247: Chapter 247 Thunder Flood Dragon Invitation

Chapter 245: The Thunder Flood Dragon's Request! Beast King Pill!

Under the siege of the three "demons," Daoist Nangong, despite being a Nascent Soul Cultivator, had reached the end of his rope.

His injuries hadn't healed, his magic power was exhausted, and he was frontally locked on by the strongest among them, the ninth-level Yinting the Thunder Flood Dragon. Meanwhile, Lu Qiu and the Black Water Poison Python watched him greedily from the sidelines, sealing off all possible escape routes.

The battle was almost a one-sided slaughter.

"Yinting! The Poison-Scaled Flood Dragon was truly not killed by me! It was someone else! Do not be blinded!"

Daoist Nangong's eyes were nearly splitting as he made his final struggle and defense, frantically driving his lifebound Flying Sword and that Silver-Silk Fly-Whisk, trying to carve a path through the desperate situation.

Golden sword light and silver fly-whisk threads wove into a net, barely protecting his body.

"Death is at your door, yet you still dare to quibble! Die for me!" Yinting the Thunder Flood Dragon did not believe him at all. With a sinister laugh, he clenched his palms, and lightning exploded between them, condensing two thunder spears made of pure lightning, each about a zhang long, out of thin air!

On the spears, countless tiny electric snakes jumped, emitting a destructive Aura.

He violently threw both spears!

The two lightning spears emitted ear-piercing thunderous explosions, like two thunder flood dragons emerging from the sea, one left and one right, tearing through the Void Realm and shooting straight at Daoist Nangong!

Wherever they passed, the air was ionized into charred tracks.

Daoist Nangong was horrified, doing his best to block with his lifebound Flying Sword and fly-whisk in front of him.

"Boom! Crack—!"

The golden Flying Sword collided with the lightning spear and let out a wail. Its spiritual light instantly dimmed by more than half, and it flew back.

The Silver-Silk Fly-Whisk was directly pierced by the other lightning spear, its countless silver threads snapping inch by inch!

Daoist Nangong was mentally connected to his Lifebound Treasure; he immediately spat out several mouthfuls of blood, his Aura plummeting.

Just as he was heavily injured by the lightning spear, his figure stumbling, and his protective spiritual light shattered—

"Hiss! Ghost Python Poisonous Fang!"

The Black Water Poison Python, which had been waiting for an opportunity, seized the chance. Its figure approached like a ghost, right hand fingers together, fingertips instantly covered with dark, shiny sharp scales, turning into five poisonous spikes. With a fishy wind, they stabbed like lightning towards Daoist Nangong's back!

This strike was sinister and crafty, the timing captured to perfection.

"Puchi!"

The five poisonous spikes pierced through Daoist Nangong's tattered Daoist robe and protective spiritual light without hindrance, sinking deep into the vital points of his back!

The poison was instantly injected. Daoist Nangong's face turned pitch black at a visible speed, and his body suddenly stiffened.

"Ah—!" He let out a short, shrill scream. The Nascent Soul inside his body vibrated frantically, wanting to escape, but the poison had already invaded the Nascent Soul, making its movements sluggish.

"Now is the time!"

A sharp light flashed in Lu Qiu's eyes. He didn't use his own human divine abilities but secretly activated the Hundred Beasts Transformation and Myriad Transformations Hidden Origin Art, simulating the demonic power of a Crimson Flame Bird. Simultaneously, he mentally communicated with the "Beast Spirit Seal" he had prepared, which sealed a trace of the Crimson Flame Bird's lifebound demonic fire.

His hands quickly formed Seals in front of his chest, and a hot, violent fire-attribute energy rapidly condensed.

"Scarlet Flame Incinerating the Heavens!"

Lu Qiu shouted low, pushing his palms out! A huge firebird phantom, about a zhang in diameter and composed entirely of crimson flames, swooped down on the stiff, poisoned Daoist Nangong with a sharp bird cry and terrifying heat that could burn the eight directions!

Wherever the firebird passed, seawater evaporated and the air distorted. Its power was not inferior to a real eighth-level Crimson Flame Bird's lifebound demonic fire strike!

This was a disguise he had carefully prepared to ensure that the "Demonic Qi" attribute and Divine Ability characteristics of his move perfectly matched the identity of "Mo Yu the Crimson Flame Bird."

Heavily injured, poisoned, and attacked from both front and back, Daoist Nangong could no longer resist this fatal blow.

"No—!!!"

Amidst a desperate and unwilling roar, the crimson firebird slammed solidly into Daoist Nangong!

Boom—!!!

The flames exploded!

Daoist Nangong's body rapidly carbonized and disintegrated in the blazing demonic fire. Even his tattered Magic Treasures and Storage Pouch were almost incinerated.

As the flames faded, only a small pile of ashes remained, along with a mini Nascent Soul about the size of a fist. It was wrapped in crimson flames, still emitting vast spiritual power and pure Soul Power, with clear features identical to Daoist Nangong's face, but now filled with terror!

This Nascent Soul tried to struggle, but its surface was entangled with the Black Water Poison Python's poison and the remnants of the Crimson Flame Bird's demonic fire. Its spiritual light was dim; it was already a turtle in a jar.

"Haha! Good! Fellow Daoist Mo Yu's Scarlet Flame Divine Ability is indeed impressive!"

Yinting the Thunder Flood Dragon was overjoyed at the sight. With a loud laugh, his figure flashed, appearing above the mini Nascent Soul. He grabbed it with his large hand and unceremoniously swallowed it into his stomach!

He even smacked his lips, his crimson vertical pupils full of satisfaction.

"Senior Yinting overpraises me," Lu Qiu said faintly, withdrawing his magic power and dispersing the simulated demonic fire Aura around him, though he remained calm in his heart.

A Nascent Soul of an Early Stage Nascent Soul Cultivator, while precious, was not yet worth falling out and fighting over with this ninth-level Thunder Flood Dragon.

Moreover, the Thunder Flood Dragon's initiative to swallow the Nascent Soul confirmed the title of "killer of the culprit," which only benefited his identity as "Mo Yu."

Having swallowed the Nascent Soul, the Thunder Flood Dragon was in high spirits. His gaze swept over the ashes, and with a wave of his hand, he pulled the few remaining items that hadn't been completely incinerated from the ashes.

They were Daoist Nangong's Storage Pouch, the wreckage of the golden lifebound Flying Sword with its dim spiritual light, and a few broken pieces of Magic Treasures.

Without even looking, he threw these things directly to Lu Qiu and the Black Water Poison Python.

"Fellow Daoist Mo Yu, Brother Black Water, you two contributed significantly to killing this scoundrel. These scraps of the old Daoist belong to you two, as a small token of my appreciation," the Thunder Flood Dragon said generously.

To him, the most important thing—the enemy's Nascent Soul—had been swallowed, and his anger had been vented. A few Materials and Magic Treasures from a human Cultivator were not much in his eyes as a ninth-level great demon with a rich collection. It was perfect for doing an easy favor and winning over these two "peers."

Lu Qiu and the Black Water Poison Python exchanged a glance and did not refuse. After thanking him, they put the items away.

Lu Qiu took the Storage Pouch and the main items, while the damaged lifebound Flying Sword was given to the Black Water Poison Python. The material of this sword was decent; it could be used to refine other Magic Treasures after being remelted.

After processing the spoils of war, Yinting the Thunder Flood Dragon looked at Lu Qiu, the warmth in his crimson vertical pupils increasing. He smiled and said, "Fellow Daoist Mo Yu has come from afar and helped me kill this scoundrel. It's truly delightful! This is not the place for talk. Why not come to my Immortal Cave, have a few cups of spiritual wine, and taste some spirit fruits, so I can show some hospitality as the host?"

He paused and looked at the Black Water Poison Python: "Brother Black Water, come along as well. You can tell me where you've been these past two years, and about Brother Poison-Scaled... sigh."

When mentioning the Poison-Scaled Flood Dragon, a hint of "anger" appropriately appeared in his eyes.

Lu Qiu was slightly surprised.

This Thunder Flood Dragon was being a bit too enthusiastic towards him.

Although he had just shown his strength, they had only just met. Moreover, his identity as a Crimson Flame Bird was an avian species that aquatic and terrestrial demons usually didn't like. The other party was a ninth-level great demon and a territorial overlord; logically, his posture should be higher.

Such an enthusiastic invitation likely meant he had other motives.

However, he was bold due to his high skill and had the Black Water Poison Python as an insider by his side, so he wasn't afraid of the other party playing any tricks.

If he could take this opportunity to establish contact with this ninth-level Thunder Flood Dragon and even enter the circle of demons in the Outer Star Sea, it would be of great benefit for finding Biling Island and obtaining other resources and intelligence.

After a moment of deliberation, Lu Qiu nodded and laughed hoarsely, "Senior Yinting's hospitality is hard to refuse. Then I shall trouble you."

"Good! Straightforward! Follow me!" Yinting the Thunder Flood Dragon was overjoyed, his figure turning into a bolt of lightning to lead the way.

Lu Qiu and the Black Water Poison Python also took to the air, following closely behind.

Three streaks of light cut through the sky, speeding towards the southeast.

After flying for about a thousand miles, an island of considerable size appeared on the sea ahead. This island was lush and green, with misty Spiritual Qi, far superior to those previous barren islands.

The outlines of pavilions and towers were vaguely visible on the island, which had been managed quite orderly. Clearly, this Thunder Flood Dragon had been entrenched here for a long time and had built this island into his lair.

The light landed in front of a grand Immortal Cave in the center of the island, built against the mountain and made entirely of a certain green jade stone.

At the entrance of the Immortal Cave, there were actually two sixth-level demons, equivalent to the Core Formation Stage, acting as guards.

"All of you withdraw. No one is allowed near the main hall without my command," the Thunder Flood Dragon ordered, leading Lu Qiu and the Black Water Poison Python into the Immortal Cave.

The interior of the Immortal Cave was extremely spacious. Though its decorations were not as delicate as those of a human's, they were grand and majestic, embedded with many glowing deep-sea strange stones and bright pearls that illuminated the place like day.

In the center of the hall stood a massive stone table and several stone chairs.

After they were seated as host and guests, Yinting brought out spiritual wine and spiritual fruit.

The wine was a verdant green 'Sea Heart Nectar,' and the fruits included 'Dragon Blood Vermillion Fruit' and 'Water Jade Bodhi'—spiritual items rarely seen in the outside world, all containing pure Spiritual Qi and beneficial for the cultivation of Yao Beasts.

“Fellow Daoist Mo Yu, Brother Black Water, please! Don't be formal!” Yinting the Thunder Flood Dragon raised a jade cup the size of a large bowl, filled with the verdant nectar, and spoke heartily.

Lu Qiu and the Black Water Poison Python also raised their cups in return.

The wine was spiritual wine, warm as it entered the stomach and transforming into trickling streams that nourished their Meridians and demonic bodies; the fruit was spiritual fruit, sweet and succulent, overflowing with Spiritual Qi.

The three 'people' toasted and exchanged cups, discussing the customs, Yao sentiments, and strange anecdotes of the Outer Star Sea, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

After several rounds of wine, they had also consumed quite a few spiritual fruits.

The tipsiness on Yinting the Thunder Flood Dragon's face grew more pronounced. He set down his wine cup, looked at Lu Qiu, his crimson vertical pupils flashing with sharp light as he finally got to the main point.

“Fellow Daoist Mo Yu, to be honest, I invited you here today not only to thank you for your help but because I actually have a favor to ask.” Yinting the Thunder Flood Dragon's tone became solemn.

“Oh? What is it, Senior Yinting? Please, feel free to speak. If it is within Mo Yu's power, I will certainly not refuse.”

Lu Qiu's heart stirred, thinking that it had indeed come to this, but his face remained impassive as he set down his cup and adopted a listening posture.

“This matter concerns this seat's path of Dao.”

Yinting the Thunder Flood Dragon sighed and said slowly, “As you can see, Fellow Daoist, this seat possesses the body of a Thunder Flood Dragon. I have cultivated to the Peak of Level Nine, and though I seem only one step away from Level Ten, it is actually like an insurmountable chasm. Our Yao Race's cultivation does not have the many Medicinal Pills and Cultivation Techniques that the Human Race uses to aid in Breakthroughs; we rely more on Bloodline talent and the accumulation of long years. I have been trapped in this realm for hundreds of years, struggling without a good solution.”

He paused and looked at Lu Qiu with hope in his eyes. “Until over a hundred years ago, this seat accidentally obtained an ancient Pill Formula called the 'Beast King Pill'! This pill is a Heaven-Defying divine medicine for our Yao Race! If it can be refined and consumed, it can greatly temper the demonic body, purify the Bloodline, and even provide a slight chance to trigger the ancestral power deep within the Bloodline, achieving an evolutionary leap! It would be of immense help for this seat to break through the Level Ten Bottleneck!”

Upon hearing this, Lu Qiu understood seventy to eighty percent of the situation.

This Thunder Flood Dragon had his eyes on Lu Qiu's 'fire attribute'!

Among the Yao Race, fire-attribute Yao Beasts are relatively skilled at fire control, and the most important part of Alchemy is fire control techniques.

This Thunder Flood Dragon was of the thunder attribute; although his attacks were violent, he might not be adept at the delicate fire control required for Alchemy.

He had approached Lu Qiu because he wanted Lu Qiu to help him refine the pill!

“Senior Yinting means... you want me to help you refine this 'Beast King Pill'?” Lu Qiu asked, following the lead.

“Exactly!”

Yinting the Thunder Flood Dragon nodded vigorously, looking at Lu Qiu with burning eyes. “Fellow Daoist Mo Yu is a Crimson Flame Bird who attained the Dao, and your innate fire control Divine Ability is extraordinary. You are the perfect candidate to refine this pill! As long as you are willing to help, regardless of whether it succeeds or fails, this seat will surely provide a generous reward!”

Lu Qiu pondered and did not agree immediately, instead asking, “I wonder what the generous reward Senior Yinting mentioned is?”

Yinting the Thunder Flood Dragon seemed prepared, holding up three scale-covered fingers. “If you agree, this seat can first pay a deposit: three three-thousand-year-old 'Water Cloud Spirit Ganodermas'!”

“These grow in ten-thousand-fathom sea vents, absorbing the essence of water spirits. For the cultivation of a fire-attribute avian like yourself, they also have the effect of neutralizing and purifying.”

“If the Alchemy is successful, this seat is willing to offer a treasured 'Dragon Blood Coral Tree' that has reached five thousand years of age as a reward!”

“This item is a true Heaven And Earth Treasure, containing a trace of Dragon Clan blood Qi. Whether it is for your Body Tempering or your future attempt to break through to Level Nine, it will provide immeasurable benefits!”

A five-thousand-year-old Dragon Blood Coral Tree!

Lu Qiu's heart couldn't help but stir slightly.

Top-tier Spirit Medicines of such age were essentially priceless in human markets, usually only existing in large-scale auctions or certain ancient ruins.

Its value definitely far exceeded the payment for refining a single furnace of pills. It seemed this 'Beast King Pill' was indeed vital to the Thunder Flood Dragon, causing him to spare no expense.

“A five-thousand-year Dragon Blood Coral... I appreciate your generosity, Senior.”

Lu Qiu showed an expression that was both 'tempted' and 'troubled.' “However... to be honest, while Mo Yu is somewhat skilled in fire control, I have not delved deeply into the path of Alchemy and can only be said to have a superficial understanding. Since this 'Beast King Pill' is an ancient miraculous pill, its refinement must be incredibly difficult. I fear my strength may be insufficient. If I were to ruin the refinement, would I not delay your great plans and also feel ashamed of your generous gifts?”

This was a strategy of retreating to advance—showing he had the 'ability' while pointing out the difficulties, and simultaneously hinting at the need for 'guarantees' to avoid being blamed if the refinement went poorly.

Hearing this, Yinting the Thunder Flood Dragon was not displeased but instead laughed heartily, as if he had anticipated this. “There is no need for such modesty. In Alchemy, fire control is the foundation! With your Red Flame talent, the purity of your fire control is far beyond that of ordinary fire Yao. As for Alchemy skills... I also know this pill is hard to refine, which is why I have already prepared three complete sets of Alchemy Materials!”

“You can try freely. Even if the first two fail, there is still a third chance! You need not worry about the Materials!”

Three sets of Materials!

Lu Qiu was secretly shocked; the Thunder Flood Dragon's wealth was indeed terrifyingly abundant.

To refine an ancient miraculous pill effective even for a Level Nine Peak Yao Beast, the main and auxiliary ingredients must be world-rare treasures. Preparing even one set would be extremely difficult, yet he had managed to gather three!

He truly lived up to being a Level Nine Great Yao who had dominated a region of the sea for thousands of years.

“Senior actually prepared three sets of Materials...”

Lu Qiu appropriately showed 'shock' and 'admiration.' After hesitating for a moment, he finally nodded as if 'making a firm decision.' “In that case, since Senior Yinting trusts Mo Yu, I am willing to give it my best try! However, let me state the unpleasantness first: if all three sets of Materials fail, I will be powerless, and I hope Senior will not blame me.”

“That is only natural! Whether it succeeds or not is the will of heaven; I am by no means the type to vent my anger on others!” Seeing Lu Qiu agree, Yinting the Thunder Flood Dragon was overjoyed and quickly gave his assurance. He then solemnly took out an ancient scroll made of some unknown beast skin and carefully handed it to Lu Qiu.

“Fellow Daoist Mo Yu, this is the Pill Formula for the 'Beast King Pill.' You can study it first. The necessary Materials have already been prepared by this seat; we can open the furnace for Alchemy at any time!”

Lu Qiu took the beast-skin scroll; it felt warm to the touch, as if it still carried the unique blood Qi and savage Aura of a Yao Beast.

He slowly unrolled it, sinking his Divine Sense into it.

The opening consisted of three large ancient Seal characters: 'Beast King Pill,' written with powerful strokes that carried a fierce will to dominate heaven and earth.

Below, it detailed the pill's effects, the refining methods, fire control, the timing for pill condensation, and so on, in great detail.

And when Lu Qiu saw the required primary Materials, even with his composure, his pupils couldn't help but shrink slightly.

The main ingredient was actually an internal core from a Level Eight or higher Yao Beast with a pure Bloodline, preferably one that matched or complemented the refiner's attribute.

The auxiliary medicines were one three-thousand-year-old 'Dragon Saliva Grass,' three four-thousand-year-old 'Blood Essence Yao Fruits,' one five-thousand-year-old 'Earth Vein Purple Ganoderma,' three drops of 'Heart Essence Blood' from a Level Eight Yao Beast, three catties of thousand-year 'Mystic Yin True Water'...

All in all, there were no fewer than thirty types, every single one being an extremely precious Heaven And Earth Treasure, many of which existed only in legends and records.

Lu Qiu calmly memorized the contents of the Pill Formula, closed the scroll, and handed it back to the Thunder Flood Dragon, saying solemnly, “The Pill Formula is profound and the Materials are rare; it truly lives up to being an ancient miraculous pill. I need to meditate and study it for a few days to adjust my state before I can attempt to open the furnace. I wonder where Senior has prepared for the Alchemy?”

“Feel free to study it; there is no rush. This seat has already prepared the place for Alchemy—it is in the Earth Fire Room deep within this Immortal Cave, which draws from a high-quality fire vein deep under the sea. The fire power is pure and stable, and it will surely meet your needs.” Yinting the Thunder Flood Dragon took the Pill Formula back and stowed it away, speaking with a smile, his eyes full of anticipation.

A transaction where each side got what they needed was thus concluded.