BOOK 2: CHAPTER 454: THE GENTLEMAN’S INTESTINES, THE WAGER AGREEMENT

Vol 2 Chapter 454 The Gentleman’s Intestines, The Wager Agreement

Looking again at the disciples of the Shenxiao Army, the Dragon Lord Shuyu’s gaze involuntarily became solemn.

If the Profound Earth Primordial Magnetism Array only possessed Nascent Soul level combat power, she would be amazed but not overly cautious.

But if this great formation could repel a Scattered Immortal, the implications were entirely different.

Previously, the Xuanyi Realm had three ironclad principles, one of which was that Dao Fruit stage cultivators were invincible.

Yet what unfolded before Dragon Lord Shuyu shattered her understanding built over countless years.

A group of cultivators not even at Nascent Soul, relying on a formation she had never heard of, actually blocked a blow from a Scattered Immortal?

But the Shenxiao Army’s performance went far beyond that.

The Heavenly Emperor Body retreated three steps, yet the Shenxiao Army showed no sign of faltering.

The drumbeats surged, shaking the surroundings, beams of light danced wildly, falling like raindrops onto the Heavenly Emperor Body.

These Shenxiao Army disciples not only held their ground but subtly gained the upper hand!

White beams in the sky wove into a vast net that covered the land.

Though the Heavenly Emperor Body’s might was no less than the other Scattered Immortals, it was trapped within the net, its massive form temporarily unable to break free.

The formation spells from both sides clashed, stirring fierce winds that scorched toward Dragon Lord Shuyu;

she could almost smell the burning tension of battle.

Dragon Lord Shuyu clenched her fist slightly, unable to suppress the complex thoughts in her heart:

This Profound Earth Primordial Magnetism Array is even stronger than I imagined.

Could it really hold back a Scattered Immortal?

This thought surfaced, filling her with bittersweet feelings, uncertain if it was hope or envy.

The clash between the Heavenly Emperor Body and the Shenxiao Army lasted nearly half an hour before the curtain fell.

Zheng Fa led Dragon Lord Shuyu and the others down the mountain, looking toward the Shenxiao Army disciples.

These disciples did not look well:

Almost all of them had pale faces, appearing drained of spiritual energy.

Several disciples bore golden-purple hues on their faces, clearly injured.

But regardless of their condition, these disciples stood straight, their formation intact.

Zheng Fa’s self-radiance swept across each disciple’s face before he spoke:

“You all performed very well.”

Hearing this, the disciples’ eyes trembled slightly but none spoke, quietly listening.

“At first, you were flustered and chaotic, collapsing in the face of a strong enemy.”

“Today, you have improved greatly, even beyond my expectations.”

Zheng Fa paused, watching the disciples smile shyly, then smiled himself:

“Entrusting the safety of the Jiushan Sect to you all allows me and the elders to rest assured.”

The disciples responded loudly, “Shenxiao shall never perish;

Jiushan will stand eternal!”

Zheng Fa nodded lightly, “I believe all in Jiushan Sect share this belief. Now, rest well. The sect will reward you with pills and merit points. If you have any injuries, do not conceal them.” ṝα𐌽ȫᛒƐᶊ

“Yes!”

The group left the mortal realm and flew toward Ziwei Yuan. Dragon Lord Shuyu finally could not help but ask, “Sect Leader, did your clone use full power?”

Zheng Fa did not answer but looked toward the Heavenly Emperor Body.

The Heavenly Emperor Body grinned and said calmly, “About fifty or sixty percent. I did not use the Sun and Moon Bell;

otherwise, the fight would have been over.”

“Sun and Moon Bell?”

“A treasured artifact of the Jiushan Realm’s Tongtian.”

Dragon Lord Shuyu understood, “That makes sense. The Profound Earth Shenxiao Array borrows the Jiushan Realm’s terrestrial vein energy. If the artifact had been used, the Jiushan Realm would be entirely under your control, and the earth veins naturally within.”

“Dragon Lord, your insight is truly profound;

your words are absolutely correct.”

“Insightful? I thought it was ignorance. I have lived nearly a hundred thousand years, and today’s battle nearly left me at a loss.”

She spoke sincerely, clearly from the heart.

“Though you did not use full power, the revealed strength is no less than an ordinary Scattered Immortal. Your Shenxiao Army of Jiushan Sect…”

Dragon Lord Shuyu suddenly paused, as if unsure how to describe what she had witnessed.

Zheng Fa knew how to put it: The era has changed!

The combination of the Shenxiao Army and the Profound Earth Primordial Magnetism Array truly created a synergy greater than the sum of its parts.

Being able to cross stages to battle Scattered Immortals fundamentally stems from the vast terrestrial vein primordial magnetism.

Before transforming the Hundred Immortals Alliance’s earth veins, Zheng Fa and others first combed through the Jiushan Realm’s earth veins.

Thanks to the Heavenly Emperor Body, this process was much easier, almost achievable by mere thought.

Now, the entire mortal realm of Jiushan is covered by the Profound Earth Primordial Magnetism Array.

Unlike the Hundred Immortals Alliance, the Jiushan Realm’s primordial magnetism arrays mainly serve as infrastructure to improve transportation and industrial production.

Additionally, they are used to train the Shenxiao Army.

The Jiushan Sect has conducted five or six such drills so far, allowing the Shenxiao Army disciples to gradually become proficient—initially tempered.

“Dragon Lord probably guessed it. The great power comes from integrating the entire Jiushan Realm’s terrestrial vein primordial magnetism.”

Dragon Lord Shuyu nodded slightly, then asked, “So what exactly is the Shenxiao Army’s purpose?”

“Coordination.”

“Coordination?”

Seeing her puzzled expression, Zheng Fa explained straightforwardly:

“The drumbeats not only enhance divine consciousness, dispel illusions, and inspire disciples, but also serve as communication signals. When other Shenxiao Army nodes receive the drumbeats, they activate the array to assist the disciples here in battle.”

“And the mirrors?”

“Mainly to transmit and receive primordial magnetism.”

Dragon Lord Shuyu roughly understood and suddenly exclaimed, “What you say sounds simple, but I dare say the Xuanyi Realm has never seen such an exquisite formation.”

Zheng Fa chuckled lightly, feeling a bit proud.

This formation combines the Sleeve Universe divine ability, the Immortal Formation Technique of the Tianhe Venerable, and even some ideas from the Nine Chapters Calculation Array.

Each one alone is a peerless wonder.

Together, they represent one of the highest scientific achievements of the Jiushan Sect today.

The first test with a sharp blade today even startled Dragon Lord Shuyu.

Suddenly, Dragon Lord Shuyu asked, “From what you say, if the Profound Earth Primordial Magnetism Array’s range were broad enough, its power… would it be greater? Could it one day rival True Immortals?”

That truly startled her.

“We hope so, but it’s not guaranteed. This Profound Earth Primordial Magnetism Array still has many areas for improvement.”

Zheng Fa’s words caused Dragon Lord Shuyu’s expression to shift slightly.

She did not mind if the array could fight Nascent Souls or even repel Scattered Immortals.

But if it could fight True…

Dragon Lord Shuyu became anxious, as she was truly a True Immortal herself.

She had to admit, if Zheng Fa was showing off his strength, he was very successful.

“Of course, this array has many limitations and can only be used defensively.” Seeing her worried expression, Zheng Fa comfortingly explained the array’s shortcomings, “The Profound Earth Primordial Magnetism Array cannot be moved.”

“I know that… no wonder you are so confident.”

Dragon Lord Shuyu said softly.

“Dragon Lord, I want you to see more than just this.”

“More?”

Dragon Lord Shuyu asked in surprise, her tone changing, sounding unexpectedly unenthusiastic.

“No, I mean, what if we build the Profound Earth Primordial Magnetism Array in the sea?”

“Build… build it in the sea?” Dragon Lord Shuyu stopped moving, suddenly turning to Zheng Fa with bright eyes, seeming unable to believe it and repeating, “Build it in the sea?”

“Of course.” Zheng Fa smiled, “There is terrestrial vein primordial magnetism under the sea, and the maritime region is even larger than the Jiushan Realm and the Hundred Immortals Alliance combined. If we could establish the Profound Earth Primordial Magnetism Array there, its power would be ten to a hundred times greater than today!”

Dragon Lord Shuyu stared intently at Zheng Fa, seemingly trying to judge if he was telling the truth. After a moment, she lowered her eyelids silently and followed the others flying toward the Heavenly Palace Hall. Yet her flickering eyes still revealed her stirred emotions.

“Sect Leader Zheng, is what you say about building the Profound Earth Primordial Magnetism Array underwater true?”

“As long as cooperation is reached.” Zheng Fa said candidly, “Dragon Lord, our Jiushan Sect values the ocean no less than you. Having the array fully control the sea would greatly benefit us.”

Dragon Lord Shuyu nodded gently, seemingly convinced.

“On the other hand, the Profound Earth Primordial Magnetism Array can regulate the marine environment and improve transportation efficiency. It will also help our Jiushan Sect’s marine farming and maritime trade routes.”

“Really?” Dragon Lord Shuyu pondered for a moment, then said, “Is this the confidence you spoke of?”

“Of course.” Zheng Fa laughed, “If the Profound Earth Primordial Magnetism Array is established in the sea and cooperates with you, Dragon Lord, I wouldn’t dare say invincible worldwide, but what is the Cangming Dragon Palace then?”

Dragon Lord Shuyu could not help but sigh, “Your confidence is indeed solid.”

She did not refute Zheng Fa because both knew the Profound Earth Primordial Magnetism Array greatly aided her:

Her current inability to defeat the Cangming Dragon Palace was not due to weak cultivation but lack of numbers.

With the Cangming Dragon King holding her back, the Xuanyi Sea was leaking everywhere.

Essentially, this was because both sides were ancient dragon clans with no clear advantage underwater.

But with the Profound Earth Primordial Magnetism Array, it was different!

Even if it could not surpass today’s power, the Shenxiao Army’s performance alone was a huge help.

If it advanced further, the Xuanyi Sea would be as solid as a fortress.

Thinking again of the Shenxiao Army and the Profound Earth Primordial Magnetism Array, she no longer felt any anxiety but grew more fond, wishing the array’s power were stronger—strong enough to crush the Cangming Dragon King with a single beam.

Seeing her moved expression, Zheng Fa knew the matter was almost settled.

He turned to Senior Sister Zhang and others;

Uncle Pang nodded repeatedly, even Senior Sister Zhang smiled. Of course, the happiest was Xiao Yuying.

“Sect Leader Zheng…”

“Dragon Lord, I will entrust you with managing the maritime Profound Earth Primordial Magnetism Array in the future.”

Dragon Lord Shuyu’s eyes widened as if stunned.

“Of course, the highest control remains with our Jiushan Sect. But if you join us, Dragon Lord, you will be like our disciple and rightfully control the array.”

Dragon Lord Shuyu was left speechless, only bitterly smiling, “Sect Leader, you are truly bold.”

“If Dragon Lord comes with sincerity, our Jiushan Sect naturally has its own sincerity.”

Zheng Fa explained, “I won’t hide it from you, Dragon Lord. Building such an array underwater without your help would be too costly. Moreover, if you are unwilling, we cannot build it.”

“Without you, or without our Jiushan Sect, this array cannot be built.”

Dragon Lord Shuyu was nearly a half-divine cultivator in the Xuanyi Sea.

Building the Profound Earth Primordial Magnetism Array on land was already difficult.

Building underwater was another matter entirely. The engineering challenges were immense;

even if possible, the cost was astronomical.

Having Dragon Lord Shuyu’s assistance made all the difference.

Furthermore, as Zheng Fa said, if Dragon Lord wanted to sabotage the array, there were many ways. Just as the Heavenly Emperor Body controlled the Jiushan Realm’s earth veins, Dragon Lord Shuyu also had some control over the Xuanyi Sea.

In short, building in the maritime region could not be done without Dragon Lord Shuyu, which is why Zheng Fa insisted and painstakingly pursued this.

“If we cooperate, both sides benefit. After the array is built, it will promote the maritime economy’s takeoff and perhaps respond to changes in the Xuanyi situation,” Zheng Fa said to Dragon Lord Shuyu. “This is also one reason I sent Fairy Xiao to your side.”

“Yuying?”

Fairy Xiao was a renowned Thunder Method expert of the Jiushan Realm. She poured much effort into the Profound Earth Primordial Magnetism Array and understood it deeply. She can help you establish the formation.”

Dragon Lord Shuyu finally understood that this disciple was not merely a monitor but a true assistant sent by Zheng Fa.

Looking at Xiao Yuying, she was filled with admiration—creating such a grand array, even if she only did part of the work, this disciple was truly remarkable.

Xiao Yuying seemed to notice the pride in her eyes and smiled happily with pursed lips.

She sighed, shook her head, and said, “I thought you were trying to show me up… it was just my petty suspicion.”

“That’s not it. To be frank, our Jiushan Sect must control the ocean, and you, Dragon Lord, will indeed cooperate with us.”

“You really say the ugly truth first.”

The same words, but Dragon Lord Shuyu now said them without any resentment.

“So, Dragon Lord, what do you think?”

Unexpectedly, Dragon Lord Shuyu fell into contemplation.

Zheng Fa frowned slightly, “Dragon Lord, you don’t agree?”

Dragon Lord Shuyu said calmly, “Sect Leader Zheng, I have seen the power of the Profound Earth Primordial Magnetism Array.”

“But whether it can be built in the sea and how powerful it will be once built…”

She shook her head, “I don’t understand it as well as you. You have no proof, and I have no confidence.”

Xiao Yuying exclaimed, “Master!”

Zheng Fa looked at Dragon Lord Shuyu, who was staring at him, and said helplessly, “Dragon Lord is truly cautious.”

“Didn’t Yuying tell you? I’m a lone dragon. Without caution, how could I have lived so long?”

…

Zheng Fa paced back and forth in the hall, seemingly thinking, then turned and said:

“This concerns your freedom and even your life, Dragon Lord. I understand. How about this—we make a wager agreement?”

“A wager agreement?”

In merger negotiations, when conditions differ, the only option is to wager.

“If you doubt the array’s power underwater, why not test it? If it’s powerful enough, you agree to join the Jiushan Sect. If not, we follow your terms.”

“So this is a wager? What’s the stake?” Dragon Lord Shuyu understood.

“…The Cangming Dragon Palace.”

Hearing these words, Dragon Lord Shuyu’s eyes brightened uncontrollably, and she smiled as if she really liked this wager.

“Very well.”