Chapter 109: Scheming for the Dragon Scale Fruit

Chen Yinshan gritted his teeth and said, “A certain Nascent Soul Demon Lord once told me that as long as one forms a Golden Core and cultivates the ‘Seven Fiends Demon Art’ to the fifth level, there’s a good chance of restarting cultivation after producing the Golden Core.”

A ‘good chance’ is practically a death sentence... Moreover, Old Chen just said it had to be a true core—so it seems the true core is the minimum requirement... Li Guanxuan pondered silently and then asked, “Is that Nascent Soul senior reliable?”

Chen Yinshan forced a bitter smile. “Reliable or not, what choice do I have? This is the only path left for me.”

Li Guanxuan fell silent.

In this cultivation world where strength is paramount, lower-tier wandering cultivators often pay with their lives to fulfill their wishes.

Especially when the person involved is a Nascent Soul Demon Lord...

If he were displeased, he could kill Chen Yinshan anytime—why would he bother gifting cultivation methods and telling how to use them?

Li Guanxuan’s expression remained calm as he sent a sound-transmission query, “What if it’s a five-hundred-year Dragon Scale Fruit?”

Chen Yinshan was momentarily taken aback, his expression turning much more solemn as he replied, “Then I should be able to reach the seventh level of Foundation Establishment within a year or two, and the ‘Seven Fiends Demon Art’ would reach the third level, granting me the qualification to form a Golden Core.”

“Don’t make this public—don’t tell anyone. If that Nascent Soul Demon Lord senses anything off about you, try to conceal it as best as you can,” Li Guanxuan warned.

“Understood.”

Chen Yinshan nodded slightly.

Though he didn’t know how Li Guanxuan obtained the five-hundred-year Dragon Scale Fruit, he trusted him unconditionally.

After their brief exchange, Fang Xingzhi looked at Li Guanxuan with a complex expression and deeply bowed, saying, “Benefactor, I owe you a bow.”

“???”

Li Guanxuan was momentarily stunned, puzzled.

“If it weren’t for your Foundation Establishment pill and the help of your friend, I wouldn’t have had any chance to establish my foundation,” Fang Xingzhi said earnestly.

He knew very well that the peak Foundation Establishment cultivator who had helped before must have been connected to Li Guanxuan.

Otherwise, that person would have killed him long ago, rather than locking down the surroundings and letting him cultivate in peace.

After hearing this, Li Guanxuan smiled and said, “Don’t worry about it; you’ve already repaid this debt of gratitude.”

Upon hearing this, Fang Xingzhi glanced at Chen Yinshan with a hint of helplessness and said, “During this time, I’ve heard quite a bit about you from him. I really didn’t expect...”

He trailed off immediately.

From Chen Yinshan’s account, Li Guanxuan was a lower-tier wandering cultivator with four inferior spiritual roots, skilled in talisman arts, but not very adept at alchemy...

Yet Fang Xingzhi had heard that Li Guanxuan was proficient not only in talisman arts and alchemy but also in concealment arts and even some formations.

Now, without a sound, he had broken through to the fifth level of Foundation Establishment and possessed a magical puppet with the power of a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Without some extraordinary opportunity or talent, who would believe this?

Fang Xingzhi noticed Li Guanxuan’s meaningful gaze and smile, his heart pounding. Silently, he raised three fingers and swore not to leak any of this information.

Seeing this, Li Guanxuan slightly nodded and said, “Let’s return to the Golden Sun Mushroom region. Our goal is to seize the Dragon Scale Fruit. Don’t touch any that are four hundred years old—they’re probably being fought over by late Foundation Establishment cultivators. We’ll just compete for the two or three hundred-year-old fruits.”

Chen Yinshan was momentarily stunned. He had thought Li Guanxuan had another way to obtain the five-hundred-year-old Dragon Scale Fruit. Why suddenly return?

Could it be that...

“It’s best to get a three-hundred-year Dragon Scale Fruit for him. As for what comes next, we’ll make plans later,” Fang Xingzhi nodded solemnly.

“Two hundred years is fine too. I have a friend who knows how to hasten the maturation of spiritual herbs,” Li Guanxuan said seriously.

At this, both Chen Yinshan and Fang Xingzhi showed a glimmer of joy on their faces.

Yet Chen Yinshan was more puzzled.

If Old Li is having someone help accelerate the maturation of spiritual herbs, there must be a price to pay, right?

Qin Jiyue felt a bit worried. Her husband spoke so frankly—would this truly be safe?

No matter how good old friends are, when facing life and death, people tend to prioritize their own survival...

Qin Jiyue did not voice her concerns. She recalled the time in the small courtyard in Qing’an City when her husband stayed up drinking with Chen Yinshan until dawn.

Men’s matters should be handled by men.

If anyone truly threatens her husband later, she would step in to resolve it.

...

Seeing Li Guanxuan returning, the late second-stage Flame Demon Bear and many Crimson Gold Rats became excited.

Following this big shot would definitely mean enjoying a rich and comfortable life!

Chen Yinshan looked at Li Guanxuan, who had put on his disguise ring again, and asked, “Are these beasts reliable?”

“Not sure. For now, they show no ill intent. Just be careful,” Li Guanxuan replied.

Suddenly remembering something, Li Guanxuan asked, “You shouldn’t be losing control anymore, right?”

“It’s under suppression for now. Shouldn’t be,” Chen Yinshan answered gravely.

...

“That probably means it still will.”

Li Guanxuan sighed softly and warned, “No matter what happens, I can handle it. Don’t be reckless anymore—leave it to me. If you lose your reason again at a critical moment, I won’t be able to make decisions.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve become much more mature and steady,” Chen Yinshan nodded seriously.

“You must have some misunderstanding about what ‘mature and steady’ means,” Li Guanxuan couldn’t help but tease.

Fang Xingzhi nodded slightly in agreement.

Among all cultivators, Chen Yinshan was the least qualified to claim those four words.

As they arrived in the Golden Sun Mushroom region, the aura on the sky-blue-eyed Fire Lion was nearly reaching third-stage demonic level, its roar deafening.

Ordinary mid-Foundation Establishment cultivators dared not approach, fearing a mere wisp of its flame or a slap would kill them.

The fierce battle was still ongoing.

Li Guanxuan noticed a four-hundred-year Dragon Scale Fruit had been stored in the spatial ring of a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Pill Refining Sect.

The cultivator appeared to be an elderly man nearing eighty, disheveled and covered in blood, clearly seriously wounded.

‘Others are also eyeing this four-hundred-year Dragon Scale Fruit...’

Li Guanxuan scanned the surrounding greedy gazes.

There were cultivators, demon cultivators, and late second-stage beasts.

Though he possessed a magical puppet with power comparable to peak Foundation Establishment, if so many late Foundation Establishment cultivators focused on him, he could still be beaten to a pulp.

“Hm?”

Suddenly, Li Guanxuan saw Yan Mingyao snatch a three-hundred-year Dragon Scale Fruit and being besieged by demon cultivators, hastily storing it in a jade pendant.

Mid-Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Thunderfire Sect were protecting him.

After all, Yan Mingyao was the crown prince of the Thunderfire Sect.

After the skirmish, Yan Mingyao seemed unable to withstand the overwhelming magical assault and had to pass the three-hundred-year Dragon Scale Fruit to Ling Jiansheng of the Bright Moon Sword Sect.

At the mid-Foundation Establishment level, Ling Jiansheng’s combat power was uniquely formidable.

Having him fend off the demon cultivators and beasts could help deplete their magic and stamina.

Fang Xingzhi was watching this scene intently and said solemnly, “Ling Jiansheng of the Bright Moon Sword Sect is extremely powerful. Although only at the fifth level of Foundation Establishment, his combat strength rivals the seventh level.

“When I was at the early Foundation Establishment stage, I sparred with him. After only ten moves, I had to use a teleportation technique to escape.

“He has superior spiritual roots—wind and sword roots—and is naturally devoted to the sword path, the type of sword fanatic who, besides swordsmanship, is dedicated to slaying demons and upholding justice.

“Evil cultivators, calamity cultivators, and demon cultivators who encounter him invariably must first face his sword.”

Upon hearing Fang Xingzhi’s words, Li Guanxuan’s expression grew solemn.

He first scanned the surroundings, only to find no trace of any Dragon Scale Fruit left.

The late Foundation Establishment battlefield was off-limits; even with his strength, he had to proceed cautiously...

Taking a deep breath, Li Guanxuan said, “I’ll talk to Ling Jiansheng. If I can buy that three-hundred-year Dragon Scale Fruit with spirit stones, great. If not, we’ll have to take it by force... You all handle the people around him. Once the Dragon Scale Fruit is in hand, we leave immediately.”

“I’ll go instead. People like him won’t hand over items easily, nor will they bargain with their enemies—killing is the only way,” Qin Jiyue said.

She also possessed the rare wind and sword spiritual roots, but hers were supreme rare roots. She had also awakened the Moonlight Sword Body and cultivated to the sixth level of Foundation Establishment, making killing Ling Jiansheng no problem.

Of course, that was only possible without interference.

The sect leader of the Bright Moon Sword Sect was still nearby. If he casually unleashed a sword qi, she would have to go all out to defend.

“Let’s talk first.”

Li Guanxuan said, then looked at the resting Thunderfire Sect members nearby and said, “Yan Mingyao is watching closely. If he dares to interfere, you kill him on sight.”

Upon hearing this, Qin Jiyue nodded slightly without objection.

Compared to killing Ling Jiansheng, protecting Li Guanxuan’s safety was more important to her.

After all, this family still relied on Li Guanxuan.

Even if she died, Li Guanxuan must not die.

With the plan set, Li Guanxuan soared through the air, a sword intent rippling outward, causing many cultivators to avoid him cautiously.

“Ling Jiansheng, how about selling me that three-hundred-year Dragon Scale Fruit?” Li Guanxuan sent a spiritual transmission.

At this moment, Ling Jiansheng had just slashed a mid-second-stage beast with a sword, looking at Li Guanxuan expressionlessly.

He recognized him.

This was the person who had just saved Chen Yinshan, the demon, and Fang Xingzhi, the evil cultivator.

Ling Jiansheng said nothing, immediately launching a sword strike.

The sword light sliced through the sky, arriving in an instant.

Li Guanxuan frowned, flicked his fingers, and unleashed the Azure Profound Sword Intent, blocking the attack while saying,

“Twenty-five thousand low-grade spirit stones. If you find this price unsatisfactory, we can negotiate.”

“I do not trade with demons.”

Ling Jiansheng’s tone was icy cold.

He felt the powerful murderous sword intent emanating from Li Guanxuan, proving he was a sword cultivator with great skill. A flicker of battle intent ignited in his eyes as he charged forward, sword transforming into a streak of light, aiming straight at Li Guanxuan’s head.

At this, many showed surprise. This sudden newcomer was actually sharing their burden!

But many also recognized Li Guanxuan—after all, he wielded a magical puppet.

They silently hoped he could severely wound Ling Jiansheng, or at least both sides be injured—then their chance might come.

The crowd stepped back, waiting for the moment.

“Bang!”

A flying sword shot out, blocking Ling Jiansheng’s strike. Sparks flew as sword clashed with sword, and sword qi swept outward.

Anger flickered deep in Li Guanxuan’s eyes.

He had politely tried to negotiate, yet the other not only ignored this but drew his sword and attacked immediately—anyone would feel some resentment.

At this moment, wind rose, the sword flashed like a dazzling beam piercing toward Li Guanxuan.

Ling Jiansheng showed no mercy. He sensed Li Guanxuan’s strength; ordinary sword techniques wouldn’t affect him.

Only by exerting full power!

At such close range, the strike would arrive in the blink of an eye—ordinary cultivators couldn’t react in time.

Though Li Guanxuan had spent decades avoiding conflict, he was not inexperienced in combat; otherwise, he wouldn’t have survived in Qing’an City.

Azure Profound Sword Technique, Flying Sword Art!

Li Guanxuan’s spiritual sense moved, ten flying swords bursting forth like a sword rain, bypassing the dazzling beam, directly striking Ling Jiansheng.

“Bang!”

The sharp light attacked. Li Guanxuan raised a shield to block it.

This was a defensive artifact gifted by Cao Mang, capable of blocking two attacks from a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator.

However, Ling Jiansheng was in trouble.

He blocked three flying swords, but the remaining seven pierced his body, inflicting severe injuries.

“Who is this person? Able to wound Ling Jiansheng?”

“This sword technique... must have an impressive origin.”

“Origin? This person hides his identity and doesn’t show his true face—probably learned this sword technique in secret, fearing his sect would find out.”

“...”

The crowd was surprised. At the mid-Foundation Establishment level, no one had seriously wounded Ling Jiansheng before—now someone had done it in just two or three moves!

Yan Mingyao’s expression was grave. Li Guanxuan’s strength far exceeded his expectations...

Moreover, they had grudges; after their previous confrontations, Li Guanxuan certainly wouldn’t let it go easily.

Attack!

Yan Mingyao hesitated no longer, controlling his peak eighth-level Foundation Establishment puppet with spiritual sense, charging fiercely at Li Guanxuan.

“Brother Ling, quickly take the pill to recover! Let’s work together to slay this demon and prevent him from harming the world!” Yan Mingyao shouted.

Ling Jiansheng’s face turned pale, his pupils revealing a desperate relief.

If he hadn’t exerted full power to block the flying swords and avoid vital points, he would have died here.

Li Guanxuan’s strikes were all deadly—no probing attacks!

As Yan Mingyao came to aid, Thunderfire Sect’s mid-Foundation Establishment cultivators also closed in on Li Guanxuan. Ling Jiansheng nodded slightly, taking his pill and warning,

“This demon is powerful. Fellow cultivators, be careful.”

Hearing this, Yan Mingyao looked toward Bai Wei and said, “Fairy Bai Wei, I heard that Sect Elder Zhai of the Ink Pavilion was slain by this Li demon. Don’t you Ink Pavilion cultivators want revenge, just letting this fiend roam free?!”

Bai Wei’s gaze hardened. She knew Yan Mingyao was trying to drag the Ink Pavilion into this. After hesitation, she transmitted spiritually,

“I want the three-hundred-year Spirit Wood you just stole.”

“No problem!”

Yan Mingyao agreed readily.

Right now, nothing was more important than killing Li Guanxuan!

(End of chapter)