CHAPTER 273: CHAPTER 268: HUNTER AND PREY

"What is the identity of Song Boling?" Li Fan asked.

Song Boling schemed against many Qi Cultivators, yet he retreated unscathed, and no one dared to attack him.

"Song Boling is a member of the Song Family on West Emperor Island. His father holds a position in the West Emperor Palace and is a cultivator at the Late-stage of Condensation. His sister, Song Siyu, is exceptionally gifted and has been cultivating in the West Emperor Palace since childhood. Having now reached the Ning Dan Realm, she is considered a Heavenly Pride Girl. Relying on his family’s influence, Song Boling, though not extraordinarily talented, has used resources to advance his cultivation to the Late Stage Foundation Establishment,"

Meng Hong explained, "Because of this connection, he dares to act recklessly outside. Although he schemes against many, no one dares to touch him."

"I see that my younger brother’s swordsmanship is exceptional; perhaps his background is no less than that of Song Boling?" Luo Qingyan smiled at Li Fan, noticing that for those loose cultivators at the Condensed Core Realm, the late-stage realm is an insurmountable mountain.

But in the face of top powers, it’s nothing remarkable. With Li Fan’s talent and swordsmanship on display, he must have a significant background.

"When traveling for training, everything depends on oneself," Li Fan replied. Luo Qingyan thought to herself that it was indeed true, as Li Fan did not deny it. Observing his demeanor and swordsmanship, he was likely the heir of a Sword Dao family.

"Be careful during this period, and don’t go out alone, lest Old Monster Li targets you," Meng Hong advised.

"Understood," Li Fan nodded.

"I’ll also go back to cultivate and take inventory of the spoils of war," Meng Hong smiled, then left with Luo Qingyan.

Li Fan held the Soul Suppressing Bell, and with a thought, his divine soul surged into the bell, imprinting a wisp of his divine soul mark.

He waved his hand, and the Soul Suppressing Bell flew into the air, enlarging continuously. It radiated with golden light, emitting invisible waves that expanded instantly, causing Sun Zhao and others to feel momentarily dazed.

But in just an instant, Li Fan reached out and retrieved it into his hand. This Old Demon Tong was insidious and cunning, carrying such a treasure, but it ultimately benefited him.

If the Soul Suppressing Bell is used in conjunction with his swordsmanship, it could deliver a fatal blow.

Sword Cultivators excel in killing, with a very fast killing speed. This treasure suits him well, as its potential when used by him would definitely surpass that in the hands of Tong Liang.

"It’s a pity I didn’t obtain the Rain of Resurrection," Li Fan murmured, gazing at Lu Yuan beside him.

"I’ll investigate this matter again," Sun Zhao offered.

"Thank you, Uncle Sun," Li Fan replied.

For the following days, Li Fan remained in the other courtyard cultivating, and Luo Qingyan and Meng Hong occasionally dropped by for a chat. Being cautious, they rarely ventured outside during this time, fearing retaliation from Old Demon Li.

However, as time went on, they occasionally went out for a stroll.

One day, Meng Hong and Luo Qingyan arrived at Li Fan’s place.

"At the trade fair that day, several people were killed, and they were all those who exposed their magical treasures. Old Monster Li is suspected of having acted," Meng Hong had deliberately investigated this information.

"As expected, we were indeed set up. It seems our suspicions were correct; Old Monster Li should be colluding with Song Boling," Luo Qingyan remarked.

"Song Boling’s talent is mediocre, and not being able to enter West Emperor Palace for cultivation, he turns to these backdoor methods to grab outside resources. Eventually, it will backfire," Meng Hong glanced at Li Fan. "There’s another piece of information that might interest Brother Yang. Although Song Boling couldn’t present the Rain of Resurrection that day, reliable sources suggest that the Song Family does have it. It’s just reserved for Song Siyu for cultivation use, and Song Boling has no right to access it."

"So, the Rain of Resurrection indeed exists and is with the Song Family. Song Boling can’t obtain it but uses it to cause a stir outside," Luo Qingyan sneered.

"Still with the Song Family?" Li Fan, intrigued by the news, inquired.

"Likely still with the Song Family. Song Siyu is cultivating in the West Emperor Palace and doesn’t often return to the Song Family," Meng Hong replied.

"You’re not having any ideas, are you?" Luo Qingyan smiled at Li Fan. "Even though Song Boling’s father is also on West Emperor Island, the Song Family itself is strong, with several Condensed Core Realm cultivators, including the Mid Stage of Condensed Core. Do you still plan to go to the Song Family to seize it?"

"Certainly not," Li Fan said. "Tomorrow, I plan to go to the sea to hunt demons. Would you like to come along?"

"Hunt demons?" Meng Hong looked at Li Fan, nodded with a smile, "No problem."

"Really just to hunt demons?" Luo Qingyan looked at Li Fan with a faint smile.

"What else?" Li Fan retorted.

"All right, then let’s accompany my younger brother," Luo Qingyan also agreed.

......

The next day, the group set out from the other courtyard, heading north outside the city.

On the way, Meng Hong seemed quite cautious and said, "It seems someone is watching us."

"Maybe you perceived it wrong, perhaps," Li Fan chuckled and continued walking outside.

"Perhaps," Meng Hong remained vigilant, but their group’s fighting power was rather strong. Even if Old Monster Li thought to kill them, he might not necessarily succeed.

The northern sea of West Emperor Island is relatively barren, this area has not yet been developed, but cultivators often come to this side to hunt sea demons.

Arriving at the edge of the sea on a cliff, the group stopped, Meng Hong said, "Someone is tracking us, there’s no mistake."

"There’s a barren island ahead in the sea, if we’re hunting ’demons’, it’s more suitable to set foot there." Li Fan, as if he hadn’t heard him, flew on his sword, heading towards the sea.

The group followed, Meng Hong glanced at Li Fan’s back, and went along as well.

"Interesting." Luo Qingyan seemed to have sensed something, her figure flickered, and the group was moving quickly over the sea.

It wasn’t long before Li Fan’s group arrived on the barren island, surrounded by cliffs and giant rocks, waves crashing against the cliff walls, Li Fan continued forward, entering the island.

Meng Hong and Luo Qingyan naturally saw that Li Fan was not here to hunt demons, but they just followed without speaking.

"Alright." Li Fan stopped, landing on a large rock on the island, turned around, and waited quietly.

Sure enough, it wasn’t long before a figure in a red and black robe appeared, this figure’s eyes deep and icy, long hair draped over shoulders, emitting a chilling killing intent.

"Old Monster Li." Meng Hong and Luo Qingyan hastily summoned their magical treasures, staring at the newcomer: "So it was you, but are you sure you have the upper hand?"

Li Fan, this guy, deliberately lured Old Monster Li here, is he that confident?

Ruthless intentions glinted in Old Monster Li’s deep eyes, yet he didn’t make a move, and behind him, the sound of more figures appeared quickly.

"Song Boling." Meng Hong noticed a young man among them, and said coldly, "So it was you colluding with Old Monster Li."

"Song Boling is accompanied by two Condensed Core cultivators, plus Old Monster Li, they’re likely hard to deal with." Luo Qingyan whispered to Li Fan, as Li Fan deliberately lured Old Monster Li here, they didn’t expect Song Boling to bring Condensed Core cultivators as well, the situation might be grim.

"Three Condensed Core cultivators." Meng Hong thought to himself, his gaze serious.

"Everyone, here we meet again." Song Boling stepped forward, eyes distant on Li Fan, and said with a smile, "That day I asked you to hand over the Sword Scripture, but you exposed me? Today, will you voluntarily, or shall I take action?"

Li Fan gave Song Boling a glance and said.

"This Song Boling must be kept alive."

Luo Qingyan and Meng Hong were both taken aback, looking at him in surprise.

So, Li Fan’s target wasn’t Old Monster Li at all, but Song Boling?

Was he waiting for Song Boling to chase after him too?

But with Old Monster Li at the mid-stage of Condensed Core, along with two Condensed Core cultivators, where does Li Fan have the confidence to deal with them?

Li Fan was indeed waiting for Song Boling, Old Monster Li is notorious for hunting cultivators, on West Emperor Island, Song Boling naturally wouldn’t dare openly join him.

And since Old Monster Li hadn’t acted against them yet, it was probably due to being wary of their numbers.

So, Li Fan provided them an opportunity, coming to this desolate island, where Old Monster Li needed allies, and here, deserted, was perfect for Song Boling and them to appear together.

And no one else would know.

Song Boling narrowed his eyes, staring at Li Fan: "What are you talking about?"

"You guys hold back Old Monster Li, leave the two Condensed Core ones to me, I’ll resolve it quickly." Li Fan said, Meng Hong and Luo Qingyan were surprised, but since Li Fan said so, he must be confident, so they nodded.

Song Boling saw that Li Fan completely ignored him, his gaze extremely dark, knowing that Li Fan had previously killed Condensed Core cultivators, yet he wanted to swiftly deal with two Condensed Core ones?

"Elder Li, kill them." Song Boling spoke to Old Monster Li.

A terrifying blood-red aura emanated from Old Monster Li, bringing a sinister atmosphere, and a ghastly, blood-colored shadow appeared behind him, monstruous and terrifying, with blood-red lightning flashing, the area suddenly became extremely frightening.

He reached down with his hand, a gigantic shadow appearing in the void, countless bloody claws swirling with destructive light, clawing towards Li Fan and the others.

"Brother Yang, we will try our best to hold him back, leave the rest to you." Meng Hong’s voice fell and soared into the sky, holding a magical treasure, a pen that radiated brilliant golden light, slicing through the air, cutting through the claws, dazzling golden light burst forth, transforming into numerous divine weapons in golden armor, charging forward to open a path for him.

Sun Zhao shot up into the sky, blades flashing everywhere, slashing towards the heights.

Luo Qingyan wielded the Thunder Whip, transforming it into a sword-like strike.

Yue Qingqiu soared into the sky, a demon fox’s shadow crossed the sky, ice and frost covering the sky.

Li Fan held the Soul-Attracting Bell in his left hand and a sword in his right, entering the Realm of Celestial Sword Dao, with a sword aura soaring to the heavens, upon a thought, numerous shadows appeared simultaneously, then rose into the sky, moving at a terrifying speed towards Song Boling’s direction.

Song Boling stared at Li Fan’s figure and actually sensed a threatening aura, the two Condensed Core cultivators beside him stepped forward, guarding him on the left and right.