Chapter 574:  The Old Green Man, A Lonely Self-Harming Person

　　Taotie, the fiercest Chaos Beast, with the ability to consume anything and everything in its path—viewed the thousands of worlds in the Chaos as food. Even a high-level member from the Heavenly Realm would be wise to avoid Taotie.

　　Daji and Fire Phoenix would never be foolish enough to think they could ever capture Taotie by themselves. Even though Li Nianfan had given them many Ultimate Chaos Treasures after they were married which increased their power tremendously, they understood it was still not enough to deal with Taotie. At most, they would be able to come to a draw with a high-level member of the Heavenly Realm.

　　That was why they were asking for Blackie’s help. Blackie jumped at the chance to be part of the plan when he heard about the Ministry’s plan. It was the perfect chance for exacting revenge on them after what they had done to him.

　　‘I, Blackie, must take revenge for the sake of my hairless body!’ he vowed to himself.

　　Blackie was powerful enough to eliminate high-level members from the Heavenly Realm, meaning to say he could be put on the top of the list of powerful figures. This gave them the confidence boost when it came to capturing Taotie.

　　The group bid farewell to Li Nianfan after they were done with their preparations.

　　“Are you all going out? To do what?” asked Li Nianfan quizzically.

　　Fire Phoenix nodded at his first question and cheekily answered his second question, “We’re going to prepare a surprise for you, Master! So we have to keep it a secret for now,”

　　“A surprise? For me?” Li Nianfan looked at them excitedly. “Okay, I’ll wait patiently for the surprise. Just make sure you don’t do anything too dangerous and practice caution at all times.” He did not think to ask much when he saw how mysterious they were being. He just kept smiling at them.

　　Since they had already said it was a surprise, his only job was to patiently wait. He was filled with anticipation for he knew that with their level of spiritual cultivation, the surprise must be really, really good.

　　Of course, the most important thing would be their safety. The lives they had now could be described as carefree and without worry. As long as all of them were safe, their happiness would continue.

　　“By the way, I plan to go back home since you all are leaving and I’ve been in Demon City for quite a while. So next time we meet, it’ll be at our four-part architecture.”

　　Both Fire Phoenix and Daji nodded and said, “Yes, Master.”

　　Then, the duo left Demon City and flew to the meeting place which was a mountain not far from the city.

　　Goddess Nuwa was already waiting there. Many things were happening in the Heavenly Palace, so they could not send over too many people to help. Hence, only she came. But the sect master from the Empath Sect and the White Cloud Sect—Qin Zhongshan and Bai Chen— both volunteered themselves.

　　When they heard it was to collect an ingredient for the expert, they did not think twice and offered to help however they could. In fact, they were excited to be of service to him. To them, it was a great honor.

　　They snapped out of their reverie when they saw the arrival of Daji and Fire Phoenix and greeted them respectfully.

　　Daji nodded at them and with a smile, she said, “Let’s wait a little longer. Someone else will be joining us.”

　　Goddess Nuwa was close to Daji and Fire Phoenix so she did not hesitate to ask curiously, “And who may that be?”

　　“Lord Dog,” answered Daji.

　　“Lord Dog?!” Goddess Nuwa was very shocked but it was a happy surprise. “Lord Dog’s coming too?”

　　Qin Zhongshan and Bai Chen were a little confused. By the looks of it, they guessed that Lord Dog was of a higher social standing than Daji and Fire Phoenix. But how was that possible?

　　“Lord Dog was the master’s first follower. He’s been with the master for five years! We won’t be able to handle Taotie without him,” said Fire Phoenix.

　　Qin Zhongshan and Bai Chen’s hearts became cold. They adjusted their clothing out of slight nervousness.

　　Just hearing Lord Dog’s name was able to strike fear in their hearts. It would be natural for the expert’s famous dog to be as powerful as him. Judging by what Fire Phoenix had said, it would not be an overstatement to say Lord Dog was on par with a high-level member of the Heavenly Realm.

　　“Goddess Daji, Goddess Fire Phoenix, I can go back to the Empath Sect to get Taishang Elder. He’s also a high-level member of the Heavenly Realm. His power would be extremely beneficial to us,” said Qin Zhongshan, ingratiating himself to Daji and Fire Phoenix.

　　“I can get the high-level member of the Heavenly Realm from our sect to come, too!” said Bai Chen, wanting to look good in front of them, too.

　　The two sect masters were not worried that their high-level members of the Heavenly Realm would not come at all. They were confident that once they were told about the expert, they would come running in an instant.

　　Daji shook her head. “Thank you but there’s no need for that. We can’t wait any longer.”

　　At this moment, a figure on all fours was coming at them at a rhythmic speed. What was supposed to be a graceful scene was destroyed by the sight of the completely bald… The scene could bring tears to one’s eyes.

　　It only took one glance to know that it was a dog who had been stripped of all his fur.

　　“Lord… Dog?” asked Goddess Nuwa in disbelief, her beautiful eyes wide with shock. Even though she had not seen him for quite some time, she never expected to be confronted with a hairless Blackie. It was a good thing she had seen him hairless before so she was able to compose herself quickly.

　　As for Qin Zhongshan and Bai Chen, they were first stunned but quickly greeted Blackie after composing themselves. “Greetings to you, Lord Dog.”

　　They could not help but be impressed by Blackie’s appearance. So, this was what it took to be the expert’s dog.

　　Blackie was not embarrassed at all. He nodded at them coolly and said, “Let’s go. I can’t wait to destroy those Ministry b*stard’s plan!”

　　Five people and a dog. Although the group was not large, it was redeemed by the fact that each of them possessed top combat power. They vacated the meeting place at the same time and entered into the Chaos.

　　Meanwhile, Li Nianfan finished packing and was about to leave Demon City with Qin Manyun and Shi Tuqin. Little Fox looked at him with deep sadness and raised her little paws in defiance before fat tears sprang out of her eyes.

　　“Safe travels, Brother Li,” said Little Fox.

　　Li Nianfan nodded and waved goodbye while smiling. “Thank you and goodbye.”

　　Bull Demon King and the rest of the Demon Kings bid him farewell, too. “It’s our sincere wish Lord Saint would have a safe journey back home.”

　　Meanwhile, the old green man was sitting cross-legged on top of the red star in the Chaos. He was surrounded by pillars of phantom green fire. The dancing of the flames made it seemed like they were alive. There was also a strange aura blanketing the whole star.

　　The whole setting made the old green man’s face look even greener. A sinister voice floated out of his mouth, his words containing a force of realm that could not be resisted. “Across the long river of time, across the endless sky, chaotic Yin and Yang, against the universe, descending from the Gods and killing lives! I summon thee!”

　　As he raised his hand and pointed, a picture scroll in front of him slowly hung in the air. Then, the faint green flames on the surrounding fire pillars sprayed out, encircling the picture scroll.

　　The picture on this scroll was one of Li Nianfan!

　　The picture looked like it was drawn on an ordinary piece of paper, but it burned very slowly. The burned part showed a projection.

　　Other people from the Ministry gathered around, looking at the green-faced old man in awe, staring unblinkingly.

　　“It has appeared, the Right Messenger’s Immortal Weaken Spell! I finally get to see it with my own eyes.”

　　“What power! I bet I’ll die instantly if I accidentally touch the flames.”

　　“This is cursed fire! The most dominating, undefendable, and unassailable!”

　　“I hope I never get on the Right Messenger’s bad side. If not, I wouldn’t even know what hit me!”

　　When the picture scroll was all burnt-out, the projection in front of the green-faced old man had already reflected Li Nianfan’s location.

　　The golden Deluxe Merit Cloud was slowly flying forward. Next to Li Nianfan, Qin Manyun was playing music on the zither and Shi Tuqin was practicing her calligraphy. It all felt very heart-warming.

　　“The Deluxe Merit Saint really knows how to enjoy his life, but it all ends now!” the old green man sneered cruelly, especially when he saw the golden Deluxe Merit Cloud under Li Nianfan’s feet. His smile became even more sinister. ‘Deluxe Merit Saint? Today, I’m killing a Deluxe Merit Saint!’

　　He casually raised his hand. “Fire come!”

　　Immediately, faint green flames gathered on his palm. Then, he slapped the projection of Li Nianfan on the back! The two men were clearly separated by the endless distance but the slap went directly into the projection and appeared behind Li Nianfan.

　　The green palm of fire was silent and appeared extremely abruptly. Not even a Chaos Daluo Golden Immortal would have time to react and avoid it. What was more to say about Li Nianfan?

　　The palm print descended on Li Nianfan without hesitation! The old green man’s face broke out in a triumphant smile, feeling full of accomplishment in his heart. He had managed to take out a Deluxe Merit Saint who everyone avoided at all cost, not even daring to come close to him.

　　To the old green man, killing him was just as effortless as raising a pinky finger. What is the definition of all-powerful? This!

　　The onlookers held their breaths, staring at the Deluxe Merit Cloud that was blinding their eyes, their hearts beating rapidly. Being able to witness the death of a Deluxe Merit Saint with their own eyes earned them enough bragging rights for a lifetime.

　　Under the watchful gaze of the onlookers, the fire palm struck Li Nianfan heavily on the back.

　　Gasp!

　　The body of the old green man seemed to have been hit by an invisible blow. Like a kite with a broken line, he flew upside down, trailing blood along the way. He fell straight in front of the crowd of onlookers.

　　The old green man was trembling, not caring about what the others were thinking. He immediately fixed his eyes on the projection.

　　“What’s the matter, Mr. Li?” asked Qin Manyun.

　　Li Nianfan shook his head. “Nothing. For a second, I thought someone slapped me on the back.”

　　Everyone was silent, and their eyes fell on the old green man with complex expressions. The old green man opened his eyes wide, his eyes full of disbelief.

　　“This is impossible!” he shouted his deepest thoughts and looked at his hands in disbelief.

　　Somewhere near him, someone gulped nervously and whispered, “Right Messenger, this Deluxe Merit Saint seems to be invincible. What should we do now?”

　　“There’s no need to worry! I was careless just now.” The old green man regained his composure and wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. “Since he’s a Deluxe Merit Saint, he must have some kind of magic protecting him. The spell rebounded because I didn’t check beforehand.”

　　He slowly walked to the projection, sat down again, and said bitterly, “Next, I’ll connect our lifelines so even the most powerful defense skill in the world would be useless.”

　　At this moment, his resentment towards the Deluxe Merit Saint was brought to its peak. He had lost count of the number of times he had suffered by his hands. He would not rest until he was killed!

　　“Lifeline Technique?!” cried someone in the Ministry, his voice full of terror.

　　“What’s the matter?” asked someone who was unfamiliar with the technique.

　　“The Lifeline Technique is a curse that cannot be reversed!” The person took a deep breath before continuing in a trembling voice, “Connecting the lifeline of the caster and the target, the pain that the caster encounters will also directly affect the target’s body! Notice the Right Messenger’s hunched back and lone surviving eye? He wasn’t born like that! He lost that eye in exchange for causing an all-seeing high-level member of the Heavenly Realm to go blind by using the Lifeline Technique!”

　　Everyone gasped in horror. “What overbearing power!”

　　Just hearing it made one break out in goosebumps. The immitigable fear sent pins and needles through their entire body.

　　“What you said is only the tip of an iceberg,” said the old green man with a smile. “The true overbearing part of the Lifeline Technique is the price! If the target is on the same level as I am, the price I pay is often much smaller than theirs. The cost of destroying a pair of divine eyes of the same level was only an eye for me.”

　　Losing an eye was a source of pride for him. He would not feel inferior just because he had lost an eye. In fact, he was gloating. As soon as this remark came out, everyone shrank their necks, triggering a wave of awe and wonder.

　　“A Deluxe Merit Saint is nothing but a bug to me!” The old green man smiled disdainfully and sneered, “I could probably take his life for the price of breaking some skin.”

　　His eyes darkened and he raised his hand to attack again.

　　“The boundless way of heaven, listen to my orders, the number of fate is uncertain, connected by lifelines!”

　　The phantom green flames on the surrounding pillars almost rushed into the sky, but it was not hot. Instead, a burst of cold aura spilled out, causing people to quake in their boots.

　　The old green man flipped his wrist, and a short knife appeared in his hand. He smiled and looked at Li Nianfan before slowly stabbing himself in the chest.

　　First, his skin tore a little and there was only a faint line of redness. He looked toward the projection, at Li Nianfan who was carrying on as if nothing was happening.

　　He frowned slightly and increased his pressure on the knife, pushing it an inch more until a drop of blood trickled down. There was still no response from Li Nianfan. He merely continued talking and laughing with the others.

　　The old green man decided to give it all he got and plunged the knife deep into his chest, until all that could be seen was the handle of the knife. A gush of blood spurted out.

　　Still, Li Nianfan was still talking and laughing.

　　For a while, the whole world was silent.

　　The people of the Ministry’s eyes became wide. They turned to look at the self-harming old green man.

　　“How can this be?!” cried the old green man sharply. The knife might have looked ordinary but it had been imbued with a curse nonetheless. He was seriously injured now, so how could Li Nianfan be unharmed?

　　Looking at Li Nianfan smiling in the projection, the old green man felt as if he had been mocked by the heavens! ‘Absolutely impossible! Something must’ve gone wrong!’ he thought. ‘Could the method of self-harming be wrong?’

　　“Just you wait! I’m going to make you feel the true meaning of pain!” The old green man was starting to go a little crazy. He twisted his face and with a gesture of his hand, the surrounding green flames engulfed him and began to burn his body.

　　However, he was unbothered by the flames. He just kept staring at Li Nianfan’s face with his eyes wide open, hoping to see a little bit of discomfort from his face.

　　However, he was destined to be disappointed.

　　The people around him sniffed the air and gently said, “Why don’t you take a break, Right Messenger? Before your body is burned to a crisp?”