Overbearing Immortal Doctor Chapter 1336 - 1435: Struggling in Vain

Xue Yong, the leader of the Xue Yi Sect, had been hesitant to speak. Now, upon hearing the threat of annihilation, he immediately shouted, "You can go treasure hunting, why can't I, Xue Yijiao, go with you? Isn't avoiding this conflict a better option?" Xue Yong was still struggling.

"We have no issues with the Shura Sect, but you'll have to ask Ghost City and Thunder Fire Hall. They don't possess the treasure map, so they are unqualified to enter. If you can manage to survive their onslaught, we can find the final treasure map now and together delve into the rest of the Sky Fire," Zhai Zun smiled, appearing innocent.

Xue Yong cast a glance at Death God Yu Dafu and the leaders of Thunder Fire Hall. The actions of these three left him with no viable options. The weakest among them was at True Essence Level 4, the strongest at True Essence Level 7; a direct confrontation was impossible.

"Alright, since you are bullying me like this, Xue Yijiao... Engage the formation!"

At Xue Yong's command, nearly two-thirds of the masters behind him surged forward.

"Striped Turtle Formation, protect the allies!" Zhai Zun was abruptly astonished.

He was no longer surprised by the 'Striped Turtle Formation,' a formidable defensive technique, but its execution had stringent prerequisites. To be part of the 108 top experts above the Virtual Meta Realm, each individual's skills had to be precisely identical! If even one person's skill level deviated significantly, the entire formation would destabilize! The recruitment of 108 practitioners with matching skills had proven unsuccessful!

It was astonishing that Xue Yijiao could suddenly unleash such a potent formation, yet even this couldn't halt them, the preeminent figures in this domain. Xue Yong understood the disparity in power between the two factions, thus the formation's true purpose was merely to delay the three experts momentarily.

"Plan B!" Xue Yong suddenly roared. Over thirty experts from the Xue Yi Sect dispersed in various directions, clutching paintings.

Death God Yu Dafu and the other three masters were halted, but more than thirty individuals scattered. Witnessing this, Zhai Zun, Xing Juyin, and Xia Lao Sima Mo instantly became swift shadows.

"Peng! Peng..."

Bloody mist erupted in the sky. Four experts instantaneously annihilated seven or eight practitioners from the Virtual Meta Domain. The thirty precious paintings were now in their possession.

Seeing this scene, Xue Yong's face contorted in alarm. "You..."

"Xue Yong, we do not concern ourselves with the ownership of the treasure map. However, if anyone attempts to conceal it, thereby disrupting our treasure hunt, that would be most unwelcome. Do not rush towards your demise," Zhai Zun's voice was chillingly indifferent. The potential hiding of the treasure map from the Xue Yi Sect would indeed be a significant inconvenience.

At this very moment...

"Boom!" With a thunderous explosion and several screams, the Striped Turtle Formation was utterly shattered, critically wounding the 108 Void Meta Territory cultivators within it.

"Where is it, precisely?" A blood-soaked Gu He sneered at Xue Yong.

The final step, the very last hurdle! For a moment, Xue Yong felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness. Just as he believed all the experts were occupied and poised for escape, an unforeseen event had occurred!

"Asen, hand it over. We are not qualified to seek it out," Xue Yong said, looking at the disciples behind him. It turned out that over thirty of them were decoys. Xue Yong's cunning was evident.

"Hmm?" Gu Jiang's eyes gleamed, and he lunged forward. However, the Shadow was quicker.

"Peng!"

A Xue Yijiao disciple instantly dissolved into a mist of blood. The treasure map held in his hand plummeted directly into the grasp of a shadow, which turned out to be the Death God Jade Dagger.

Following the disciple's demise, Xue Yong departed without uttering a single word. He vanished without a trace, and no one obstructed his path. In this world, the weak command no sympathy as the strong pursue their spiritual gains! Xue Yijiao had already retreated earlier.

"Yu Dage, do you truly believe that treasure map can remain yours?" Gu Liang's ancient jade suddenly emanated a chilling aura.

"The 7th floor of Guiyuan, correct?" Gu Liang, your cultivation is indeed profound, far surpassing the fifth floor of Guiyuan. I can sense the Sword Qi emanating from you; I cannot resist it. The Death God Yu's dagger suddenly spoke.

"Then surrender everything you possess to me!" Gu Liang stated coldly.

"What preposterous talk is this? You presume to seek spiritual bodies as if you were any common cur?" Xing Ming queried, his eyes filled with hostility as he gazed at Qin Feng.

"Fool, the master of our treasure map is speaking of matters of great importance. What are you babbling about? Make way," Qin Feng retorted, his stare unwavering.

"Insolent brat, how dare you look down upon me!" Xing He had long harbored a desire to kill Qin Feng and intended to do so immediately. Zhai Zun was present, after all; even if Qin Feng unleashed a terrifying spell at the True Essence Level 4, it would be utterly futile.

"Whose dog are you? If you do not retreat, I shall destroy this painting," Qin Feng declared furiously.

A wave of fear washed over everyone as the words left his mouth. The four treasure maps were absolutely essential for breaching the Sky Fire ruins; failure would lead to inescapable regret for all present.

"Xing He, you would be wise not to act rashly," Sima Mo stated coldly. "If the Sky Fire Treasure Map is destroyed, then even if you are Shura, I pray you meet your demise elsewhere."

"Xing He, return here. This is hardly a place for you to interject," Zhai Zun also spoke with a frigid tone.

Xing He's expression shifted slightly, clearly displeased by the veiled threat. Nevertheless, despite his inner turmoil, he quickly restored his polite facade, steeling himself to endure it.

"Kid, do you truly intend to infiltrate the Sky Fire ruins?" Zhai Zun inquired, his gaze fixed on Qin Feng.

"What do you surmise?" Qin Feng retorted. "Each of you is a seasoned cultivator who has returned to the Yuan. Are you truly afraid of a mere fight? I am but a youth from the younger generation who has only just reached Zhenyuan." Qin Feng chuckled.

"Hahaha, it is of no concern. Since you possess a treasure map, you are indeed eligible to partake in the day's exploration of the fire relic!" Zhai Zun guffawed. "Fearing a fight with you? Humph, a true Origin Crystal realm brat, I could crush you with but a single finger."

"Very well. My sole adversary lies with Zhai Zun; I harbor no fear of others," Sima Mo mused, contemplating the situation.

"If that is the case, then we shall all break through together," Qin Feng declared, extending his hands in a gesture of apparent magnanimity.

"Those without a treasure map are unqualified to penetrate the Sky Fire ruins?" Zhai Zun narrowed his eyes, his dissatisfaction evident. "We possess treasure maps ourselves; why should we endure such circumstances?"

"I speak of these three," Qin Feng gestured towards the ancient jade, ancient river, and Yu. "Engaging in conflict benefits no one. Surely you do not wish for calamity to befall the Treasure Land?" Qin Feng continued. "With the treasure map in my possession, I shall permit myself and Lan Yueliang entry. Let these three also enter with their treasure maps. As for the treasure maps belonging to your Shura Sect and Fu Sect, aside from the four of you outside, each may bring an additional three to five individuals as compensation."

"We can bring an additional three to five people?" Zhai Zun inquired, looking towards Qin Feng.

"Are you serious?" Sima Mo also turned his gaze to Qin Feng.

"Their cultivation must not exceed True Essence Level 4. Anything more powerful, and we simply cannot manage," Qin Feng emphasized.

He possessed extensive experience in navigating ruins, recognizing the crucial role of expendable personnel. Naturally, utilizing them as cannon fodder for the Shura Sect and Fu Sect would align perfectly with their interests.

"No, Floor 4 is too robust," Death God stated gravely.

"Three to five individuals is far too many. For each treasure map they hold, they can bring seven people, yet we are restricted to merely three. This is hardly equitable," Gu Yuyan spoke in a low voice, her countenance unfavorable.

"You lack a treasure map. Being granted entry into the Sky Fire ruins is already a profound honor. Do you possess the audacity to voice an opinion?" Sima Mo asked icily.

"Three individuals? This young brother here, he brings two people with a treasure map. No one else raises any objections. Are you, famous and strong as you are, truly fearful of some junior from the True Essence Fourth Level?" Zhai Zun asked with a smile.

Gu Yuyan and the others were rendered utterly speechless.

"At most, three additional individuals may accompany us. Otherwise, I shall not consent. I, too, shall bring one companion, provided they are below True Essence Fourth Level," Death God declared, closing his eyes. It was clear he would not entertain further negotiation.

"Very well, three against three then," Sima Mo stated with a smile.