Chapter 250 - The Previous Forbidden Zone Master

In the spacious hall, dim lamps with a slight purple hue were lit around. Occasionally flickering, they seemed to reveal various shapes, resembling different mythical beasts.　　"Qin Ji, the Patriarch of Kai Xuan Mountain, seeks an audience with the Lord of the Forbidden Zone."　　Before the bowed figure stood a fleshy statue adorned with numerous bloodstained divine souls, as if freshly extracted from cultivators.　　The fleshy statue suddenly opened its eyes, emitting an extremely cold voice.　　"A hundred years have passed, and this is all you can offer? You dare disturb me with such paltry tributes?"　　"Please understand, hunting in the middle layer of the boundary domain is not easy. We nearly got discovered by other sects several times, so..." Qin Ji was desperately explaining.　　"That's not what I want to hear. I only care about the quantity of tributes," the fleshy statue said, sounding extremely impatient.　　"If you want to unify the middle layer of the boundary domain, bring more tributes. With just this much, it's hard for me to help you."　　The bowing Qin Ji didn't respond further. He slowly stood up, his face expressionless, devoid of any reverence, and said,　　"If you don't give me some benefits, it will also be difficult for me to assist you, right, former Lord of the Forbidden Zone who is already half-dead?"　　The fleshy statue's eyes flashed with intense red light. "Do you dare threaten me, you insignificant ant?"　　"I wouldn't dare to threaten you. But if I die, your tributes will naturally decrease. If I truly unify the middle layer of the boundary domain, your tributes will increase, and you might even regain your position as Lord of the Forbidden Zone."　　Qin Ji resumed his respectful demeanor.　　The red light in the fleshy statue's eyes faded, and it fell silent before speaking again.　　"The position of Lord of the Forbidden Zone isn't that easy to obtain. Don't think it's like playing house. You're lucky; if not for finding my residual divine soul, you wouldn't have become the Patriarch of Kai Xuan Mountain."　　"Indeed, it's all thanks to your protection," Qin Ji nodded.　　The fleshy statue paused, then finally said, "Fine, follow your plan. After all these years of preparation, if you can truly unify the middle layer, I should be able to step into the Sage realm."　　"Good." Qin Ji nodded one last time, then extinguished all the lights and walked out of the hall.　　His mind was empty, afraid to think of anything else, lest the fleshy statue read his thoughts.　　Even though fallen, it was once the Lord of the Forbidden Zone, a centuries-old monster with countless secrets.　　He lacked the courage to scheme against such an old monster, never having thought of doing so. He merely followed steps to gain some deserved benefits.　　But he was still afraid.　　Afraid that the fleshy statue would turn around and scheme against him.　　Body snatching, devouring, soul manipulation—Qin Ji could think of many schemes, let alone an ancient monster.　　If it really schemed against him, Qin Ji would surely die.　　But fear aside, actions must be taken. The rise of Kai Xuan Mountain depended on him, and he wanted to advance further in cultivation, unwilling to stop at the fifth level of the Heaven Mending realm.　　Taking a step toward the Sage realm was his lifelong dream.　　For his Sage realm.　　Kai Xuan Mountain could take this risk!　　———　　Lower layer of the boundary domain.　　Zhang Daoming strolled into the tavern where he often drank, hands behind his back.　　The people in the boundary domain were simple and honest. Although Zhang Daoming was an old man, he was still a Mountain Moving realm elder, making few dare to provoke him in the lower layer.　　Not to mention Chen Xia and the legendary Yellow Dog.　　A small hut, but the weirder it was, the more powerful.　　Zhang Daoming leisurely entered the tavern, walking to his usual seat and ordering a cup of wine.　　The surrounding patrons were happy to see Zhang Daoming and greeted him with waves.　　"Old Zhang, here for another drink? Why not bring Chen Xia along? We've been urging you for a while now."　　"Chen Xia doesn't drink," Zhang Daoming shook his head, understanding the intentions of these cultivators. They merely heard of Chen Xia's fame and wanted to get closer.　　As greetings increased, Zhang Daoming found it unbearable and moved to a quieter spot.　　Just as he sat down, a black-robed figure followed without bringing any wine. Upon sitting, it called out, "Third Brother."　　Zhang Daoming's short stature trembled, his expression stunned. After a pause, he stammered, "B... Big Brother."　　"It's been many years since we last met, Third Brother. When you left the Zhang family, I tried to retain you. Had you stayed, you'd still have a place in the Zhang family today."　　The black-robed figure spoke with a nostalgic tone.　　Zhang Daoming shook his head. "I wasn't set on leaving; it was just that the family's efforts to retain me weren't enough. Perhaps no one truly wanted to retain me. Now that I'm back, I don't wish to have any contact with the family, nor do you need to come looking for me."　　The black-robed elder sighed and continued gently.　　"Don't say that. Blood is thicker than water. Your father missed you before he passed away. The younger generation recognizes you as Uncle Three. Even during the last gathering of ten thousand sects, Bai Lu mentioned you when talking with Chen Xia. Besides, the Zhang family is one of the few human sects in the middle layer of the boundary domain..."　　"Stop bothering me," Zhang Daoming interrupted directly. "I won't help you refine elixirs, neither will Chen Xia. You're wasting your time."　　"Truly unwilling to contribute to the Zhang family?" The black-robed elder frowned, looking worried.　　"Contacts have long been severed. I just want to enjoy a quiet drink and wait for death peacefully. Please don't disturb my peace," Zhang Daoming swirled the wine in front of him, speaking softly.　　The black-robed elder stood up, giving Zhang Daoming a deep look, and said solemnly,　　"Blood is thicker than water. As one grows older, they value kinship more."　　With that, he left without another word, disappearing quickly.　　Zhang Daoming's face remained expressionless. Holding the wine glass, he stared at it for a long time, watching the liquid sway, his brows gradually lowering.　　If blood were truly thicker than water, he would want to return.　　But there's no such thing as blood thicker than water; it's all about seeking Chen Xia's help with refining elixirs.　　Ultimately, it's all about interests.　　Zhang Daoming was very old and saw through these things, having no extra desires. He finished the wine, losing interest in drinking further, and wobbled back to his room.　　The door was slightly ajar, as if someone had visited.　　Zhang Daoming quickened his pace and pushed open the door.　　Inside, Chen Xia stood with arms crossed, seemingly lost in thought, looking outside.　　"What happened?" Zhang Daoming asked.　　"Just now, someone came, claiming to be your second brother. He wanted me to help refine elixirs, and his attitude was somewhat arrogant," Chen Xia replied.　　"And then?" Zhang Daoming took a breath and asked.　　"I told him to leave, saying you were an orphan with no family."　　"Uh..." Zhang Daoming was momentarily stunned, then nodded. "That's not wrong, but why did you say that? Can you explain your state of mind?"　　"Because I don't want to refine elixirs," Chen Xia stated firmly.　　Zhang Daoming gave a thumbs-up, praising him.　　"True to form."