Vol 2 Chapter 347: Obtaining the Cultivation thod, the Demon Ancestor's Slip-up
The summit of Divine Fire Mountain fell silent, with only the sound of surging underground fires echoing in everyone's ears.
Blank expressions covered every face as they stared at Zheng Fa and Shi Nandang with utter bewildernt.
Even Shi Nandang's eyes showed confusion.
His gaze remained fixed on the jade pendant at Zheng Fa's waist, as if still verifying its authenticity.
"Elder Shi?" The gaunt elder among the six Nascent Soul cultivators finally spoke up. "Are you two... related?"
Shi Nandang didn't respond imdiately, his eyes still studying the pendant. After a long pause, he exhaled and, without looking at others, asked Zheng Fa, "Did you obtain this pendant from a secret realm?"
"Yes."
"Who was the realm's master?"
"Lu, styled Chengping."
"Cheng generation..." Shi Nandang's lips twitched. "A 57th-generation direct descendant of the Lu family. I never expected he left behind an inheritance that you obtained."
The gaunt elder finally understood after hearing their exchange.
"Elder, are you saying Li Hao... is considered part of the Sacred Clan now?"
Shi Nandang didn't answer directly. Instead, he opened his palm, revealing a similar jade pendant with slightly different surface patterns.
"All inheritors of the Lu family's direct lineage possess such a pendant."
Now the gaunt Nascent Soul cultivator understood why Shi Nandang had imdiately addressed Zheng Fa as "Granduncle" upon eting him.
Among Haori Mountain's three powerful clans, strict hierarchy governed internal relationships. Even outsiders had to observe seniority based on their masters' status.
While seniority didn't dictate everything, etiquette remained crucial within the clan to prevent discord.
And this Li Hao had obtained the inheritance of a forr direct descendant of the Lu family in the secret realm...
In terms of clan status, Li Hao and Shi Nandang were equals—both inheritors of the Lu family's direct lineage.
But in seniority, Li Hao was two generations higher.
How could he be so fortunate?
...
This was no re luck.
For over half a year, with Xiao Yuying's assistance and following Mu Qingyan's mories, the Jiushan Sect had secretly investigated every Haori Mountain-related ruin within Hundred Immortals Alliance territory.
They didn't limit themselves to just the secret realms Mu Qingyan rembered.
As one of the Five Sects, Haori Mountain had accumulated nurous ruins over its long history.
Even Xiao Yuying had encountered several, possessing relevant intelligence and treasures.
Before the Hundred Immortals Alliance's rise, this region had been Haori Mountain's territory, where many predecessors left behind mansions or inheritances. ȑã₦𝙤𐌱Е𝐒
Altogether, Zheng Fa's group explored over ten secret realms before finding the right one—
An inheritance left by a deceased Lu family Nascent Soul cultivator.
When he had questioned Mu Qingyan earlier, Zheng Fa already had this plan in mind:
Combining intelligence from Shi Nandang, Xie Qingxue, and Elder Han, Zheng Fa understood the only way to obtain Haori Mountain's complete true inheritance—joining the three clans.
Given the clans' tight control over their true inheritance and suppression of outsiders, there was virtually no alternative.
For outsiders, joining required becoming a disciple of a direct clan mber—like Shi Nandang, who was a Lu family disciple.
In Hundred Immortals Alliance territory, the most feasible thod would have been becoming Shi Nandang's disciple—though not a direct descendant, he seed valued enough that ritorious service might earn him the Lu surna.
But the man had high standards—Li Hao's earlier Golden Core cultivation hadn't impressed him. To beco his disciple required at least Nascent Soul cultivation.
This was why Senior Sister Zhang guessed Zheng Fa needed to "advance" elsewhere.
"I knew you had connections to Haori Mountain, but I never expected..."
Shi Nandang sensed the pure Nascent Soul aura of the "Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual" from Zheng Fa, his tone mixing surprise with lingering suspicion.
"I must thank Elder for teaching the 'Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual,' which helped obtain the inheritance."
Shi Nandang paused, then understood: "So that's why. Fortune truly smiled upon you."
Seeing the faint suspicion in Shi Nandang's eyes gradually fade, Zheng Fa relaxed slightly. Reaching Nascent Soul had been simple for him—
He was already at that stage.
He'd rely used illusion techniques and heavenly tribulation lightning to simulate an intense breakthrough.
With his mastery of thunder techniques—having even fought against Heavenly Venerates—this posed no challenge.
But obtaining a Haori Mountain disciple's inheritance was key.
Becoming Shi Nandang's disciple to acquire the true inheritance seed logical but was actually... impossible.
Never mind how long it would take Shi Nandang to earn the Lu surna.
Zheng Fa couldn't let Shi Nandang claim credit for subduing the Trapping Immortal Sword.
Shi Nandang would likely never deserve the Lu surna in this lifeti.
Thus, Zheng Fa needed a direct descendant's inheritance to establish a new identity at once.
As for the seniority...
It wasn't intentional.
"This... Granduncle."
"Elder may simply call Li Hao."
Zheng Fa interrupted Shi Nandang.
Though Haori Mountain's three clans emphasized hierarchy, Xuanyi Realm ultimately valued strength above all.
Zheng Fa didn't believe a deceased Lu ancestor could let him dominate Shi Nandang—the man's master still lived!
As expected, Shi Nandang's expression softened. He examined Zheng Fa approvingly:
"Your foundation is remarkably solid. No wonder you obtained our ancestor's inheritance."
The summit's occupants—all at least Nascent Soul cultivators—studied Zheng Fa, sensing his overwhelming Nascent Soul aura far surpassed ordinary early-stage practitioners.
Shi Nandang spoke warmly:
"That Zheng Fa is formidable, and the Trapping Immortal Sword vicious. Leading alone burdened greatly. Now that you're a Lu disciple, you can share my responsibilities."
Remarkably, he sidelined the six other Nascent Souls, treating Zheng Fa—a re Nascent Soul cultivator—as the summit's second-in-command.
Stranger still, the six Nascent Souls showed only slight discomfort without protest—
Demonstrating Haori Mountain clans' dominance.
Only the Ninth Elder, who had kept his head lowered, looked up at Shi Nandang, his expression cracking—
Have Zheng Fa lead them against Zheng Fa's Jiushan Sect?
Elder, what brilliant judgnt!
Zheng Fa modestly said, "I'm rely Nascent Soul—hardly qualified to share responsibilities. Please instruct as needed."
Shi Nandang studied him deeply, his smile growing three degrees more genuine.
Witnessing this, the others regarded Zheng Fa with newfound interest, as if reevaluating him.
Li Hao's teoric rise over two years already marked extraordinary fortune.
But his temperant—neither arrogant nor impatient, adapting flexibly—proved most impressive.
They recognized Shi Nandang's special treatnt due to Zheng Fa's status.
Moreover, the young man displayed maturity...
Whether sincere or not, this disciple wouldn't stop here.
After contemplation, Shi Nandang beckoned Zheng Fa and dismissed the Zhongxuan Sect's three leaders: "You may withdraw."
The trio exchanged glances but dared not question, exiting the formation together.
Once they left, Shi Nandang glanced at the others and asked Zheng Fa:
"You obtained the 'Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual' inheritance in the secret realm?"
"Only to Nascent Soul stage."
Zheng Fa answered honestly.
"Naturally. Previous circumstances raised the manual's inheritance threshold." Shi Nandang suddenly raised a finger toward Zheng Fa's forehead.
Zheng Fa nearly retreated but checked himself. Relying on his Fusang Wood and Yin-Yang Fish Pendant, he waited to see Shi Nandang's intent.
A stream of consciousness flowed from Shi Nandang's fingertip into Zheng Fa's mind.
The complete "Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual"?
Was Shi Nandang being this cooperative?
Before Zheng Fa could speak, Shi Nandang said:
"You'd receive this upon returning to Haori Mountain anyway. Giving it early changes little."
"Rember—only clan mbers may learn this. Never record it in a jade slip to prevent leaks."
"Within Zhongxuan Sect, only you may study it. Understood?"
His tone turned stern.
Now Zheng Fa understood why he'd dismissed the three Zhongxuan elders—to avoid witnesses.
As Zheng Fa nodded, Shi Nandang continued:
"Though you've obtained the inheritance, the sect prioritizes the Hundred Immortals Alliance and Zheng Fa now. Distinguish yourself in Zhongxuan Sect to advance further upon return."
"These are competitive tis—seize opportunities."
Zheng Fa nodded slowly, realizing Shi Nandang's attitude toward him as a "clansman" differed completely—
Offering earnest guidance that seed wholly for his benefit.
Noticing Zheng Fa's puzzlent, Shi Nandang chuckled: "Under the Sacred Ancestor, we're one body."
Descending the mountain, Zheng Fa pondered Shi Nandang's expression when saying this—the man's clan loyalty seed stronger than imagined.
Watching Zheng Fa exit the formation, the gaunt elder sighed: "Elder truly spares no effort for clanmates."
"Effort, yes." Shi Nandang smiled faintly, his tone neutral. "The Sacred Ancestor opening the inheritance is inevitable—can't you see that?"
The elder started, suddenly comprehending.
"Elder... you suspect Li Hao?"
Shi Nandang shook his head uncertainly: "His aura is pure, and my inspection revealed no flaws in body or soul. But... his rapid rise feels unnatural."
"...A person of great fortune?"
"Perhaps. But whether blessed or hiding secrets, once he cultivates the 'Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual,' he'll never escape the Sacred Ancestor's grasp."
"If truly talented, he benefits the clan—another asset under the Sacred Ancestor who might aid upon return..."
"If scheming against the manual—though I see nothing, the Sacred Ancestor will. He'd pose no threat—sealing his own fate."
Hearing this, the six Nascent Souls understood Shi Nandang's generosity.
...
Carrying the "Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual," Zheng Fa left Divine Fire Mountain for Jiushan Realm.
Upon entering, all traces of the manual's Nascent Soul aura vanished completely.
"Senior Sister! A jade slip!"
Senior Sister Zhang handed him a blank one.
"Here!"
"What is it?"
"The complete 'Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual.'"
"So fast?"
Even Senior Sister Zhang seed surprised.
Zheng Fa now grasped Shi Nandang's reasoning: "They don't fear people cultivating this true inheritance."
Practicing the manual placed one's life under Haori Mountain's Dao Fruit control—hardly beneficial for cultivators.
The three clans' restrictions served their interests—the true inheritance was no blessing but extrely dangerous for conspirators.
"To Shi Nandang, since I'm already cultivating the manual, I pose no threat."
Shi Nandang wasn't wrong—without Great Sun True Fire and "Heavenly and Earthly Fiend Transformations," Zheng Fa wouldn't dare practice it.
Like the Great Freedom Demon Ancestor's techniques before obtaining the true fire, he'd only reference them cautiously.
Cultivating these foundational thods ant losing autonomy.
Senior Sister Zhang examined the slip and nodded:
"It's complete—two additional realms beyond before."
"Haori Mountain's progression resembles Taishang Dao's techniques... perhaps Yang Spirit thods share this pattern."
Zheng Fa had reviewed the manual.
Beyond Nascent Soul but before Dao Fruit, the "Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual" included two realms:
Yang Spirit and Corpse Liberation.
Identical to Taishang Dao's terminology—perhaps all four sects followed this?
Seeing Senior Sister Zhang imrsed in the manual, Zheng Fa sent a ssage through the Creation Jade Tablet to Xie Qingxue of Tianhe Sect.
...
In Tianhe Sect's main hall, the Nine Nether Demon Ancestor grew increasingly brazen, standing at the entrance observing the scenery.
"Staring daily—what's so fascinating?" Sect Master Yan asked.
The Demon Ancestor rely chuckled without answering, then said: "Your head disciple approaches again."
Sect Master Yan opened his eyes, sighing: "Has Zheng Fa not given up? Doesn't he understand obtaining Haori Mountain's true inheritance is impossible..."
The Demon Ancestor smirked: "Tried yourself?"
Sect Master Yan nodded: "Life's at stake—of course I tried. With four sects spreading Dao Fruit techniques widely now except us... I thought we might acquire so."
The Demon Ancestor coldly laughed: "That simple?"
"I oversimplified. Any sect's true inheritance would benefit us greatly. My recent outings sought opportunities."
The Demon Ancestor shook his head: "The four sects' Dao Fruits aren't fools. Only those already cultivating their foundational thods receive complete inheritances."
Sect Master Yan agreed: "They fear no leaks..."
A deadlock.
Inheritors might start with ulterior motives, but practicing the techniques bound them to the Dao Fruit cultivators' fate—
Possibly even under their control.
No turning back.
Suddenly sensing sothing odd, Sect Master Yan studied the Demon Ancestor.
"Why do you know so much about this?"
"..."
"You tried too?"
The Demon Ancestor's face darkened.
Sect Master Yan's thoughts raced—realizing the Nine Nether Demon Ancestor, Xuanyi Realm's most cunning infiltrator with countless spies, would have more thods than himself to acquire the techniques!
If even he had tried...
The Demon Ancestor said bitterly: "My spies in the four sects—after cultivating their techniques, were either executed or turned traitor. Though I took precautions, they likely guessed my identity."
Xie Qingxue appeared at the path's end.
"If even the Demon Ancestor failed, I'll have my disciple dissuade Zheng Fa," Sect Master Yan frowned. "Better than exposing himself failing to obtain the techniques."
Noticing the Demon Ancestor lingering, he smiled: "Want to et my disciple?"
The Demon Ancestor proudly replied: "et? She couldn't see if I stood before her."
Sect Master Yan had to concede—however boastful, the Demon Ancestor's stealth techniques were indeed unparalleled in Xuanyi Realm.
The man had wandered Tianhe Sect openly for who knew how long without detection.
"Even the four sects' Dao Fruits know I exist but cannot trace ."
The Demon Ancestor chuckled, standing behind Sect Master Yan as Xie Qingxue entered.
True to his word, her sweeping gaze passed over him unnoticed.
"Greetings, Master."
Sect Master Yan nodded: "What brings you?"
"Disciple requests the Trapping Immortal lineage's true inheritance."
"..." Sect Master Yan frowned. "I've said unless..."
"...Junior Brother obtained the 'Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual.'"
Sect Master Yan's eyes widened.
"The Jade Manual?"
"Yes. Haori Mountain's complete true inheritance—extending to Dao Fruit."
Xie Qingxue was concise.
Sect Master Yan froze, resisting the urge to turn and expose the Demon Ancestor.
But while he restrained himself—
The Demon Ancestor didn't.
A distinct aura—unlike Tianhe Sect's techniques—briefly flashed in the hall.
Though fleeting, Xie Qingxue's sharp senses caught it.
"Who's there!"
She brandished the Qingping Sword toward Sect Master Yan's rear.
Sect Master Yan slowly turned to see the reluctantly revealed Demon Ancestor.
"..."
Wasn't your stealth supposedly peerless, undetectable even by Dao Fruits?
Caught this quickly?
"Demon Ancestor?"
Having collaborated before, Xie Qingxue recognized his aura instantly.
Glancing at Sect Master Yan, her mind reeled.
The five sects and Demon Ancestor were sworn enemies.
The six sects' alliance pact explicitly mandated united opposition—violators facing collective retribution.
Finding the Nine Nether Demon Ancestor in Tianhe Sect's main hall defied all expectations.
Moreover, she knew a secret unknown to others:
During the six sects' eting, when her master probed Zheng Fa's secrets, the injuries actually ca from the Demon Ancestor's attack.
A brutal assault.
Master and Demon Ancestor weren't allies but held grudges.
Yet the Demon Ancestor seed more shocked than her:
"You're saying Zheng Fa obtained the complete 'Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual'?"
Xie Qingxue nodded, witnessing an extraordinary sight—
A five sects' leader and legendary Demon Ancestor staring at each other in silent, peculiar expressions.
They almost looked... personally offended?
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