Chapter 339: Infiltrating the Dragon Prison
In the spiritual domain, there is a terrifying ability called the "Soul Search Technique," which allows one to invade another person's spirit with their own mental energy and forcibly plunder the memories within their soul. However, the Soul Search Technique is not only quite difficult to execute, but it can only be used on targets whose mental strength is far weaker than one's own, or who are in an extremely weak spiritual state. It also carries great danger—if the target takes the opportunity to counterattack, the consequences would be dire.
Arcane Firmament, however, is not only a power entity capable of injuring enemies but can also transform into a pure soul entity to invade a person's soul. Naturally, it can accomplish everything the Soul Search Technique can, but in terms of consumption and difficulty, it is far easier than the Soul Search Technique. Moreover, since Arcane Firmament exists as a separate entity, even if it fails, there is absolutely no risk of backlash.
The person before him not only had far weaker mental strength than Yun Che but was also on the verge of death. The memory reading with Arcane Firmament proceeded with exceptional ease and smoothness. Soon, Yun Che withdrew his Arcane Firmament, and the man lay there with his eyes wide open, no longer making a sound.
This man was named Fen Zizai, the master of the seventy-second hall of Fen Tian Gate, serving under the command of the Eighth Elder. He was forty-five years old, with a build similar to Yun Che's. More importantly, his profound force level was exactly the same as Yun Che's current state—both at Earth Xuan Realm, Level 6. The purpose of his late-night outing was exactly as he had previously stated: to sneak into Canghuo City and investigate whether Yun Che was hiding there.
"Truly an unexpected gift." Yun Che furrowed his brows with a cold sneer. He carefully observed Fen Zizai's facial features, then stripped off his outer robe and tossed it into the Heavenly Poison Pearl. After casually scooping out a pit, he kicked the two corpses in and buried them.
Standing there, Yun Che released his Arcane Firmament once more and gazed at the deep orange color, slightly lost in thought.
He was currently in his most ordinary state, not even having activated his Evil Soul. In this state, the Arcane Firmament he released should have been crimson red. Yet now, the Arcane Firmament he released was unmistakably orange!!
He remembered again that back at Fen Tian Gate, when he forcibly activated Purgatory to save Xiao Lingxi and threw out his Arcane Firmament... that time, the Arcane Firmament had clearly been blue—the same color as his grandfather Yun Canghai's!
What was going on? Why had the Arcane Firmament advanced in the same state?
Could it be... because of the Dragon God's Marrow?
Thinking of this, Yun Che immediately found the most likely answer. The strength of Arcane Firmament was half related to bloodline and half to the mysterious veins. With the opening of the Evil God Realm Gate and the surge in his mysterious vein power, the color of Arcane Firmament would undergo sublimation. After receiving the Dragon God's Marrow, his bloodline had also changed... The gift of Dragon God's Blood altered the composition of his bloodline, while the gift of Dragon God's Marrow altered the very essence of his bloodline! Blood merges with blood, but marrow generates blood! The Dragon God's Marrow that entered his body would cause his bloodline to become increasingly powerful, approaching that of the mighty Dragon God bloodline...
Then, naturally, his Arcane Firmament, which was linked to his bloodline and power, would grow stronger and stronger!!
Now, it had turned the Arcane Firmament in its normal state from crimson to orange. In the future, this sublimation might far exceed simply becoming orange!
As his Evil God Mysterious Vein and Dragon God bloodline grew increasingly powerful, his Arcane Firmament might evolve to an extremely high level!
Yun Che returned to the cave. Xiao Lingxi immediately pounced on him, hugging him tightly: "Xiao Che, are you okay? Were you injured?"
"Haha, don't worry." Yun Che laughed lightly. "Right now, the number of people in all of Cang Feng who can injure me can be counted on one hand. Those two small fries weren't even worthy. Come, let's continue enjoying our meal. Don't worry about what just happened."
Xiao Lingxi's heart settled. She looked at him and said softly, "My Xiao Che has completely grown up, and he's become so powerful... but, heh, it doesn't feel unfamiliar to me at all."
"Of course. No matter what happens, we are the closest people. How could I ever feel unfamiliar? Come, open your mouth." Yun Che gently moved the spoon to Xiao Lingxi's lips. The soup in the spoon contained gray powder that Yun Che had secretly sprinkled in moments ago.
Xiao Lingxi drank it, and a wave of drowsiness suddenly washed over her. Her eyes fluttered slightly, then weakly closed: "Xiao Che, I'm suddenly... a little sleepy..."
"If you're sleepy, just go to sleep obediently. I'm here." Yun Che said softly.
"Mmm..." Xiao Lingxi responded softly, her entire body relaxing as she completely sank into dreamland.
Soon, Xiao Lingxi's breathing became steady, and she slept soundly. Yun Che took out a blanket and spread it on the ground, gently laying Xiao Lingxi down. Looking at her peaceful sleeping face, he said, "I'm sorry, Little Aunt... but don't worry. I'll be back soon. I promise you that when you wake up and open your eyes, you'll see me and Grandfather right away."
Although Xiao Lingxi had been rescued, her grandfather Xiao Lie was still in the hands of Fen Tian Gate.
Every second he remained there, Xiao Lie would suffer more misery and danger. So Yun Che had to do everything in his power to rescue him as quickly as possible, unwilling to wait even a single moment. The method of rescue had already formed in his mind, but he naturally couldn't take Xiao Lingxi with him. And if he left her alone here, she would surely worry and be afraid. So he had no choice but to make her fall asleep.
Yun Che left the cave and spent half an hour covering up the entrance. After thinking for a while, he took out five drops of King Dragon's Blood from the Heavenly Poison Pearl, mixed them with over a dozen herbs, and quickly refined five drops of Ice Profound Jade Liquid.
He summoned the Snow Phoenix Beast and fed it all five drops of Ice Profound Jade Liquid. Immediately, the Snow Phoenix Beast, which had been utterly lethargic, let out a low cry after drinking the liquid. Its wings spread wide.
"Chan'er, I'm going to have to trouble you again soon. But this time won't be too long. You have to hold on." Yun Che stroked the Snow Phoenix Beast's feathers, feeling somewhat guilty. The Ice Profound Jade Liquid could quickly restore some of its strength, but it couldn't restore its vitality. Relying on external power to fly at extreme speed again would further damage its vitality... but today, Yun Che had no choice but to rely on it once more.
He returned the Snow Phoenix Beast to his Profound Imprint, changed into Fen Zizai's clothes, tidied his hair, put on his Space Ring, and rubbed his face for a while. Soon, a face identical to Fen Zizai's appeared on Yun Che. Then, Yun Che adjusted his walking posture and strode confidently toward Fen Tian Gate.
It was already late at night. Fen Tian Gate was still in chaos, having not recovered from yesterday's disaster. The once majestic main gate had vanished, replaced by a pile of rubble. Above the rubble, a dozen people still stood guard at their posts, occasionally yawning.
Just then, a figure hurriedly jogged over. The Fen Tian disciples guarding the "gate" immediately perked up and barked, "Who goes there!"
"It's me!" The newcomer slowed his pace, his voice carrying a hint of arrogance and severity.
"So it's the Seventy-Second Hall Master. Our apologies!" Recognizing the person, the guarding disciples quickly stepped aside and bowed respectfully.
Another disciple said, "Seventy-Second Hall Master, didn't you and the Seventy-Third Hall Master just leave for Canghuo City? Why are you back so soon?"
"Of course, I've obtained important information and need to report to the Elder immediately." "Fen Zizai" said with a mix of haste and impatience. "You all guard this place well. This is a critical moment for the sect—no outsiders are allowed to approach!"
With that, he hurried inside, heading straight for the Eighth Elder's residence.
Cultivators of Fen Tian Gate all practiced the Burning Heaven Art, so their bodies were surrounded by varying degrees of fire element fluctuations. With the Evil God Fire Seed within him, Yun Che found this easy to imitate. Although he couldn't truly replicate the profound force aura of the Burning Heaven Art exactly, it would be hard to distinguish unless someone focused intently. Moreover, the intensity of Yun Che's profound force in his normal state was exactly the same as Fen Zizai's, making it almost flawless.
Even though it was late, many disciples were patrolling the sect, but none suspected that the Fen Zizai they passed had been replaced.
Yun Che made his way unimpeded to the Eighth Elder's residence. After claiming to have a major report, he was granted an audience with the Eighth Elder, Fen Mo Chi.
Fen Mo Chi had not yet gone to sleep. Seeing "Fen Zizai," he said in a deep voice, "What's going on? Weren't you and Zhengzhi supposed to sneak into Canghuo City to investigate whether Yun Che had fled there? Why are you back so soon? You say there's a major report—what is it?"
"Fen Zizai" quickly replied, "Reporting to Elder, there's no need to investigate Canghuo City anymore... On the way, I sent a sound transmission to some old acquaintances in Canghuo City. They informed me that yesterday afternoon, they all saw a large, snow-white, imposing bird fly over the city, which landed roughly in the northern part. Since then, no one has seen the bird fly away. It can be concluded that Yun Che is currently hiding in Canghuo City."
"Just as I thought!" Fen Mo Chi stood up abruptly, anger flashing across his face. "Hmph! To so blatantly land in Canghuo City—he's mocking our Fen Tian Gate, thinking we wouldn't dare to pursue him! Now that the Supreme Sect Master and Supreme Elders are present, let's see how arrogant he can still be!"
"Fen Zizai" smirked coldly inwardly and continued, "Elder, although we are certain Yun Che is hiding in Canghuo City, the city is too large, and Yun Che is bound to be cautious. Pinpointing his hiding place is extremely difficult. After discussing with Zhengzhi, he went ahead to Canghuo City first, while I rushed back to ask your permission for something."
"What is it?" Fen Mo Ci asked sidelong.
"Fen Zizai" swallowed hard, looking nervous: "One of Yun Che's relatives is currently in the Dragon Prison, reportedly on the lowest floor. I want to take something from that person—a piece of clothing, a pendant, anything—and then immediately travel back to Canghuo City overnight. I would hang it in a conspicuous place, hoping to lure Yun Che out. Once he appears within our sight, we can learn his whereabouts and hiding spot... This is just a humble idea from an unworthy disciple. I await your instruction, Elder."
"Hmm..." Fen Mo Chi lowered his head and pondered for a long while before slowly saying, "Such a method is too obvious and unlikely to work. However, although Yun Che is extremely strong, he is young, hot-blooded, and prone to impulsive extremes. Perhaps it might be quite effective against him. Alright! I approve of your plan. But remember, Yun Che may be injured, but he is still far beyond what you and Zhengzhi can handle. His vigilance will also be high. You must be extremely careful. If you find his hiding place, be sure to send me a sound transmission immediately."
"Yes!"
"Take my token. With this, you can freely enter and exit the Dragon Prison. Go quickly." Fen Mo Chi tossed a crimson token to Yun Che, saying indifferently.
This token was exactly what Yun Che most wanted. With his flawless disguise, everything proceeded even more smoothly than he had imagined. Taking the token, Yun Che took his leave and headed straight for the Dragon Prison.
Fen Mo Chi stood in place, pondering for a moment. He vaguely felt that something was off, but he couldn't figure out what. After a short while, he picked up his Sound Transmission Jade and said, "Gate Master, we have confirmed that Yun Che is hiding in Canghuo City..."
The Dragon Prison was the internal prison of Fen Tian Gate. It held disciples who had committed major offenses or serious crimes, as well as enemies, those with grudges, and naturally, some people whom Fen Tian Gate had simply restricted the freedom of or secretly hidden away. The Dragon Prison had seven levels. The deeper one went, the darker and more sinister it became, and the inmates were correspondingly more important or guilty.
"This is the Dragon Prison—a restricted area! No trespassing!" As Yun Che approached the gate of the Dragon Prison, a guard disciple immediately blocked him with a stern shout.
Yun Che produced the token and said proudly, "By order of the Eighth Elder, I am to proceed to the seventh level of the Dragon Prison to retrieve something from a prisoner."
The guard glanced at the token and nodded. He led the way personally: "Please follow me."
With Fen Mo Chi's token, Yun Che achieved his goal and stepped into the Dragon Prison without any trouble. However, even though he held the token, four sword-wielding guards closely followed him as he entered. After all, places like the Dragon Prison often held certain "special individuals" whose presence, if known to outsiders, would incite deep hatred or even public scorn and abuse. For example, core members of a great sect secretly abducted to seize their profound arts or secrets...
Or "bait" like Xiao Lie, who was enough to cause Fen Tian Gate to lose face completely.
As Yun Che entered the Dragon Prison, a pungent stench of decay hit his nose. The deeper he went, the stronger the stench grew, making him frown deeply. Thinking that his grandfather was locked up in a place like this, rage surged in his heart. Suppressing his anger and urgency, he maintained a measured pace, following the guard disciple down layer after layer. After several turns, he finally reached the seventh level of the Dragon Prison.
Upon reaching the seventh level, Yun Che spotted Xiao Lie at a glance. He was imprisoned in the cell directly opposite the seventh-level prison gate.