Cultivation is just so scientific! Chapter 1742 - 917: Capture (Part 2)

Although the soul of the illusion clone experienced a momentary confusion due to the impact, Great Cultivator Hua Ying’s Nascent Soul was even more severely affected. The Nascent Soul’s soul first endured the impact of the illusion clone’s energy shell before colliding with the illusion clone’s own soul.

The Nascent Soul entered a brief period of dizziness. Unfortunately, while the illusion clone was disoriented, Li Shiming’s separate minds were remotely controlling the four late-stage Golden Corpses and the Golden Winged Dapeng.

As both the illusion clone and Hua Ying’s Nascent Soul were in a stagnant state, the four late-stage Golden Corpses converged upon the Nascent Soul. Each unleashed a stream of Yin Cold Energy, while the Golden Winged Dapeng projected a torrent of five-colored energy, forming a double-layered cage that ensnared the Nascent Soul.

The illusion clone regained awareness and, observing the Nascent Soul confined within the dual energy barriers, permitted itself a smile.

From its soul crystal ring, it retrieved a prohibition talisman. Concurrently, Great Cultivator Hua Ying’s Nascent Soul also awoke, but its confinement within the two layers of cages rendered it immobile. It could only passively witness as the illusion clone affixed the prohibition talisman to its form, plunging the Nascent Soul into complete unconsciousness.

"This is truly excellent research material!" the illusion clone articulated to itself.

During the actual collision between the Nascent Soul and the illusion clone, a peculiar observation was made: the illusion clone seemed not to reject the foreign Nascent Soul.

The damage sustained by the illusion clone during the assimilation process primarily stemmed from the soul collision itself; the Nascent Soul’s inherent energy did not inflict significant harm upon the illusion clone.

Recognizing the current environment’s inadequacy for detailed study, the Nascent Soul was subsequently secured within a prohibition jade box, specifically designed for confining such entities.

By this juncture, the six Great Cultivators lay vanquished nearby, their valiant effort to impede the four late-stage Golden Corpses having met this grim fate.

The illusion clone proceeded to collect Hua Ying’s physical form, then secured Yi Xiao’s body, before returning to the back of the Golden Winged Dapeng.

With a piercing cry, the Golden Winged Dapeng vanished from the seascape haven, leaving behind a scene of utter disarray.

The Golden Winged Dapeng swiftly returned to the grand flying boat belonging to Luanyang Palace. The entire operation, from departure to return, transpired within mere dozens of breaths.

"Mr. Li, Yi Xiao has been apprehended, magnificent!" Great Cultivator Jiang Hao exclaimed with palpable excitement upon spotting the captured Great Cultivator Yi Xiao.

His undisguised enthusiasm was understandable; Yi Xiao’s desertion had severely damaged the prestige of Guiyuan Sect.

In a bid to reclaim its diminished standing, Guiyuan Sect had insisted on waging war against Bitao Sect, despite a considerable reduction in Great Cultivator strength.

Now that Great Cultivator Yi Xiao was finally captured, even if by Li Shiming’s illusion clone, it counted as a collective victory. Regardless of who executed the capture, Guiyuan Sect stood to emerge on the winning side.

"Mr. Li, might I borrow Yi Xiao for a short while? I need to interrogate him to uncover certain crucial details," Great Cultivator Jiang Hao requested, his composure returning rapidly. Aware of the necessity to extract information from Yi Xiao, brought back by the illusion clone, he posed the question with a hint of embarrassment.

"Certainly, but you must not nullify the existing prohibitions on him; I have no desire to recapture him. Whatever you discover, I must be informed!" the illusion clone declared, gesturing dismissively.

He, too, harbored a strong curiosity about how Great Cultivator Yi Xiao had found sanctuary within Bitao Sect; otherwise, he would have dispatched Yi Xiao without hesitation much earlier.

His methods of interrogation, honed during his lesser cultivation stages, might prove insufficient against a cultivator at the Peak Great Cultivator level.

"Phoenix Palace Master, I require a secluded chamber where Mr. Li can observe my interrogation," Great Cultivator Jiang Hao addressed Phoenix Palace Master, making his request.

He openly declared his intention to interrogate Great Cultivator Yi Xiao aboard Luanyang Palace’s flying boat, granting Li Shiming permission to witness the proceedings.

"You may use that room!" Phoenix Palace Master indicated a chamber located on the uppermost level.

Great Cultivator Jiang Hao offered Phoenix Palace Master a grateful bow before escorting Great Cultivator Yi Xiao towards the designated room.

The illusion clone followed closely behind, entering the chamber together.

Phoenix Palace Master remained stationary, as Jiang Hao had not extended an invitation for her presence, signifying his intent to keep her out of the loop.

Her gaze then shifted towards the unfolding conflict, where Bitao Sect’s Nascent Soul Cultivators, realizing the compromise of their safe point, had begun a strategic retreat.

Given the present circumstances, the war could be considered effectively concluded.

Upon entering the chamber, Great Cultivator Jiang Hao produced an Array Plate. Once activated, it generated an impenetrable isolating array enveloping the entire room.

"Mr. Li, should any secrets of Guiyuan Sect be exposed by Yi Xiao, I trust you will maintain their confidentiality," Great Cultivator Jiang Hao earnestly implored the illusion clone before commencing his interrogation.

"I shall remain silent!" the illusion clone affirmed with a nod.

Great Cultivator Jiang Hao opted not to exact any vows from the illusion clone, having profound faith in Li Shiming's integrity.

He then produced a rope meticulously woven from silver threads, fashioned from superior materials, though the illusion clone could not immediately ascertain its precise quality.

Li Shiming surmised that the rope was likely a peculiar artifact or a treasured item.

"Kindly alleviate some of the restrictions on Yi Xiao to permit him to speak!" Great Cultivator Jiang Hao, having bound Great Cultivator Yi Xiao with the rope, addressed the illusion clone.

While he possessed the capacity to perform this himself, the restrictions on Great Cultivator Yi Xiao had been imposed by the illusion clone; out of deference, he requested the illusion clone's assistance in adjusting them.

The illusion clone readily complied, adjusting the potency of the restrictions placed upon Great Cultivator Yi Xiao.

Great Cultivator Yi Xiao stirred from a state of unconsciousness, instantly grasping his predicament upon discerning the presence of the illusion clone and Great Cultivator Jiang Hao.

His gaze fell upon the silver rope, and his expression darkened with despair.

"Heart Inquiry Rope, I never anticipated Junior Brother Jiang possessing such a treasure; it appears my thoughts cannot remain concealed!" He consequently abandoned any thoughts of resistance.

As a distinguished Great Cultivator of Guiyuan Sect, how could he be unfamiliar with the 'Heart Inquiry Rope'?

This remarkable treasure was employed by the Guiyuan Sect for the interrogation of significant transgressors; no cultivator could withstand its potent influence.

Naturally, the 'Heart Inquiry Rope' was not without its limitations; its efficacy was contingent upon the bound cultivator being unable to wield spiritual power.

In essence, the 'Heart Inquiry Rope' could only extract information from cultivators who were entirely subdued.

"Yi Xiao, Guiyuan Sect has treated you with great kindness; why would you betray them?" Great Cultivator Jiang Hao inquired, his voice laced with fury, his eyes blazing with indignation.

Great Cultivator Yi Xiao had joined the Guiyuan Sect during his Qi Refinement Realm, and the sect had diligently nurtured him to the pinnacle of the Great Cultivator realm. Jiang Hao found it incomprehensible that Great Cultivator Yi Xiao would commit such an act of betrayal.

"Hahahaha, Guiyuan Sect treated me well! After Lin Yuan's demise, Guiyuan Sect resorted to forbidden techniques to forcibly elevate me to the Peak Great Cultivator Realm; did anyone even consult my wishes?" Great Cultivator Yi Xiao, ensnared by the 'Heart Inquiry Rope,' spoke with unvarnished honesty, though his countenance remained expressive of his inner turmoil.

"You received immense kindness from Guiyuan Sect. When your strength was needed, even with the inherent grievances, forbidden techniques are not entirely beyond remedy, and there exists a possibility of future recovery. Is this the sole reason for your betrayal?" Great Cultivator Jiang Hao questioned further, shaking his head.

"That is but one facet of my reasons. Initially, I harbored no intention of betraying the sect; absconding with the 'Cold Heaven Scripture' was merely a contingency measure. My scheme was to extort compensation from Li Shiming for the losses incurred due to the forced elevation." With a pause, Great Cultivator Yi Xiao cast a sidelong glance at the illusion clone.

The illusion clone remained impassive, observing with a cold demeanor.

"While contemplating the pressure to be exerted upon Li Shiming, I recognized the potential ramifications. Given Li Shiming's influence, should the events unfold and be exposed, Guiyuan Sect would likely offer no protection!" He let out a scornful smirk as he mentioned 'won't protect me,' directing his gaze towards Great Cultivator Jiang Hao.

Following his transgression, intelligence gleaned from Guiyuan Sect suggested that the sect had resolved to disown him as a means to placate Li Shiming.