NFBE Chapter 128 The Four Deadly Fiends Form a Strange Array, a Deception in the Four-Party Alliance
Chapter 128 The Four Deadly Fiends Form a Strange Array, a Deception in the Four-Party Alliance
Upon hearing this, Master Chen humbly replied, "That depends on what Special Envoy Zhou requires."
Zhou Qingfeng asked with a smile, "Master Chen, if I asked you to set up an array to trap Xing Cishu and his group without alerting anyone, could you do it?"
After a moment's thought, Master Chen rose, bowed respectfully, and said solemnly, "Replying to Special Envoy Zhou."
"I know a formation called the 'Four Fiends Absolute Domain Formation'."
"This formation ranks fifty-eighth among the evil-grade formations, and is a top-level trapping and killing formation."
"The special feature of this formation is that it requires the four natal evil spirits as the formation eyes. Each formation eye needs to be equipped with at least 10,000 magic coins containing the magic power of a cultivator in the Devouring Evil Realm as an energy source to maintain the operation of the formation."
"Furthermore, the items needed to assist in setting up the formation are a decapitation sword that has beheaded more than a thousand people or a bronze mirror containing a curse, a burial object from a thousand-year-old tomb or an artifact from an ancient battlefield, a statue of an evil god or a thousand-year-old coffin board."
"Most importantly, this formation can only be set up by cultivators at or above the Devouring Fiend Realm. It is not for risking one's life. Generally speaking, formation masters at the Devouring Fiend Realm will never easily use this formation."
"Because if the Four Fiends Absolute Domain Formation is broken, the formation master will either die suddenly or suffer a significant drop in cultivation level."
At this point, Master Chen paused briefly.
In case those present do not understand, the formation of the Four Fiends Absolute Domain Formation will be explained in detail.
After all, the art of formations is vast and complex, and those who understand formations are extremely rare, one in ten thousand; not everyone understands them.
Because the basics of formations are difficult to learn, and they become increasingly difficult as you progress.
Those without a talent for formations will only find their efforts in vain and waste their lives by studying formations, encountering difficulties at every step.
Moreover, the time and resource costs of studying formations are immeasurable.
In this turbid and evil world, there's no time for cultivators to slowly study and refine their skills.
With that kind of energy, cultivators would have already climbed to even higher peaks.
In other words, only those cultivators who love formations, dislike combat, and have no hope of advancing in rank will study formations, refine formation plates, and sell them to increase their income.
Master Chen began to explain in detail the method and function of the formation: "The Four Fiends' Absolute Domain Formation has four key points."
"The eye of the Qingyang Formation is located at the boundary of the formation, forming an invisible yet incredibly tough spatial barrier to prevent anyone from escaping. At the same time, it incorporates the 'Silent Sound Technique' to absorb and neutralize any possible sound vibrations, ensuring that activities within the formation do not spread outside the formation."
"The eye of the Dharani Array is located at the center of the array. This eye generates a powerful gravitational vortex, which hinders the movement of those trapped and causes their strength to be constantly depleted. In addition, it contains the 'Concealment Technique' to eliminate all sounds and noises made by the activities of creatures within the array."
"The Mars Array Eye is located at the southern end of the array. Once activated, it will generate raging flames that gradually devour life force. This array eye is also equipped with the 'Quiet Flame Technique,' which seals all the crackling sounds and heat during the burning process within the array."
"The Lingxing Array Eye is located at the north end of the array. Once activated, the array will be filled with the power of Xuan Sha Yin Lei, which will bring a fatal blow to those trapped. However, this array eye is equipped with the 'Sinking Thunder Technique', which can instantly transform the sound of Xuan Sha Yin Lei and the fluctuation of magic power into an imperceptible evil aura and disperse it into the depths of the array to ensure that the outside world is not affected."
"The four array points echo each other, forming a complete and enclosed small world of array."
"In this world, the trapped target will silently face the terrifying pressure from the Four Fiends until its power is exhausted and it perishes within it, while the outside world will not notice anything unusual within the formation. Of course, this formation is only limited to trapping and killing cultivators at or below the Fiend-Eating Realm."
Magic coins and array masters are indispensable materials for setting up arrays.
Typically, array masters hoard large amounts of magic coins, then infuse them with magical power for storage. When an array needs to be set up, they simply scatter the coins to create the array. The magical power within the magic coins is the energy source that sustains the array's operation.
Of course, not only for array masters, but also for alchemists and weapon refiners, magic coins are indispensable.
After listening, Zhou Qingfeng nodded slightly: "That's right, the Four Fiends Absolute Domain Formation is indeed powerful. Most importantly, it can form its own small world, so the aftershocks of the battle will not affect the outside world, which is very important."
Upon hearing the praise and affirmation, Master Chen immediately puffed out his chest.
Seeing this, Zhou Qingfeng asked with a smile, "Master Chen, if you were to set up the formation, what would be lacking?"
Master Chen clasped his hands in response: “Special Envoy Zhou, this formation is my specialty. I have prepared all the necessary materials for setting up the formation. Now, you only need to choose a location, and I can immediately set up the Four Fiends Absolute Domain Formation.”
Zhou Qingfeng raised an eyebrow and immediately made a decision: "Alright, I've decided that you will set up the formation to trap and kill Xing Cishu and his group, covering my signing of the alliance agreement with the three parties. If this succeeds, I will give you credit."
Upon hearing this, Master Chen could not hide his excitement. Having the opportunity to gain merit, he no longer wanted to slack off: "Thank you, Special Envoy Zhou. I will do my utmost for you, even unto death!"
Master Chen knew very well what merit meant. Was he mediocre because he had been trapped in the Devouring Fiend Realm for many years?
That's not the case; it's just that we simply can't gather all the materials needed to advance to the next level.
If he can make a contribution this time, he doesn't crave any money or treasures. He only wants the city lord's mansion to reward him with a set of advancement materials, or even just one type of advancement material, which would save him the hard work of collecting materials for a hundred years.
Seeing this, Zhou Qingfeng waved his hand, signaling Master Chen to step down.
Master Chen immediately clasped his hands in greeting, stepped back, and sat down again.
Zhou Qingfeng glanced around and his gaze settled on Ye Tingxiu: "Old Ye, your chance for revenge has come."
"I know, thank you." Ye Tingxiu nodded vigorously, his eyes shining. He had been waiting for this opportunity to kill Xing Cishu without disrupting the existing situation.
Zhou Qingfeng hummed in agreement and said with a serious expression, "Alright, let me explain the action plan."
"Jin Wei, Mr. Liao, please come with me to the meeting place to sign the alliance agreement with the three parties."
"Old Ye, Old Xiao, take my personal guards and assist Master Chen in trapping and killing Xing Cishu and the others."
"Old Xiao, you and Master Chen should discuss the location for setting up the formation and decide on it as soon as possible, then inform me."
"In the meantime, I will work hard to finalize the time and place for the alliance meeting between the Wei family, the Gu family, and Yuanmeng. Alright, everyone, get to your posts and prepare for action. Dismissed."
With Zhou Qingfeng's order, the secret meeting concerning the overall situation came to an end. Everyone got up and left. Xiao Hongyun, Ye Tingxiu, and Master Chen left together to discuss choosing a place to set up the formation outside the mansion.
Jin Wei, as the commander of Zhou Qingfeng's personal guards, could not leave Zhou Qingfeng's side unless Zhou Qingfeng was truly short of manpower. As for the old cripple, the Four Alliances would naturally keep him by their side in case of unforeseen circumstances.
For the next few days, Zhou Qingfeng stayed in his residence and did not show his face. He secretly held online talks with the Wei family, the Gu family, and Yuanmeng to finalize the location and time of the alliance meeting.
However, the three forces still had some concerns, and were very worried that the news would leak out, causing Jiang Xun to discover when they signed the alliance with Zhou Qingfeng. In that case, Jiang Xun would take down all the leaders of the three forces.
Zhou Qingfeng has the Sword Tower as his backer, so Jiang Xun dares not and cannot kill him because the consequences are unbearable. However, the Wei family, the Gu family, and the person in charge of the Dream Fulfillment Organization's stronghold in Winter City do not have such powerful backers.
So online discussions are fine, but when it comes to agreeing to meet in person to sign the alliance agreement...
Instead, they hesitated and looked back and forth, fearing that a single misstep would lead to eternal regret.
Seeing this, Zhou Qingfeng had no choice but to use his chips to try and win them over one by one.
Inside the study of the treasure-hunting delegation's residence, Zhou Qingfeng casually practiced calligraphy with a brush. His communication bracelet, hanging on the brush holder, flashed a scarlet light as the voice of Wei Heyi, the representative of the Wei family, came through.
"Special Envoy Zhou, it's not that my Wei family lacks sincerity."
“I dare say that there is no more trustworthy partner in the entire Winter City than my Wei family.”
“You won’t reveal how many factions are present at the meeting, and I’m worried that Jiang Xun might have sent spies among them.”
Zhou Qingfeng held a brush and practiced calligraphy with a light touch to cultivate his mind. He said calmly and unhurriedly, "Young Master Wei, I know what you are worried about. Jiang Xun has indeed sent spies to contact me to discuss cooperation matters, and there is more than one."
"But you don't need to worry about these things. Since I've arranged to meet with you for an alliance, it means I've already resolved the issue."
Wei Heyi remained silent; the communication bracelet simply flashed a calm red light, and no further sound came through.
A moment later, Wei Heyi's voice came through the communication bracelet again: "Could you reveal who the spy is?"
“The Qiu family and the Du family.” Zhou Qingfeng had no psychological burden and was not worried about being betrayed by the Wei family, because the divination showed that it was auspicious, proving that the partners were reliable and beneficial to him.
"Them?" Wei Heyi was somewhat surprised: "The Qiu and Du families have always been at odds with the Jiang family, their relationship is superficial. It's not surprising that they formed an alliance with you behind the Jiang family's back, but they are actually spies? Are you mistaken?"
Zhou Qingfeng chuckled: "There's no mistake, Young Master Wei. Since I've revealed the two families' spies to you today, I might as well give you some more information to boost your morale, so you won't be so afraid of the Jiang family."
“Besides your Wei family, I have already reached an agreement with the Gu family and the Dream Fulfillment Organization.”
"The location and time for the alliance meeting have been set."
“If your Wei family doesn’t come, then forget it. With the help of the Gu family and the Yuanmeng Organization, I have enough leverage to contend with the Jiang family. It’s just a pity that your Wei family is destined to miss out on the Xiyi Treasure.”
Wei Heyi’s urgent voice came through the communication bracelet: “Wait, wait, Special Envoy Zhou, my Wei family never said we wouldn’t go. We will go, we guarantee to be there. Just give me a time and place, and my family head and I will definitely be there as scheduled.”
Upon hearing this, Zhou Qingfeng smiled slightly, and with the final stroke of his brush, four characters appeared on the white paper on the desk in front of him: "retreat to advance".
"Alright, Young Master Wei, it's settled."
"Time: Tomorrow, noon."
"Location: Pear Blossom Courtyard; Private room name: A River of Spring Water."
"See you there."
Wei Heyi said, "Special Envoy Zhou, see you there."
With a thought, Zhou Qingfeng disconnected the magical power transmission remotely. The scarlet light on his communication bracelet quickly disappeared, ending his secret online meeting with Wei Heyi. He then went to contact the Gu family and the Yuanmeng organization.
Yes, Zhou Qingfeng hadn't actually reached an agreement with the Gu family or the Yuanmeng organization. The reason he said they had and revealed the existence of the Gu family and the Yuanmeng organization was to put psychological pressure on Wei Heyi and force the Wei family to make a decision.
Next, Zhou Qingfeng used the same method, retreating in order to advance, seemingly giving up cooperation, but in reality forcing the Gu family and the Yuanmeng organization to agree to meet and sign an alliance agreement.
The signing of the alliance agreement was finalized within a single day.
As for the representatives of the Qiu and Du families, Zhou Qingfeng was merely being polite and putting on an act, solemnly informing them of the meeting place and time, and urging them to be careful and not to expose themselves.
After obtaining crucial information, Du Jiulang and Qiu Qilang rushed to the city lord's mansion overnight to meet Jiang Li.
Jiang Li was in the back study, quietly reading "108 Scams of the Jiang Xiang School".
This book provides an incredibly insightful and detailed account of how to set up scams and deceptions, showcasing a wide variety of elaborate schemes that are truly astonishing.
One of the stories is about an ordinary man named Yue Fuchou who makes a living by swindling. With the money he has swindled over the years, he bought a medicinal mountain. This mountain is rich in medicinal herbs, and the annual profit from its production is very considerable.
Yue Fuchou spent almost all his savings to buy this medicinal mountain, intending to become a wealthy landowner in the future.
And coincidentally, at the foot of this mountain, there is a cultivation family surnamed Qin.
The Qin family is a small family, and the patriarch is only at the Food Fiend Realm. The family cultivators often come to the Medicine Mountain to collect herbs. In the past, the Medicine Mountain was unclaimed, and people could pick herbs at will, but now that it has an owner, Yue Fuchou is not happy about it.
Because the Qin family's actions undoubtedly damaged the interests of Yuefu Silk, but how could a mere mortal like him possibly stop a cultivator family? Most of the time, his attempts to stop them would only result in ridicule.
Therefore, Yuefu Silk resumed its old business and set up another scheme.
One night, Yue Fuchou went up Yaoshan Mountain and buried a large amount of counterfeit Soul-Devouring Gold in the mountain.
Soul-Devouring Gold Dust is a rare mineral medicinal material. Through the compression of the earth's crust, it absorbs the painful memories and evil essence of countless living beings. After being ground into powder, it can be used to make Evil-Level Purifying Pills.
The next day, Yue Fuchou deliberately dug out the pre-buried True Soul-Devouring Gold in front of the Qin family.
The Qin family members' eyes immediately turned red upon seeing it. They snatched it away and took it back to their elders for verification. After confirming its authenticity, the entire clan mobilized to dig on the medicinal mountain, working day and night.
Seeing that the time was right, Yue Fuchou returned to the city to the Night Patrol Office to accuse the Qin family of embezzling his private property.
The government officials came forward to investigate. After searching, they found that the Soul-Devouring Gold Dust was indeed in the Qin family's houses, and every household had some, ranging from dozens to hundreds of pieces.
However, all of this Soul-Devouring Gold was fake. Even if the Qin family explained, they couldn't explain it clearly. They could only treat it as real to pay off their debts, but they couldn't afford to pay it off at all. So they were forced to sign indentures to pay off their debts.
The Qin family instantly plummeted from heaven to hell, becoming slaves of the Yue family.
Afterwards, Yue Fuchou took 70% of the profits and gave them to the Night Wanderer's Office. The Office received a large sum of money, and Yue Fuchou acquired a medicinal mountain and a cultivation family as slaves.
After reading this, Jiang Li exclaimed, "How terrifying! No wonder the Jiang Xiang Sect was almost wiped out. If they were allowed to run rampant, one person could probably swindle the entire city out of its wealth."
As soon as he finished speaking, his personal maid came in and reported: "Young Master, Qiu Qilang and Du Jiulang have important matters to report."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Li raised a question mark, but still gestured with her hand: "Call them in."
Qiu Qilang and Du Jiulang arrived together. Upon seeing Jiang Li, they were about to bow when Jiang Li waved her hand to interrupt them, saying, "No need for formalities. You must have something important to say to me so late. Let's get to the point."
Qiu Qilang and Du Jiulang exchanged a glance. They knew Jiang Li's temperament. In private, Jiang Li didn't like to be indecisive and always got straight to the point. She also hated empty formalities and false politeness.
Du Jiulang spoke first: "Young Master Jiang, the plan has made a breakthrough. Today, when Zhou Qingfeng and I discussed it, we set the time and place for the alliance meeting. We will meet at Youxue Valley at noon tomorrow."
Upon seeing this, Qiu Qilang immediately replied, "Yes, Young Master Jiang, the situation is the same on my side. Du Jiulang and I have already checked the intelligence beforehand, and there are no discrepancies. It is absolutely true."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Li's eyes flashed with a sharp light. She suddenly stood up, clapped her hands heavily with the book in her hand, and laughed heartily: "Haha, the overall situation is settled! Zhou Qingfeng, Zhou Qingfeng, people say you are exceptionally intelligent and have great ambitions, but I never thought that in this turbulent contest, you would ultimately fall into my trap."
"Tomorrow at noon, in Youxue Valley, I'm very curious to see what kind of expression you'll have when you face all of this." Jiang Li's words were full of confidence and anticipation.