Chapter 231: Daoist Barrier
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Chapter 231: Daoist Barrier
Linluo City was the capital of Wu Province, with a population of only 60,000 to 70,000, making it a rather small city. However, it was the closest city to Nine Death Cliff, which meant it attracted a large number of Martial Artists. Recently, the atmosphere in the city had grown tense due to the imperial army's campaign against the Demon Sect Headquarters. Three hundred thousand imperial troops were stationed within the city, ready to march on Nine Death Cliff at any moment.
Ning Xiaochuan stood outside the city, gazing at Linluo City from a distance. The walls were lined with battle flags, Divine Slaying Crossbows, and Mystic Stone war chariots. Even a sparrow flying over the city walls would be shot down instantly.
"Is passing through Linluo City the only way out of Nine Death Cliff's territory?" Ning Xiaochuan frowned deeply, sensing the oppressive aura emanating from the city.
Duanmu Linger's leg injury had mostly healed, but she also felt that attempting to breach Linluo City would be extremely dangerous. She said, "There is another route—Hantuan River. But Hantuan River is a heavily guarded stronghold of the Demon Sect. Crossing it would be as difficult as scaling the heavens."
"Then we’ll take Hantuan River," Ning Xiaochuan declared decisively.
No sooner had he spoken than the ground began to tremble with a deafening rumble.
On the horizon, thick clouds of gray-brown dust billowed like ghostly mist.
"Roar—"
The sound of a dragon's cry echoed from within the dust.
Soon, a group of Martial Artists riding Dragon Elephants charged into view—twelve in total—halting beneath Linluo City’s walls.
Leading them was Ji Hanxing.
She wielded the Dragon Elephant Halberd Spear, clad in brand-new battle armor, her sapphire-blue hair fluttering in the wind, exuding an indescribable heroic charm.
"Dragon Elephant Divine Martial Battalion, return to the city!"
The city gates opened, and the twelve Dragon Elephant Divine Martial warriors rushed inside.
"So she really did come to Nine Death Cliff," Ning Xiaochuan murmured to himself.
Duanmu Linger asked, "You know that female Dragon Elephant Divine Martial warrior?"
"We’re going to Linluo City," Ning Xiaochuan said.
"I thought we agreed on Hantuan River?" Duanmu Linger stomped her foot in frustration, clearly annoyed with him.
"To me, Linluo City and Hantuan River are no different."
Ning Xiaochuan retrieved the Mystic Beast Manual and summoned the Tai Sui Beast.
The Tai Sui Beast had grown even taller, now resembling a small mountain, its strength vastly increased, its Blood Qi as formidable as that of a Dragon Elephant.
The two of them mounted the Tai Sui Beast and burrowed underground, heading straight for Linluo City.
As they approached the city walls, they encountered a Daoist Barrier specifically designed to prevent underground intrusions.
The "Daoist Barrier" was set up by Dao Masters using Mystic Stones, aligning with the natural laws of heaven and earth to connect spiritual nodes and create a spatial isolation barrier.
Among the Daoist sects, this was known as a Dao Technique.
Practitioners of the Daoist path were called Dao Masters, and alongside Heart Nurturers and Forging Masters, they were collectively known as the "Three Masters."
The cultivation methods of Dao Masters were entirely different from those of Martial Artists.
Martial Artists trained their physical bodies and Divine Abilities, focusing on strengthening their flesh, nurturing Blood Qi, and cultivating their Martial Souls to achieve personal power.
Dao Masters cultivated "Qi" and "Dao Techniques."
They also cultivate Heaven and Earth Profound Qi, but their control over it is far more refined. They can harness Heaven and Earth Profound Qi for their own use, perceive the spiritual nodes within the Qi with their Wisdom Eye, and merge themselves with the heavens and earth, becoming one with the world.
If Martial Artists devour Heaven and Earth Profound Qi, then Dao Masters comprehend and command it.
These are two entirely different cultivation methods, yet their ultimate goal remains the same—to grow stronger.
The "Misty Profound Qi" and "Dragon-Tiger Profound Qi" that Ning Xiaochuan cultivated are Daoist techniques deliberately taught to him by the mysterious woman, hoping he could combine the strengths of both the Daoist and Martial Paths to advance further in martial arts.
Of course, in the Yulan Empire, martial cultivation is the mainstream—the only path to becoming a Marquis or a King.
Those without a Martial Arts Heart Palace would choose the Daoist path, but few achieve success. Because entering the Daoist path is ten, even a hundred times harder than martial cultivation.
The walls of many ancient cities and strongholds are fortified with Daoist Barriers to protect against intruders tunneling underground or sneaking past defenses.
"It seems there are Daoist experts in Linluo City."
Blocked by the Daoist Barrier, Ning Xiaochuan sat atop the Tai Sui Beast and lightly touched the barrier with his finger. A powerful current surged forth, repelling his hand with a counterforce.
A mere Daoist Barrier couldn’t stop Ning Xiaochuan.
"Break!"
He unleashed the Annihilation Sword Wave, forcibly tearing a gap in the barrier, and rode the Tai Sui Beast through.
Had the Tai Sui Beast reached adulthood, this wouldn’t have been necessary. As royalty among underground creatures, it could bypass all barriers—nothing beneath the earth could hinder it.
Once inside Linluo City, Ning Xiaochuan quickly detected Ji Hanxing’s aura.
Ji Hanxing stood inside a military tent, her beauty striking, her bearing imposing, as she stared coldly at Xiao Cheng seated across from her.
The tension between them was palpable, on the verge of erupting into battle.
Xiao Cheng said solemnly, "This is our master’s will—he orders you to stop investigating the past. Do you dare defy his command?"
Ji Hanxing replied, "I act under the Jade Emperor’s decree to uncover the truth of the case from eleven years ago. I will not leave until I do."
"I see. You’re just looking for Ning Xiaochuan, aren’t you? Hmph. Don’t bother. We’ve interrogated Demon Sect captives and learned that Ning Xiaochuan committed adultery with the third daughter of the Blood Devouring Dao Lord. He’s already been imprisoned in the Iron Prison and will soon be executed." Xiao Cheng smirked coldly, his expression cruel.
"Impossible," Ji Hanxing stated firmly.
"I knew you wouldn’t believe me. Shall I have the Demon Sect prisoner brought here for your own questioning?" Xiao Cheng taunted.
"No need."
Ji Hanxing turned and strode out of the tent.
"Stubborn to the end... Ning Xiaochuan, Ning Xiaochuan—I will tear him apart before your eyes sooner or later."
BANG!
Xiao Cheng clenched his teeth and slammed the iron table, shattering it in his fury.
Ji Hanxing returned to her own tent. The moment she stepped inside, she sensed an unusual presence and immediately halted, thrusting out her Dragon Elephant Halberd Spear with a blinding flash of light.
"Whoosh!"
The spear's surface rippled with dragon-scale-like patterns.
Ning Xiaochuan extended his palm, summoning a swirling vortex of Lightning that blocked the Dragon Elephant Halberd Spear.
Ji Hanxing swiftly retracted her spear, narrowing her eyes. "It's you? You dare come here?"
Ning Xiaochuan dispersed the Lightning in his palm and rose from the chair. "I am a subject of the imperial court, a descendant of nobility. Do I not have the right to enter a military camp?"
Ji Hanxing's gaze shifted to Duanmu Linger, her expression hardening. "Don’t you know Xiao Cheng is in Linluo City? If he discovers you, you’re dead. Who is she?"
Ning Xiaochuan glanced at Duanmu Linger. "My cousin."
Duanmu Linger nodded in agreement.
"Hmph. The third daughter of the Blood Devouring Dao Lord, isn’t she?" Ji Hanxing said coldly.
"You even know that?" Ning Xiaochuan frowned.
"You dare bring a Demonic Martial Artist into an imperial camp? Today, she dies without question!"
The Dragon Elephant Halberd Spear in Ji Hanxing’s hand emitted a low draconic hum as Profound Qi surged from its tip, thrusting straight toward Duanmu Linger.
Ji Hanxing’s cultivation was formidable—an outstanding individual of the Emperor's Martial Palace, with a powerful physique and a Special Heart Palace. The sheer force of her Martial Arts Profound Qi forced Duanmu Linger into retreat, leaving her no choice but to defend passively.
Ning Xiaochuan hadn’t expected Ji Hanxing to despise Demonic Martial Artists so fiercely. He quickly intervened, seizing the Dragon Elephant Halberd Spear with his arm as Dragon-Tiger Profound Qi erupted from his body, enveloping the spear and forcefully restraining Ji Hanxing.
"Ning Xiaochuan, you should know you can’t stop me."
Ji Hanxing’s eyes turned icy as frost spread from her fingertips, freezing the spear into an ice pillar that crept toward Ning Xiaochuan’s arm.
Ning Xiaochuan said, "Ji Hanxing, don’t forget—I saved your life."
"So what?"
"Don’t forget, you still owe me money."
"So what?"
"Pay me back!" Ning Xiaochuan growled.
Ji Hanxing was momentarily stunned, utterly speechless. She glared at him, itching to impale him with her spear. "You came here just to collect a debt?"
Ning Xiaochuan slowly released the spear, melting the ice on his palm. "If you spare her, I’ll deduct 10,000 taels of Green Gold from what you owe."
Money could sour relationships, but it was also the best way to solve problems.
Ji Hanxing, of course, would not agree.
To be precise, she had never compromised with anyone. "I’ll repay your money. But I’ll still kill her."
She planted the Dragon Elephant Halberd Spear into the ground and struck again. Flames erupted from her crimson armor as her body transformed into a fiery cloud, bypassing Ning Xiaochuan to slash a palm strike toward Duanmu Linger.
Ning Xiaochuan was faster. Activating Rainbow Teleportation, he became a streak of Rainbow Radiance, positioning himself in front of Duanmu Linger and clashing head-on with Ji Hanxing.
"Boom!"
Ning Xiaochuan felt a scorching force surge from his palm as the Martial Arts Divine Ability "Stars and Moon Sharing the Sky" within his bones activated automatically, blasting outward from his hand.
Ji Hanxing, not wanting to be detected by Xiao Cheng, withdrew her palm without using full force and said, "How has your cultivation improved so much?"
Ning Xiaochuan lightly flicked the corner of his robe with his finger and replied, "I just wanted to tell you that with my current strength, even if Xiao Cheng wants to kill me, it won’t be an easy task."
"Is that so?"
A cold, mocking voice rang out from outside the tent.
Ji Hanxing’s expression shifted slightly.
"Clatter—"
The sound of chaotic footsteps echoed outside as soldiers deployed in formation, surrounding the tent.
Then came the sound of hundreds of bowstrings being drawn taut.
They were surrounded.
Though Ning Xiaochuan had already activated "Cloud and Sunset Returning Qi" to isolate the tent and prevent any trace of his aura from leaking, he had still been detected by Xiao Cheng.
This wasn’t due to any oversight on Ning Xiaochuan’s part—it was simply because Xiao Cheng was overly concerned about Ji Hanxing.
When Ji Hanxing returned to her tent, Xiao Cheng had followed and happened to sense Ning Xiaochuan’s presence inside. He immediately mobilized troops to encircle the tent.
This time, he would make sure Ning Xiaochuan had no chance of escape.
Linluo City was the capital of Wu Province, with a population of only 60,000 to 70,000, making it a rather small city. However, it was the closest city to Nine Death Cliff, which meant it attracted a large number of Martial Artists. Recently, the atmosphere in the city had grown tense due to the imperial army's campaign against the Demon Sect Headquarters. Three hundred thousand imperial troops were stationed within the city, ready to march on Nine Death Cliff at any moment.
Ning Xiaochuan stood outside the city, gazing at Linluo City from a distance. The walls were lined with battle flags, Divine Slaying Crossbows, and Mystic Stone war chariots. Even a sparrow flying over the city walls would be shot down instantly.
"Is passing through Linluo City the only way out of Nine Death Cliff's territory?" Ning Xiaochuan frowned deeply, sensing the oppressive aura emanating from the city.
Duanmu Linger's leg injury had mostly healed, but she also felt that attempting to breach Linluo City would be extremely dangerous. She said, "There is another route—Hantuan River. But Hantuan River is a heavily guarded stronghold of the Demon Sect. Crossing it would be as difficult as scaling the heavens."
"Then we’ll take Hantuan River," Ning Xiaochuan declared decisively.
No sooner had he spoken than the ground began to tremble with a deafening rumble.
On the horizon, thick clouds of gray-brown dust billowed like ghostly mist.
"Roar—"
The sound of a dragon's cry echoed from within the dust.
Soon, a group of Martial Artists riding Dragon Elephants charged into view—twelve in total—halting beneath Linluo City’s walls.
Leading them was Ji Hanxing.
She wielded the Dragon Elephant Halberd Spear, clad in brand-new battle armor, her sapphire-blue hair fluttering in the wind, exuding an indescribable heroic charm.
"Dragon Elephant Divine Martial Battalion, return to the city!"
The city gates opened, and the twelve Dragon Elephant Divine Martial warriors rushed inside.
"So she really did come to Nine Death Cliff," Ning Xiaochuan murmured to himself.
Duanmu Linger asked, "You know that female Dragon Elephant Divine Martial warrior?"
"We’re going to Linluo City," Ning Xiaochuan said.
"I thought we agreed on Hantuan River?" Duanmu Linger stomped her foot in frustration, clearly annoyed with him.
"To me, Linluo City and Hantuan River are no different."
Ning Xiaochuan retrieved the Mystic Beast Manual and summoned the Tai Sui Beast.
The Tai Sui Beast had grown even taller, now resembling a small mountain, its strength vastly increased, its Blood Qi as formidable as that of a Dragon Elephant.
The two of them mounted the Tai Sui Beast and burrowed underground, heading straight for Linluo City.
As they approached the city walls, they encountered a Daoist Barrier specifically designed to prevent underground intrusions.
The "Daoist Barrier" was set up by Dao Masters using Mystic Stones, aligning with the natural laws of heaven and earth to connect spiritual nodes and create a spatial isolation barrier.
Among the Daoist sects, this was known as a Dao Technique.
Practitioners of the Daoist path were called Dao Masters, and alongside Heart Nurturers and Forging Masters, they were collectively known as the "Three Masters."
The cultivation methods of Dao Masters were entirely different from those of Martial Artists.
Martial Artists trained their physical bodies and Divine Abilities, focusing on strengthening their flesh, nurturing Blood Qi, and cultivating their Martial Souls to achieve personal power.
Dao Masters cultivated "Qi" and "Dao Techniques."
They also cultivate Heaven and Earth Profound Qi, but their control over it is far more refined. They can harness Heaven and Earth Profound Qi for their own use, perceive the spiritual nodes within the Qi with their Wisdom Eye, and merge themselves with the heavens and earth, becoming one with the world.
If Martial Artists devour Heaven and Earth Profound Qi, then Dao Masters comprehend and command it.
These are two entirely different cultivation methods, yet their ultimate goal remains the same—to grow stronger.
The "Misty Profound Qi" and "Dragon-Tiger Profound Qi" that Ning Xiaochuan cultivated are Daoist techniques deliberately taught to him by the mysterious woman, hoping he could combine the strengths of both the Daoist and Martial Paths to advance further in martial arts.
Of course, in the Yulan Empire, martial cultivation is the mainstream—the only path to becoming a Marquis or a King.
Those without a Martial Arts Heart Palace would choose the Daoist path, but few achieve success. Because entering the Daoist path is ten, even a hundred times harder than martial cultivation.
The walls of many ancient cities and strongholds are fortified with Daoist Barriers to protect against intruders tunneling underground or sneaking past defenses.
"It seems there are Daoist experts in Linluo City."
Blocked by the Daoist Barrier, Ning Xiaochuan sat atop the Tai Sui Beast and lightly touched the barrier with his finger. A powerful current surged forth, repelling his hand with a counterforce.
A mere Daoist Barrier couldn’t stop Ning Xiaochuan.
"Break!"
He unleashed the Annihilation Sword Wave, forcibly tearing a gap in the barrier, and rode the Tai Sui Beast through.
Had the Tai Sui Beast reached adulthood, this wouldn’t have been necessary. As royalty among underground creatures, it could bypass all barriers—nothing beneath the earth could hinder it.
Once inside Linluo City, Ning Xiaochuan quickly detected Ji Hanxing’s aura.
Ji Hanxing stood inside a military tent, her beauty striking, her bearing imposing, as she stared coldly at Xiao Cheng seated across from her.
The tension between them was palpable, on the verge of erupting into battle.
Xiao Cheng said solemnly, "This is our master’s will—he orders you to stop investigating the past. Do you dare defy his command?"
Ji Hanxing replied, "I act under the Jade Emperor’s decree to uncover the truth of the case from eleven years ago. I will not leave until I do."
"I see. You’re just looking for Ning Xiaochuan, aren’t you? Hmph. Don’t bother. We’ve interrogated Demon Sect captives and learned that Ning Xiaochuan committed adultery with the third daughter of the Blood Devouring Dao Lord. He’s already been imprisoned in the Iron Prison and will soon be executed." Xiao Cheng smirked coldly, his expression cruel.
"Impossible," Ji Hanxing stated firmly.
"I knew you wouldn’t believe me. Shall I have the Demon Sect prisoner brought here for your own questioning?" Xiao Cheng taunted.
"No need."
Ji Hanxing turned and strode out of the tent.
"Stubborn to the end... Ning Xiaochuan, Ning Xiaochuan—I will tear him apart before your eyes sooner or later."
BANG!
Xiao Cheng clenched his teeth and slammed the iron table, shattering it in his fury.
Ji Hanxing returned to her own tent. The moment she stepped inside, she sensed an unusual presence and immediately halted, thrusting out her Dragon Elephant Halberd Spear with a blinding flash of light.
"Whoosh!"
The spear's surface rippled with dragon-scale-like patterns.
Ning Xiaochuan extended his palm, summoning a swirling vortex of Lightning that blocked the Dragon Elephant Halberd Spear.
Ji Hanxing swiftly retracted her spear, narrowing her eyes. "It's you? You dare come here?"
Ning Xiaochuan dispersed the Lightning in his palm and rose from the chair. "I am a subject of the imperial court, a descendant of nobility. Do I not have the right to enter a military camp?"
Ji Hanxing's gaze shifted to Duanmu Linger, her expression hardening. "Don’t you know Xiao Cheng is in Linluo City? If he discovers you, you’re dead. Who is she?"
Ning Xiaochuan glanced at Duanmu Linger. "My cousin."
Duanmu Linger nodded in agreement.
"Hmph. The third daughter of the Blood Devouring Dao Lord, isn’t she?" Ji Hanxing said coldly.
"You even know that?" Ning Xiaochuan frowned.
"You dare bring a Demonic Martial Artist into an imperial camp? Today, she dies without question!"
The Dragon Elephant Halberd Spear in Ji Hanxing’s hand emitted a low draconic hum as Profound Qi surged from its tip, thrusting straight toward Duanmu Linger.
Ji Hanxing’s cultivation was formidable—an outstanding individual of the Emperor's Martial Palace, with a powerful physique and a Special Heart Palace. The sheer force of her Martial Arts Profound Qi forced Duanmu Linger into retreat, leaving her no choice but to defend passively.
Ning Xiaochuan hadn’t expected Ji Hanxing to despise Demonic Martial Artists so fiercely. He quickly intervened, seizing the Dragon Elephant Halberd Spear with his arm as Dragon-Tiger Profound Qi erupted from his body, enveloping the spear and forcefully restraining Ji Hanxing.
"Ning Xiaochuan, you should know you can’t stop me."
Ji Hanxing’s eyes turned icy as frost spread from her fingertips, freezing the spear into an ice pillar that crept toward Ning Xiaochuan’s arm.
Ning Xiaochuan said, "Ji Hanxing, don’t forget—I saved your life."
"So what?"
"Don’t forget, you still owe me money."
"So what?"
"Pay me back!" Ning Xiaochuan growled.
Ji Hanxing was momentarily stunned, utterly speechless. She glared at him, itching to impale him with her spear. "You came here just to collect a debt?"
Ning Xiaochuan slowly released the spear, melting the ice on his palm. "If you spare her, I’ll deduct 10,000 taels of Green Gold from what you owe."
Money could sour relationships, but it was also the best way to solve problems.
Ji Hanxing, of course, would not agree.
To be precise, she had never compromised with anyone. "I’ll repay your money. But I’ll still kill her."
She planted the Dragon Elephant Halberd Spear into the ground and struck again. Flames erupted from her crimson armor as her body transformed into a fiery cloud, bypassing Ning Xiaochuan to slash a palm strike toward Duanmu Linger.
Ning Xiaochuan was faster. Activating Rainbow Teleportation, he became a streak of Rainbow Radiance, positioning himself in front of Duanmu Linger and clashing head-on with Ji Hanxing.
"Boom!"
Ning Xiaochuan felt a scorching force surge from his palm as the Martial Arts Divine Ability "Stars and Moon Sharing the Sky" within his bones activated automatically, blasting outward from his hand.
Ji Hanxing, not wanting to be detected by Xiao Cheng, withdrew her palm without using full force and said, "How has your cultivation improved so much?"
Ning Xiaochuan lightly flicked the corner of his robe with his finger and replied, "I just wanted to tell you that with my current strength, even if Xiao Cheng wants to kill me, it won’t be an easy task."
"Is that so?"
A cold, mocking voice rang out from outside the tent.
Ji Hanxing’s expression shifted slightly.
"Clatter—"
The sound of chaotic footsteps echoed outside as soldiers deployed in formation, surrounding the tent.
Then came the sound of hundreds of bowstrings being drawn taut.
They were surrounded.
Though Ning Xiaochuan had already activated "Cloud and Sunset Returning Qi" to isolate the tent and prevent any trace of his aura from leaking, he had still been detected by Xiao Cheng.
This wasn’t due to any oversight on Ning Xiaochuan’s part—it was simply because Xiao Cheng was overly concerned about Ji Hanxing.
When Ji Hanxing returned to her tent, Xiao Cheng had followed and happened to sense Ning Xiaochuan’s presence inside. He immediately mobilized troops to encircle the tent.
This time, he would make sure Ning Xiaochuan had no chance of escape.
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