440: Chapter 439 Gathering at the Flowing Fire Sect

"So it was the 'Ten Thousand Yao Spirit-Devouring Great Array', but..."

Qin Changsheng's gaze followed the blood-colored veins all the way down, finally locking onto a Secret Chamber deep beneath the Flowing Fire Sect.

When he saw the three core items suspended at the heart of the Great Array, his expression became somewhat peculiar.

The core of the Great Array was, surprisingly, three Yao Beast Golden Cores emitting thick Demonic Qi.

And the unique mana fluctuations remaining on these three Golden Cores were all too familiar to Qin Changsheng—these were the very three Yao Beast Golden Cores he had personally copied and exchanged with Shen Bing for the thousand-year black ice lotus a few years ago!

"Around and around it goes; you actually used the things I copied to set up a Great Array meant to deal with me."

Qin Changsheng couldn't help but chuckle, shaking his head slightly.

Since the reality of the Great Array had been thoroughly seen through, he naturally wouldn't be polite.

Qin Changsheng's figure flickered slightly as he activated the [Disguise] trait. His true form instantly turned into an intangible, formless breeze, bypassing the layers of Restrictions and patrolling guards, and directly infiltrated the Secret Chamber at the core of the Flowing Fire Sect's Formation.

Inside the Secret Chamber, the blood-colored light was overwhelming, with three Yao Beast Golden Cores floating in mid-air, continuously feeding violent demonic power into the Great Array.

Qin Changsheng stepped in front of the Great Array's core.

Buzz!

At this moment, the passive effect "Ten Thousand Arrays Return to Origin" of [Heavenly Dao · Ancestor of Ten Thousand Arrays] was triggered with a boom.

A supreme Heavenly Dao Law fluctuation radiated from within Qin Changsheng, infiltrating the blood-colored Great Array before him as silently and gently as spring rain.

The moment the Great Array's originally violent blood-colored light touched this Law, it obediently prostrated itself as if a subject seeing its monarch.

The Secret Chamber was deathly silent, with only the faint sounds of intertwined Laws.

In less than half a quarter of an hour, the hub of the Great Array, which had originally been controlled by Yao Race powerhouses like Shen Guhong, had its original spiritual imprints completely wiped away by Qin Changsheng, and the highest control was forcibly seized!

He was now the true master of this Great Array.

"However, while these three copied Golden Cores can be used, the demonic power is impure, and there is a time limit; they are a hidden danger after all."

Qin Changsheng looked at the three Yao Beast Golden Cores, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly.

With a flick of his wrist, he directly pocketed the three Yao Beast Golden Cores. Then, with a wave of his large sleeve, dozens of crystal-clear Top-Grade Spirit Stones emitting terrifying spiritual energy whistled out and landed steadily in the eye of the Formation where the Golden Cores had been suspended.

"Rise!"

With a thought from Qin Changsheng, using the heavens and earth as a medium, he instantly modified the energy trajectory of the Formation's core.

Boom!

The pure spiritual power contained within the Top-Grade Spirit Stones was instantly drawn out by the Great Array.

In an instant, the blood-colored light of the entire Great Array converged, transforming into a terrifying Pressure that was nearly transparent.

Using Top-Grade Spirit Stones to replace the Yao Beast Golden Cores did not weaken the power of the Great Array; on the contrary, because the spiritual power was purer and more stable, the power of this Great Array surged by more than thirty percent compared to its original state!

"Done."

Qin Changsheng clapped his hands, looking at the perfectly operating Formation with a playful smile on his face.

He believed that when Shen Guhong thought everything was within his grasp later, only to discover that the Great Array couldn't be used, his expression would certainly be magnificent.

Half an hour later, Qin Changsheng's figure shifted, transforming back into an ordinary-looking Loose Cultivator, and he returned silently to the mountain gate of the Flowing Fire Sect, blending into the endless stream of people.

At the mountain gate at this moment, immortal music played in unison, and auspicious colors filled the sky.

Shen Guhong, acting as the host, was dressed in a gorgeous crimson Daoist robe, standing before the mountain gate to warmly welcome distinguished guests from all sides.

He wore a refreshing, gentle smile on his face, his words and actions fully displaying the humility and enthusiasm of a great Sect. No one would have guessed that this powerhouse, famous throughout the Southern Region, harbored a treacherous heart to bring disaster upon the Human Race beneath his skin.

"Master Refiner Chu Yanqiu of Sword Villa has arrived—!"

Following the high-pitched announcement of the welcoming Disciples, a massive sword light whistled across the horizon.

The sword light receded, revealing a middle-aged man carrying an ancient sword with an extraordinary bearing; it was none other than the Great Grandmaster of Artifact Refining famous in the Southern Region, Master Refiner Chu Yanqiu.

Seeing this, Shen Guhong immediately greeted him with a smile: "Master Chu has traveled far to come here; the Flowing Fire Sect is honored. Please, take your seat!"

Immediately following this, auspicious clouds gathered in the sky, and several powerful auras arrived side by side.

"Immortal Master Mochen of Azure Cloud Sect and Fellow Daoist Wen Xuanli have arrived—!"

"Sect Head Xuanyangzi of Heavenly Sword Sect, Fairy Qingling, Fellow Daoist Mochenzi, and Lady Shen Shuying have arrived—!"

For a time, Sword Qi soared into the sky in front of the Flowing Fire Sect's gate, and spiritual light obscured the sun.

Xuanyangzi of the Heavenly Sword Sect had the bearing of an immortal; beside him, Shen Shuying carried a long sword, her expression as cold as frost; Fairy Qingling was dressed in white, fluttering like a Fairy in a painting; Immortal Master Mochen and Wen Xuanli of the Azure Cloud Sect also possessed a steady demeanor, faintly showing the style of a great Sect.

In addition to these top Sect bigwigs who dominated the Southern Region, many Golden Core Stage Loose Cultivators who were rarely seen on ordinary days also arrived one after another upon hearing the news.

In just half a day, nearly half of the Golden Core Stage combat power of the entire Southern Region had gathered here.

Looking at these Golden Core powerhouses who represented half of the Human Race's strength gathered before him, a flash of irrepressible ecstasy and ferocity crossed the depths of Shen Guhong's eyes.

He turned slightly to the side and gave a very subtle wink to an old man in a black robe standing not far away.

That black-robed old man was the Great Master of Formations responsible for presiding over and maintaining this Great Array—Master Wang.

Master Wang understood, nodding imperceptibly to Shen Guhong, signaling that the Great Array was perfectly normal and could be activated at any time.

Seeing Master Wang nod, the heart that Shen Guhong had been hanging finally settled completely, and he couldn't help but laugh wildly in his heart.

"Good, good, good! Xuanyangzi, Mochen, Master Refiner Chu Yanqiu... you guys who are usually high and mighty, since you've come today, don't even think about leaving!"

"As long as I refine all of your Essence Blood, my Yao Race can dominate the Southern Region without any effort! The Luck of the Human Race is destined to end in my, Shen Guhong's, hands!"

Shen Guhong took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the excitement in his heart, and continued to welcome the human Cultivators with a face full of smiles.

However, he didn't notice at all that in the crowd not far away, Qin Changsheng, disguised as an ordinary Loose Cultivator, was standing with his arms crossed, a playful smile on his face, quietly watching their "eye exchange".

In the noisy crowd, Qin Changsheng stood with his hands behind his back, seemingly looking around casually, but in reality, his Divine Sense had already spread out like a spider web.

Suddenly, his gaze narrowed slightly.

He saw that on one side of the Flowing Fire Sect's mountain gate, a young man who looked ordinary and was wearing a cyan Daoist robe was lowering his head, walking slowly into the Sect with the crowd.

Although this youth had deliberately restrained his aura, Qin Changsheng possessed the Heavenly Dao Trait, and with just one glance, he saw through the other party's Disguise.

"Chen Erniu, you really came." Qin Changsheng thought to himself.

He didn't alert anyone, and with a slight movement of his mind, the Incarnation "Hu Nan" hidden not far away stepped out immediately, unhurriedly approaching the direction of Chen Erniu.

Seemingly sensing a familiar mana fluctuation, Chen Erniu raised his head slightly.

When he saw Hu Nan, a trace of joy flashed in his eyes, and he secretly waved at Hu Nan, signaling him to follow.

The two had great tacit understanding, one after the other, passing through the noisy streets and entering an inn that the Flowing Fire Sect had specially prepared for the Loose Cultivators who came to observe the ceremony.

Entering the room, Chen Erniu backhanded a few sound-insulation talismans and set up a simple defensive barrier.

After confirming that it was safe and secure, he finally let out a breath, a relieved smile appearing on his face.

"Brother Hu, long time no see. Your cultivation seems to have improved quite a bit." Chen Erniu greeted him simply, his tone carrying a bit of familiarity and social pleasantry.

"Brother Chen, you flatter me. The Flowing Fire Sect is full of hidden talents; I have to be careful." The Incarnation Hu Nan gave an honest smile and replied with a cupped-hand salute.

Chen Erniu nodded, without too much nonsense, and directly took out a yellowed animal skin map from his Storage Pouch, laying it flat on the table.

"Brother Hu, we can talk about old times later. Let's look at the main business first."

Chen Erniu pointed his finger at an area marked with heavy red circles on the back mountain of the Flowing Fire Sect on the map and said in a low voice: "Look, this Secret Chamber is the secret treasury where Shen Guhong keeps the water spirit fruit!"

Hu Nan leaned forward, his gaze falling on the map.

That place was not far from the Secret Chamber where he had previously usurped the core of the Great Array, and it was surrounded by various open and secret sentries, as well as layers upon layers of defensive Restrictions.

"The defense here is so strict, how can we succeed?" Hu Nan frowned slightly.

Chen Erniu chuckled, a trace of cunning and certainty flashing in his eyes: "Brother Hu, don't worry. Since I dared to come, I naturally made full preparations. I have already found out that tomorrow morning, Shen Guhong will, as the host, invite the likes of Immortal Master Mochen of the Azure Cloud Sect and Sect Head Xuanyangzi of the Heavenly Sword Sect, along with a group of Golden Core giants, to the Liuhuo Hall to discuss the 'great matter of defense' against the Southern Region's Yao Race."

When he said the words "great matter of defense", there was a trace of heavy sarcasm in Chen Erniu's tone.

"At that time, Shen Guhong, as the Sect Master, must accompany them throughout the entire process and will have absolutely no way to get away. And the defensive strength of that Secret Chamber will also be relaxed because the bigwigs are all gathered. Tomorrow morning is the best time for you and me to make our move!"

Listening to Chen Erniu's plan, Qin Changsheng nodded solemnly on the surface while controlling the Incarnation Hu Nan, but he was already sneering repeatedly in his heart.

Shen Guhong is the Yao King, yet he actually wants to preside over the great matter of defense against the Yao Race.

However, this was indeed an excellent time for him, Qin Changsheng, to make his move.

"Good, tomorrow morning, I will follow Brother Chen's arrangements." The Incarnation Hu Nan said with a fist salute, his eyes full of "trust".

"Haha, with Brother Hu's help, this trip will surely succeed!" Chen Erniu laughed and patted Hu Nan on the shoulder, not knowing that he had long since fallen into the net of the oriole that Qin Changsheng had carefully woven.

After finalizing the details of tomorrow's operation with Chen Erniu, the Incarnation "Hu Nan" bid farewell and left, returning to his own guest room.

Sitting cross-legged on the couch, Qin Changsheng slowly opened his eyes, his deep pupils flashing with the wise light of having everything under control.

In Qin Changsheng's heart, he already had a perfect and excellent calculation.

On the surface, he agreed to act together with Chen Erniu tomorrow morning.

But in reality, Qin Changsheng had no intention of following Chen Erniu's rhythm.

He wanted to take the water spirit fruit into his own pocket one step before Chen Erniu made his move.

"Tomorrow morning, when Shen Guhong, Xuanyangzi, Immortal Master Mochen, and the others are discussing the great matter in Liuhuo Hall with their own hidden agendas, that will be when the Flowing Fire Sect's defenses are most empty, and also the best time for me to act."

Qin Changsheng silently simulated every detail in his mind.

At that time, he would directly use the Golden Trait [Disguise].

Although this trait was only at the Golden level, its concealment effect was extremely Heaven-Defying. Once activated, his figure, aura, Karma, and even void fluctuations would be completely wiped away.

In this Southern Region, as long as he didn't take the initiative to attack, even a Golden Core Peak Stage Cultivator would have absolutely no way to detect his existence.

And the Secret Chamber defensive Formation, which gave others a headache, was nothing in front of Qin Changsheng.

He possessed the newly upgraded [Heavenly Dao · Ancestor of Ten Thousand Arrays], and all Formations in the world obeyed his commands. The heavy Restrictions and defensive Great Array laid out by the Flowing Fire Sect outside the Secret Chamber with countless efforts were like an open door in his eyes.

He didn't even need to forcibly break the Formation; with just a thought, the Great Array would actively create an invisible passage for him, and it would never trigger any alarms.

Entering the Secret Chamber and taking the real water spirit fruit was just the first step.

The most critical part was the aftermath.

"Since Chen Erniu wants to use me, he must be prepared to pay the price."

Qin Changsheng sneered.

He planned to immediately activate another powerful trump card in his body after taking the real water spirit fruit—the Heavenly Dao Trait [Heavenly Dao · Copy].

With his current cultivation and the supreme power of the Heavenly Dao Trait, the copied water spirit fruit would not only be identical to the genuine article in shape and color, but even the pure water-attribute spiritual power fluctuations emitted from it would be enough to pass for the real thing.

Even a Golden Core Late Stage great Cultivator who was proficient in this would absolutely not be able to see any flaws without carefully refining it.

However, this copied water spirit fruit was, after all, not a divine object generated by heaven and earth.

Qin Changsheng would deliberately control the power of the Law, allowing these two copied "water spirit fruits" to only exist for ten days.

After ten days, the Law would dissipate, and these two fruits would turn into nothingness.

"In this way, when Chen Erniu goes to great lengths to sneak into the Secret Chamber tomorrow, what he thinks he has successfully snatched will just be the fakes I left behind. Even if he develops greed afterward and wants to swallow the water spirit fruits alone and shake me off, he will only find that what he got through so much effort is just two balls of air that will dissipate in ten days."

And the real water spirit fruit would already be lying safely in Qin Changsheng's Storage Pouch, becoming a stepping stone for his future promotion to the Nascent Soul stage.

This move of deceiving the heavens would not only allow him to stand in an invincible position but also allow him to play both Chen Erniu and the Yao Race in the palm of his hand.

"Everything is ready, I only need the east wind."

Qin Changsheng slowly closed his eyes, quietly waiting for tomorrow's sunrise.

In this game, he would not only take the water spirit fruit but also make this Flowing Fire Sect the burial ground for the Southern Region's Yao Race!

Early the next morning, as the morning light dawned, the Flowing Fire Sect was already a scene of bustle.

Chen Erniu and Hu Nan came side by side to the outside of the Flowing Fire Sect's main hall.

At this moment, the square in front of the main hall was already gathered with dense crowds of Cultivators, heads bobbing. Most of them had heard that several famous Golden Core powerhouses of the Southern Region would be gathering here today and had come specifically to admire the demeanor of the powerhouses.

"Look quickly, it's Sect Head Xuanyangzi of the Heavenly Sword Sect!"

"And Immortal Master Mochen of the Azure Cloud Sect, as well as Master Chu of Sword Villa!"

Accompanied by suppressed exclamations in the crowd, several incomparably powerful auras descended from the horizon.

Xuanyangzi had the bearing of an immortal, Immortal Master Mochen had a steady demeanor, and Master Refiner Chu Yanqiu carried an ancient sword. The three of them nodded slightly and, under the personal welcome of Shen Guhong, strode into the Liuhuo Hall.