What is an immortal?

Chapter 857 Heaven and Earth Net


"Yuan Ming and Yun Luo Fairy... I've heard of them, aren't they two Returning Void Stage cultivators? Why bother capturing them after having already been jointly wanted?" Nan Shangfeng pondered briefly before asking in return.

"Now that matters have reached this point, I won't hide the reason. The reason for issuing the wanted order and reward for these two is that many years ago when Emperor Yan's Mausoleum emerged, the inheritance of the Pill King Pavilion was taken by them," Ouyang Qiang said gravely.

"Oh, the Pill King Pavilion's inheritance! That's quite something. Ever since the Pill King Pavilion was destroyed, Dharma Manifestation Pills have gone extinct. Those two are lucky indeed. I wonder if they've managed to refine any Dharma Manifestation Pills; this young master would like to buy a few," Nan Shangfeng finally showed an expression of interest.

"Young Master Nan, there's something you might not know. The Emperor Yan's Mausoleum was discovered by the three of our families together, and we jointly broke the forbidden. The inheritance of the Pill King Pavilion should have been ours. Those two took advantage of our carelessness and stole the inheritance. That's why Palace Master Ouyang organized this operation to capture them and reclaim the inheritance," Zhu Yu coughed lightly and said.

"Such an ownerless inheritance of the Pill King Pavilion naturally belongs to whoever takes it. From the looks of it, you're planning to kill for treasures? In this young master's opinion, why not announce to buy the inheritance from those two at a high price? Why resort to violence when it can be solved with Spirit Stones? That would be quite a buzzkill!" Nan Shangfeng said disdainfully.

As he spoke, the people in the hall looked at each other without speaking, causing the atmosphere to become somewhat awkward.

"Brother Nan's suggestion may not be a bad method, but those two don't show up at all. Even if we wanted to use Spirit Stones to buy the inheritance back, we can't. For now, it's best to find them first," Jin Chen spoke, breaking the silence.

"Young Master Jin is right. We've received news that Yun Luo's cultivation has reached the late stage of Returning Void and is about to break through to the Dharma manifestation stage. To refine the Dharma Manifestation Pill, those two are searching everywhere for the required materials. This is our opportunity to locate them," Ouyang Qiang said.

Yuan Ming secretly laughed upon hearing this; these guys' sources of information were really too outdated.

The news of gathering materials may have leaked earlier when Yun Luo Fairy was buying spiritual materials everywhere, but that was a long time ago. Ouyang Qiang truly underestimated him, still thinking he hadn't collected the materials after decades?

"Could this information be released recently rather than long ago?" Yuan Ming wondered.

"Su Nu Sect obtained half of the Pill King Secret Manual from Yun Luo. We've already purchased the Dharma Manifestation Pill recipe from them at a high price and gathered all the main materials needed for refining the Dharma Manifestation Pill, intending to sell them at the auction," Bai Yuan added.

"You're planning to use these materials as bait to lure those two out? But how can you be sure they will take the bait? Moreover, as you said, it's been over a hundred years since the Emperor Yan's Mausoleum emerged; those two might have already left the Extreme East," Nan Shangfeng furrowed his brows and asked.

"Rest assured, Young Master Nan, I have confirmed accurate information that the two are still in the Extreme East. They are being hunted on multiple fronts by us. Just avoiding us won't work. The best course of action for them is to advance to the Dharma manifestation stage as soon as possible to increase their ability to resist us. Therefore, I believe they will not miss this Ten Thousand Treasure Auction," Ouyang Qiang confidently said.

Hearing this, Nan Shangfeng nodded noncommittally.

"All these materials have been tampered with, leaving special marks that can't be isolated even in a storage bag or space treasure. We just need to monitor the tracks of the buyers and follow the clues. We will surely find Yuan Ming and Yun Luo," Bai Yuan said with conviction.

"That's not enough. We also need to set up a Heaven and Earth Net on the island and arrange sufficient personnel. If they dare to step onto the island, we absolutely cannot let them escape," Jin Chen's eyes flickered, and he said, clenching his fist.

"Of course," Ouyang Qiang nodded.

Listening to their plans, Yuan Ming couldn't help but laugh inside.

Not to mention he had already refined the Dharma Manifestation Pill, Yun Luo Fairy had already successfully advanced to the Dharma manifestation stage. Even if they hadn't, they wouldn't fall for such a shallow trap.

However, it's worth paying attention to this matter. If there really is someone with ulterior motives spreading this information, Jin Chen and the others might be able to find some clues.

After some further discussion, everyone finally departed.

Back at his residence, Yuan Ming had Nan Shangfeng enter a space spiritual treasure, explaining the arrangements for the auction in detail.

...

In the blink of an eye, several days passed, and the day of the Ten Thousand Treasure Auction finally arrived.

Outside the Dongji Palace, in a wide open square, stood a grand and towering circular treasure building, refurbished anew, decorated with lanterns and colorful banners, exuding a festive atmosphere.

Above the entrance of the circular treasure building hung a plaque with the words "Ten Thousand Treasure Tower" written on it.

In front of the open building doors, a hundred-zhang long vivid red carpet was laid, welcoming guests from all directions into the building.

Upon entering the Ten Thousand Treasure Tower, the space suddenly expanded more than tenfold, clearly the effect of a forbidden, otherwise, it wouldn't accommodate as many participants coming from all over.

The interior was also meticulously decorated, with a square stage set up inside, being the auction platform.

On the opposite side of the auction platform, there were five tiers of staggered viewing platforms, filled with tables and chairs.

At this moment, the tables and chairs of the lower four tiers were already occupied, and on each table were the freshly produced Spiritual Tea from Cloud Mist Island and fresh Spirit Fruits from Bai Fang Island.

On the fifth layer of the viewing platform, independent luxurious private boxes were separated. The tables inside were also laid with spiritual tea and spirit fruits, though the quality was beyond those available downstairs.

Apart from the spiritual tea and fruits, the tables in the boxes were adorned with incense burners of various designs, with spirit incense smoldering, the long-lasting fragrance lingering throughout the room.

Each private box had two young and beautiful maids standing beside them, serving carefully.

These private boxes were reserved for esteemed guests.

In the central box, Jin Chen sat by the table, holding a wine pot in one hand and a cup in the other, sipping leisurely, his expression relaxed, as if sitting idly at home.

Ouyang Qiang, sitting beside him, appeared somewhat anxious, her gaze frequently sweeping towards the lower floor.

"Palace Master Ouyang, ease your mind. A Heaven and Earth Net has been laid throughout the island and here. If those two come today, they won't escape. If they don't come, your anxiety is needless," Jin Chen said with a smile, downing a cup of fine wine.

"The Young Master speaks the truth," Ouyang Qiang nodded, but the anxiety on her face did not diminish.

This operation, initiated by her, had utilized considerable resources and manpower. If it failed in the end, Dongji Palace's reputation would suffer greatly, especially before White Emperor City.

Jin Chen, seeing her demeanor, shook his head slightly, preparing to continue drinking.

"By the way, I hadn't asked earlier, Palace Master Ouyang, you've mentioned exact information that Yuan Ming and Yun Luo Fairy are still in the Dongji Sea. From where did this information come?" Jin Chen suddenly inquired.

"It came from Qingjin Building. Their previous building lord was captured by Yuan Ming. In recent years, a new building lord arrived, who, by some means, confirmed that Yuan Ming and the fairy are still in the Dongji Sea. That person vowed with a heart demon oath, assuring the information's authenticity. You know the drawbacks of the Sutra of the Pure Woman—they most fear the heart demon. I think it's reliable," Palace Master Ouyang explained.

"The Su Nu Sect... Hm, since they swore by a heart demon, it should be true," Jin Chen nodded in agreement.

...

In the box to the left, Long Yuhuan leaned one hand on the table and traced the rim of a teacup with the other, looking somewhat bored and uninterested.

"Fellow Daoist Long, do you think Ouyang Qiang's plan is truly feasible?" Bai Yuan, who accompanied her, inquired.

"The plan itself has no issues, but it hinges on a premise—that Ouyang Qiang's information is genuine," Long Yuhuan replied slowly.

"Do you think her information is false?" Bai Yuan asked again.

"I don't know. She doesn't seem to be lying. However, whether the plan works or not matters little to us. Let's enjoy this auction and hope some interesting items appear," Long Yuhuan shook his head, looking towards the auction stage below with anticipation in his eyes.

...

The box to the right was much livelier. Nan Shangfeng leaned against the bosom of a voluptuous and beautiful woman, while another gorgeous woman beside him poured wine into his mouth.

"Haha..." The whole room was filled with his joyful laughter.

Zhu Yu sat opposite him, looking at this libertine with an expressionless face.

"Fellow Daoist Zhu, don't be so tense! This plan was devised by Dongji Palace and White Emperor City. It has nothing to do with us. We just need to cooperate a little. Relax," Nan Shangfeng said with a smile and a wave of his hand.

The two maids in the box immediately swayed their slim waists, approaching Zhu Yu, but he pushed them away.

"This plan concerns the inheritance of the Pill King Pavilion. You should put some effort into it. It's a chance to stand out. If you return the inheritance to the sect, the Sect Master and those elders will hold you in higher esteem," Zhu Yu advised.

"I am quite satisfied with my current lifestyle and have no intention of inheriting the Sect Master's position. Whoever wants it can have it," Nan Shangfeng laughed.

"The position of Sect Master carries heavy responsibilities. If you continue to idle away your time, even if you don't care, it will lower the impression of other senior brothers. Aren't you afraid of hindering the sect's affairs? To my knowledge, several elders of the Daluo Sect also covet the position," Zhu Yu remarked with a frown.

"Who cares? If the sky falls, the tall will uphold it. Even if the Master blames us, it won't land on our heads. Let's enjoy ourselves today while we have wine to drink; life should be savored to its fullest!" Nan Shangfeng appeared as a hopeless case, unable to be molded.

Zhu Yu sighed, turning his head away, out of sight and out of mind.

Seeing this, Nan Shangfeng laughed heartily, stood up, went to the balcony railing, and leaned over, looking down.

Though he seemed carefree, he wasn't entirely relaxed. This auction involved "Wan Tianren," and he had to be more attentive...

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