Demonic Cultivator: Immune To Common Side Effects - Chapter 48

Chapter 48: Daoist Tranquil Void: Return My Grand-Disciple to Me

When the Eldest Daughter inside the Immortal Carriage sarcastically called Daoist Tranquil Void a “mere insect,” the venerable Daoist, with his white hair and youthful face, felt his dignity stung. He carefully scrutinized the group of cultivators from Mishan City before him.

Hidden behind the white curtains of the Immortal Carriage, the woman exuded an unfathomable aura. Surrounding the carriage were female guards dressed in white robes and veiled hats, while cultivators from the Moon Gazing Daoist Temple formed an outer circle. The Immortal Carriage was thus encircled by layers of people, like a moon surrounded by stars.

Finally, the old Daoist’s gaze settled on Li Yan. He narrowed his eyes, staring intently at Li Yan for a long moment. Standing beside the Immortal Carriage, Li Yan felt the old man’s scorching gaze. There was greed in Daoist Tranquil Void’s eyes. The white-haired elder seemed to recognize him! Li Yan’s body tensed, a chill running down his spine.

Wait a minute… what was Tranquil Void Temple best known for?

Gu refinement! Specifically, Insect Gu.

How had Xuanwang Old Ghost fallen into the path of Insect Gu cultivation? He still remembered. Back then, Old Ghost Xuanwang had been a barefoot doctor in the village, known for his integrity and good reputation.

In the end, Xuanwang had become a deranged Insect Gu Cultivator, his entire being fused with the parasitic insects.

Who was the mastermind behind this?

None other than his Grandmaster, Daoist Tranquil Void, who had coaxed Xuanwang into consuming the Insect Gu.

This realization shed light on Xuanwang’s erratic behavior, his mind fluctuating between madness and lucidity, his actions defying logic.

Daoist Tranquil Void sought to explore Broken Sword Valley, while Old Ghost Xuanwang was obsessed with Gu refinement. This conflict of interests drove Xuanwang’s increasingly bizarre actions.

But why did his sanity come and go?

The moment Li Yan saw Daoist Tranquil Void, everything clicked into place.

The Insect Gu within Xuanwang’s body was corroding his brain, warping his thoughts.

The one driving Old Ghost Xuanwang to madness was none other than his own Grandmaster, Daoist Tranquil Void!

Daoist Tranquil Void stood atop his flying sword, his face radiating benevolence while his aura pulsed with chilling darkness.

The white-haired Daoist raised a hand, pointing at Li Yan. “This lad is my grand-disciple,” he declared. “Hand him over, and I’ll overlook today’s transgression.”

Daoist Tranquil Void chuckled inwardly.

Earlier, Li Yan had abruptly befriended the Su Clan and departed on Su Chongyue’s luxurious pavilion ship.

Everything happened too quickly for Daoist Tranquil Void to react.

Now that he had finally located Li Yan, he was determined to take him by force if these people refused to hand him over.

Daoist Tranquil Void knew Li Yan harbored too many secrets. Having miraculously survived the depths of Broken Sword Valley, he must have brought back some invaluable treasure.

Once he captured Li Yan, implanted an Insect Gu, and extracted his memories, Daoist Tranquil Void would finally uncover what had truly transpired in the valley’s depths.

Who could resist the allure of the secrets hidden within Broken Sword Valley?

Faced with Daoist Tranquil Void’s demand, the Eldest Daughter in the sedan chair curiously asked Li Yan, “Do you know him?”

Li Yan felt a surge of anxiety. If his deception were exposed now, he might be surrounded by both factions.

Forcing himself to remain calm, he replied in a composed tone, “The original owner of this body did indeed escape from Tranquil Void Temple.”

Behind the sedan’s curtains, the Eldest Daughter of the Venerable One seemed to grow suspicious.

“Then why would this old Daoist risk so much to demand you from me? Are you hiding something from me?”

At that moment…

If Li Yan betrayed even the slightest weakness, the Eldest Daughter could instantly subdue him. He could already see countless shadowy hands emerging from beneath her sedan chair.

Undaunted by the icy tone in her voice, Li Yan calmly explained, “Daoist Tranquil Void is an Insect Gu Cultivator. My body is exceptionally suited for Gu refinement—he might even be planning a Body Seizure.”

Hearing Li Yan’s plausible explanation, the Eldest Daughter slowly lowered her raised hand. “It seems my suspicions were correct,” she murmured. “To reach the sixth layer of the Blood Shifting Realm at such a young age… your innate talent is unparalleled in this world. Even peerless prodigies lack your aptitude for cultivation.”

The Eldest Daughter chuckled coldly. “A body like this belongs to our Shadow Fiend Clan. That Old Ghost wants to use you for Gu refinement? I’ll never hand you over.”

The reason the Eldest Daughter doted on Li Yan so much was precisely because she coveted his innate talent. Such heaven-defying comprehension in cultivation was virtually unmatched throughout the entire Mountain of No Return. A talent like Li Yan must be controlled by the Shadow Fiend Clan!

After their private conversation, the Eldest Daughter of the Venerable One unleashed the overwhelming pressure of a Blood Core Realm expert, directing it squarely at Daoist Tranquil Void.

For cultivators, unleashing their spiritual pressure was akin to drawing their sword.

The Eldest Daughter in the sedan spoke with a menacing tone, “Daoist Priest, you would be wise to withdraw. He has already become my Lantern Envoy.”

A murderous glint flashed in Daoist Tranquil Void’s eyes as he stood upon his flying sword. “I’ve never seen your family crest in Mishan City! You insignificant nobodies dare to think I fear you?”

“You city-dwelling cultivators dare to run wild in the wilderness! You don’t even know how to spell death!”

In the next instant, Daoist Tranquil Void abruptly ripped open his Immortal Robe, revealing his emaciated frame.

Had Daoist Tranquil Void gone mad? Did he enjoy stripping during battle?

No!

Upon closer inspection, his withered body was riddled with a dense network of lotus root-like holes.

His Insect Gu cultivation had reached its peak—his flesh and the Gu had become virtually one!

Man was Gu, and Gu was man!

Even Li Yan, with his formidable mental fortitude, felt his stomach churn with nausea and a burning sensation.

Daoist Tranquil Void outwardly appeared to be a kind and approachable old Daoist, but as the saying goes, all that glitters is not gold.

The moment he shed his Immortal Robe, revealing his body teeming with Insect Gu, the sight reminded Li Yan of one person: the Hundred-Eyed Demon Lord.

Calling this old Daoist the Hundred-Gu Demon Lord would be just as fitting.

Gray Insect Gu erupted from the old Daoist’s body, swarming toward Li Yan and his companions.

The Eldest Daughter in the Immortal Carriage scoffed coldly. “Our Shadow Fiend Clan has always maintained a low profile for centuries. It’s only natural that this rustic Daoist is unaware of our existence.”

“His strength is decent. After eliminating him, we’ll turn him into a Shadow Puppet!”

With a violent slap to the carriage, countless shadow hands erupted from beneath, intercepting the incoming Insect Gu.

The emaciated, bare-chested old Daoist opposite them grinned wickedly. “Impressive! You managed to catch hundreds of my Insect Gu.”

“Mere child’s play,” the Eldest Daughter sneered dismissively.

But Daoist Tranquil Void interjected, “But my Insect Gu explode, you see.”

In the next instant, every Insect Gu caught by the shadow hands detonated mid-air!

The insect powder within dispersed across the battlefield on the gentle breeze, coating the Eldest Daughter’s attendants.

The moment the powder touched their skin, wriggling, maggot-like creatures erupted from their pores. These maggots burrowed into their flesh, their plump bodies twisting grotesquely across their hosts’ bodies.

The attendants, now covered in insect powder, instantly lost their composure.

Witnessing this chaos, the Eldest Daughter snapped in disgust, “Useless trash! Get out of my sight!”