Chapter 718: Chapter 224: The Whole Army Attacks
Gao Cuo needed the Firefly Burial Gauze to craft a mask for disguise, making fake appear real with astonishing effect.
But usually, the defenses at Qiu Teng Peak were impenetrable, flawless in every way.
Thus, Gao Cuo could only endure and wait for the right moment.
For this grand battle, he escaped in advance, hoping to seize an opportunity. He then learned the latest war report, that Bi Tengyi’s body was destroyed by Shuang Ling.
Gao Cuo quickly discussed with Sword Elder and changed their original plan, swiftly heading towards Qiu Teng Peak.
After all, such opportunities were rare.
“Hmm?” Sword Elder let out a soft sound.
Gao Cuo was unaware of anything at first, but soon he saw Qiu Teng Peak activating its defensive array, presenting its strongest defensive stance.
Gao Cuo’s heart skipped a beat, and he instantly realized: “Oh, it must be Bi Tengyi’s Nascent Soul returning to her stronghold through the void.”
Bi Tengyi was one of the high-ranking leaders of the Ancient Vine Tribe, enjoying privileges for many years and possessing considerable strength.
But during this battle, she faced unprecedented challenges, her body destroyed, narrowly escaping with only her Nascent Soul.
This sudden change caused Bi Tengyi, who had always lived in luxury, to enter a state of anxiety, fearful of any unexpected incidents. Therefore, upon her return, she activated all defensive arrays, making Qiu Teng Peak impregnable.
“However, doing this also exposed critical information.”
Sword Elder sighed deeply: “Gao Cuo, you know much about Bi Tengyi’s intelligence and her cultivation journey.”
“She was born into the tribe’s high ranks, noble by birth. Though she inherited the Barbarian Clan’s fierce and combative nature, she mostly relied on her background, innate talent, and cultivation level to bully and dominate others.”
“On the surface, this seems fine. But when faced with significant setbacks or life tests, her flaws immediately become apparent.”
“So, don’t be deceived by the high-ranking and resourceful Nascent Soul Cultivators; they are often outwardly strong but inwardly weak, their temperament unworthy of admiration.”
“Bi Tengyi’s correct approach actually should have been to remain hidden and vigilant, keeping a low profile. But now, anyone within hundreds of miles seeing Qiu Teng Peak in turmoil would know something major is happening. Combining this with the latest battle report, it’s easy to deduce Bi Tengyi’s current plight.”
“If she had enemies, they would surely strike now!”
“Remember, a Nascent Soul is much weaker than a Primordial Spirit.”
Gao Cuo gained enlightenment from Sword Elder’s advice: “Sword Elder, I understand.”
“On one hand, you mean that despite Nascent Soul Cultivators’ great power, their temperament can be inconsistent, even inferior to mine in some cases. This offers a strategic path for dealing with them in the future.”
“On the other hand, cultivation is not just about increasing one’s level, but also involves tempering one’s disposition. Especially during the weaker periods, the external pressure can lead to significant character growth.”
“Once past this period, with cultivation reaching a certain height, say Nascent Soul level, external pressure is rare, which is actually detrimental to the cultivator’s path!”
Sword Elder laughed heartily: “Exactly. Hence, it’s common for some to achieve greatness late in life.”
“Those who always live in comfort without facing setbacks and failures cannot tread far in their cultivation journey.”
“So, were your past two failures just failures?”
“They are also a form of success.”
Gao Cuo had experienced two failures successively.
The first was the evil god bone of Bikong Mountain. The second was the wood fire in the Ten-mile Burnt Forest.
Both left Gao Cuo empty-handed.
Now, this was the third time.
He planned to steal the Firefly Burial Gauze from Qiu Teng Peak.
Compared to the previous times, he was noticeably calmer: “Sword Elder, you’re absolutely right. However… I still hope to achieve a true success.”
As he spoke, many green vines on Qiu Teng Peak began to retract, with large amounts of green color quickly fading, forming a surging wave of green light converging into the mountain core.
Sword Elder murmured: “It has started.”
Gao Cuo nodded slightly, knowing Bi Tengyi would need to consume massive life force to recreate her body.
This would severely weaken the defenses of Qiu Teng Peak, creating vulnerabilities.
And these vulnerabilities were his opportunity.
Sword Elder reminded: “Get ready.”
Gao Cuo nodded again and began to activate his cultivation technique.
This time, he unleashed his full strength, the entire process silent and without any leakage of aura.
After the time of half an incense stick, he transformed into a stone ball—Old Monster in Stone!
If Bi Tengyi’s Nascent Soul had not returned, Gao Cuo wouldn’t have used all his strength, disguising himself as Old Monster in Stone.
But since her Nascent Soul had returned and was now stationed at Qiu Teng Peak, obtaining the Firefly Burial Gauze would likely lead to a direct confrontation.
In such a scenario, as a Transforming Spirit Level Old Monster in Stone, he could intimidate Bi Tengyi.
The key point is that with this disguise, even the Dragon King Temple’s side would not want to investigate further. This maneuver could likely create an internal conflict between the ginseng whisker dragon and Old Monster in Stone, the two Transforming Spirit Level entities in Thousand Peak Forest.
In the unfavorable circumstances of a major enemy ahead, the ginseng whisker dragon would have to hesitate and endure a while.
This played directly into Gao Cuo and Sword Elder’s hands.
“Old Monster in Stone?!” Bi Tengyi’s Nascent Soul screamed in shock.
Sure enough, as Gao Cuo launched his attack, Bi Tengyi was taken aback, not daring to act rashly and could only seek help immediately.
The plea for help was swiftly sent to the Dragon King Temple, and reached Lord Long’s hands.