Chapter 204 - Not Particularly Skilled, Yet Very Arrogant

The figure slowly emerged from the black water and looked around, then sank back just as slowly. His voice filled with confusion, he said, “I must have accidentally entered the wrong tomb. Let’s try again.”

Seconds later, he resurfaced, looked around once more, and froze in silence.

He had an ordinary appearance. He had small single-lidded eyes, a slightly flat nose, full lips, scruffy stubble, and wild sideburns.

Together, these plain features froze into an expressionless, corpse-like mask.

He wore ordinary coarse hemp and seemed like a taciturn, simple, honest man.

He was Qiao Zizhong, known by his Daoist title Azure Frost. Despite his status as an ancient progenitor, he kept an impossibly low profile, blending seamlessly among Emei’s countless ancestors.

His lifeless face showed no emotion. Only his hands trembled, betraying his anger. “Where’s my home? I only went out for a short while to harvest some mature crops, and my home is gone, with only a bed left?”

His fury churned the black water and shook the mountain, though the mountain contained the commotion within its walls.

“Who’s so brazen as to dare rob even our Emei’s graves? Am I still an Emei ancestor?! What has Yan Kongcheng done to our sect that mere thieves treat us with such contempt?!”

Qiao Zizhong stood emotionless before the brocaded coffin above the black waters. He growled through clenched teeth, “I want to see exactly who had the guts to do this!”

He floated out of the black water and flew around the tomb, scanning the area to look for any clues left behind by the grave robber.

Alas, this grave robber was clearly a professional, leaving not a single useful clue. In fact, there weren’t even any footprints on the floor!

“Has an old enemy tracked me down?”

A chill ran down his spine, and he immediately walked toward a side chamber where a cenotaph he had designed stood.

The cenotaph was completely undamaged; no one had been here!

He immediately opened another tomb, a decoy he had set up. It contained a coffin, burial items, and a skeleton whose identity could no longer be discerned.

To his shock, no one had come here either!

Qiao Zizhong opened yet another tomb within the tomb, and no one had been there either!

Then, he opened a secret passage in the mountain and walked up. There lay an even more ancient grave. His tomb was arranged as a tomb above a tomb.

With the ancient grave on top, any robber would dig it up first and never suspect a newer tomb lay beneath.

Yet, this old grave was also untouched!

Qiao Zizhong couldn’t help but suck in a breath of cold air. He muttered, “The outer perimeter of my tomb is covered in traps, with a cenotaph, decoy tomb, tomb within tomb, and grave above grave.

“Moreover, the interior is filled with a seal every three steps, a restriction every five steps, and a deadly trap with lethal formations every ten steps. No one can enter the tomb without alerting me... I’ve been targeted!”

His hands and feet went cold. To breach his tomb and plunder his treasures undetected, this rival had to possess terrifying power, likely another ancient survivor like himself.

“He left only the coffin behind. Is this a display of strength? Hoho, with such a flashy nature, how did they survive until now? In this world, only the low-profile and ordinary endure!”

His gaze suddenly locked onto something. He flew over to Uncle-Master Feng’s tomb and looked at the stone wall, which was now only a massive hole, and fell silent for a long while.

“I was wondering what means they used. It turns out they came in through here.”

He slowly floated into the air, keeping his feet off the ground so that he wouldn’t leave behind any footprints, and drifted into Uncle-Master Feng’s tomb.

“Little Madman, I guarded against every threat, yet I failed to guard against you!”

He placed his palm lightly on Uncle-Master Feng’s forehead. The corpse cracked, shattered, and collapsed into a pool of flesh and blood.

“You’ve ruined my plans.”

Qiao Zizhong paid no heed to Uncle-Master Feng’s corpse and continued drifting forward. If his feet touched the ground and left footprints, perhaps the grave robber would return to investigate and find his whereabouts from those footprints.

As he floated around Uncle-Master Feng’s tomb, his expression grew darker and darker.

The intruder had left no useful clues: no robber's tunnel, no signs of entry, no trace of exit.

“Are they that skilled? How did they get in here?”

He fell silent for a moment, then returned to his own tomb and lay down in the brocaded coffin. He muttered to himself, “This place was robbed shortly after I left, which means I was targeted a long time ago. It’s no coincidence. Who would suspect a dead man? I've kept such a low profile all these years...”

He suddenly sat up and murmured, “He stole my treasures, which bear my imprints. I just have to resonate with them to summon them back to me!”

He focused on resonating with his treasures, but his heart grew increasingly heavy.

He sneered coldly, “Hoho, what amazing methods! They stole my treasures and immediately wiped away my imprints. Such thorough preparation proves they've targeted me for a long time!”

His figure flashed, and he appeared above the black water pond. He stared at the surface. “Only Xu Ying has visited Mount Emei recently. Could it be you, Ageless Immortal?”

Xu Ying’s reflection slowly surfaced in the water.

In the projection, Xu Ying was seeking Yan Kongcheng’s guidance on Emei’s divine abilities. He followed his instructions precisely and practiced very seriously.

He’s been confined inside Emei’s Golden Vault Hall without an exit, and he can’t even wipe away my imprints.

Just as Qiao Zizhong thought this, the reflected Xu Ying looked up with a strange expression and locked eyes with him.

Qiao Zizhong’s heart skipped a beat. “He can sense me spying on him? He’s only in the Second Gate-Knocking Stage...”

Xu Ying flashed a subtle smile. Water splashed, and a human figure sculpted from the pond's black water slowly stood up!

Judging by his face and attire, he was Xu Ying!

“Who dares to spy on me?” said the water figure. He suddenly raised a finger and said calmly, “Spying without permission is too impolite. Today, I’ll teach you a lesson you’ll never forget!”

Qiao Zizhong’s eyes widened as he watched the water figure point at him, immortal light glowing on his fingertip that split into streams of finger force traveling at varying speeds!

Qiao Zizhong laughed in anger. “Our Emei’s Immortal-Slaying Finger! I mastered this divine technique when I was still a green disciple! I’m an ancestor, and you dare use it against me?”

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

Qiao Zizhong flashed aside. Most of the finger force missed, but one stream suddenly shifted trajectory and pierced his chest! Before he could react, two more strikes slammed into his forehead and throat!

He was both shocked and enraged.

He had expected Xu Ying to use the Emei Sect’s supreme technique, Immortal-Slaying Finger, but Xu Ying’s version wasn’t orthodox. He had altered the technique with the Heavenly Dao, catching Qiao Zizhong completely off guard.

These three strikes didn’t injure him, but they were extremely humiliating!

It was, as promised, a lesson he would never forget.

The water figure formed from Xu Ying’s mystical power scattered with a splash. His voice fading into the distance, he said, “Don’t go snooping around. Consider these three hits a warning. Look again, and I’ll gouge your eyes out!”

Qiao Zizhong’s usually rigid face flushed red with fury, his hands trembling violently.

“I’ve never seen someone this arrogant in my life! To think someone so weak could be this brazen... you take the crown!”

He struggled to suppress his anger.

Xu Ying had somehow sensed his gaze across space, manifested a water avatar, and used Emei's own arts to punish a voyeur—except he was too weak to deal damage to his target!

He had only just reached the Second Gate-Knocking Stage and completed his Golden Core, but Qiao Zizhong had long ruled as an ancestor of Emei!

Qiao Zizhong had refined his Primordial Spirit long ago. If not for the super heavenly tribulation blocking his path, he would have long since ascended to immortality!

Yet, Xu Ying had acted arrogantly in front of Qiao Zizhong, infuriating him to no end.

Qiao Zizhong took a deep breath to steady his mind and murmured, “So be it if you were more skilled than me, but your cultivation level is so low that you can’t even pierce my skin... Someone this brash couldn't have plundered my artifacts. He lacks the strength. So who targeted me?”

He regained his composure. “I’ll teach him a lesson first and beat some respect into him.”

Just as he was about to move, he paused when he saw another figure appear on the black water pond’s surface.

The figure wore black robes and a red sash. He wore not Han Dynasty clothes, but Qin. The patterns embroidered on his sash also differed from those from the Han era.

This person stood on a square rock and was floating toward Emei. Seemingly sensing Qiao Zizhong’s gaze, the figure looked up and met his gaze across space.

The black water pond rippled. Qiao Zizhong was startled and immediately averted his gaze, refusing to make eye contact.

Xu Fu! Qiao Zizhong’s expression turned grave. He dropped all thoughts of teaching Xu Ying a lesson. Why is he here?

***

Xu Ying dispersed his mystical power after using a technique to teach the spying gaze a lesson. Yan Kongcheng hurriedly asked, “What’s wrong, Brother Xu?”

Xu Ying replied calmly, “Someone was secretly watching me, so I taught him a lesson. He probably realizes by now there’s always someone better.”

Envious, Yan Kongcheng said, “Why doesn’t anyone spy on me and let me show off a little? I’m the current leader of Emei Sect, after all.”

Xu Ying’s expression grew solemn. “Don’t underestimate that person, Ah Cheng. He’s very formidable. I couldn't take him down with the Immortal-Slaying Finger I just learned. I only landed three hits after fusing it with the Heavenly Dao Finger.”

He had been studying Emei’s Dao arts and divine abilities under Yan Kongcheng, practicing diligently and making great progress.

Emei’s immortals had chosen Yan Kongcheng to revive the sect. His cultivation was robust, and his foundation incredibly solid, having mastered Emei’s various divine abilities.

Xu Ying studied diligently under him, making up for his lacking foundation.

Yan Kongcheng also studied the application of exorcism techniques from Xu Ying. However, as he learned, he realized that Xu Ying’s mastery of exorcism techniques was also half-baked, and his foundation was unstable.

It couldn’t be helped. Xu Ying had cobbled his understanding of exorcism together through blind self-study.

His true understanding of exorcism only began after Zhou Qiyun died and passed the Mud-Pill Radiant Vestige Longevity Mantra to him.

As he subsequently unlocked other Secret Troves, he relied on fragmented exorcism arts. Lacking corresponding exorcism techniques, he had patched together fragments from whatever he could find.

Exorcist noble clans often held exorcism techniques, and only the core descendants of these clans could learn them in their entirety. Although the various noble clans sought to gain favor with Xu Ying, they would never teach him their core techniques.

Xu Ying realized his shortcoming in the Land of Heavenly Retribution. He reflected on this bitter experience and turned to comprehending the martial Dao.

The martial Dao was the origin of all divine abilities and Dao arts. He trained in the martial Dao to lay a solid foundation and make up for his shortcoming. Now that Emei and Yan Kongcheng had broken free of the seal and returned to the world, he naturally had to seize this opportunity to squeeze Yan Kongcheng dry of his knowledge.

Suddenly, a crisp, calm voice echoed from afar. “Sect Leader Yan of Emei, Xu Fu of Mount Huotong has come to pay his respects.”

Yan Kongcheng was overjoyed inside. “Brother Xu, Xu Fu has come to visit. Come meet him with me!”

Xu Ying shook his head. “I have grievances with him. He once abducted me to break the seals of the grand tomb of Mount Li. I shan’t see him. Xu Fu obsessively seeks to restore the lineage of Qi Cultivators, hiding deep schemes behind a mask of mystery. You shouldn't entangle yourself with him either.”

Yan Kongcheng voiced his agreement. "If there is bad blood between you two, then you should leave first. I’ll hold him back.”

Xu Ying summoned Dazhong and secretly descended the mountain.

Yan Kongcheng arrived at Emei’s golden peak and personally welcomed Xu Fu. He smiled. “You’re finally here, Mister Xu.”

Xu Fu looked around and saw numerous Qi Cultivators who had newly joined the sect. He said joyfully, “Emei is gradually getting on track. It truly is worthy of celebration. You will surely restore Emei’s former glory and uphold our orthodox Qi Cultivator traditions!”

Yan Kongcheng smiled. “Mister Xu, I’m afraid I cannot fulfill your wishes to be a pure Qi Cultivator. Some time ago, I met the Ageless Immortal Xu Ying and sparred with him. Experiencing the sheer power of exorcism arts firsthand convinced me to practice dual cultivation. Moving forward, I intend to guide all new Emei disciples to cultivate both Qi and Exorcism.”

Xu Fu’s expression shifted slightly. “Sect Leader Yan, do you not wish to restore Emei’s orthodox lineage?”

Yan Kongcheng said earnestly, "Mister Xu, Emei has a deep foundation with vast oceans of Dao scriptures, and I carry the heavy burden of its revival. Our past patriarchs clung rigidly to pure Qi cultivation until the great upheaval nearly wiped us out.

“Since they chose me to inherit Emei’s legacy, I will not repeat their mistakes. Emei must adapt. Without change, we cannot survive in this new world!”

Xu Fu fell silent for a moment, then said, “Xu Ying defeated you, and that changed your mind. Am I right?”

Yan Kongcheng replied, “This has nothing to do with Brother Xu. Since exorcism arts possess merit, why not embrace and absorb it?”

Xu Fu said coldly, “You inherit Emei’s purest lineage, yet you throw away tradition. You betray Emei’s past patriarchs, and you disappoint my expectations.”

Yan Kongcheng was bewildered, not understanding why he would speak like this.

Devoid of human emotion, Xu Fu was about to strike. Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a man in simple clothes, his face as rigid as a corpse. Xu Fu flinched, and his killing intent evaporated instantly.

Yan Kongcheng followed his gaze and saw the ordinary-looking man, falling into silent contemplation.

Xu Fu immediately bade Yan Kongcheng farewell and took his leave.

As Yan Kongcheng saw him off, Xu Fu said, “Sect Leader Yan, I won’t stop you from practicing dual cultivation of Qi and Exorcism, but you must be aware of the hidden dangers of Exorcist Immortals. Do not stray onto the wrong path or bring harm upon yourself! Take care!”

Standing on Fangzhang Immortal Mountain, Xu Fu drifted away.

Yan Kongcheng watched him fade into the distance, then immediately returned the way he came from and stopped before the ordinary-looking man.

This man had recently joined Emei Sect. He was an ordinary nominal disciple[1] named Zhong Ziqiao.

Yan Kongcheng asked, “Who exactly are you?”

The ordinary-looking man straightened his back. For a brief moment, an aura that seemed capable of sweeping through heaven and earth and dominating the current era flashed. He replied calmly, “Thirty-fourth patriarch of Emei, Qiao Zizhong.”

Yan Kongcheng was deeply shaken. He blurted out, “You’re a patriarch from the Great Shang era? Y-you’re approximately twenty thousand years old! How could you still be alive?”

1. They are the lowest tier of disciples. Their names are written in the ledger; they receive no personal instruction and usually do chores. ☜