I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 161 The Battle Begins
Dong Xiaoping and Qin Bing weren't particularly interested in the underground space beneath the cave, but since Xue Xiang had made the suggestion, they naturally agreed.

The three of them then went down into the cave.

Xue Xiang released the magic carpet, inviting the two to step onto it. He then activated the magic carpet, and the two sped up through the space beneath the cave.

Upon entering, it felt as if I had stepped into a world of extremely vibrant colors.

Soon, darkness fell ahead, as if we were falling into a bottomless abyss.

After a dozen or so breaths, the scene before my eyes suddenly changed.

It was as if a completely different world had opened up, with the underground space being vast and boundless.

There are towering stone forests, their cliffs standing like swords;

Vines hung down from the cliff face, nourished by the spiritual energy of the wood veins, and even glowed in the darkness, like stars twinkling in the sky.

There is also a fiery fountain where intense flames burst forth, melting stones that drip into the fire pool and transform into sparkling red beads that drift with the waves.

The magic carpet traveled south for dozens of miles, passing through all sorts of strange and wonderful landscapes.

Initially, Dong Xiaoping and Qin Bing were able to muster their energy and observe this marvel of creation.

Before long, he lost interest and almost stopped looking at his nose and his mind.

Xue Xiang manipulated the magic carpet aimlessly, veering east and west.

Half an incense stick later, Xue Xiang seemed to have lost interest and was about to use the magic carpet to return.

Suddenly, a deafening roar of water filled my ears, like thunder surging forth.

A wave of moist air swept in from the southeast.

Xue Xiang was all too familiar with that thunderous sound; it must be from a giant waterfall.

Xue Xiang was secretly pleased, but said aloud, "It's really meaningless, a waste of spirit stones."

Having said that, he manipulated the magic carpet to return.

Half an hour later, the three returned to their cave. Inside the cave, Huang Feng, Wen Xiang, and a group of Core Formation experts were gathered in the blessed land, their faces showing anxiety.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief when the three appeared.

Wen Xiang began to blame Dong Xiaoping and Qin Bing, saying they shouldn't have let Xue Xiang take the risk.

The crowd echoed his sentiments.

Xue Xiang laughed and said, "There's no danger at all. I just wanted to see something unusual. I'm sorry for troubling you all."

"You flatter me, sir."

"We are relieved that the young master is alright."

"We shall all step aside and let the young master rest well."

"........."

After everyone dispersed, Xue Xiang lay on the stone bed, pretending to fall asleep, his mind churning with emotions.

He knew perfectly well that he was important to these people, but not so important that they would be so anxious and restless if he were not around.

Behind their anxiety, there's probably very little genuine concern; what they're really worried about is the potential for the fleecing customer.

Xue Xiang knew that in everyone's eyes, he was just a kid carrying a gold nugget through the bustling city.

If it weren't for the factions among these people and the difficulty in reaching a consensus, someone would have already killed him.

Having figured out his escape route, Xue Xiang was no longer worried and slept soundly through the night.

I woke up early the next morning, ate the cooked food I had prepared, drank some water, and then set off.

He led his team south, covering thirty miles in one go, waking up the little kitten and starting the first hunt.

After the hunt, he feigned weakness, lay down on the magic carpet, and took a nap.

The group of Core Formation experts, who had reaped a bountiful harvest, couldn't help but step forward and offer a string of words of concern.

After lying there for more than an hour, Xue Xiang manipulated the magic carpet and continued south.

Soon, a huge waterfall appeared before everyone's eyes.

Xue Xiang then instructed everyone to set up camp near the waterfall. He rested for more than an hour until dusk.

He designated the area and ordered the Qin soldiers to set up the concealment formation.

Before long, he entered the concealment formation and was located on a huge green flat area in front of the waterfall.

With his command, a large number of monster corpses were thrown out, which the forcibly awakened little baby could not possibly swallow.

It flew around Xue Xiang twice before falling asleep.

Xue Xiang dared not let it fall into a deep sleep, and chased after it for a while before he could barely keep it still.

Finally, another large number of monsters arrived.

At this moment, they had entered the deeper areas of the Demonic Land, where the quality of the monsters that had arrived was generally extremely high.

Dozens of monsters, most of them of the black level.

As the carnage resumed and the fierce battle raged on, Xue Xiang summoned back the little baby, leaving him to fall into a deep sleep, while he himself leaped into the giant waterfall.

The water splashed, but didn't disturb anyone.

Xue Xiang descended deeper but did not find the secret passage.

Xue Xiang frowned secretly. Had he found the wrong person?

His choice of this waterfall as his escape route was by no means a rash one.

Yesterday, he took Dong Xiaoping and Qin Bing into the underground space, ostensibly for sightseeing, but in reality, Xue Xiang was searching for a way to escape.

The vast underground space became a natural hiding place.

The key question is: from where did they infiltrate this underground space?

Last night, the sound of a massive waterfall crashing in the underground space gave Xue Xiang hope.

Therefore, today he led his team southward in search of that giant waterfall.

He carefully memorized the directions and distances; although one was observed from the ground and the other was heard from underground, the accuracy was impeccable.

Xue Xiang searched around the bottom of the waterfall but couldn't find the entrance to the underground space.

Xue Xiang carefully recalled the noises he heard in the underground space yesterday. He thought to himself that even if there was no secret passage under the waterfall, the huge noises he heard in the underground space were enough to prove that the rock wall between the bottom of the waterfall and the underground space was definitely not thick.

With a thought, he took out the sword gall, found a low-lying spot underground, the sword gall transformed into a sword, and after piercing three feet, it was completely pierced, and a large amount of water seeped in.

Xue Xiang was secretly pleased, certain that he had made the right choice. He used his sword courage to quickly widen the gap, and then moved the boulder over in advance.

Immediately afterwards, he took off all his clothes and mask, put them into his storage ring, and slipped naked into the gap. He then used his sword spirit to transform into a hook, which wrapped around the boulder and blocked the gap.

Upon entering the underground space, Xue Xiang immediately started a fire and quenched the storage rings and bracelets that could not be stored in the storage space.

This is the same principle as him removing all his clothes and mask.

These days, there are too many secret methods of tracking, and the common method is to plant something colorless and odorless on you.

He wouldn't dare take the risk.

After being tempered, he took out a brand new set of clothes, put them on, set up the magic carpet, and ran at top speed.

The wind howled, and the roar of the five spiritual veins surged in all around. Crimson light surged, green shadows swirled, and black water flowed, reflecting a colorful glow on the dome.

He flew at full speed, the cliffs along the way like a forest of black iron, stalactites hanging upside down, and the spiritual light like flames sweeping across the ground, incomparably magnificent.

They sped across more than two hundred miles, the underground space gradually narrowed, and a sliver of clear light shone through the distance.

Xue Xiang's eyes narrowed, and he urged the magic carpet to rush upwards, breaking through the rock crevice and leaping into the ground.

Above ground, mountains rise and fall, and the pines rustle in the wind. Behind a cliff, he found a hidden cave.

The cave is hidden by layers of stone walls, with only one person able to squeeze through at the entrance. It is concealed and perfect for hiding.

Xue Xiang put away the magic carpet, let out a long breath, and calmed down.

…………

Half an incense stick later, Xue Xiang's escape was discovered.

There was an uproar in the crowd.

"That little brat... escaped!"

The moment the sound was uttered, the crowd erupted in cheers.

Immediately, someone coldly questioned, "How dare you be so disrespectful to Young Master Han!"

The man gritted his teeth and shouted, "Why should he take all the storage treasures obtained from attacking the group of Core Formation cultivators? Isn't that taking everyone's things for himself? Why are we protecting him?"

"If it weren't for Young Master Han, how could we have hunted so many crystal cores? People should have a conscience!"

"Young Master Han left without saying goodbye, wasn't it because he sensed that the Red House was about to open and someone wanted to harm him?"

"Enough with the nonsense! That kid's a piece of meat right now! If you don't want it, get lost and don't waste other people's time!"

Immediately, discussions arose in the room.

Soon, some people accepted reality and quickly left this place of trouble.

Some people even jumped off the waterfall in search of Xue Xiang's whereabouts.

Dong Xiaoping seemed to be deep in thought when Tong Feiyu stepped forward and said, "Could it be that Brother Dong already knew? I don't see any surprise in your eyes."

Dong Xiaoping nodded. "I guessed it, but I didn't expect it to be so soon. The Red House will open tomorrow, but it will be open for three days. I thought he would leave tomorrow. He's a rare smart man who knows who he is and what he wants."

Tong Feiyu nodded, "It's good that he left. If he hadn't left, he would have fallen into Lao Wen's hands, and we wouldn't have been able to do anything about it, nor would we have gotten anything."

Look at Old Wen's expression; he'd be just as shocked as if his own parents had died.

"Forget it, let's not provoke such a petty person. I'm leaving too."

After saying that, Tong Feiyu led his team away.

Seeing Tong Feiyu leave, Qin Bing leaned closer and whispered, "I know how he left?"

Dong Xiaoping glanced at the waterfall. "Brother Qin, did your treasure hunt in this demonic land achieve your expectations?"

Qin Bing nodded. "It far exceeded our expectations. My brothers and I pooled our money to buy the boundary marker."

What we have gained now is far more than the price of the boundary marker.

"Who benefits?"

Dong Xiaoping asked again.

Qin Bing laughed heartily, "Brother Dong, you misunderstand. How could I possibly betray Young Master Han?"

I simply admire this young master Han for his ability to discern people's hearts. Yesterday, he gave each of the three of us a black-grade crystal core, which was his way of preparing for our escape today.

Such shrewdness is truly admirable.

Dong Xiaoping said, "I hope he can get out safely."

Qin Bing frowned. "What, Brother Dong, do you think there might be some unexpected developments in this matter?"

Dong Xiaoping said, "Young Master Han anticipates the enemy's moves, but there are also clever people who plan ahead. Who knows if Young Master Han might have some kind of binding restriction placed on him?"

He possesses so many treasures that it's hard for him not to attract unwanted attention.

Look, Lao Wen is chasing after Huang Feng. Both of them are wolves in sheep's clothing.

When Young Master Han was in power, these two were the most adept at flattering him.

Now that the time has come for them to turn the tables, these two are the most rampant of all.

Don't underestimate the abilities of these Core Formation experts; Young Master Han might not be able to evade them.

…………

In the dark mountain forest, the branches and leaves rustled, and a yellow wind swept through the air, transforming into a rainbow.

Behind him, three streaks of rainbow light pursued relentlessly. Huang Feng had no choice but to stop. Before long, the three streaks of rainbow light converged, revealing Wen Xiang, Liu Wenquan, and Su Beichen.

All four of them were Core Formation experts and had once served under Xue Xiang.

At this moment, however, the four of them knew each other's true intentions without saying a word.

Huang Feng sneered, "Gentlemen, why are you following me?"

Now that Young Master Han is gone, you all won't mistake me for him, will you?
I don't have any secret techniques to attract monsters.

"Bullshit secret technique."

Wen Xiang scoffed, "I dare say he must possess some extraordinary treasure to attract demons."

The so-called secret technique is nothing but a smokescreen; otherwise, why would he always use concealment formations to hide his movements?

"I think so too! His weakness is mostly an act."

Liu Wenquan said, "If there really is a secret treasure that can lure demons, what a wonderful treasure that would be."

How did such a treasure end up in the hands of a mere Qi Refining junior?

"That's right. It's not just this one treasure; all the storage treasures of Prince Puan and his subordinates are in that kid's hands."

Su Beichen said angrily, "How many ruthless people are in there?"
Furthermore, that kid would casually take out black-grade crystal cores to reward people; heaven knows how many crystal cores he's accumulated.

Furthermore, we gave all the purple-grade crystal cores we hunted to this kid. Why should we?

The four of them were so wicked that they got angrier and angrier as they talked, and ended up being kindred spirits.

Huang Feng glanced at the gradually darkening sky, where a misty mountain fog filled the air, making the world look like a murky oil painting.

He said in a deep voice, "Since we are all intelligent people, I, Huang, will tell you the truth."

I do possess a secret method for tracking down that brat surnamed Han, but after slaying this scoundrel, I'll take the lion's share of the treasure.

Wen Xiang and the other two exchanged glances and slowly nodded.

Huang Feng said, "Words are no proof; a blood oath is the witness."

The atmosphere at the scene turned cold again.

Wen Xiang said, "It's good to state the facts upfront, but what exactly is this 'big part'?"

Huang Feng said, "If there are any treasures that can lure demons, they should be mine. I don't care about the other treasures."

If that kid doesn't have the treasure to lure the monster, the treasure will be divided into four parts, and we'll draw lots to determine who gets it.

"It's fairly fair."

"good."

After Su Beichen and Liu Wenquan expressed their opinions, Huang Feng also nodded in agreement.

At that moment, the four people stood in four different directions, and immediately used their fingers to cut open their palms, and blood dripped down.

Four streaks of blood-red light converged in the air, and the four people simultaneously swore an oath, at which point the blood-red light dissipated.

"Everyone, stay close. You will all see the traitor Han in half an hour."

As soon as he finished speaking, he rode away in a beam of light, with the three of them following closely behind.

Half an hour later, Huang Feng was the first to stop in the void, followed closely by the other four, all looking forward a hundred feet ahead.

There was a grassy slope there, and quite a few people were on it.

What's even stranger is that these people are extremely relaxed; they not only set up tents, tables and chairs, but also tea and snacks.

Just by looking at their clothes and attire, one can tell they are no ordinary people.

What's even more surprising is that among the twenty or thirty people ahead, at least six of them are just as imposing as their own.

There was also an old man with white eyebrows, exuding an extraordinary aura. The subtle pressure emanating from him was something only a cultivator at the Great Perfection of the Core Formation stage possessed.

Huang Feng and his three companions felt a chill run down their spines, realizing they were in trouble.

"Fellow Daoist Huang, are you sure you're not mistaken? Is the person surnamed Han really hiding here?"

Wen Xiang said in a low voice.

Huang Feng said coldly, "My Thousand Mile Soul-Chasing Incense, once you get it on, can never be removed unless you take a bath or change your clothes."

I would never be wrong; the man surnamed Han is in the ranks.

"This is troublesome. These guys on the other side don't seem like easy to mess with."

Liu Wenquan frowned deeply.

"Oh no, they're looking this way."

Su Beichen reminded him in a deep voice.

"That's normal. With a powerful cultivator like the White-Browed Elder around, it would be strange if they didn't notice us."

Huang Feng said, "Let's wait and see. We're still far away, and we can escape at any time."

Little did they know that as soon as Huang Feng and his group arrived, they were recognized by a young man in brocade robes.

The young man in the brocade robe, his eyes filled with resentment, approached a well-to-do middle-aged man and knelt down with a thud. "Uncle, please, for the sake of our shared lineage, avenge this humiliation for your nephew."

The well-to-do middle-aged man raised his hand in a gesture of support, "Nephew, what brings you to this?"

The young man said, "Didn't my uncle ask me why I ended up like this?"

As he spoke, he angrily pointed at Huang Feng and the others, "It was these bastards who robbed me of my savings accumulated over many years."

Not only that, but several of my retainers also died tragically at their hands, and their stored treasures were also stolen by these scoundrels.

If Uncle is willing to avenge his nephew, he is willing to offer all his treasures.

This gentleman was none other than Prince Wei Ruyi of Puan County.

The portly middle-aged man was none other than the famous King of Chu, Wei Zixi.

Having suffered repeated upheavals, Wei Ruyi barely escaped with his life. If he hadn't sought refuge under the command of King Chujiang, he would have had a hard time even saving his own.

Although Wei Ruyi and Wei Zixi were both members of the royal family, their blood ties were distant. Wei Ruyi knew very well that if she wanted the King of Chujiang to stand up for her, she would have to offer him real money.

“Nephew, why do you say such things? You make it sound as if your uncle is a petty person who is greedy for profit.”

King Chujiang gently swirled the wine in his cup, saying, "When you have time, drink tea; don't argue over trivial matters."

Tomorrow will be the day the red house reappears. Let's go home early and avoid further risks.

"If my dear nephew lacks any money or goods, he can simply tell me. Why bother with this unnecessary argument?"

Wei Ruyi took a deep breath and said, "Uncle, please allow me to report. The Han traitor guarded by these four people possesses an unparalleled treasure. Although Han traitor is not strong, he has a treasure that attracts demons, which allows him to control more than two hundred cultivators to serve him."

Now that the red house is about to appear, the thief's authority is on the verge of collapse. As long as Uncle intervenes, how can we not obtain this extraordinary treasure?

After being expelled, Wei Ruyi wondered why the man surnamed Han could control so many people so easily.

It didn't take him long to figure out that the man surnamed Han could use a secret method to attract demons.

He didn't know if the man surnamed Han truly possessed a secret technique, but by presenting it as a treasure, he wasn't afraid that King Chujiang wouldn't take the bait.

King Chujiang spilled some wine from his cup. "A wondrous treasure that can attract demons? Do you really believe that?"

Wei Ruyi said, "If Uncle doesn't believe me, just wait and see. Just send someone to accompany me to talk to him."

A middle-aged man in a green robe under King Chujiang's command nodded slightly, bowed, and then escorted Wei Ruyi forward.

As soon as Wei Ruyi approached, Huang Feng and his companions were startled.

"Why is it him?"

Huang Feng was stunned, and so were the three of them.

"No way, you're saying Wei Ruyi would get involved with that guy surnamed Han? I don't believe it even if you ask me the biggest question."

Wen Xiang exclaimed in surprise.

"Could it be that Wei Ruyi captured Young Master Han to show off his power?"

Liu Wenquan said in a low voice.

"Let's see what this fellow has to say. This Han fellow isn't so easy to capture."

Su Beichen said coldly.

"You dog, don't push your luck! Call out that bastard surnamed Han!"

Wei Ruyi started cursing from a distance of thirty feet.

As the Prince of Puan, he had never uttered a curse word in his entire life, but now he was truly enraged by Xue Xiang.

Huang Feng stared at Wei Ruyi and said, "We're also looking for someone surnamed Han. Could he not be here?"

Wei Ruyi was taken aback. "What nonsense are you spouting? If that Han guy dares to come, I'll tear him to pieces."

Wait, could it be that you all have also fallen out with that Han fellow?

Huang Feng did not answer, his brows furrowed.

He was certain he hadn't made a mistake, so why did he end up with Wei Ruyi?

Wen Xiang said in a deep voice, "To be honest, the traitor Han is cunning and tricked us into making things difficult for the Prince."

Now, this thief has fled far away, stealing our treasures.

If Your Highness knows the whereabouts of that treacherous dog, please inform me; a generous reward will surely be given.

Suddenly, Wei Ruyi looked up to the sky and roared, "You dog thief, you really are a dog thief! Even after letting me leave, you still tried to trick me!"

He had figured out why Xue Xiang hugged him before letting him leave.

It turns out that the man surnamed Han had foreseen that he would be infected with a substance similar to the Soul-Chasing Incense, and through this hug, he also contracted some of it, which conveniently distracted the man surnamed Han.

Although Wei Ruyi did not say it explicitly, Huang Feng and the others were not stupid and immediately knew what was going on.

The four men's faces darkened, regretting their past actions.

"Nephew Ruyi, please summon a few friends to come closer for a talk."

King Chujiang said loudly.

He waited for a long time but didn't hear the information he wanted, and he started to get anxious.

Wei Ruyi took a deep breath and introduced the identity of King Chujiang to the four people, causing Huang Feng and the others to change color.

King Chujiang was a true vassal king, holding a high position and wielding immense power and wealth, far surpassing Wei Ruyi, a mere county prince.

Huang Feng and the others exchanged glances, then stepped forward to greet King Chujiang.

After King Chujiang treated his men with great respect and bestowed upon them various precious treasures, Huang Feng and his companions were all deeply grateful.

It was clear that Xue Xiang was impossible to capture, so seeking refuge with King Chujiang, acquiring some treasures, and building connections became the best option.

Seeing that the atmosphere was sufficiently set, King Chujiang asked, "I heard from Ruyi that young friend Han possesses a powerful treasure capable of attracting demons and monsters. Is this true?"

"That's right. We have personally witnessed that in just over ten days, we have hunted down at least five thousand monsters."

Wen Xiang answered loudly.

Huang Feng glared at Wen Xiang, feeling that the man had gone too far.

At that time, when Young Master Han was in power, the man surnamed Wen was jealous and ran around doing favors, pretending to be the number one person under Young Master Han.

Now, having just pledged allegiance to King Chujiang, and before anything has even happened, this scoundrel has already reverted to his old ways.

As soon as Wen Xiang announced the numbers, King Chujiang was stunned, and all of his subordinates were also shocked.

Some people expressed disbelief, but Huang Feng and others all testified in unison. King Chujiang could no longer sit still and got up to spin around in circles.

"If such a treasure were to fall into the hands of an ordinary person, it would be a great pity. How did young friend Han escape, and where is he now? Surely he couldn't have left without a trace?"

King Chujiang tried his best to calm himself down, but his voice was already trembling.

(End of this chapter)