CHAPTER 328: CHAPTER 308: FALLING INTO A TRAP!

In the valley, ancient trees reached skyward.

The gnarled roots of thousand-year-old trees intertwined like coiling dragons and serpents, while lush vines climbed them, adding vitality to this tranquil world.

In this pristine and mysterious land, many ancient and rare animals lived. Legendary white deer trod through the snow, their antlers crystal clear and shimmering. Majestic eagles soared across the clouds, their cries echoing through the valley. Moreover, there was the elusive Nine-Colored Divine Fox, its fur shimmering in the moonlight, inspiring awe.

This was Cuiyan Valley, one of the legendary Three Mountains, Six Valleys, and Nine Spirit Caves, all under the control of the Nature Banner.

In the depths of Cuiyan Valley, a clear stream babbled, its surface rippled with bursts of spiritual energy, adding an air of immortal charm. At this moment, figures of varied appearances and statures converged here, on a flat expanse of rock that stretched for hundreds of feet.

Qi Xiu’s gaze shifted slightly, a wisp of purple intent flickered in his eyes as he surreptitiously assessed the three men and two women before him.

Quite the group, all at the Blood-Stained Peak.

Considering I’m only at the Blood-stained Double Realm, I feel somewhat out of place.

With a sweep of his Observing Qi Skill, Qi Xiu instantly took in the cultivation levels of the four people directly facing him. Indeed, all five of them were at the Blood-Stained Peak, and each one’s aura was as vast as an ocean, far beyond what ordinary Blood-Stained Realm cultivators could compare to.

Worthy of disciples from top-tier sects.

While Qi Xiu was sizing up the five, four of them—from the Nature Banner, Ingenious Mechanism Sect, Great Righteousness Academy, and Star Mansion Sea Cliff—were also curiously observing him.

This mission was no trivial matter, as it concerned the future direction of Dianchuan Province. So it was somewhat unexpected and intriguing to them that the Shenxiao Sect would send someone at the Blood-stained Double Realm.

Although the four were curious, there was not a hint of disdain in their eyes.

Dongfang Qing, the current Sect Master of the Shenxiao Sect, was reputed to be the most talented and strategic Sect Master in the last ten thousand years.

Anyone he deemed worthy of selection could hardly be mediocre.

The very fact that he was participating in this operation at only the Blood-stained Double Realm highlighted the young Daoist’s strength and foundation even more.

"With the benevolence of Buddha, now that we’re all gathered, why not introduce ourselves? After all, this time, we are bound by life and death."

Among the five, the only one who did not frequently glance at Qi Xiu was a plain-faced middle-aged monk with a broad forehead and a thick nose. He chanted a Buddhist phrase and slowly raised his eyes. A peaceful and tranquil atmosphere suddenly spread through the void around him, settling one’s mind.

"How about I start? My Dharma name is Kongwen, and I am the head of the Weituo Hall at Dachan Temple." As his hands came together in prayer, Monk Kongwen softly announced his Dharma name and origin.

"Weituo Hall? Brother Kongwen looks so gentle, yet he’s the head of Weituo Hall. Truly, appearances can be deceiving." A woman dressed in a light blue floral skirt and black cloth shoes, her hair in a long braid, smiled as she spoke, a hint of surprise in her eyes. "My name is Xia Wan, a disciple of the Ingenious Mechanism Sect. We’re working together this time, so if there’s anything amiss, please forgive me, everyone."

"I’ve heard that Weituo Hall is the Dachan Temple’s only hall composed entirely of martial monks. Brother Kongwen, as the head of Weituo Hall, you must be tremendously powerful in battle. With you here, we will be much more at ease. From the Great Righteousness Academy, Zhou Wen." Zhou Wen, dressed in a scholar’s robe, his complexion like jade, refined and gentle, slowly raised his hand and cupped his fists in salute to each person before him.

"Zhou Wen? I’ve heard your name. The youngest Grand Scholar of this generation at the Great Righteousness Academy. During the Nu River flood, your poem ’Repel the River’ drove back the raging waters for eight hundred miles, saving several counties. My old man adores you literati the most. When you have time, come teach my naughty kid. He never studies, only knows how to piss about and play in the mud—literally, in the mud left by others’ pee... COUGH, COUGH, I digress. From the Nature Banner, Zhao Zaiyang!" Flashing a mouthful of white teeth, Zhao Zaiyang, dressed in a white short coat with a towel wrapped around his head like a farmhand, spoke up.

"Star Mansion Sea Cliff, Song Nian." Compared to the others, the last woman, Song Nian, seemed much more reserved. She softly stated her name and said no more.

As everyone had introduced themselves, all eyes naturally turned toward him.

Qi Xiu offered a faint smile and raised his hand, saying quietly, "Shenxiao Sect, Qi Xiu. All of you have higher cultivation levels than me, so during this mission, I look forward to your guidance."

"Qi Xiu, are you the ’Six Arts Dao Idiot’?" Zhao Zaiyang’s eyes widened slightly, and he let out a soft exclamation.

Although the Nature Banner was a Hidden Great Sect, given the current situation, they couldn’t afford to be blind or ignorant. The Blood List was a public bounty list from Demonic Evil Cultivators targeting Human Cultivators. Not only did Demonic Evil Cultivators pay attention to it, but the Human Race also kept a close watch. Some fame-seeking high-level cultivators even asked to have their names placed higher on the list.

"It’s just a mocking name given by the Demons," Qi Xiu replied with a laugh, dismissing it with a wave of his hand.

"A mockery? I don’t think so. Not long ago, Qi, you cut a bloody path through the entire Dianchuan Province. Even Great Demons at the Blood-Stained Peak failed to escape your hands. To possess such terrifying combat strength when you’re only at the Blood-stained Double Realm... if you were to reach the Blood-Stained Peak, wouldn’t you be able to contend with Dao Experts?" Seemingly having paid close attention to Qi Xiu before, Zhao Zaiyang smiled and raised an eyebrow.

Now he somewhat understood why that Eastern Sect Leader had sent someone at the Blood-stained Double Realm for this mission.

This was one truly formidable individual!

After brief introductions, the six began to get acquainted. After all, the mission they faced was akin to a life-and-death ordeal.