms—ant, fellow Daoist, and senior.

Now, it seemed that between the Outer Sect and the Inner Peak, there were also only two statuses: junior brother and senior brother.

As his thoughts raced, he gave a cold glance at the Qi Gong Institute Daoist, who was bowing and repeatedly apologizing, and said in a solemn voice,

“Senior Brother Xiao is a close friend of mine. If you dare give him trouble again, you will suffer the consequences!”

The Qi Gong Institute Daoist hurriedly bowed and scraped.

“I understand! I understand! I will be sure to take it to heart!”

Jiang Yi dismissed the Daoist with a sharp word and turned to Xiao Tongquan, his tone softening as he spoke.

“I’ve invited Junior Sister Li to meet at Heshui Cave today. Would Senior Brother Xiao care to join us?”

Having just learned from Xu Yan that Jiang Yi had already broken through to the Qi Cultivation Fifth Layer and secured a spot as a supplementary Inner Peak Disciple, Xiao Tongquan’s heart was filled with a mixture of emotions too complex to describe.

He had damaged his Brain God when opening his Primordial Gate, an injury that would not heal for several years. His Cultivation had stagnated ever since, and he might never have another chance to ascend to the Inner Peak.

Jiang Yi, on the other hand, had been advancing by leaps and bounds, progressing with fierce determination.

Recalling the vast difference in their status when they first met, he was struck by how unpredictable life was, and how much circumstances could change.

“I won’t disturb you, Senior Brother Jiang, nor will I spoil Junior Sister Li’s mood. She might not want to see me.”

Xiao Tongquan cupped his hands in a salute, his voice tinged with a hint of desolation.

“I will await the good news of Senior Brother Jiang’s promotion to the Inner Peak next spring.”

With that, his figure slowly vanished from outside the Qi Gong Institute.

’Opening the Primordial Gate shouldn’t be this dangerous, logically speaking.’

Jiang Yi lowered his eyes, his thoughts turning inward.

’Senior Brother Xiao reached the Qi Cultivation Fifth Layer long ago, but he was delayed on the crucial step, ultimately failing when success was within his grasp… I’m afraid there’s something strange hidden in all this.’

Jiang Yi lowered his eyes again, put the thought aside, and considered the short interlude over.

He went to Heshui Cave alone, not expecting that Li Ruohan had already arrived. She had not only booked a private room but was also already seated and waiting.

“Senior Brother Jiang!”

Seeing Jiang Yi push the door open and enter, Li Ruohan’s eyes curved into crescents as a smile played on her lips.

“I figured you’d be arriving around now, Senior Brother. The Spirit Tea was just brewed; it’s still hot.”

After Jiang Yi sat down, Li Ruohan lifted the teapot, her slender hands pouring a cup with the grace of flowing water as she said softly,

“The Snow-Capped Jade from Heshui Cave is especially refreshing. I thought you must be tired from your trip down the mountain, Senior Brother, and would need something to soothe your throat.”

The scions of the Village Clan Direct Lineages had always been a mixed bag. There were good-for-nothings like Lu Xuan, and then there were perceptive women like Li Ruohan, whose social graces were flawless.

Jiang Yi smiled and nodded.

“I was supposed to be the host, but instead, I’m being treated by my Junior Sister.”

Li Ruohan’s bright eyes kept studying Jiang Yi’s face. The steam from the tea rose between them, softening the features of their faces.

She suddenly spoke.

“Senior Brother Jiang, it seems your Cultivation has advanced again?”

“After a long period of Cultivation, I had a small epiphany. It was also thanks to Marshal Yang’s dedicated nurturing. In any case, I smoothly broke through to the Qi Cultivation Fifth Layer.”

Jiang Yi’s tone held a hint of the pride appropriate for a young man. To have such a Cultivation at his age, it was only natural to be high-spirited.

“So Senior Brother Jiang really has reached the Qi Cultivation Fifth Layer.”

Li Ruohan said admiringly. She had just sensed a Spiritual Light emanating from him, like a lustrous, beautiful jade. His eyes were as bright as stars, and his bearing was even more impressive than before he had left the mountain.

“I imagine you have also opened your Primordial Gate and established your Inner Mansion, Senior Brother?”

Jiang Yi answered frankly,

“All in one go, without any delay.”

’How incredible!’

A trace of genuine envy appeared in Li Ruohan’s eyes.

This Senior Brother Jiang came from the most ordinary background, yet his Cultivation was rising extremely fast, as if he were strapped to a rocket.

How long had it been? He had successively passed the thresholds of the Fourth and Fifth Layers and was now in a position to become an Inner Peak Disciple. It was truly admirable.

She immediately picked up her teacup with both hands and said with a smile, “Then let me use tea in place of wine to toast you, Senior Brother. Congratulations!”

The two chatted for a bit before Jiang Yi subtly steered the conversation toward Xiao Tongquan.

Li Ruohan was a daughter of the Bo County Li Clan, so she was likely well-informed and perhaps knew more of the details.

“It’s truly a shame about Senior Brother Xiao. From the rumors I’ve heard, he was harmed by a treacherous person close to him, which is what caused the error when he was opening his Primordial Gate.”

Li Ruohan’s opening remark immediately piqued Jiang Yi’s interest.

“Could there be a hidden story behind it?”

It’s human nature to enjoy gossip and watch drama unfold; no one is an exception.

Li Ruohan pondered for a moment, then lowered her voice slightly.

“Senior Brother Jiang must also be aware that Senior Brother Xiao is a descendant of the former dynasty’s Royal Family. The Zhao Country previously destroyed the Sheng Country, establishing its own dynasty.

The Sheng Country had existed by relying on the Cyan Demon Sect’s Dharma Lineage. Later, when the Cyan Demon Sect was absorbed by the True Gu Sect, the Sheng Country was destroyed along with it.”

Jiang Yi raised an eyebrow. In a world ruled by the Demon Dao, with its multitude of Dharma Lineages, mortal dynasties were like vines and leaves clinging to a towering tree.

As the saying goes: if the skin is gone, what can the hair attach to?

When the Cyan Demon Sect was carved up, the Sheng Country was naturally usurped as well.

“What does this have to do with Senior Brother Xiao? He has already joined the Qianji Sect and is determined to enter the Inner Peak.

From now on, he is a Cultivator, with all his past mortal ties severed. Who would still care about…”

Li Ruohan shook her head and explained patiently,

“There’s something you don’t know, Senior Brother. The Cyan Demon Sect violated a prohibition and was thus punished. The Upper Cultivators elevated the True Gu Sect, promoting it to a Branch Sect Dharma Lineage.

According to rumor, the Sheng Country’s Royal Family often sent its clan members to join the Cyan Demon Sect to practice their Techniques.

After the Cyan Demon Sect fell, the True Gu Sect captured many descendants of the Royal Family to serve as Mortal Servants. It seems they wanted to refine some ’Great Luck Gu.’ They wasted decades on it without achieving anything.”

Jiang Yi listened intently, and a picture began to form in his mind. He seemed to understand why Xiao Tongquan had suffered such a calamity.

“Could it be that Senior Brother Xiao was targeted by a certain Upper Cultivator from the True Gu Sect?”

Li Ruohan nodded lightly.

“Your guess is correct, Senior Brother. Senior Brother Xiao had a loyal old servant by his side who claimed to have served three generations of the Xiao Family. All of his daily cultivation resources were gathered by this old servant. Even the secret Technique for opening the Primordial Gate was given to him by this servant.”

Jiang Yi picked up the conversation.

“I’m afraid that man was planted there by the True Gu Sect, wasn’t he?”

“Exactly.”

Li Ruohan nodded again and sighed. Amidst her sorrow, there was also a palpable fear of the Upper Cultivators.

“It turns out that the Technique Senior Brother Xiao was cultivating was actually the True Gu Sect’s *Fish Dragon Hundred Transformations Spirit Technique*. It wasn’t a proper Qi Cultivation Method at all, but a Gu Refining Skill.

And it wasn’t just him; several generations of his ancestors were the same.

Some were taken away after they reached the Qi Cultivation Fifth Layer; others with slightly better talent were permitted to cultivate to the Qi Cultivation Eighth Layer… An elder from my clan informed me of these secrets in a letter just a few days ago. He also specifically warned me to stay far away from Senior Brother Xiao.”

’No wonder Xiao Tongquan felt that Li Ruohan was distancing herself from him and saw it as a sign of the world’s cold indifference…’

Jiang Yi’s heart trembled, and a chill ran through him.

’These Upper Cultivators truly devour people without a trace. If reaching the Qi Cultivation Twelfth Layer only to become a Daoist Can is akin to being refined into Medicinal Materials, then that unknown Upper Cultivator from the True Gu Sect was secretly raising the Xiao Royal Family like pigs and dogs in a pen.’

“I suspect that Senior Brother Xiao’s failure to open his Primordial Gate was most likely due to the *Fish Dragon Hundred Transformations Spirit Technique*. As for the specific reason, there’s no way to know.”

Jiang Yi picked up his teacup and took another sip of hot tea, suppressing the myriad dark thoughts swirling in his eyes.

’And to think I once envied Xiao Tongquan for his abundant resources and smooth Cultivation. Now, those so-called “advantages” were nothing more than the “investment” used to fatten up a pig for slaughter.’

Jiang Yi put down his teacup and said,

“I remember that Elder Xu from the Inner Peak Skill Transmission Institute quite admired Senior Brother Xiao?”

Li Ruohan said helplessly,

“How could Elder Xu, just because he cherishes talent, offend a powerful figure from the True Gu Sect?

Instead, I heard that Senior Brother Xiao is being sent to work in the Marketplace next year…”

Jiang Yi fell silent. This assignment to the Marketplace was likely his final journey.

’This damned Demon Dao Dharma Lineage! None of these Upper Cultivators are even human!’

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep