Trafford's Trading Club

Chapter 1041: Chapter 85: The True Origin of the Calamity on the Path to Immortality (47)

Accompanied by a deeper exploration of this place, the temporarily united forces: led by Daoist Bai Jie from the Daoist Association and Cang Jinshui and Qu Xinghe from the demon world, have come to realize that the beach filled with golden sands and strange treasures they first landed on was the most impoverished.

If the dunes were wealth enough to drive ordinary people mad, then the treasures hidden within the vast forest beyond the beach could drive even Taoists and monsters insane.

Rare herbs that have been extinct for many years, minerals that can be used to refine advanced magical artifacts, and springs akin to spiritual liquid.

There are even many items like crystal stones that contain a lot of strange power.

They finally felt deeply the popular saying: Poverty limits the imagination!

“Is this really the thousand-year-old Purple Forget-me-not Herb? My God! It’s a holy item that can aid a person’s soul to travel through Heaven and Earth! And there is a whole field of it growing here?”

“Is this Prime Copper? So pure, so enormous as one whole piece… Unbelievable, unbelievable!”

Not only is it valuable to the Daoist Association, but also to the monsters, many rare treasures can be found in this strange forest.

“Heavenly Mountain Silkworm Fungus… the legendary ingredient, I had only tasted it when the son of the clan leader was born! It was just a sliver boiled into soup…”

Hmm… the style seems to be slightly different.

However, it doesn’t stop the monsters from coveting the Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures here!

And this is only just a corner of the forest… If they go deeper, what unimaginable treasures might await them?

In this place, even a seemingly inconspicuous stone on the ground could be a priceless treasure!

Even Daoist Bai Jie and Ming Tus Mountain of the Black Tortoise Clan, who have lived for countless years, could not help but be tempted by this.

However, they are the evergreens of the Dao and Demon Realms, having seen numerous storms and waves.

“Hold steady!”

Almost in unison, Daoist Bai Jie and Ming Tus Mountain shouted towards their respective people—of course, those who reacted irrationally due to the impact of the treasures were only some young monsters and Daoists.

Those who have lived for some years can at this time see the irregularities of the place?

Where in the world is there such a place—where even grains of sand are treasures? Are you joking?

This involuntarily leads these experienced Taoists or monsters to speculate whether they have been in some kind of hallucination since entering this place.

“Elder, there’s a scent of blood ahead!”

At this moment, a monster of the Azure Dragon Clan, who followed Cang Jinshui, frowned slightly—everyone’s expression slightly changed.

“Fellow Daoists, caution should prevail.” Daoist Bai Jie suggested at that time, “How about sending some people to check it out?”

The Yao Association quickly agreed to Daoist Bai Jie’s proposal, and soon after, a joint team went to explore the place where the scent of blood came from.

In fact, it didn’t take long before the exploration team returned—and brought back some less-than-good things: bodies!

Two bodies, one male in a Taoist robe, the sect master of a marginal sect within the Daoist Association… As for the other, a female member of the Vermilion Bird Clan.

“Master!” A young Daoist cried out in shock at this time, flew and threw himself beside the Taoist’s body, and began mourning.

And a man beside Qu Xinghe also walked out painfully to the body of the female monster from the Vermilion Bird Clan.

“Who… who killed them!”

The Vermilion Bird Clan man’s face looked fierce as he stared hard at the exploration team members—the bodies were brought back by them!

“Calm down!”

A member of the exploration team frowned at this time, who was also the first to smell the blood, a ghost of the Azure Dragon Clan, “When we found these two bodies, there were indeed signs of a fight nearby, but besides these two who have already died, we did not discover the trace of a third party. Additionally, we found this object near them…”

He cautiously held out something.

“Flame Heart Spiritual Ganoderma?” Ming Tus Mountain said in astonishment, picking up the herb, “It’s said to only grow in the earth’s core, using lava as nourishment, it is a treasure of supreme yang… this is a divine herb!”

The exploration team member nodded and continued, “We are not very clear on what this thing is exactly, but without a doubt, they fought to seize this Ganoderma, ultimately leading to mutual destruction. Because… when we discovered them, they appeared to have fought to their deaths.”

Ming Tus Mountain and Daoist Bai Jie exchanged a glance, seeing the concern in each other’s eyes—this is perhaps what both parties’ elders fear most!

Just like when the Emperor’s Decree first appeared, both sides suffered losses, and if not for the Management Bureau and true dragon controlling the situation above, Mount Tai would have long become the battlefield for both factions.

The grieving Vermilion Bird Clan man murmured, “I was born with a cold and deadly pulse, the Elder told me I wouldn’t live past a hundred years… Only supreme yang treasures could extend my life… Jasmine, Jasmine did it for me…”

With that, the Vermilion Bird Clan man suddenly stood, rushing to the Taoist’s body.

“What are you trying to do!” The young Daoist, who shouted “Master” earlier, was extremely tense at this time.

“Jasmine was my lifelong beloved… your Master?” The Vermilion Bird Clan man laughed bitterly and loudly, “Even in death, I will tear him limb from limb… ah!!!”

“How dare you!!!” The young Daoist saw the Vermilion Bird Clan man looking like a madman, aiming a punch at his Master’s corpse and was both shocked and angry.

Heaven, Earth, Monarch, Progenitor, Teacher; a teacher’s grace is like a parent’s, how could a disciple watch his Master’s corpse being so easily destroyed?

Seeing these two let hatred blind their reason, about to fight without hesitation, Qu Xinghe of the Vermilion Bird Clan said solemnly, “Yan Liu, return!”

“Jasmine is dead… I have no meaning left in this world.”

The Vermilion Bird Clan man named Yan Liu laughed madly at this time, “Whoever blocks me dies! Ah ah ah!!!!!”

“Thinking my White Jade Kylin lineage is easy to bully? You beast, why should my Master be ripped to shreds after death!” The young Daoist laughed angrily, “With no witnesses, why can’t it be the Banshee’s sneak attack!!”

“I’ll kill you!!”

“Beast, face your death!”

At this moment, Daoist Bai Jie from the Alliance glanced at True Person Huanyang, the vice-president of the Association, while Qu Xinghe of the Vermilion Bird Clan also frowned.

Almost in the same instant, True Person Huanyang and Qu Xinghe took action, each swiftly knocking out the two rage-driven individuals, and took them back.

Qu Xinghe carried the unconscious Yan Liu back to the original place and then looked over at Daoist Bai Jie’s side, naturally saying, “Yan Liu lost his beloved, thus fell into extremes, Daoist Bai Jie, I hope you don’t mind.”

“Qu Daoist friend, rest assured too.” Daoist Bai Jie said seriously, “Who is right or wrong, after verification, Hundred Calamities will naturally give the Yao Association an explanation.”

Cang Jinshui suddenly spoke up, “Everyone, with treasures all around, it’s inevitable there will be things we need, or are tempted by. Right now, with so many treasures ahead, if we continue to explore, similar situations might arise again.”

How should I put it—the members of the Daoist world and the monsters here are not complete; some seem to have been lost during the transfer—such as these two bodies found in the forest.

“What insights do you have, Friend Cang?” Asked Daoist Baijie directly.

Cang Jinshui said, “Let’s work together to first gather the treasures here. Once we find a way out, we can discuss and distribute them.”

The crowd fell silent for a moment—in fact, upon arriving at the beach, the number of Daoist Association members was less than that of the monsters.

Though the terrifying Huang Baifu wasn’t present, the opponent still had leading figures from the three clans of the Four Spirits of Heaven.

As for our side, we only had Daoist Baijie and True Person Huanyang. Most of the rest were younger generations. In terms of overall strength, we likely cannot match the Dao Monster Association… Of course, if it comes to a hard fight, the Dao Monster Association may not gain much benefit either.

After Daoist Baijie and True Person Huanyang discussed briefly, they agreed directly.

Since it was decided to exploit the resources in this forest, both the humans and monsters immediately got to work—they each employed their methods as if wishing to move this massive treasure trove altogether.

In just a moment, the gathered treasures had already formed a small ‘hill’.

However, as the leaders of both the Daoist Association and the Dao Monster Association were still guarding here, no one dared to stealthily reach for this treasure mountain.

“Truly foolish.”

While everyone was rejoicing, an unexpectedly cool and clear voice suddenly reached everyone’s ears.

Daoist Baijie and True Person Huanyang’s faces changed slightly, and as for the demons, several representatives of the Four Spirits of Heaven also frowned—because the voice appeared so suddenly!

No one on the scene was able to detect when this person speaking approached.

But soon, those with strength identified the source of the voice—they all looked towards it and saw a white figure had appeared on a branch of an ancient tree in the forest unbeknownst to them… it was an exceedingly beautiful woman with a cool face.

Like a fairy walked out of Guanghan Palace, her coolness seemed natural, extremely beautiful, yet emanating chilling aura that suppressed any other thoughts.

“Daoist Baijie, is this woman also from your Daoist Association?” Cang Jinshui frowned at this moment—there was no such woman among the demons, and she didn’t have the slightest monster’s aura.

Both Daoist Baijie and True Person Huanyang shook their heads—they were also unfamiliar with this woman in white.

“May I ask who this young lady is?” True Person Huanyang raised his head, his voice being upright and calm.

Daoist Baijie, however, looked at this woman’s face with a thoughtful expression.

Only to hear the cool woman standing on the tree branch say indifferently, “Daoist Baijie, if I were you, I wouldn’t allow them to continue harvesting the Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures of this forest, or take any of them… You are the sect master of Kunlun, don’t you understand that wealth can lead to chaos?”

Daoist Baijie was slightly stunned, then shook his head and said, “I appreciate the young lady’s reminder, Baijie understands… However, although wealth can lead to chaos, it is indeed very useful. If handled properly, it can be a blessing for both the Dao and Demon Realms.”

The woman in white sneered coldly, “So who will allocate, you or the demons? How will it be distributed… who takes more, who takes less, who takes the better, who takes the worse, who takes first, and who takes last?”

True Person Huanyang snorted coldly, “This point does not need your concern, young lady. Our Daoist Association and the members of the demon race will naturally find the most reasonable solution… But you, with unknown origins, spreading instigating words here, what are your intentions?”

The woman in white said indifferently, “I am just reminding you… the items here are not so easily taken.”

“What does the young lady mean?” Daoist Baijie suddenly said, “Besides… the young lady gives me a sense of déjà vu. Poor Daoist, have I met you somewhere before?”

The woman in white replied, “This forest is filled with Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures as far as the eye can see… Do you think so many treasures are naturally generated? I believe many amongst you have thought of this, but faced with such treasures, there is always some lucky mentality… I’ll say it again, the items here are not so easy to take. Whatever you take, without giving something of equal value, it won’t end well… I’ve said my piece, whether to take or leave, it’s up to you.”

The woman in white waved her sleeve and just rode the wind away.

“Alarmist talk! Stop her, don’t think of leaving here without explaining!”

Cang Jinshui snorted coldly at this moment, leapt up, and transformed into a blue light chasing after the woman in white.

Cang Jinshui stretched out his palm, and a gigantic blue claw shadow burst forth, about to catch the woman in white.

The woman in white sneered, swept her sleeve, and an invisible force instantly wiped out Cang Jinshui’s blue claw shadow, which not only swept away the claw shadow but also rebounded directly onto Cang Jinshui’s body.

With a bang, the clan leader of the Azure Dragon Clan was actually swept to the ground by a wave of the sleeve from the woman in white!

Everyone was astonished.

The woman in white then stopped at another ancient tree’s branch, the branch unmoving, as if she weighed nothing at all.

“Since when did the Azure Dragon Clan become so overbearing, is this how Cang Wuji taught you?” The woman in white said coldly.

But Cang Jinshui’s gaze turned angry, “How dare you call the name of my late father!!”

“Late father?” The woman in white frowned, then seemed to understand, “So Cang Wuji has already passed away… The world is uncertain, as is fate. Well then, I’ll not bother with you, junior… I’ll say one more time, the treasures here are not easy to obtain, make wise decisions!”

With that, the woman in white departed once more with the wind… But this time, no one stopped her!

Cang Jinshui’s face was terribly dark, he climbed from the ground, holding an unknown ore in his hand, but the ore crumbled into pieces in his palm!

“How dare that woman claim the status of an elder, humiliating you, the clan leader!” A young member of the Azure Dragon Clan stepped forward angrily, “Cang Shitian willing to capture this woman for the clan leader!”

Cang Jinshui said nothing… He himself was not a truly reckless person, the previous attack was merely to test the true strength of this woman in white—just not expecting the woman in white to be so terrifying, with a sweep nullifying all his resistance.

He was the clan leader of the Azure Dragon Clan of the Four Spirits of Heaven… Although the Azure Dragon Clan had somewhat declined, and the White Tiger Clan stood supreme among the Four Spirits Clan, still the ‘wrecked ship has three pounds of iron’, Cang Jinshui was indeed a true demon race huge powerful monster!

“Calm your anger, Clan Leader Cang.” Unexpectedly, Ming Tus Mountain stepped forward, “This woman… may indeed qualify to claim elder status.”

“Ming Elder, what are you saying?” Cang Jinshui asked in surprise.

Ming Tus Mountain then turned to Daoist Baijie, speaking solemnly, “Daoist Baijie, you should have remembered, correct… the origin of this woman?”

Daoist Baijie nodded, “Judging by her techniques, it seems to be the skill of the Restive Taoist… To wield the techniques of the Restive Taoist to such mastery, and being a woman, it likely can only be the ‘White Moon Fairy’ Yu Sanniang from five hundred years ago…”

“Yu Sanniang?” Cang Jinshui frowned, the name seemed familiar, but for the moment, he couldn’t recall.

Ming Tus Mountain sighed and said, “The Restive Taoist is a very low-profile sect, I believe many nowadays are unaware. As for the ‘White Moon Fairy’ from five hundred years ago, even fewer know. But if I mention her other identity, surely none present would be unfamiliar…”

“Ming Elder, please teach me.” Cang Jinshui took a deep breath.

Ming Tus Mountain said, “Before Yu Sanniang became the ‘White Moon Fairy’, her true identity was among my demon race’s Nine-tailed Fox Clan. It’s important to know, those nine-tailed foxes were contemporaneous deities with our ancestors, the True Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise of the Four Spirits of Heaven… And Yu Sanniang was a third-generation descendant of the Nine-tailed Fox…”

In their generation of the Four Spirits of Heaven, except for the particularly long-lived Black Tortoise Clan, which of them hasn’t spanned several decades’ worth of generations?

This woman in white, was she truly of the same generation as their ancestral founders?