Chapter Ninety-Two: Unmatched Power Shakes the Heavens, Words Turn Crisis into Peace

Watching as the "Demonic Eye," whom even Master Tianxin treated with caution, was startled away by Yaxin's zither melody, Wood and Bai Yijian exchanged glances, while even Master Zhengyi and Master Tianxin's expressions shifted subtly. All four shared the same thought: during the Grand Competition atop Heaven's Peak, Wood and Bai Yijian had vied for the title of foremost young cultivator, but their current abilities certainly fell short of the "Demonic Eye." Yet, the "Demonic Eye" had been frightened off by Yaxin's zither, making the hierarchy of strength unmistakably clear.

However, another great doubt welled up in the minds of the three sect leaders: the "Heaven-Masking Primordial Array" was originally meant to suppress the cultivation of practitioners, preventing them from flying on their swords. Yet now, with the cave closed, the array seemed to have lost its effect, and they could distinctly feel the abundant spiritual energy here, their cultivation unimpeded. This was entirely different from previous closures of the cave.

Those from the demonic path, seeing their leader "Demonic Eye" driven away by the zither, dared not make trouble and were about to quietly slip away when suddenly, the sealed cave erupted with myriad rays of light, and a figure was transmitted out. "Ah!" This person threw his head back and let out a furious roar, "Who? Who triggered the restriction? Show yourself!"

He wore a dark green robe and had the face of a youth, still bearing traces of innocence, looking like a neighbor's younger brother. Yet atop his head was a bundle of yellow boxwood, the attire of a Daoist. Seeing him appear, Wood and the others felt their hearts drop; this was the same person who had lingered earlier in the immortals' herb garden. Remembering the look in his eyes, Wood still felt a chill—it was the gaze one might cast upon an ant.

All those who had come to seek treasures in the Grand Dream Cloud Marsh were perceptive and experienced; seeing this man transmitted out last, they naturally understood he must possess extraordinary powers, else how could he contend with the immortal restrictions?

Yet, a few brash juniors, seeing him standing above them and barking orders, felt indignant and shouted, "This brat—he may look handsome, but who knows whose child he is, daring to act so arrogantly here!"

Upon hearing these foul words, the man's expression changed; he glared at them and let out a cold snort, like thunder on a clear day. The juniors immediately cried out, their courage shattered, blood streaming from all seven orifices, dead on the spot.

This sent a chill through all present. Master Tianxin exchanged glances with Master Zhengyi and Shui Wufeng, their hearts filled with dread, silently raising their guard. This man’s cultivation was too high; with just that display, the three of them were no match.

"Senior, it was they who triggered the restriction, nothing to do with us!" Though the "Demonic Eye" had left, his disciple Qiu Wuqing remained. Seeing the man's unmatched might, he sought to divert disaster, pointing at Wood and the others: "They obtained immortal treasures and didn’t want us to get them, so they triggered the restriction and sent everyone out!"

The demonic cultivators, hearing this, quickly caught on and chimed in, "Yes, it was them! Senior, your cultivation is unparalleled—this time in the immortal’s cave, you’re sure to reap a great harvest. It's just these few who are selfish, deliberately triggering the restriction to drive us out. Senior should teach them a lesson!"

Seeing everyone point toward Wood and his companions, the man’s eyes radiated murderous intent. Bai Yijian snorted coldly, golden light flashing as he summoned "Skybreaker" to his hand, staring back without fear.

Wood knew Bai Yijian was forthright and scorned the demonic cultivators' schemes, so he quickly spoke, "Senior, though we obtained some immortal treasures, we did not trigger the restriction. It was these demonic cultivators who sought to obstruct us and triggered it themselves."

Wood’s words drew a disdainful glance from Bai Yijian, for explaining oneself to an adversary in the cultivation world, where strength reigns supreme, was tantamount to yielding.

Yet Wood was rapidly calculating; he knew this man was too powerful, and even if the three sect leaders joined forces, they might not stand a chance. Moreover, Wood had started as a nobody before obtaining the Plane System, so adaptability and keen judgment were vital for survival. He had no intention of clashing head-on with such a formidable figure when there was no hope.

Though Bai Yijian disapproved, Master Zhengyi supported him, "Boundless Heavenly Honored One. My disciple is pure of heart and would never lie. Seeing as Senior is also of the Daoist lineage, I am the current head of the Taixu Sect. May I ask your Daoist title?"

---

"Humph!" The man ignored Master Zhengyi’s inquiry, saying coldly, "So it does have something to do with you three! Hmph, I didn’t drive you out within the cave just now because I feared triggering the restriction, but who would have thought..."

He was filled with rage, "A bunch of ants, ruining my plans—now, all of you must die!"

He raised both hands, lightning sparking between his palms, emanating an indescribable aura. Those with weaker cultivation were paralyzed with terror.

"Senior, wait!" At this critical moment, Wood stepped forward, "Qingming" atop his head radiating a myriad blue rays. He spoke loudly, "Senior, your cultivation is unmatched. We are no match. But if you insist on killing us, we have no choice but to fight!"

The man sneered, "Just you few? Hahaha! I saw it earlier—you three may be young, but your talents and cultivation are extraordinary. Perhaps, after passing the Ninefold Heavenly Tribulation, you could join forces against me. But now? You aren’t even worthy to speak to me!"

Wood ignored the insult, smiling mildly, "Whether worthy or not matters little. I dare not presume. But I have a proposal I’d like to discuss with Senior."

The man paused, his voice icy, "Hmph! What is there to discuss? You ruined my plans. Don’t expect me to spare you—even... those people!" He pointed at Qiu Wuqing and the others.

Wood remained calm, "It’s just a matter of sooner or later—does Senior really fear we’ll escape?"

The man burst into laughter, "You have some courage, boy! Most tremble and beg for mercy when I am enraged, those with backbone curse me, but you neither panic nor rage, and want to reason with me. Such composure is rare. Fine! For your courage, I’ll let you finish before I act."

Wood smiled faintly, "Thank you, Senior." He glanced at the three sect leaders, signaling them not to act rashly, then addressed the man, "The immortal cave opens once every hundred years. Senior timed your arrival, presumably to seek treasures within?"

The man responded arrogantly, "Naturally. But I care nothing for the so-called treasures you value—I seek something else!"

Wood continued, "Then, it was us triggering the restriction that prevented Senior from finding your desired item, and so you hold us responsible?"

The man paused, "That’s partly right, and partly not." His words were cryptic. Wood asked, "What do you mean?"

The man answered, "I found the place, but the item was already gone. I intended to investigate further, but was forced out by your triggered restriction."

Wood clapped his hands, "In that case, you shouldn’t blame us!"

---

The man looked at him coldly, "Is that all you have to say?"

Wood shook his head, "If that were all, it would be mere reasoning with Senior. In the cultivation world, strength speaks louder than reason, and even if logic favors us, your wrath would not spare us!"

The man laughed heartily, "You speak wisely!"

Wood said, "Therefore, I have a method that might help Senior find what you seek, and we need not fight—wouldn’t that be best for all?"

The man snorted, "Ultimately, you just want me not to kill you!"

Wood replied, "Whether you act or not is yours to decide. I merely offer a suggestion. Even if you strike, we will not submit meekly. And even if you slaughter us all, would it benefit your quest in the slightest?"

The man paused, his aura receding a little.

Wood pressed on, "If Senior is willing, you could tell us what you seek. With the connections and resources of the Taixu, Lingyun, and Shuiyue Sects, plus those of the demonic cultivators, surely our combined efforts would be more effective than Senior searching alone. For all your immense cultivation, finding things is not solely a matter of power."

The man pondered Wood's words and realized their merit: even if he killed everyone in anger, it would not aid him in finding the item. Better to leverage these cultivators' networks and resources. Thinking thus, he gradually lowered his hands, his expression softening, the overwhelming aura finally dissipating.

Seeing Wood’s words avert a disastrous battle, the three sect leaders and the demonic cultivators all breathed a sigh of relief.

Master Zhengyi stepped forward, "My disciple speaks wisely. Senior, whatever item you need, the Taixu Sect will spare no effort to find it for you. If it must be sought within the immortal cave, you may follow us back to Taixu, and our sect will treat you with utmost respect, serving you for the next hundred years!"

Master Zhengyi's words were clever; to the man's ears, it sounded as if the entire Taixu Sect would serve him. But Master Tianxin and Shui Wufeng immediately realized the shrewdness: Zhengyi was recruiting a peerless guardian for his sect!

Such a boon, Tianxin and Shui Wufeng would not let Taixu monopolize. They quickly stepped forward, "Lingyun and Shuiyue Sects are also renowned in the cultivation realm, with thousands of disciples. Senior is welcome to visit our sects as well, so we may together discuss the search for your treasure."