Grasping the Evil-Chapter 768: Fifth Alliance Leader

Knowing Mux Tu’s true strength, Ning Fan decided not to act rashly and summon the Ancient Demon Puppet.

This matter in the Flowing Sand Star Domain was even more complicated than he had imagined.

Originally, he had speculated whether this demon tide was a conspiracy plotted by the Flowing Sand Clan.

Now, it seemed that the entire Flowing Sand Clan was also caught in this conspiracy.

As for Lalu, he seemed to be just an insignificant pawn in this scheme.

Unable to eliminate the enemy in one blow, it was not advisable to reveal one’s cards.

Ning Fan had his purpose, and Mux Tu had his own schemes.

For some reason, Mux Tu avoided revealing his true cultivation and Divine Skills, not wishing to expose his identity.

Ning Fan also didn’t intend to reveal the existence of the Ancient Demon Puppet before he could kill Mux Tu in a single strike.

This blow, seemingly using all his strength, was a punch full of rage, but in truth, Mux Tu was not angered by Ning Fan killing the Flowing Sand Clan people, but rather, he had something to gain from Ning Fan reaching the Perfect Realm in the Three-Flowers First Ring.

His real identity was not Mux Tu; he had merely seized Mux Tu!

Not being the Flowing Sand Clan Leader, why would he care about the lives of the Flowing Sand Clan people?

The power of this punch was just enough to break through Ning Fan’s Three Flowers Gathering at the Top’s defense and slightly injure him.

Now holding the identity of Flowing Sand Clan Leader, under the watchful eyes of everyone, the act had to be convincing.

He had to attack Ning Fan to teach him a lesson, to pacify the questioning of the Flowing Sand Clan people.

Yet, he didn’t want to kill Ning Fan, simply because Ning Fan’s first flower was complete, still of some value to him, although not significant...

This punch exerted the power of an Initial Stage of Crossing Truth, just enough to severely injure Ning Fan.

To outsiders, the power of this punch was excessively terrifying, easily enough to kill Ning Fan ten times over.

Naturally, Mux Tu knew that Ning Fan still had the card of the Blast God Technique.

While throwing the punch, Mux Tu reached for the storage pouch.

Inside the storage pouch was a golden jade slip, within which was sealed a Forbidden Technique of a Peak Crossing Truth Realm strike, the true Mux Tu’s Life-Preserving Jade Slip!

Since this fake Mux Tu had seized the real Mux Tu, this Life-Preserving Jade Slip followed him.

He had already decided that if Ning Fan used the Blast God Technique, he would use this jade slip to counter it.

Given the number of Spirits in Ning Fan’s Soul Bag, the power of the Blast God Technique was quite terrifying. Without this jade slip, he would have to reveal his true cultivation to fend off the Blast God Technique.

Unless forced to the brink of life and death, he didn’t want to reveal his true cultivation and Divine Skills, else it would attract a cataclysmic disaster.

Ning Fan did not rely on the Blast God Technique to defend against his attack, not even using the Art of Gathering Three Flowers at the Top, to Mux Tu’s surprise.

When Ning Fan exhibited the Demonic Night Transformation and Dao-Manifested Big Dipper phenomena, and gathered the Zhi Tian Yin, Mux Tu squinted his eyes, realizing for the first time he had underestimated this youngster.

The entire Golden City temporarily sank into darkness due to Ning Fan’s Dao Image.

Facing the incoming Golden Flame Giant Fist, Ning Fan pondered deeply, then flipped his hand to unleash the Zhi Tian Yin horizontally.

The clash of the Golden Flame Giant Fist and the black-and-white giant palm caused the entire Flowing Sand Realm to tremble violently.

The Zhi Tian Yin was now Ning Fan’s strongest Divine Skill, facing the Golden Flame Giant Fist, it resulted merely in a draw.

The shockwaves from the spells’ collision transformed into waves of fierce wind, sweeping across the entire Flowing Sand Realm in an instant.

The black night dissipated, the Northern Dipper vanished, and the sky was filled with raging yellow sand.

Ning Fan retreated dozens of steps amidst the fierce wind before stabilizing his stance.

In contrast, Mux Tu only took ten steps back.

Ning Fan furrowed his brow, realizing for the first time the vast gap between himself and a Crossing Truth Realm cultivator.

Although Mux Tu concealed his cultivation, this punch was indeed wielding the power of the Initial Stage of Crossing Truth.

Ning Fan’s Zhi Tian Yin expended half of his mana, yet could only manage not to be defeated in a direct confrontation with an Initial Stage Crossing Truth cultivator.

To surpass an Initial Stage Crossing Truth, unless by a successful sneak attack, was as difficult as ascending to the heavens!

Regarding the outcome of this exchange, Ning Fan was very dissatisfied.

Yet, to onlookers, Ning Fan managing to withstand Mux Tu’s hand seal, barely holding his ground, was already remarkably defying the odds.

Which Ghost Profound Early Stage cultivator could withstand an Initial Stage Crossing Truth’s attack using merely their own Divine Arts?

Aside from Ning Fan, there probably was no one else capable of achieving such a feat.

At this moment, the whole Golden City fell into dead silence; even the previously indifferent three Alliance Leaders were now showing serious expressions.

Ning Fan’s strength exceeded their expectations, almost comparable to a Crossing Truth Realm.

Moreover, according to their knowledge, Ning Fan still possessed countless Spirits, holding the Blast God Technique as his trump card tactic...

"I wonder how Mux Tu will deal with this kid... This kid is not to be trifled with... But if he forgives this kid’s offense of killing Flowing Sand Clan people, considering Mux Tu’s personality, he likely can’t swallow his pride..." The three True Immortals pondered over Mux Tu’s mindset.

At this moment, Mux Tu’s gaze shifted, with a change in expression, he put away his anger, coldly clasping his fists toward Ning Fan, saying,

"I am the Flowing Sand Clan Leader, Mux Tu! I heard that you, young friend, intended to join the Exterminate Demon Alliance, to assist our Flowing Sand cultivators in the demon extermination. Is this true?"

"Do I have the qualifications to join the Exterminate Demon Alliance now?" Ning Fan narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Mux Tu.

"Why not qualified? You came to the Flowing Sand Realm with Kunyunzi, Xuekongzi, and others, not causing trouble initially. Had it not been for Lalu and others acting rashly, attacking you without reason, would you have acted so excessively in the Flowing Sand Realm? In terms of emotion, I, as the Flowing Sand Clan Leader, must provide an explanation to my clan members, hence my action against you, but I will not act against you again. In terms of reason, the fault lies entirely with Lalu and the others, having nothing to do with you. I am not an unreasonable person; if you wish to join the Exterminate Demon Alliance, I wouldn’t obstruct it."

As Mux Tu finished speaking, the entire city of cultivators was in an uproar.

No one expected that after Ning Fan killed numerous strong Flowing Sand Clan people, rather than ending up with endless enmity with the Flowing Sand Clan, he was personally invited by the Flowing Sand Clan Leader to join the Exterminate Demon Alliance.

Even Ning Fan was slightly taken aback, looking at Mux Tu with an indescribable expression, "What if I, Ning Fan, do not wish to join the alliance?"

"If, young friend, due to today’s events, harbors resentment against the Flowing Sand Clan and truly doesn’t wish to join the Exterminate Demon Alliance, I naturally wouldn’t forcibly retain you," Mux Tu’s gaze turned cold as he replied.

There was no explicit threat in this remark, yet Ning Fan couldn’t help but perceive a hint of menace.

It’s as if if he were not to comply, Mux Tu might do something unfavorable.

"If I, Ning Fan, agree to join the Exterminate Demon Alliance, what position does Clan Leader Mux think I could obtain based on my strength?" Ning Fan asked again, tentatively.

"The positions of Lalu and the other four Vice Alliance Hierarchs are for you to choose from, since they died at your hands!"

With Mux Tu’s statement, numerous Golden City cultivators gazed enviously at Ning Fan.

Ning Fan hadn’t even joined the Exterminate Demon Alliance, yet Mux Tu offered him the position of Vice Alliance Hierarch, an exceedingly generous treatment, indeed rare.

"I want the position of Alliance Leader." Ning Fan said calmly,

Mux Tu’s expression sank, his eyes meaningful as they looked at Ning Fan, remaining silent, seemingly contemplating.

Several old monsters were secretly shocked, never expecting Ning Fan’s ambition to be so grand, eyeing the position of one of the Four Alliances’ leaders!

Amidst everyone’s expectation of Mux Tu rejecting Ning Fan’s unreasonable demand, Mux Tu unexpectedly agreed to Ning Fan’s request.

"Since young friend can directly withstand an attack of mine, under the Crossing Truth, you are likely unmatched. Desiring to become an Alliance Leader is not infeasible, but following the alliance’s rules, if you want to be an Alliance Leader, you must defeat an incumbent leader to seize the position..."

Here, Mux Tu’s tone shifted, smiling, "However, rules are dead, who says the Exterminate Demon Alliance can’t have a fifth Alliance Leader. If Daoist Ning is willing to join the Exterminate Demon Alliance, from the moment you join, you’ll be our alliance’s fifth Alliance Leader!"

"As the Fifth Alliance Leader, if I hold such a position, then Ning Fan would indeed gladly join the Exterminate Demon Alliance. Speaking of which, Ning Fan is still unaware of the benefits bestowed upon the leaders within this alliance?"

Upon hearing Ning Fan’s words, many of the older Masters’ faces changed once more.

Having just become an Alliance Leader, Ning Fan audaciously opens his mouth to demand benefits.

Although most of the Alliance members join for the advantages, such a blunt request for benefits like Ning Fan’s is unprecedented.

"Daoist, don’t you think you’re being rather greedy!" Mux Tu’s expression darkened slightly, expressing displeasure.

"Ning Fan desires to contribute to the Alliance, and shouldn’t he ask for some compensation?" Ning Fan’s eyes narrowed slightly as he continually pushed his luck, hoping to test Mux Tu’s tolerance limits.

Through probing these limits, he could gauge his own utility to Mux Tu.

At this moment, Ning Fan was quite certain that Mux Tu’s repeated tolerance of him was probably for some undisclosed purpose.

And upon hearing Ning Fan’s request for remuneration, Mux Tu’s expression revealed reluctance. Ning Fan could vaguely judge that his usefulness to Mux Tu might not be so significant.

His utility to Mux Tu perhaps lies somewhere between useful and considerably useful, far from being indispensable.

After a long silence, Mux Tu coldly stared at Ning Fan and finally spoke,

"I wonder what benefits Daoist Ning desires?" His tone was notably cooler.

"Fifty billion Dao Crystals, aside from this, Ning Fan also seeks entry into the temple of his clan to request for a Forbidden Technique jade slip." Ning Fan’s conditions this time were not overly demanding.

Fifty billion Dao Crystals are not difficult for the Flowing Sand Clan to produce.

As for entering the Temple seeking a Forbidden Technique jade slip, such a request was also feasible.

Within the temple of the Flowing Sand Clan, the Golden Body statues of the Flowing Sand Ancestor and successive Clan Leaders are worshipped.

Anyone entering the temple and bowing to the Ancestor’s Golden Body has a chance to receive the Forbidden Technique jade slip, which grants protection.

Every person has just one opportunity in life to acquire the jade slip.

Generally speaking, the Flowing Sand Clan does not permit outsiders to enter the temple or seek Forbidden Technique jade slips.

However, rules are made by mortals; Ning Fan’s desire to enter the temple to request for a Forbidden Technique jade slip isn’t impossible.

Regarding the level and power of the jade slip Ning Fan earns, that will depend upon his own fortune.

At most, it would be a Forbidden Technique jade slip at the Peak Crossing Truth Realm level.

Throughout Flowing Sand Clan’s history, none have acquired the Abandoning Emptiness Grade Forbidden Technique jade slip.

Permitting Ning Fan to enter the temple once was perfectly reasonable.

"Alright, these two requests, the old man can agree to. Does Daoist have any other demands?" Seeing Ning Fan know when to be reasonable, Mux Tu’s expression slightly softened.

"I also wish to obtain some intelligence on the Ancient Heart." Ning Fan seemed to ponder for a moment before making another request.

"Haha, that request is simple. Here’s a jade slip for Daoist to take; within it lies detailed intelligence concerning the Ancient Heart of Flowing Sand Star Sea." Mux Tu laughed with deep purpose, giving a jade slip to Ning Fan.

Given Ning Fan’s interest in the Ancient Heart, it seems he won’t need prodding, and Ning Fan will naturally be drawn into the game for his gain.

Although Ning Fan’s utility isn’t immense, it could at least secure some advantages.

Ancient God’s Temporal Cave... within that domain lies fortune attainable only by cultivations reaching the First Ring of Complete Success...

On this day, Ning Fan officially joined the Exterminate Demon Alliance, holding the position of Fifth Alliance Leader.

On this day, some members of the Flowing Sand Clan harbored hatred towards Ning Fan, but all dissent was firmly suppressed by Mux Tu.

Mux Tu sent someone to fetch fifty billion Dao Crystals, delivering them to Ning Fan.

He also gave Ning Fan a deep yellow token and informed him of the temple’s location.

The temple of the Flowing Sand Clan remains buried in certain forbidden ground beneath, surfacing above only one day every month.

Without being Shekong Cultivator, one cannot forcibly intrude into the forbidden ground.

Next time the forbidden ground surfaces above will be in twenty-two days.

Coincidentally, it’s the same day the toxic mist within the Flowing Sand Star Sea dissipates.

Finally, Ning Fan departed on his own while Mux Tu gazed at Ning Fan’s retreating figure, his eyes gradually growing cold.

"If not for fear of exposing cultivation and Divine Skills, thereby risking revelation of identity inviting endless pursuits from the Godly Void Pavilion, why would the old man need to repeatedly compromise with a minor Ghost Profound such as Ning Fan? Exposing Shekong cultivation to compel Ning Fan would have sufficed without fear of his defiance?"

"Alas, my identity cannot be exposed, and for now, the plan must rely on enticing this lad into the fold. The Flowing Sand Star Domain’s fallen cultivations and demonic mounts aren’t enough; more blood is needed to achieve the end..."

As Mux Tu brooded, three True Immortal Alliance Leaders arrived at the golden palace, their brows furrowed, questioning,

"Appointing Ning Fan as Alliance Leader, is this not somewhat inappropriate?"

"Even if it’s inappropriate, what can be done? This lad’s plethora of Divine Skills are nearly equal to ours at Crossing Truth. Moreover, Fellow Daoists mustn’t forget this lad still possesses the Divine Blast Technique, a powerful trump card. Once unleashed, even True Immortals at Late Enlightenment might have to steer clear of his sharp edge. His joining the alliance is likely beneficial for quelling the Flowing Sand demon scourge."

With a polite smile dismissing those True Immortals, Mux Tu inwardly disdained the three at Crossing Truth.

These three Crossing Truth fellows themselves are nearly unsustainable, yet they still bother with others’ affairs — truly laughable.

...

Nominally the Fifth Alliance Leader, Mux Tu hadn’t yet assigned Ning Fan any subordinates or duties.

Perhaps it’s due to mistrusting Ning Fan’s involvement in numerous alliance matters.

Perhaps it’s due to not wanting Ning Fan, someone outside his plans, to disrupt his agenda.

Ning Fan inherently had no interest in handling alliance affairs; after leaving the golden palace, he flew directly out of the Golden City, stepping on the Blood Lotus, retreating northward for five days.

Five days later, Ning Fan surfaced above a vast golden desert, the sunset at his back casting a golden hue that lengthened his shadow.

He halted his escape light here, closed his eyes, standing amidst the desert.

In seventeen days, the temple would ascend from the subterranean forbidden land to appear here.

Ning Fan waited at this spot, awaiting entry into the temple to steal the incense.

During those waiting days, Ning Fan uttered not a word, blending in perfectly with the desert.

Between sunrises and moonfalls, he reflected upon the Time Dao Essence.

In seventeen days, Ning Fan heard the Ancient God’s heartbeat twice, clearly despite being separated by the Flowing Sand Realm.

Over seventeen days, his grasp of the Time Dao Essence subtly grew, though at a snail’s pace.

Perhaps he must stand here for decades, centuries, millennia, or tens of millennia to truly comprehend the Time Dao Essence here.

Rumble!

The desert underfoot suddenly started trembling, Ning Fan’s gaze shifted as he immediately leapt into the air upon sensing the vibrations.

Beneath him, a majestic pyramid was gradually forming.

Guarding the pyramid are twelve Sphinx stone statues!

As the pyramid emerged, the ruby eyes of the twelve statues all coldly focused on Ning Fan, harboring immense killing intent.

(2/2) No more updates, time to wash up and sleep. (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please visit m.qidian.com to read.)