by Translator: Pokka; Author: 我本纯洁 (I Am Pure); Licensed From: Migu
Joy covered the faces of the three Villains.
"Excellent. This time, I only came to take a quick look, but it turns out you're quite fast after all. Haha, I must say, I have good eyes. You guys are going to lose," said Ugly Gambler smugly.
"The location hasn't even been confirmed. We can't call you the winner yet," said Yao Jiaojiao unhappily.
"That's right. We should decide after getting this kid to bring us there," said Smiling Monk.
"Since that's the case, we'll let this kid lead us there," said Ugly Gambler.
"No rush, lords. Please listen to me first. The location is within the Dragon Phoenix Mountain Range, or to be precise, amid an area with thick poisonous miasma. The environment is extremely vile, and not many people can even get there. Therefore, I have no clue what's inside the miasma. What I am sure, however, is that some other people have discovered the place and have their eyes set on it as well," said Xiang Shaoyun.
"What? Has the Dragon Phoenix Academy discovered it?" Ugly Gambler cried out in alarm.
"No, it's someone from the academy who had gotten his own organization to come over and split open the poisonous miasma before occupying the divine site for themselves," said Xiang Shaoyun.
Xiang Shaoyun was telling the truth. As for why, naturally, it was because he wanted to see the three villains fight the Ziling Sect. In any case, he did not care if the place was the actual divine site. The moment something big happened, the academy would find out. Thus, he would have no say in who would ultimately benefit from the divine site.
"Damn it! Is someone actually trying to steal it right under our noses? What are we waiting for? Let's go and check if the divine site is really there!" said Ugly Gambler with a look of impatience.
"I agree. Let's go take a look first. It's not like we will suffer any losses doing so," Smiling Monk agreed.
"Ugly Gambler, don't be in too much of a rush. If those fellows from the Dragon Phoenix Academy find out, nothing will be left for us," reminded Yao Jiaojiao.
"No matter what, we need to first verify the location," said Ugly Gambler.
"Let's go, Little Brother Xiang," said Yao Jiaojiao as she once again wrapped her arms around Xiang Shaoyun's arm.
She had changed her way of addressing Xiang Shaoyun, making it sound even more intimate. Even Xiang Shaoyun was starting to find it unbearable. This woman seemed to be a natural-born vixen whose charm couldn't be rejected.
Inwardly, Xiang Shaoyun grumbled, Just you wait until this overlord's strength surpasses you. I will definitely pounce on you. Let's see if you still have the guts to keep seducing me then.
And thus, Xiang Shaoyun led the three villains into the Dragon Phoenix Mountain Range. Since the three were not members of the Dragon Phoenix Academy, they could only travel through the mountain route.
The Dragon Phoenix Mountain Range was filled with demonic beasts, with many of them living in groups. It was something Xiang Shaoyun knew very well. He had personally suffered much from that during his entrance test.
But with the three villains traveling with him, the journey felt much more relaxed. Along the way, Yao Jiaojiao practically glued herself to him. The constant contact caused his blood to boil, incessantly tempering his willpower. In fact, his willpower was so strong now that even if a beauty was to strip in front of him, he would remain unmoved.
Xiang Shaoyun really didn't know if he should rejoice or feel sad over his experience with her. It was both an enjoyment and a torture. While traveling, he considered many matters as well. His main goal was to spark a conflict between the three villains and the Ziling Sect. Only then would he be able to fish in troubled waters.
A few days later, they finally arrived at the place with thick poisonous miasma. There, the three villains could sense many energy undulations ahead of them.
"Alright. We will scout around before deciding what to do," said Yao Jiaojiao.
"What is there to scout? Just slaughter our way through. I doubt those people will have the guts to mess around with us," said Ugly Gambler with a sneer.
"Ugly Gambler, if you don’t mind the Dragon Phoenix Academy finding out about this place, go ahead and do so," said Yao Jiaojiao resentfully.
"What do you think we should do, then?" Ugly Gambler asked.
"First, we need to verify if this is the place we seek. Then, we need to find out who those people are. Finally, we need to get more information about this poisonous miasma. Only then can we make our move," said Yao Jiaojiao.
"Jiaojiao is right. We can't be too rash. If this is really the divine site, it won't be so easily taken over, anyway," said Smiling Monk.
"Fine, I'll sneak over and take a look," said Ugly Gambler.
"No, let me do that. Men are always bad at that," said Yao Jiaojiao.
She then went behind a tree. By the time she walked out, her appearance had changed completely. She was now a cold and elegant upper-class woman, exuding an imposing presence that made others not dare to meet her gaze.
Inwardly, Xiang Shaoyun lamented, She is indeed worthy of her title, Myriad Face Consort. That was amazing.
Yao Jiaojiao shot Xiang Shaoyun a seductive look before striding ahead, not even bothering to hide.
"Who are you? What are you doing being all sneaky here?" Yao Jiaojiao shouted at the people near the miasma.
Those people were none other than Ren Zhijiu's group from the Ziling Sect. The devouring phosphorous bugs had scared them away a few days prior, and now they were back to figure out a different method of verifying if this was the place they sought. Yao Jiaojiao's appearance gave them a fright. Looking at the cold and haughty wealthy woman, they started wondering if she was an elder from the Dragon Phoenix Academy.
Ren Zhijiu stepped forth. "We are Berserk Blade Hunting Group members, here to hunt demonic beasts. What may we do for you, lord?"
"Hmph! Do you think I'm three years old? Is it possible that a group this strong will be here hunting?" Yao Jiaojiao snorted coldly.
"This is a private affair. We hope you respect it, madam," said Ren Zhijiu with a stern tone. This was too important for them. He did not want words about it to spread, or it would be much harder for them to continue exploring the miasma.
"Hehe, this is the territory of our Dragon Phoenix Academy. Here, outsiders like you are actually acting so smugly? Are you trying to make an enemy out of the Dragon Phoenix Academy?" Yao Jiaojiao sneered.
Chapter 659: I'll Put My Trust in You, Kid
Yao Jiaojiao pretending to be a Dragon Phoenix Academy elder gave the Ziling Sect people a fright. They lacked confidence, and even if some of them suggested taking Yao Jiaojiao down, Ren Zhijiu ignored the suggestion. Instead, he had everyone leave immediately.
He was very clear on how scary the devouring phosphorus poison was. Unless the academy sent their Heaven Battling Realm experts here, nobody would be able to fully explore this place.
Thus, his retreat was, in a way, a strategic step forward. He would first deal with Yao Jiaojiao and wait for the Ziling Sect reinforcements to arrive before deciding on his next course of action. With the departure of the Ziling Sect people, Yao Jiaojiao started observing her surroundings. Soon, she regrouped with Ugly Gambler and Smiling Monk.
"Ahead of us is devouring phosphorus poison miasma. I'm afraid there are even more terrifying poisonous life forms inside as well. It won't be easy for us to search this place," said Yao Jiaojiao.
"Is this actually the place we are looking for? Is there a mistake?" Smiling Monk was doubtful.
Xiang Shaoyun quickly took out the incomplete map he had obtained from Ugly Gambler and said, "This location was found in accordance with this map. I am not sure if this is the actual place."
Ugly Gambler ignored him and said, "Let's go take a look together."
And thus, he took the lead and strode toward the poisonous miasma. At the edge of the miasma, he ignored the poison and walked right into it.
"Has Ugly Gambler gone mad?" Smiling Monk exclaimed in alarm.
They might be strong, but they were no Heaven Battling Realm cultivators. How could they step right into the devouring phosphorus poison miasma?
Yao Jiaojiao said, "This fellow is tight with Old Poison. Perhaps he got some nice treasures that can protect him in this poisonous miasma."
She was correct. In truth, Ugly Gambler had a pill capable of curing all sorts of poisons in his mouth, which was why he had shown no fear toward the poison around him. However, the massive number of devouring phosphorus bugs that had suddenly appeared was tricky even for him.
After two hours, he finally charged out of the miasma and shouted, "Apart from a bunch of bugs, I found nothing. Kid, are you messing with me?"
As he said that, he flashed toward Xiang Shaoyun and gripped his neck, choking him.
"Ugly Gambler, you can't harm my little boyfriend!" Yao Jiaojiao shouted as she sent her palm over. Ugly Gambler did not dare to fall out with Yao Jiaojiao, so he quickly released Xiang Shaoyun before dodging the palm.
"Yao Jiaojiao, don't tell me you have really taken a liking for this kid," grumbled Ugly Gambler.
"That's right. I have taken a liking to him. You can't rough him up as you wish!" answered Yao Jiaojiao.
"Fine, I won't touch him. But if he can't give me an explanation, I will make his life hard," said Ugly Gambler with a sneer.
"Jiaojiao, it's better we investigate this thoroughly. Who knows if this kid is playing a trick on us," advised Smiling Monk.
"I'm not lying. The place you seek is underground, right under the poisonous miasma," said Xiang Shaoyun confidently.
"How can you prove that?" Ugly Gambler asked.
"I sensed it after comprehending the profundity of earth," said Xiang Shaoyun. He couldn't say he had relied on a treasure seeking mouse, as that would create trouble for Shou Xie.
"Hehe, that's it?" Smiling Monk wore an odd smile on his face. It gave Xiang Shaoyun a feeling that all his secrets were exposed. However, he gritted his teeth and insisted, "Yes!"
Right after saying that, he calmed himself and circulated his earth energy, forming a connection with the power of earth beneath him and becoming one with the earth. An unending stream of earth energy poured into his body, and his entire being turned unmovable, as if he had become a boulder, a mountain.
He then vaguely sensed that something ahead of him was cutting off his senses, making it impossible for him to sense the power of earth ahead of him. The three Villains sensed Xiang Shaoyun's change, and astonishment appeared in their eyes.
Evidently, his current condition startled them all. They were all experts whose comprehension on the profundity of powers was no lower than his. In fact, they knew even more than him.
However, when they were his age, not only were they much weaker than him, they also hadn't comprehended the profundity of powers. Apart from that, they could sense that Xiang Shaoyun had a high affinity with the profundity of earth, comparable to their affinity to the profundity of their respective powers.
They couldn't even begin to imagine how it was possible. As a fresh Dragon Ascension Realm cultivator, even if the kid could touch upon the concepts of profundity, he shouldn't be able to reach a level where he could become one with an entire patch of land. That was a feat that should only be possible for those in the Soul Foundation Realm.
They were unaware that in order to train his Havoc Dance, Xiang Shaoyun had gained a profound impression on all powers. And with the help of the Desolation mantra, his comprehension on the different powers had reached an even deeper level. His progress was something nobody could duplicate.
He looked at the three and said, "Beneath the poisonous miasma, I can sense a severance of power. There is really something down there. Coupled with what the map indicates, is it hard to believe that this is the location you seek?"
"Haha, I trust you," said the Ugly Gambler with a smile.
"Let's not wait. We should dig our way through," said Smiling Monk with a look of excitement.
"Were you not listening? There is a severance of power. It is definitely isolated from the world. With our strength, can we really penetrate the isolation? Furthermore, we are not the only ones who have discovered this place. We need to plan this through," said Yao Jiaojiao.
"What do you think we should do, then?" asked the Ugly Gambler.
"We need to get Boss Li and the others here as well. Only then will we stand a chance," proposed Yao Jiaojiao.
"No!" rejected both Ugly Gambler and Smiling Monk at the same time.
Ugly Gambler said, "If Boss Li is here, there won't be anything left for us."
"That's right. We should first try. If we fail, we can then consider other alternatives," said Smiling Monk.
"Fine, since you want to try, go ahead. I will temporarily withdraw," said Yao Jiaojiao decisively.
"Jiaojiao, you won't be going to find Boss Li, right?" asked Smiling Monk, his eyes narrowed.
"Hehe, can't you trust me?" said Yao Jiaojiao with a sneer. "Even if you can't trust me and I really am going to look for Boss Li, I won't be able to return that fast, anyway. You still have enough time to do whatever you want here."
"Since that is the case, Yao Jiaojiao, you watch our backs and keep the other group away. I'll give it a try with Smiling Monk. If we really manage to get anything, you will get your share," said Ugly Gambler.
Chapter 660: These Fellows Are Too Shrewd
"Sure, I can help you with that. But you need to be careful and not create too big of a scene. Otherwise, there won't be anything left for us once the academy finds out," said Yao Jiaojiao.
She then dragged Xiang Shaoyun far away from the two. Ugly Gambler wanted to keep Xiang Shaoyun behind, but he couldn't be bothered anymore. His priority was to investigate the miasma. And then, both he and Smiling Monk worked together to explore the miasma.
Xiang Shaoyun had exhausted all his uses. Thus, he asked Yao Jiaojiao softly, "Big Sister Jiaojiao, can I return to the academy now?"
"Hehe, what's the rush? Are you afraid that your big sister will eat you up?" Yao Jiaojiao smiled, caressed his face, and continued, "Don't worry. Your big sister likes you so much she wouldn't bear to harm you!"
With a bashful look, Xiang Shaoyun replied, "Big sister, you're so kind to me."
"Um. It's good that you know it. Stay obedient, and your big sister won't mistreat you," said Yao Jiaojiao as she shot him a coquettish look before continuing, "Be honest. How had you discovered this place?"
"I have already explained it," Xiang Shaoyun answered.
"Do you think you can lie to me? Although your grasp on the profundity of powers is decent, you have yet to reach a level where you can actually sense that place," said Yao Jiaojiao with a shrewd look in her eyes.
Xiang Shaoyun blanked out slightly before saying, "If I say I had found out about it from that group of people you saw earlier, would you believe me?"
"What do you think?" asked Yao Jiaojiao as she winked her eyes, an innocent look on her face.
Xiang Shaoyun sank into a short silence before a sorrowful look covered his face as he said, "Big Sister Jiaojiao, you don't know this, but I'm mortal enemies with that group."
He then told her his past, and he even exaggerated the story to make it sound even more sorrowful. He was trying to make her believe that he had been paying close attention to the Ziling Sect people all along, looking for a chance of revenge. Surprisingly, the Ziling Sect people had discovered this place, and with the assistance of the incomplete map, he had noticed that this was the place Ugly Gambler was looking for as well.
This version of the explanation was much more believable. Yao Jiaojiao had been looking straight into his eyes all along, before a look of sympathy covered her face as she said, "Little Brother Shaoyun, you are really pitiful. Don't worry. Your big sister will help you with revenge."
She might seem like she had accepted his explanation, but she only trusted half of it. The only thing she was sure of was the fact that this was probably the place they
were looking for.
Meanwhile, Ren Zhijiu's group had concealed themselves not far away. They were unwilling to give up and leave just like that.
"Old Winter, Old Summer, what do you think?" Ren Zhijiu asked.
Here, Old Winter and Old Summer were the sect master's oldest and most trusted aides. Thus, even Ren Zhijiu had to show them respect.
"This is the Dragon Phoenix Academy's territory. The moment anything big happens, they will find out. We need to have a proper plan," said Winter Frost.
Ren Zhijiu cursed inwardly, It's like you didn't say anything.
Summer Flame said, "We won't be able to do anything if we return to the miasma anyway. We need to wait for the experts sent by the sect master. After that, we need to find that place as soon as possible. But if we do that, the sect master will probably lose confidence in us."
The final sentence hit Ren Zhijiu hard. Even before coming, Ren Zhijiu had planned to perform well so he could earn Di Batian's trust. But now, one single Dragon Phoenix Academy member had scared all of them away. If others really discovered that place, how should he face Di Batian?
"Old Summer is right. Also, that Dragon Phoenix Academy elder seems suspicious. If she is really an elder, would she have spared us so easily?" Winter Frost questioned.
"Old Winter, are you saying we have been tricked?" Ren Zhijiu's face sank.
"It's merely a feeling," said Winter Frost with a shrug.
Ren Zhijiu sank into thought before he said, "Let's go back and take another look. We can't let others locate that place before us."
And thus, they headed back to the poisonous miasma. Before long, Yao Jiaojiao sensed their approach. She immediately transmitted a message to Ugly Gambler and Smiling Monk, getting them to leave. Both of them were currently digging a tunnel, trying to locate the divine site through that method.
However, they found that even the ground contained a large amount of devouring phosphorus poison. Furthermore, a lot of devouring phosphorus bugs were living in the ground as well. With the bugs constantly disturbing them, it was hard for them to make any progress. Thus, they retreated the moment they received Yao Jiaojiao's message.