Translator: CinderTL
Yuanrong glanced at Daoist Monarch Yongcheng, his keen eyes easily detecting the burning desire hidden deep within the other man's gaze.
Yet Yuanrong himself was not unmoved.
The Life-Replenishing Fruit, a legendary spiritual object said to extend one's lifespan by three thousand six hundred years, was a treasure beyond measure. Even if he didn't consume it himself, he could trade it for other rare spiritual objects he needed.
"Fellow Daoist Yongcheng, we must not underestimate this matter," Yuanrong cautioned. "While the two Eighth-Tier Azure Foxes guarding the forbidden territory pose little threat, remember that the Azure Jade Fox Clan has four more Eighth-Tier Azure Foxes. If we engage the two foxes in the forbidden territory, it will inevitably alert the other four Eighth-Tier demon beasts. The Azure Jade Fox Clan's stronghold is less than thirty thousand li from the forbidden territory, meaning the four Eighth-Tier foxes could arrive swiftly. We would then find ourselves surrounded by six Eighth-Tier demon beasts."
Previous captives from the Azure Fox Clan had revealed that the two foxes guarding the forbidden territory had only recently advanced to the eighth-tier, within the past one or two thousand years. Their strength was likely still relatively weak.
This was why Yuanrong had said, "The two Eighth-Tier Azure Foxes guarding the forbidden territory are nothing to fear." However, among the four Eighth-Tier powerhouses stationed at the Azure Jade Fox Clan's stronghold, three had reached the late stage of the eighth-tier. Moreover, as descendants of divine beasts, the Azure Jade Fox Clan possessed formidable strength. If Yuanrong and Daoist Monarch Yongcheng were truly surrounded by six Eighth-Tier Azure Foxes, their chances of survival would be slim.
"We must resolve this quickly," Yuanrong added. "Retrieve the item and leave immediately. We can't afford to be entangled by the two Eighth-Tier Azure Foxes in the forbidden territory."
Daoist Monarch Yongcheng suggested, "Actually... we could seize this opportunity to capture an Eighth-Tier Azure Fox alive. We currently know nothing about this continent. But Eighth-Tier Azure Foxes possess extraordinary intelligence, immense power, and long lifespans. They must have extensive knowledge of this land."
A glint flashed in Yuanrong's eyes.
Daoist Monarch Yongcheng's suggestion had merit, but the risks were considerable.
"If we're going to capture an Eighth-Tier Azure Fox alive, we need to plan carefully," Yuanrong said. "Ideally, we should first ascertain the movements of the four Eighth-Tier Azure Foxes stationed at the Azure Jade Fox Clan's stronghold. Whether we succeed or fail, we must leave the forbidden territory before they arrive."
"This matter isn't too difficult," Daoist Monarch Yongcheng interjected. "We simply need to station someone between the Azure Fox Clan's encampment and the forbidden territory. As soon as those four Eighth-Tier Azure Foxes appear, they can send an immediate warning signal. Upon seeing the signal, you and I will immediately withdraw from the forbidden territory."
Yuanrong nodded slightly. "This plan is feasible. However, we must select a particularly astute individual for the warning duty."
Daoist Monarch Yongcheng's gaze naturally fell upon Song Wen.
"When it comes to astuteness, none of us can compare to Ji Yin," he remarked.
They had all personally witnessed how Song Wen had gradually approached the Azure Fox Clan's forbidden territory and how he had infiltrated the area with Gu insects for reconnaissance. Throughout this operation, he had not only avoided detection by any azure fox, but even the two Eighth-Tier Demonic Beasts within the forbidden territory remained completely unaware of his presence.
Though the task seemed simple on the surface, it was actually quite challenging. Daoist Monarch Yongcheng privately admitted that even with his body integration cultivation level, he would have struggled to accomplish such a feat.
"Ji Yin is indeed an excellent candidate..." Yuanrong's eyes gleamed with thoughtful consideration.
After a moment of contemplation, he suddenly called out in a deep voice, "Shangguan Ren."
Startled by his ancestor's sudden summons, Shangguan Ren responded hastily, though somewhat bewildered.
"Ancestor, what instructions do you have for this disciple?"
"You will accompany Ji Yin," Yuanrong said. "Follow his orders in all matters."
Shangguan Ren froze, a flicker of unease crossing his face.
This assignment is far from easy!
They were tasked with monitoring four Eighth-Tier Demonic Beasts, whose strength rivaled that of Great Ascension Stage cultivators. Moreover, they had to send a warning signal the moment these beasts appeared, which meant deliberately exposing their positions. A mere flick of the paw from any of these Eighth-Tier Demonic Beasts would be enough to annihilate them.
Yuanrong observed Shangguan Ren's reaction without comment. Monitoring the four Eighth-Tier Azure Foxes was a matter of life and death, and he couldn't entrust it to just anyone. Shangguan Ren was one of the few he still trusted, at least partially.
Yuanrong produced two dark azure jade talismans, handing one each to Song Wen and Shangguan Ren.
"By channeling a wisp of spiritual power into these talismans, you can activate a soaring azure rainbow visible even from a hundred thousand li away. The moment you detect any Eighth-Tier Azure Foxes approaching the forbidden territory, activate the talismans immediately, then retreat."
Song Wen clutched the talisman, his hand trembling slightly as if holding a burning ember.
Shangguan Ren understood the danger all too well. How could he not?
However, this was merely a facade.
Yuanrong's arrangements perfectly aligned with his own intentions.
No!
He should also thank Daoist Monarch Yongcheng.
It was Daoist Monarch Yongcheng who first proposed capturing an Eighth-Tier Azure Fox alive, and who suggested that Song Wen serve as the warning messenger.
Yuanrong's decision to send Shangguan Ren along clearly showed his distrust, assigning someone to monitor Song Wen.
This demonstrated that Yuanrong's caution far exceeded Daoist Monarch Yongcheng's.
Yet Yuanrong's prudence ran even deeper than Song Wen imagined. Perhaps fearing that Shangguan Ren, facing certain death on this mission, might not perform his duties diligently, Yuanrong produced a silver talisman and handed it to him.
"This is a teleportation talisman, an extremely rare and precious artifact. I bestow it upon you for self-defense. Activating this talisman will instantly transport you ten thousand miles away, leaving no trace of your aura, making it impossible to track you. Even if pursued by an Eighth-Tier Azure Fox, this talisman will ensure your escape."
"Thank you, Ancestor, for this precious gift," Shangguan Ren said, his heart filled with relief as he gratefully accepted the talisman from Yuanrong.
Seeing Yuanrong's meticulous preparations, Daoist Monarch Yongcheng suddenly felt compelled to contribute.
He turned his gaze toward Tian Ming, who stood behind him.
"Tian Ming, you'll go with them too," he said, pulling out an earth-yellow talisman and handing it to her.
"This is a seventh-tier Earth Evasion Talisman. If the Eighth-Tier Azure Fox attacks you, activate it to burrow deep underground and escape. It will take you two thousand miles beneath the surface. Such a thick layer of rock would be difficult for even a Great Ascension Stage cultivator to breach, let alone a demon fox that relies solely on brute force. With a bit of wit, your escape is assured."
"Yes, Ancestor," Tian Ming replied crisply, accepting the talisman.
With a seventh-tier Earth Evasion Talisman for protection, the mission's risks were indeed minimal.
"Senior... Seniors..." Song Wen suddenly spoke up, his eyes filled with a mix of anticipation and unease. "Could you also grant this junior a life-saving artifact?"
"Hmph..." Daoist Monarch Yongcheng let out a cold snort, glancing dismissively at Song Wen without a word, as if his request were utterly delusional.
Yuanrong, however, fixed Song Wen with piercing, beautiful eyes, remaining silent as if weighing his options.
Suddenly, a chilling sword intent erupted from Yuanrong's body.
He formed a sword gesture with his fingers, and a tangible, transparent Sword Qi shot forth from his fingertips like a soaring dragon, instantly piercing Song Wen's abdomen.
The Sword Qi caused Song Wen no harm, merely lodging itself within his dantian, dormant and hidden.
Song Wen froze instantly!
This...
Could this be a case of trying to steal a chicken and losing the rice instead?
He hadn't gained any benefits, and now someone had planted a deadly contingency within his dantian!
(End of the Chapter)
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