Chapter 313: Chapter 131: Strategizing, Cultivating the Demon-locking Technique, and Recruiting Lu Tao

They knew full well that once they left, Chu Fan would have to face the behemoth that was the Moon Worship Sect alone, his life or death uncertain.

The weight of their bond rested heavily on each of their hearts, unspoken.

Chu Fan skipped the pleasantries and got straight to the point.

He took out the freshly copied booklet of the Demon-locking Technique, its ink still wet, along with the dark, cold Demon-locking Chain with its faintly visible Runes, and solemnly handed them to Cao Feng.

"Master Cao, for the time being, please devote all your efforts to cultivating this technique."

As Cao Feng took the booklet and the chain, he immediately felt a strange chill spread from his fingertips.

He exchanged confused glances with Cao Yan and Li Qingxue, who were beside him.

He had dedicated his entire life to the Sword Dao, having mastered the Cao Family’s Ninefold Thunder Shock Saber to the Transformation Realm. When it came to unorthodox weapons like chains, however, he was completely ignorant.

Furthermore, with the situation as perilous as a stack of eggs, every second was precious. ’What’s the point of practicing a brand new, seemingly ill-suited Divine Secret Skill now?’

’Moreover, cultivating Divine Techniques is no easy task. What results could be achieved in just a few short days?’

Seeing the confusion on the trio’s faces, Chu Fan took a deep breath and began to slowly recount the earth-shattering secret he had pried from the captives after the slaughter at Seven Stars Castle.

The collusion between the Moon Worship Sect and County Magistrate Zhang Yunpeng, their frenzied scheme to find a mysterious "key," and... the most horrifying plan of all: a Blood Sacrifice of the entire North City!

"They... How dare they!"

Cao Yan gasped, his fists clenching tightly.

Li Qingxue’s face went deathly pale, and her slender frame trembled as if she could already see countless beings turning to a bloody mist amid agonizing screams.

When Chu Fan mentioned that Zhang Yunpeng had a "Resentful Spirit" under his control, even Cao Feng, who was usually as stoic as a mountain, saw his expression turn incredibly grim. A flicker of dread flashed deep in his eyes.

’The Resentful Spirit unleashed, the Grand Array activated... It wouldn’t stop at North City, would it?’

’The entire Cyan Yang Ancient City would likely become a living hell, overrun by rampaging Resentful Souls and drowned in rivers of blood!’

Cao Feng’s head snapped up. He stared at the Demon-locking Chain and Demon-locking Technique in his hands, his voice hoarse. "You’re having me practice this technique and giving me this chain because you want... me to use them to deal with that Resentful Spirit?"

He couldn’t help but raise a hand to wipe away the cold sweat beading on his forehead.

It wasn’t that he was a coward afraid to fight, but that he was keenly aware of the massive gap in their power.

His Cultivation was only at the Fifth Heaven of the Spirit Awakening Realm. Even if he was lucky enough to break through in the next few days, when faced with that terrifying existence formed from countless resentful thoughts and foul energy, he probably wouldn’t even be a mouthful!

Even an expert in the Early Stage of the Divine Power Realm would face almost certain death against a Resentful Spirit!

Chu Fan’s gaze was heavy as he admitted frankly, "I’ll also try practicing the Demon-locking Technique over the next few days. It’s a last-minute effort, so I have no confidence in how useful it will be."

He paused, his tone laced with a mix of resignation and resolve. "But I’ve thought this through from every angle, looked at all my trump cards, and the only things I can come up with that might restrain the Resentful Spirit are this Demon-locking Technique and Demon-locking Chain, which came from the Moon Worship Sect itself."

Then, Chu Fan lowered his voice and laid out the other part of his plan.

The details of the plan were spoken in hushed tones, but the suddenly sharp, ragged breaths in the cave reflected the tsunami of shock crashing through the listeners’ hearts.

After hearing Chu Fan’s quiet words, Cao Feng, Cao Yan, and Li Qingxue all trembled violently, their faces etched with incredulous horror!

The air in the cave seemed to freeze in that instant. Even the few faint beams of light appeared to stop wavering.

The trio fell into a long silence, the only sound the pounding of their hearts in the stillness.

Chu Fan’s plan wasn’t just risky. It was utterly, breathtakingly insane!

After a long while, Li Qingxue finally spoke, her voice trembling. "Chu Fan, this... this is too dangerous!"

"I’m not afraid to die, but I’m worried... I’m worried that with our low cultivation, we won’t be able to help. We’ll just become a burden and drag you into more danger!"

Chu Fan shook his head, his tone firm. "It won’t be just us. I have allies."

Cao Feng’s brow furrowed. "You mean Cyan Snake? Her methods are certainly impressive. Despite being a Spirit Demon, she can tie up an expert at the Second Heaven of the Divine Power Realm. But..."

He trailed off, but his meaning was clear: Cyan Snake alone was still not enough to face a crisis of this magnitude.

"Not just her."

Chu Fan said, "While I was hunting the remnants of the Moon Worship Sect in the ruins of Cyan Yang Ancient City, I ran into Constable Lu Tao. I discovered that he... has also broken through to the Divine Power Realm. I’ll go find him when I get back and convince him to help."

"Constable Lu Tao broke through to the Divine Power Realm?" Cao Yan’s face flooded with elation upon hearing the news. "That’s fantastic! If we can get his help, our chances of success will be that much greater!"

A spark of hope ignited in the trio’s eyes, dispelling some of the gloom.

Cao Feng shot to his feet, his voice heavy. "There’s no time to lose! We’ll set out for Maple Valley at once!"

Maple Valley was the main thoroughfare connecting Qing Province to Cyan Yang Ancient City, a strategic choke point, and a key part of their plan.

Chu Fan nodded, then carefully took four exquisitely crafted Jade Boxes from within his robes.

The Jade Boxes were warm and smooth, with a faint, restrained glow emanating from within.

He handed one each to Li Qingxue and Cao Yan, then gave the remaining two entirely to Cao Feng.

"Go on, open them," Chu Fan urged.

The three of them did as he asked and opened the boxes.

In an instant, the cave filled with four distinct and exotic fragrances.

One was as cool and clear as moonlight. Another was as scorching as molten lava. A third felt as heavy as a mountain. And the last was brimming with vibrant life, like a new sprout breaking through the soil in early spring.

These treasures had all been taken from the collections of three Divine Power Realm experts after he had razed Seven Stars Castle.

Chu Fan pointed to the items inside the Jade Boxes, introducing each one.

"Senior Sister Qingxue, Senior Brother Cao Yan, what you’re holding are the Clear Spirit Fruit and the Earth Fire Heart Lotus."

Chu Fan pointed to Li Qingxue’s Jade Box, where a translucent fruit seemed to hold the very light of the moon. Then he gestured to Cao Yan’s box, which contained a lotus shaped like a flame, with what looked like magma flowing through its petals. He continued, speaking slowly.

"These two items are exceptionally rare. Their medicinal properties are gentle yet immense, making them perfect for helping Spirit Awakening Realm Martial Artists cleanse their Spirit Veins, shatter their bottlenecks, and break through to a new Realm."