Grasping Evil

Chapter 434: Withstand a Sword Strike from This Old Man!

After coming out of the black lightning realm, they were now at the Golden Lightning Heavenly Dwelling. Here, Hong Yi gave Ning Fan a pouch.

That pouch was a storage pouch which was rather high-grade. It was loved by many high-levelled female cultivators. Inside that pouch was a number of golden lightning bamboo leaves.

She let Ning Fan erase all of the spirit sense marks on the bamboo leaves without stopping him. She understood the reason why Ning Fan did that and that was to prevent her from destroying those leaves.

Compared to Hong Yi, Ning Fan was much more cautious.

He only gave seven pieces of dark golden bamboo leaves to Hong Yi. Giving her seven pieces of bamboo leaves was their previous agreement.

Based on their newest agreement, he had to give Hong Yi a total of twelve pieces of bamboo leaves. Ning Fan said that he would give her the remaining five pieces after obtaining the one hundred thousand years old spiritual medicines.

Hong Yi’s blood-red eyes remained calm. She did not find anything wrong with Ning Fan’s actions.

When it comes to one’s conduct in society, there is nothing wrong in asking for terms that are beneficial to yourself beforehand and exercising a good deal of courtesy later.

If Ning Fan cheats her, she would naturally make him pay.

If Ning Fan fulfills his promise, she would also fulfill hers as well and trade with him normally by giving him the one hundred thousand years old spiritual medicines and ordering the Zhou Clan to become his backer in the internal sea.

Hong Yi was someone who would never take advantage of others and was one who would definitely not make a decision that would bring a loss to her. This characteristic of hers was rather similar to Ning Fan.

“Miss Hong Yi has kept your promise and has given me the golden lightning bamboo leaves as promised. I really admire you for having done this.”

Ning Fan kept the golden lightning bamboo leaves and thanked her with his fists cupped. With these bamboo leaves, Yue Lingkong’s injuries would no longer be a problem.

“Humph. Do you really think I will go against the Great Oath of Heart Devil just for some golden lightning bamboo leaves?”

Hong Yi gave Ning Fan a cold stare. As soon as she recalled that Ning Fan had compelled her to make the Great Oath of Heart Devil, she began to feel a little displeased.

“Hehe. Miss Hong Yi must be joking... Hmm? Your complexion looks a little pale. Are you feeling unwell?”

Ning Fan diverted the topic of their conversation to avoid provoking Hong Yi.

Only after leaving the Black Lightning Realm did Ning Fan have the mood to carefully observe Hong Yi. Hence, he only noticed that her complexion was a little pale and she seemed to be feeling weak.

Ten days ago, Hong Yi was certainly not in such a condition.

“I am currently in the state of my primordial spirit. The reason why my complexion will look this pale is because my primordial spirit is currently weak. It isn’t a big deal. Humph! You are the first man who dared to say that my complexion is pale. However, seeing that you are still useful to me, I will turn a blind eye on your mistake in saying those impolite words!”

Hong Yi knitted her brows. Even though she did not care whether her face was beautiful or ugly, she was still somewhat displeased when Ning Fan said that her complexion was pale.

Besides, the reason why she became like this was because of him.

According to their original plan, Hong Yi could at most stay in the Black Lightning Realm for seven days.

After seven days, whether she successfully obtains the dark golden bamboo leaves or not, she would have to return to the outside world and rendezvous with the third elder and the others.

She had to consume a certain amount of primordial spirit nourishing pills to strengthen her primordial spirit. Otherwise, her current state would become extremely weak and injured.

Ning Fan had spent ten days in the cloud realm of the upper level. Within ten days, Hong Yi had been guarding the teleportation formation on the lower level to prevent lightning beasts from destroying the formation and trapping Ning Fan forever on the upper level.

Therefore, Hong Yi did not leave the Black Lightning Realm according to schedule. Thus, her primordial spirit naturally showed signs of weakening.

She did not tell Ning Fan all of these because she did not think there was a need for him to know.

Ning Fan felt rather speechless. He was just trying to show some concern about Hong Yi’s complexion. He did not have the intention at all to humiliate Hong Yi by saying her complexion was pale. The only explanation as to why she would feel displeased was because her temperament was too erratic.

Even though Hong Yi did not look well, her appearance was saying otherwise.

Her hair was black like ink. Her skin was as white as snow. Her eyes were red like rubies and her eyebrows were thick and long and slightly curled upwards at their ends. Her lips sparkled with moisture. And she had these facial features that made her a peerless beauty.

She shared an eighty percent resemblance to Ning Honghong in Ning Fan’s memories. However, she had an additional hint of mature beauty and haughtiness.

Her bright red dress cascaded to the ground like a red lotus with raging flames. The hem of her dress was adorned with several small diamonds that gave her a touch of elegance and attractiveness.

Secretly, Ning Fan was observing Hong Yi’s appearance. Inwardly, he gradually felt something was wrong.

What especially got his attention was the three blood-red lightning stars on Hong Yi’s glabella. Only two-thirds of the third lightning star was condensed while the remaining one-third was illusory.

Is that the Tai Su Lightning Star...?

In the past, Ning Fan could not see the profoundness and mysteries of this lightning star. Today, however, Ning Fan was able to get some clues after condensing the complete Tai Su Lightning Star.

“Only two-thirds of this woman’s lightning star took form. It’s the same as my earlier guess.”

“Are you done?”

A corner of Hong Yi’s mouth curled upwards to form a cold smile. To her, Nin Fan was extremely bold since he even dared to stare at her appearance just like that.

According to her temper, she would certainly kill whoever dares to look at her directly to vent out her anger.

“...I’m sorry.”

Ning Fan shifted his gaze away. He could feel that Hong Yi really abhorred men.

Besides, this woman was the daughter of the lightning sovereign. He did not plan to have any kind of relationship with her.

“I have made a promise with the third elder that I will only enter the Black Lightning Realm for seven days. It has already been three days beyond that today. I’m afraid the third elder has already brought his men to stand guard in the bamboo forest. They will probably be alerted by your presence when they see you walk with me. However, since you are still useful to me, you can be rest assured that no one in the internal sea will dare to lay a finger on you under my protection! Follow closely behind me!”

Hong Yi’s tone of voice suddenly sounded domineering. It gave Ning Fan an illusion that the current Hong Yi had a similar aura to Yun Tianjue.

After activating the exit of the Golden Lightning Heavenly Dwelling, Hong Yi and Ning Fan walked out shoulder to shoulder. Just as they got out to the outside world, Ning Fan immediately realized that there were four extremely strong experts guarding the bamboo forest.

Each of these four individuals were Void Refinement Realm old monsters who had stayed hidden from the real world in the internal sea!

Three of them were at the Void Glimpse Stage while the other one was at the Void Inquiry Stage!

That Void Glimpse Stage old monster wore a set of hemp robes. His hair was grey and his white beard looked like a halberd. His eyes were sharp and ferocious like raging flames. He carried an ancient, massive sword box on his back. His aura force was also extremely vigorous. It was not even a trace weaker than that of King Ying Long!

As soon as these four individuals saw Hong Yi’s arrival, they heaved a sigh of relief.

However, when they saw Ning Fan who was walking beside Hong Yi, one of the old monsters was instantly filled with rage.

“It’s you, Zhou Ming! I didn’t expect for you to actually return to the island after leaving. That day, you agreed to leave this Lightning Bamboo Island but it turns out it was all just a trick! You are blatantly courting death!”

“Even if you are a revered elder of the Rain Palace and you have Yun Tianjue’s protection, you disrespected the Zhou Clan of the internal sea. Today, this old man is going to have a taste of your techniques. I want to see what kind of strength you have that gave you the audacity to mess with our Zhou Clan!”

“My Lord, this young man is bold and reckless. He intruded the Golden Lightning Heavenly Dwelling and tried to harm you. He should be executed right away!”

Three Void Glimpse Stage experts yelled in rage. Each of the old monsters stared angrily at Ning Fan as if flames would blaze out from their eyes.

Only that old man who was carrying a sword acted differently. Even though his personality was unyielding and strong, his insight was rather deep.

He could faintly tell that Hong Yi did not harbor any hostility towards Ning Fan judging from her attitude as the both of them stood together side by side.

He raised one of his hands to stop the three Void Glimpse Stage old monsters from yelling. He gently cupped his fists and said to Hong Yi.

“My Lord, may I be bold to ask why you would be with this person in your journey? Why did you delay your departure from the Black Lightning Realm for three days? Were there some changes?”

The old man’s questions were rather euphemistic. If there were really some changes in the Black Lightning Realm, Ning Fan would very likely be the one who was responsible for it. If that was the case, he would kill Ning Fan with his own hands after asking him the reasons behind his actions.

“Don’t worry, Third Elder. As the dignified daughter of the lightning sovereign, why would I be troubled by a lowly Divine Transformation Realm junior? Moreover, it’s because of his help in my trip to the Black Lightning Realm that I managed to obtain enough bamboo leaves. Even though it was slightly later than the agreed time, the bamboo leaves that I obtained are beyond my expectations. Now, everything can proceed accordingly.” Hong Yi coldly explained.

“The daughter of the lightning sovereign?” A Void Glimpse Stage old monster asked doubtfully but he hurriedly kept his mouth shut after the old man carrying the sword glared at him.

“My Lo... Mistress, it’s indeed an extremely joyful matter that you were able to gather enough bamboo leaves. Since Fellow Daoist Zhou has contributed his help, he can’t be considered as an enemy to us anymore. This place isn’t the right place for conversations. Mistress, please move to the Thunder Court Pavilion! Fellow Daoist Zhou, come with us!”

The old man sounded extremely courteous to Hong Yi but the way he spoke to Ning Fan was rather authoritative as if he wasn’t allowing the latter to refuse.

After hearing that Ning Fan was an ally rather than an enemy, the other three Void Glimpse Stage old experts also concealed their killing intent. Even so, their expressions were still filled with vigilance.

Ning Fan also did not say anything. He did not give an explanation. Since Hong Yi had explained for him, he naturally did not need to say anything. All he needed to do was just to follow behind Hong Yi.

He shifted his gaze to the three Void Glimpse Stage old monsters as if he had something in his mind. He had never heard of these three Void Glimpse Stage old monsters before in the Endless Sea. Presumably, they were the hidden experts of the Zhou Clan.

If Ning Fan were to face them before entering the Bamboo Lightning Island, Ning Fan would be afraid of them. However, after the trip to the Black Lightning Realm, his combat power had sharply increased. There were already tens of Void Glimpse Stage old monsters who had died in his hands. Moreover, these three Void Glimpse Stage experts were lightning cultivators of the Zhou Clan. Hence, he did not need to put them in his eyes.

However, that old man carrying a sword was different. He gave Ning Fan an extremely strong sense of danger.

The Zhou Clan was famous for their lightning cultivators. However, even though that elderly man was an expert of the Zhou Clan, he was not a lightning cultivator but a sword cultivator instead. Therefore, Ning Fan’s Tai Su Lightning Star would have no effect on him.

The combat power of this old man was not inferior to that of King Ying Long. Without the help of the lightning star, if Ning Fan fought him, he would be a much more difficult opponent to deal with than King Ying Long.

The devil qi on Ning Fan’s primordial spirit had yet to vanish and he currently could not go into the demonized state. Yet, he still might not necessarily be able to defeat this old man even if he does go into that state.

In terms of strength, Ning Fan was not as strong as the old man. However, in terms of trump cards, Ning Fan had a stored attack of the Stele of Sun and Moon and the concealment of the Heaven Deceiving Cloak. Thus, he was not terrified of him.

According to what Hong Yi called him, this old man should be the third elder of the Zhou Clan.

A series of memories flashed within his mind. Ning Fan vaguely recalled that when he killed Revered Flame in the past, he had once heard of the third elder of the Zhou Clan from the two Void Refinement Realm palace lords of the Rain Palace.

“The third elder of the Zhou Clan, Zhou Chen, is a Void Inquiry Stage expert. Rumor has it that he is just a hair’s breadth away from attaining the Void Pierce Stage. He has a determined and unyielding personality and he kills people like cutting straws... If I am not wrong, this old man is that Zhou Chen. Zhou Chen is a servant of Lightning Sovereign Bu Zhou, just like the other old monsters in the Zhou Clan. They only recognize and address the lightning sovereign as ‘My Lord’. However, he addressed Hong Yi as ‘My Lord’ earlier but corrected it after... After hearing for the first time that Hong Yi is the daughter of the lightning sovereign, that Void Glimpse Stage expert seemed to be a little shocked as well... Could it be that there is something wrong with Hong Yi’s identity? Could it be that she isn’t the daughter of the lightning sovereign but the lightning sovereign himself instead?!”

Ning Fan’s eyes turned slightly stern. If his guess is correct, those parts which he could not figure out in the past would make sense.

However, the lightning sovereign is rumored to be unable to leave the Sovereign’s Tomb. Furthermore, there is no information saying that the lightning sovereign is a woman... It seems like my guess is a little impartial.

“Are you doubting my identity?” Hong Yi who was walking beside him suddenly gave him a cold smile and talked to him through telepathy.

“Who you are is none of my business.” Ning fan said firmly. After Hong Yi questioned him, he nearly was ninety percent certain that Hong Yi was not the daughter of the lightning sovereign.

However, he was not very sure of Hong Yi being the lightning sovereign and he did not have the interest to dig any deeper.

Just as what he had said, he did not want to know Hong Yi’s identity and he was not willing to interfere as well.

Lightning Sovereign Bu Zhou seemed to have a lot of complicated grudges with the Rain Palace. Ning Fan did not want to get himself involved in those matters.

“Well said! About things that are irrelevant to you, don’t bother. About words that are without clear evidence, don’t say them. This is the way to protect yourself.”

Hong Yi’s expression became calm. There was no sign of excitement or anger.

Ning Fan calmed his mind and followed Hong Yi and the others into the Thunder Court Pavilion.

The place where the Thunder Court Pavilion was located was also a forbidden area on Lightning Bamboo Island. It was in an extremely hidden place and there was also a supreme grand formation. However, there were no cultivators guarding the area.

Ning Fan secretly guessed that the reason why there were no cultivators guarding this place was probably because Zhou Chen and the others were afraid that someone would see Hong Yi.

Apparently, even if Hong Yi was not the lightning sovereign, her identity could also bring troubles. Hence, her existence could not be revealed.

After going inside the pavilion, everyone sat on different seats. Hong Yi sat on the main seat of the pavilion and the four experts guarded her by her side like how the stars twinkled around the bright moon. As for Ning Fan, he sat at the corner of the pavilion.

Zhou Chen and the others reported some things to Hong Yi one after another. All of them used jargon when conveying messages. When they were conveying crucial information, they would use telepathy. Ning Fan did not understand a single thing during their reports.

The things they discussed next was the trip to the Black Lightning Realm this time. Hong Yi had briefly recounted how she met Ning Fan and told everyone his contribution during the trip.

When they heard that Ning Fan who only had a Half-Step Void Refinement Realm cultivation base had managed to obtain 24 dark golden bamboo leaves, the three Void Glimpse Stage experts simultaneously sucked in a cold breath. It was impossible for them not to feel shocked.

Even if the three of them had heaven-defying concealment abilities that could enable them to avoid the detection of the ferocious beasts guarding the Black Lightning Realm, none of them could go beyond ten floors after entering the Black Lightning Tower, much less kill Void Inquiry Stage experts and obtain the dark golden bamboo leaves above the eleventh floor.

When they heard that Ning Fan was proficient in a mysterious wind mist technique that could erase some unique marks, even Zhou Chen who was a Void Inquiry Stage expert felt a little uneasy.

The four of them finally understood why Hong Yi who was always cold-blooded would be so fond of Ning Fan.

It turns out that Ning Fan’s wind mist technique could really contribute greatly to that matter!

“Third Elder, I have made an agreement with this young man. After he gathers seven dark golden bamboo leaves for me, I will give him all the golden lightning bamboo leaves as a present, teach him a magic technique and command all members of the Zhou Clan to protect him. I have already sworn the Great Oath of Heart Devil for this promise. Hence, from today onwards, we, the Zhou Clan of the Endless Sea, will treat Zhou Ming as our esteemed guest. In the Endless Sea, no force shall act against Zhou Ming. For those who defy this order, the only outcome is to be eradicated by Void Refinement Realm experts!”

Hong Yi had acted according to the agreement she had with Ning Fan and gave the command to Zhou Chen and the others to protect Ning Fan. Besides, the level of protection she assured Ning Fan was not low as Void Refinement Realm experts of the Zhou Clan could be sent to protect him.

Immediately, the expressions of the three Void Glimpse Stage experts changed and advised against it.

“What?! We, the Void Refinement Realm experts of the Zhou Clan, have made a promise with the Rain Palace in the past that we must not openly help anyone... This Zhou Ming is rumored to be especially good at creating troubles. If he brings a huge disaster to himself, we might expose our hidden secrets just to protect him...”

“Shut up! Haven’t you heard that Mistress has already sworn the Great Oath of Heart Devil?! No matter what, we have to act according to the Mistress’ order and not to let her go against her own oath!”

Before Hong Yi had even said anything, Zhou Chen directly shouted to stop the three experts and immediately cupped his fists towards Hong Yi.

“Mistress, please calm your anger. The three of them had just advanced into the Void Refinement Realm in the recent five thousand years and they are not familiar with Mistress’ temperament. I hope the Mistress can forgive them!”

Zhou Chen knew Hong Yi’s temperament very well. Hong Yi did not like anyone refuting her. If this situation had happened in the past, the three of them who dared to question her order would certainly be executed at once.

These three Void Glimpse Stage experts were not aware of Hong Yi’s temperament and they did not know how dangerous it was to defy her.

The reason why Zhou Chen hurriedly mediated the situation was because he was afraid that the three of them would die in vain for angering Hong Yi.

Inwardly, Zhou Chen could not understand Hong Yi’s actions. In his memories, she had never sworn any oaths to anyone, much less the Great Oath of Heart Devil.

He glanced sideways at Ning Fan and muttered internally.

It seems like this young man is rather extraordinary as he was able to make the Mistress swear an oath.

Since he was able to gather 24 dark golden bamboo leaves in the Black Lightning Tower, he definitely managed to kill all the way up to the 24th floor. Even I find it difficult to go to that floor. Moreover, I can’t even get past the defensive line of ferocious beasts at the entrance of the Black Lightning Realm at all.

“Humph! This time, Zhou Chen is here to ask for forgiveness on your behalf. Next time, I don’t want to hear anyone questioning my command!”

Hong Yi’s beautiful blood-red pupils flashed with a terrifying lightning ray.

That lightning ray was quick. It was just like a flicker of light and there was no way to notice it clearly at all. However, the three Void Glimpse Stage experts felt a sudden sharp pain in their Sea of Consciousness, as if their brains were about to explode. If it wasn’t for Hong Yi who had exercised mercy, the three of them would certainly die!

The three of them were immediately drenched with cold sweat. They hurriedly cupped their fists to apologize, not daring to disobey Hong Yi.

Ning Fan’s expression remained unchanged but internally, he was startled.

This woman’s personality sure is cold...

Hong Yi was just being cold to him. To others, she was cold-blooded.

Compared to them, Hong Yi’s attitude which was neither friendly nor hostile to him was already extremely polite.

He did not intervene. After all, that was the internal matter of the Zhou Clan and it had nothing to do with him.

What made Ning Fan excited was that the Zhou Clan of the internal sea would become his backer from today onwards with the command from Hong Yi. But he does not really expect that the Void Refinement Realm experts of the Zhou Clan would actually come to help him no matter what when he is in trouble.

However, with just the name of the Zhou Clan alone, it already benefited Ning Fan quite a lot.

A revered elder of the Rain Palace and an esteemed guest of the Zhou Clan. This time, Ning Fan could really be considered to be mingling along both of the greatest forces in the Endless Sea.

“Third Elder, how many one hundred thousand years old spiritual herbs are there in your hands?” Hong Yi suddenly opened her mouth to ask.

“Mistress, don’t worry. There are still one hundred tufts of spiritual herbs in my hands. All of them are ones that I have painstakingly gathered over the past ten thousand years. Each of them could be used as the auxiliary medicine to harmonize the medicinal power of the dark golden bamboo leaves.” Zhou Chen answered politely.

“Just one hundred tufts? The lightning power of the dark golden bamboo leaves is extremely strong. Each of the bamboo leaves will need at least 5 tufts of one hundred thousand spiritual herbs to harmonize its medicinal power... That is to say, if I take 60 tufts away, there are only 40 tufts left, right? Fine. Zhou Chen, you take the forty tufts of one hundred thousand spiritual herbs and give them to Zhou Ming!” Hong Yi said firmly without allowing any refusal.

“W-What?!” This time, even Zhou Chen was surprised. Even he had the impulse to question Hong Yi’s command.

One hundred thousand years old spiritual herbs were necessary materials in refining Seventh Revolution pills. Each tuft was worth a lot. Even if there were no Seventh Revolution Pill Masters in the Rain World, one hundred thousand years old spiritual herbs could also be used in Sixth Revolution Pills to enhance their medicinal power.

Even for Void Fragmentation Realm experts, it was extremely difficult to obtain one hundred thousand years old medicinal herbs. As a Void Inquiry Stage expert and the third elder of the Zhou Clan, Zhou Chen had managed to gather one hundred tufts after spending ten thousand years. Each of them was the result of Zhou Chen’s painstaking efforts. How could such precious items be given away to someone so casually?!

He was not reluctant to give them away. However, these spiritual herbs were necessary for Hong Yi to stand on the pinnacle of power once again!

“Do you dare to defy my orders?” Hong Yi’s eyes turned cold.

“No, Mistress. My loyalty to Mistress never changes. The sun and the moon can be my witnesses... However, these spiritual herbs are needed for the ‘great matter’ in the future other than helping Mistress recover the injuries of your primordial spirit. If these spiritual herbs are given away, I’m afraid the day when the Mistress can fully recover your cultivation will be uncertain...”

“You don’t have to worry about this. Zhou Ming’s Wind Mist Finger is a great help to me and I can skip the medicinal bath of one hundred thousand years old spiritual herbs. Go now. Take the forty tufts of one hundred thousand years old spiritual herbs and give them all to Zhou Ming!”

“...”

Zhou Chen gritted his teeth. Everything he did was for his lord. In order to accomplish his lord’s mission, he could work constantly for ten thousand years. He could get rid of his own ferocious personality. No matter what, he would never defy an order given by his lord.

Today, however, this matter was rather important. He did not dare to be careless.

Zhou Chen looked at Ning Fan’s direction. The hesitation in his eyes turned into determination. Suddenly, he rose to his feet.

“Mistress, whether or not he has the capabilities of helping you accomplish that ‘great matter’, I will need to test it myself! I understand that my actions violate Mistress’ rules. I deserve death according to my sin. However, Mistress, please allow me to just destroy one of my arms as an apology after this considering all of my efforts and contributions in the past!”

“Zhou Ming, if you want the one hundred thousand years old spiritual herbs, then withstand a sword strike from me. If you manage to do so, you can then have the herbs!”

*Chi*

Zhou Chen’s white hair flew in the air. A peerlessly vigorous aura force was being emanated from the sword box behind him along with the shrill of a sword.

All of a sudden, the color of the clouds and sky changed. His vigorous sword qi filled the atmosphere like a fierce dragon!

“Do you dare to take this challenge?!”

“Why should I be afraid?!”

Ning Fan instantly got to his feet. He knows that if he fails to withstand a sword strike from Zhou Chen, he definitely could not obtain the herbs.

He did not know about the secret matter concerning Hong Yi and the others. However, just for the sake of Luo You, he had to obtain the one hundred thousand years old spiritual herbs to harmonize the dark golden bamboo leaves and heal her.

Luo You was injured in trying to rescue him. Hence, he certainly could not cast her aside without doing anything!

“If I can withstand a single sword strike from the Third Elder, please give me the herbs as promised!”

A terrifying baleful qi spread out from Ning Fan’s body, shocking everyone in the pavilion.

It was baleful qi that could only be left by the deaths of tens of thousands of Divine Transformation Realm cultivators and tens of Void Refinement Realm experts!

Along Ning Fan’s journey, he had reaped countless lives. Up until today, he had killed more than ten thousand Divine Transformation Realm cultivators. As for those with a lower cultivation level than him, it was innumerable!

Even Zhou Chen felt his mind become chaotic in the face of this immense baleful qi.

Hong Yi raised her head and looked at Ning Fan. It was filled with a hint of amazement again. Ning Fan had surprised her too many times.

“Within the Rain World, the intensity of this young man’s baleful qi can be considered to be the greatest among everyone below the Void Fragmentation Realm!”

Translated by Tommy, edited by Roel