Chapter 103 – Borrowing Your Bodies to Trade with Ancient Fiends, Magical Artifacts…

“Number Six, this guy’s tough. Should we retreat?”

Number Twelve looked at the gruesome death of Number Eleven, his Battle Intent completely gone.

After all, Number Eleven’s rank was higher than his, and his strength slightly surpassed his own.

Yet even Number Eleven had been effortlessly suppressed by Lu Chen, almost without any ability to fight back.

If Number Eleven had died so miserably, what chance did he, a mere Number Twelve, have?

Capture Lu Chen alive?

They’d be lucky just to escape with their lives from Lu Chen’s hands!

This monster had mastered two Sword Intents while still at the Qi Condensation Stage—he was simply on a different level from them.

Seeing Number Six standing silently in place, Number Twelve couldn’t help but urge, “Let’s run, brother! We can still make it if we go now!”

Hearing Number Twelve’s words, Number Six’s expression shifted uncertainly.

His hesitation stemmed from the fact that Lu Chen’s current performance… closely resembled that of the Holy Son they were searching for.

Powerful strength, outstanding talent, ruthless methods.

By all appearances, Lu Chen possessed all the qualities to become the Black Lotus Sect’s Holy Son.

If he could capture Lu Chen alive, even if Lu Chen was ultimately confirmed not to be the Holy Son,

Number Six believed it would still count as a great achievement for him.

After all, recruiting a peerless Sword Immortal who had mastered two Sword Intents at the Qi Condensation Stage

would guarantee Lu Chen at least the position of Protector within the Black Lotus Sect.

And as the one who facilitated this, he would naturally receive substantial rewards from the Leader.

This opportunity might even allow him to attempt reaching the Golden Core realm, which he previously wouldn’t have dared to aspire to.

Faced with such tremendous temptation, Number Six ultimately decided to take the risk.

Fortune favors the bold—he would gamble everything and cast aside his reservations!

He turned to Number Twelve and said seriously, “Number Twelve, I have one last card to play. If you can hold him off for just five seconds, I’m confident I can trap him.”

“Even if we can’t capture him after trapping him, we can still retreat safely either way—there’s no danger in trying.”

“Really, brother? You’re not lying to me?”

Receiving Number Six’s telepathic message, Number Twelve couldn’t shake the feeling that this plan seemed unreliable.

He strongly felt that if they didn’t run now, they would truly be unable to escape later.

Seeing Number Twelve still hesitating, Number Six immediately gave him a confidence boost.

“Trust me, I wouldn’t joke about a fellow believer’s life.”

With things put so plainly, Number Twelve couldn’t voice any opposition even if he wanted to.

Gritting his teeth, he telepathically responded, “Five seconds, maximum. After five seconds, regardless of the outcome, I’m leaving this dangerous place immediately.”

“Don’t worry, trust me.”

Although their exchange seemed lengthy, it actually took only a second or two in reality.

Watching Lu Chen, who had just finished absorbing Number Eleven’s refined essence, they knew they had to act quickly.

“Go!”

As Number Six’s command rang out, Number Twelve unleashed the Ancient Fiend Power within him, transforming into a bizarre snake-headed humanoid as he charged toward Lu Chen.

Simultaneously, Number Six activated the blessing he had received from the Ancient Fiend.Several fleshy lumps suddenly sprouted from his shoulders, rapidly swelling and bursting to reveal eerie infant heads.

He then stored away the Human-Faced Drum, drew a small blade to slit his wrist, and placed his bleeding arm before the grotesque heads. Tempted by the fresh blood, the unnatural heads immediately clamped down without hesitation.

Number Six grunted in pain, his face beneath the mask instantly turning pale as his vitality visibly drained away. Yet the peculiar heads absorbing his essence grew larger with each passing moment, their features maturing rapidly until they resembled those of normal human adolescents.

At this accelerated growth rate, they would soon reach middle age, and eventually old age.

Not only did the grotesque heads undergo physical aging, but their aura also transformed. An uncanny energy, distinct from ordinary Cultivators, began radiating from them.

Just as Number Six activated his ‘Mind Control’ Divine Ability, Number Twelve had already closed the distance to Lu Chen in three swift strides—Lu Chen having just finished refining Number Eleven.

Fully aware of the terrifying potency of Lu Chen’s Sword Intent, Number Twelve never intended to confront him directly. His sole objective was to buy enough time for Number Six.

If I can’t defeat you, I can at least stall you, right?

Divine Ability… Scaled Serpent Poison Mist!

Number Twelve opened his mouth wide, spewing copious amounts of violet toxic fog. Upon contact with the concrete ground of the Pedestrian Street, the mist sizzled violently, demonstrating extreme corrosive properties.

However, his primary goal wasn’t to inflict damage with the poison. Rather, he sought to obscure Lu Chen’s vision and gain precious seconds.

A head-on clash? He wouldn’t last a moment against Lu Chen!

Lu Chen immediately discerned his opponent’s strategy. Though uncertain of Number Six’s intentions, he operated on a simple principle: whatever the enemy wants, deny them.

Suddenly, waves of violet flames erupted from Lu Chen’s body.

Sizzle!

The toxic mist, meeting the supremely pure Yang energy of the Purple Dawn Divine Fire, reacted as if encountering its natural nemesis. Billowing white smoke rose as the poison dissipated, unable to approach Lu Chen.

Witnessing this, Number Twelve’s pupils contracted sharply. He hadn’t anticipated that beyond his exceptional Swordsmanship, Lu Chen’s mastery of Divine Abilities ran so deep.

This poison mist contained traces of Ancient Fiend Power—ordinarily, not even ordinary Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators could easily counter it. In the past, combined with his seamlessly controlled chain Magical Artifact, this technique had allowed him to defeat several powerful Foundation Establishment opponents.

But now, his two most reliable methods had been neutralized: his artifact destroyed by Lu Chen’s two sword strokes, and his poison mist countered by Lu Chen’s Mystic Flame.

All that remained was his ‘Ancient Fiend Body,’ partially assimilated by Ancient Fiend Power and comparable to a typical Foundation Establishment Cultivator’s physique.

But could this body truly withstand Lu Chen’s sword?

Three seconds—he had already stalled for three precious seconds. Just two more, and his mission would be complete.

Driven by desperation, Number Twelve resolved himself. One-on-one, he openly admitted he stood no chance against Lu Chen.If I can delay you for two seconds, surely I can manage that!

“Roar!”

Number Twelve roared, his serpentine lower body instantly transforming into a whip-like tail that lashed out toward Lu Chen.

The tail attack, concealed within the poisonous mist, was extremely stealthy. Aside from the faint sound of tearing through the air, it made no other noise.

Number Twelve was confident that even if this attack couldn’t pose a serious threat to Lu Chen, it would at least give him a hard time.

However, his confidence didn’t last long.

It was as if Lu Chen’s vision was completely unaffected by the poisonous mist. As a vast amount of Righteous Qi gathered on his sword, a five-meter-long Sword Qi once again enveloped Lu Chen’s Ink Dragon Sword.

Bang!

With a single swing, Lu Chen not only severed Number Twelve’s tail but also sliced through layers of poisonous mist, striking directly and accurately at Number Twelve’s main body.

What?!

Seeing how Lu Chen had instantly located his position, Number Twelve panicked.

How could a cultivator at the Qi Condensation Stage, who hadn’t even mastered Divine Soul perception, detect him within the poisonous mist?

Was it because of those eyes…

Staring at Lu Chen’s Azure Lotus Shaped Pupils not far away, Number Twelve couldn’t help but wonder.

As for how to deal with the Righteous Qi Sword, he no longer considered it.

After all, even Number Eleven, who was stronger than him, had failed to block it.

There was no way he could withstand it either. All that was left was to wait for death…

Bang!

After a loud explosion, Number Twelve felt a gust of wind sweep past him from both sides. He then stared in shock at the Righteous Qi Sword, which had halted just two fingers’ breadth above his head, his face turning deathly pale.

So close, so close… He had almost ended up joining Number Eleven in the afterlife.

As Number Twelve sighed inwardly, the Righteous Sword Qi instantly dissipated, turning into gentle breezes.

“Stop dawdling! Quickly chop off his hands and seize his Spirit Sword. I can’t hold on much longer.”

Number Twelve turned his head and saw that the eerie head on Number Six’s shoulder had transformed into the appearance of a middle-aged man.

That head was staring intently at Lu Chen, muttering something under its breath, which transformed into eerie Magic Sounds that flooded into Lu Chen’s ears.

Magic Sound—this was the method Number Six believed could restrain Lu Chen.

Admittedly, Lu Chen not only possessed exceptional swordsmanship but also mastered numerous Divine Abilities.

However, he had one critical weakness.

His Divine Soul was far too weak.

Or rather, he lacked any means or Magical Artifacts to defend against Divine Soul attacks.

Number Six had noticed this earlier when Lu Chen, completely unprepared, fell victim to his Human-Faced Drum.

Although Lu Chen later demonstrated astonishing Sword Path prowess, crippling Number Eleven in a single encounter and immediately refining him with his Divine Ability furnace, that was only because Number Six had been distracted, trying to save Number Eleven instead of continuing his attack.

Looking back, if he had ignored Number Eleven and focused solely on attacking Lu Chen’s Divine Soul, even if Lu Chen had managed to kill Number Eleven, he would have paid a heavy price.

They wouldn’t have been driven into such a desperate situation.

Fortunately, it was never too late to mend the fold after the sheep had escaped.

Seeing Lu Chen, now controlled by the Magic Sound and his Divine Soul lost, Number Six felt that everything should be over.

As long as Number Twelve severed his arms and took his Spirit Sword, this peerless Sword Immortal would no longer pose any threat to them.Although Number Twelve was quite confident in Number Six’s Magic Sound,

Lu Chen’s previous performance had still left him with considerable psychological trauma.

So much so that even though Lu Chen now stood motionless with vacant eyes,

Number Twelve didn’t dare to attack immediately.

After all, what if this was just an act?

Seeing Number Twelve still hesitating, Number Six grew anxious.

“What are you waiting for? Attack now!”

The head on his shoulder had already transitioned from middle-aged to elderly.

In just moments, it would dissipate completely.

If they didn’t act now and Lu Chen recovered, they would truly have no chance left.

Hearing Number Six’s urging, Number Twelve snapped back to reality.

Right, they couldn’t delay any longer!

If this kid was really acting, he would have cut me down with his sword long ago – how could I still be alive?

With this thought, Number Twelve suddenly felt his confidence return.

Alright kid, I’ve finally got you now! You scared me half to death earlier!

Once I chop off that sword-wielding hand of yours, let’s see how you’ll fight us!

Number Twelve approached Lu Chen and raised his arm high, preparing to use it as a saber to sever one of Lu Chen’s arms.

But just as his hand lifted and was about to descend, another hand unexpectedly grabbed his wrist.

Number Twelve turned his head in disbelief to see someone identical to Lu Chen standing beside him, having appeared out of nowhere.

A… a Clone?

He still had cards up his sleeve?!

Number Twelve was so shocked he forgot what he was supposed to do.

Number Six, who had been watching coldly from the side, reacted quickly.

After all, he had witnessed exactly how that bizarre ‘Clone’ had emerged –

from the shadow at Lu Chen’s feet!

Run, they must run!

Without any hesitation, Number Six immediately prepared to abandon Number Twelve and flee.

But just as he turned around, he found a cold, manifested Spirit Sword resting against his neck.

Number Six looked at yet another Clone appearing beside him, his mind going completely blank.

Two types of Sword Intent, Mystic Flame, mystic furnace, special eye technique, bizarre Clones…

Any ordinary Qi Condensation Stage cultivator mastering just one of these could be considered quite the Genius.

Yet Lu Chen could simultaneously wield so many techniques.

Even if he started cultivating from the womb, it would be impossible to learn this much!

Could this guy really be some kind of immortal Reincarnation?

With this thought, Number Six suddenly felt a sense of relief.

Losing to someone like this didn’t seem so shameful after all.

After all, mortals can’t contend with immortals…

As both Clones acted simultaneously, Number Six had his head severed by Lu Chen’s Heretical Avatar’s sword, while Number Twelve had his heart meridian shattered by the Heretical Avatar’s punch.

Thud…

When both bodies hit the ground simultaneously, a small cloud of dust was kicked up.

Freed from the Magic Sound’s control, Lu Chen finally regained his senses.

Upon waking, he paid no attention to Number Twelve’s corpse with its wide, unseeing eyes nearby.

Instead, he looked seriously at Number Six’s headless body.

That was close. Fortunately, I was more skilled and had already summoned my Heretical Avatar early to guard against possible surprises, or I would have truly fallen for that guy’s trick.

The spiritual attack of a Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator… truly hard to defend against.Lu Chen recalled the eerie demonic sounds that had surrounded him moments before, the sensation of his divine soul and body feeling as if they were in separate places.

He couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

Admittedly, his current attainments in divine abilities and cultivation of the Sword Path far surpassed those of most Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators.

Yet compared to them, he indeed had a fatal weakness that couldn’t be remedied in a short time.

That was, whether in terms of the strength of his divine soul or its application,

he fell far, far short of veteran Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators.

Although he had defeated Number Six and the others this time, it was only because they were unaware of his Heretical Avatar technique.

Moreover, they hadn’t initially intended to kill him, allowing him to turn the tables in the end.

If these individuals had coordinated from the start and exerted their full power,

even if he could have won, it would never have been as effortless as it was now.

Divine soul, huh…

Lu Chen gazed at the bodies of Number Six and Number Twelve, pondering for a moment before deciding to try out the new ability unlocked after the True Immortal Cultivation upgrade—the Ancient Fiend Gift.

[Ancient Fiend Gift: Can exchange specified rewards from the Ancient Fiends by offering Spirit Stones, rare treasures, or the essence blood of living beings. Rewards include but are not limited to Magical Artifacts, Magic Treasures, spells, Divine Abilities, experience points, etc…]

[Note: This transaction has been specially processed and will not arouse the suspicion of the Ancient Fiends.]

Using ordinary methods, it wouldn’t be easy for Lu Chen to remedy his weakness in the divine soul.

But the Ancient Fiend Gift was different.

If he could use this function to exchange for a Magical Artifact or Magic Treasure that could protect his divine soul, or some unique method to cultivate spells or Divine Abilities,

then the next time he encountered enemies like Number Six, he wouldn’t be as passive as he was now.

With this thought, Lu Chen immediately raised his hand.

In the next moment, a black lotus pattern emerged on the back of his hand.

Immediately after, Lu Chen felt as if he had somehow established a connection with a certain existence.

At that moment, it seemed as though he was in a boundless black space.

A mysterious being, whose face was unclear, sat cross-legged on a lotus throne, slowly lowering its head to look at him.

That single glance instantly filled Lu Chen with an indescribable, immense terror.

It was as if the owner of those eyes could see through the barriers of time and space, knowing everything about him.

Fortunately, after a wave of coolness washed over him, Lu Chen found that the overwhelming sense of terror in his heart… had vanished.

Just as Lu Chen was contemplating how to conduct the transaction with the Ancient Fiend, a hollow voice echoed beside his ear.

“My devout believer… state thy request…”

Devout believer?

Does it mistake me for a member of the Black Lotus Sect?

Though curious about what image he presented in the other’s eyes,

Lu Chen knew he had little time and needed to complete the transaction quickly.

So he immediately spoke up: “I want a Magic Treasure that can protect the divine soul, or a spell or Divine Ability that can strengthen it.”

The supreme existence fell silent for a moment, then a peculiar item, supported by a black lotus, flew before Lu Chen.

[Ancient Fiend Magical Artifact: Heart-Seizing Lotus Throne]

[Quality: First Realm]

[Effect: After use, can withstand three divine soul attacks below the fifth layer of the Foundation Establishment Stage, or use the lotus throne as a weapon to attack the enemy’s divine soul. Can be nourished with a cultivator’s heart blood to enhance its grade.]【Side Effect: Each use carries a certain probability of contamination by Ancient Fiend Power】

【Hint: Can be purified by consuming experience points; some functions will change after purification】

After bestowing the gift, Lu Chen’s transaction with that Gu Xian was complete.

Then, regardless of whether Lu Chen was willing or not, the other party immediately expelled him from that mysterious space.

When Lu Chen opened his eyes again, he discovered that the corpses of Number Twelve and Number Six beside him had completely vanished from the Pedestrian Street at some point, as if the two had never appeared.

In their place was a bizarre blood-red lotus platform now in his hand.

This lotus platform was entirely crimson, with the central bud pulsating like a beating heart, radiating an eerie aura from inside out.

Looking at this Magical Artifact, Lu Chen felt an inexplicable aversion.

He couldn’t shake the feeling that this object was no good—using it too much would somehow affect him.

Fortunately, True Immortal Cultivation could purify this item, otherwise this transaction might have truly been a loss for Lu Chen.

After all, he could exchange precious experience points with Gu Xian.

【You consumed 5000 experience points and purified the Gu Xian Magical Artifact·Heart-Seizing Lotus Platform…】

【You obtained a new Magical Artifact·Mind-Calming Lotus Platform】

【Magical Artifact: Mind-Calming Lotus Platform】

【Quality: First Realm】

【Effect: After use, can block one Divine Soul attack below the fifth layer of Foundation Establishment Stage, or use lotus petals as Divine Soul weapons to attack a Cultivator’s Divine Soul】

【Special Effect·Mind-Calming: Can integrate this object into the Divine Soul, slowly increasing Divine Soul strength】

Compared to the initial Heart-Seizing Lotus Platform, the current Mind-Calming Lotus Platform was actually more useful to Lu Chen.

Although the Mind-Calming Lotus Platform could only block one Divine Soul attack below the fifth layer of Foundation Establishment Stage,

its characteristic of slowly enhancing his Divine Soul strength presented Lu Chen with an opportunity to compensate for his own weakness.

It was important to know that during the Qi Condensation Stage, aside from those with special talents, no one could cultivate the Divine Soul.

This was firstly because Qi Condensation Stage Cultivators didn’t understand the Divine Soul well enough.

Secondly, many Divine Soul methods placed significant demands on a Cultivator’s Spiritual Power quality and control.

After all, Divine Soul cultivation was different from others—any mistake could cause serious harm to a Cultivator.

It belonged to a special Domain with high cultivation difficulty and high cultivation risks, requiring sufficient confidence to proceed.

But with this Mind-Calming Lotus Platform, Lu Chen undoubtedly didn’t need to worry so much.

Although he was still only at the Qi Condensation Stage, he could already begin the Divine Soul tempering that only Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators could perform.

As the saying goes, one step ahead makes every step ahead.

Although Lu Chen wasn’t sure what benefits starting Divine Soul cultivation now would bring him,

he reasoned that since Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators valued Divine Soul cultivation so highly, there must be important reasons he didn’t know about.

Therefore, being able to cultivate the Divine Soul one step earlier shouldn’t be a bad thing.

Thinking this, Lu Chen immediately performed Divine Soul binding with the Mind-Calming Lotus Platform.

The next moment, the Mind-Calming Lotus Platform flew to the space between Lu Chen’s eyebrows.

Then Lu Chen felt a refreshing coolness permeate his entire body, feeling invigorated and relaxed.

Just as Lu Chen completed this, he suddenly heard a loud noise behind him.

Turning around, he saw the enormous protective formation that had always shielded Luocheng High School suddenly shaking violently.

The glow of the formation’s protective shield had also dimmed considerably.Seeing this scene, Lu Chen immediately rushed toward the school without hesitation.

Something had happened at the school…

(End of Chapter)