Twin Dimension Yin-Yang Mirror: Attaining immortality through the martial path-Chapter 77 - 76 Fishing with a Straight Hook Nine Layers of Knife Waves

77: Chapter 76: Fishing with a Straight Hook, Nine Layers of Knife Waves

77 -76: Fishing with a Straight Hook, Nine Layers of Knife Waves

“Is it right below here?”

Zhou Ping’an stood on the cliff, looking down at the valley below that narrowed into a knife-like gorge with a dead end, then turned to look at the herbalists beside him with faces full of the dust of travel.

If he had not meticulously inquired into these people’s backgrounds and natural dispositions beforehand, he would almost believe they were stealth agents sent by Baicao Hall.

Luring him into a trap.

“Supplicant, at the end of the valley, inside a cave, I found Yin Spirit Herbs, as many as three plants.

Because the terrain is too treacherous and blocked by a corpse demon, we couldn’t find our way back out…

We had to leave behind the Yin Spirit Herbs and divert the monster’s attention to escape with our lives.”

A wiry middle-aged man with a conical bamboo hat showed a pained expression on his face, with a hint of sorrow.

Clearly, someone who perished at the bottom of the valley might have been his relative or close friend.

“Good, it indeed sounds like a promising place.

Once we retrieve the Yin Spirit Herbs, your great contribution will be noted.

The Lin Family will provide a generous condolence for the suffering brothers and take care of their wives and children; they shall not have died in vain.”

The more treacherous the land, the more advantageous it was for his upcoming actions.

This was precisely what he had hoped for.

“Thank you, Supplicant Zhou.”

The gaunt man’s eyes reddened as he hurriedly bowed in gratitude.

The dozens of Guardian House Servants following him also showed a slight change in expression, their gaze warming slightly when they looked at Zhou Ping’an.

Even these weary herbalists were treated kindly.

Perhaps, following the Lin Family and this Supplicant Zhou was a fortunate turn of events.

“Let me do a reconnaissance first, Brother Zhou, don’t take too many risks.”

From the beginning, Tang Lin’er had been called out and stuck close to Zhou Ping’an, looking somewhat anxious.

Seeing the perilous terrain below Ghost Cry Cliff, for some reason, his heart started to race.

He pointed towards the circular cliff top on the opposite side, “I always feel as if someone is watching from over there…

Brother Zhou, we must remain extra cautious in everything we do.”

“Are you confident you can handle it?”

Zhou Ping’an’s question was regarding the corpse demon; he had heard that this kind of monster was very fierce.

Tang Lin’er gripped the long sword at his waist, his face flooded with confidence: “After mastering the Breath Control Technique, I am not what I once was.

You cannot look at me through the same old lens.

If you, Brother Zhou, are to feast on meat, you must at least let us brothers from Dependable Village sip some soup.”

“Let’s go together.”

A tall and burly man with a face full of black whiskers, carrying a Refined bronze mace, laughed heartily: “Old Fang’s skin is thick and flesh robust, perfect for taking the lead in a fight and seeing just how formidable that corpse demon really is.

This creature is said to suck blood and harm people, so it needs to be eliminated as soon as possible.”

Fang Tielin practiced the Hengshan Iron Cloth Technique.

This cultivation technique focused on toughening the body, making him very brave in combat.

His ability to survive was extremely strong.

However, although he was robust and strong with excellent defense, he was not particularly skilled in martial techniques.

He was a typical tank-type warrior with high defense but weak offense, and he wanted to join the expedition, of course, also wishing to achieve some merit and gain rewards.

Zhou Ping’an became famous after a single battle…

Envied by countless others.

He could turn the tide and command the wind, not only foiling the night raid orchestrated by the Black Mountain Bandits and Baicao Hall but also leaving the enemy scattered and heavily devastated, securing a great advantage for the Lin Family.

Matching his battle accomplishments, the Third Miss Lin treated him almost as a confidante.

She personally passed down all the Lin Family’s secret techniques and spared no cost in offering various precious medicines.

Not to mention the daily indulgence in all sorts of delicacies, which hardly needed to be mentioned.

What was even more outrageous was that, in just a day and a night, Zhou Ping’an was leading all the mansion’s forces, freely selecting personnel for missions.

Compared to Lin Ziqi, the former Protectorate Leader, his status was leagues higher.

Those who didn’t know might think the Lin Family’s surname was Zhou.

Tsk tsk…

How could this not make everyone yearn?

In life, isn’t the goal to seek ease and pleasure, medicine, and secret manuals?

Especially for martial artists, if they could enhance their strength while enjoying wealth and comfort, what else was there to pursue?

Zhou Ping’an was unaware that his experience had already set an example for the Guardian House Servants of the Lin Family, and even for the other Offerings and Pharmacists.

Compared to before, the enthusiasm of these people was simply incomparable.

“Then let’s go down together—the corpse demon is too sinister; we must not take it lightly.

The rest of you, guard the surroundings attentively.

If anyone comes, just send out a signal.

There’s no need to fight to the death and risk unnecessary casualties.”

Zhou Ping’an casually picked Tang Lin’er, Fang Tielin—two of his strongest generals—along with a handful of others, and followed them, sliding down the cliff with the help of ropes.

While descending, he took extra care to instruct them, “The Yin Spirit Herb must not be lost, no matter what, we must bring back at least one plant.

This matter is related to the Third Miss’s breakthrough in cultivation and the elixirs she requires; it cannot be overstated how important this is.”

“Understood.

We can only succeed in this mission, failure is not an option; we shall fight to the death if necessary.”

Fang Tielin, who appeared exceptionally hearty, patted his chest in response.

Tang Lin’er gave Zhou Ping’an a curious glance but didn’t say anything further, taking the lead in rushing down the cliff toward the cave at the bottom of the valley.

Zhou Ping’an’s gaze swept across the few ordinary-looking herbalists that followed closely and, with a wave of his hand, he proceeded forward.

‘As expected, the Lin Family really is a sieve riddled with spies from every side.

Despite the night attack, they still haven’t completely eradicated the traitors; the news eventually leaked.’

Spies can seem troublesome.

But sometimes, they can be quite useful.

Like right now.

Zhou Ping’an felt that his fishing operation had been basically successful…

Except, it seems he not only hooked a big fish but also snagged a fierce tiger.

He paused his footsteps, ultimately deciding to stick to the original plan.

He signaled with his hands and, without making eye contact with the disguised Lin Huaiyu, rushed toward the cave at breakneck speed.

“Not good, the corpse monster is too ferocious—we must fight as we retreat.”

He had just arrived when he heard Tang Lin’er and Fang Tielin, who had gone ahead to scout, shouting fiercely.

They were rapidly retreating.

Bang bang…

Clang.

The sound of sword and mace colliding with metal roared as the two men, one on the left and the other on the right, were thrust out by a tall humanoid creature covered in black hair with blood-red eyes, despite bearing the brunt of their attacks.

Tang Lin’er was imposingly large by then, his skin faintly glowing red.

He swung his long sword frantically against the creature, sparks flying while the blade curled.

Amidst the black hair splattering, there was extremely fetid blood flowing, but the wounds were only superficial.

Just one encounter forced Tang Lin’er to resort to the explosive power of his “Purifying Lotus Body.”

As for Fang Tielin,

he seemed even less capable.

His fine bronze mace thundered upon the creature’s head.

The sound clanged as the shock reverberated through the mace, almost slipping from his grip.

Being slightly slower, he was smacked by the creature’s palm, sent flying for three zhang, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

Fortunately, both men managed to grab a handful of soil.

A gleaming green herb grew from the dirt, still undried.

“Stand back, I’ll handle this.”

Zhou Ping’an snorted coldly and did not hesitate.

He took a deep breath, converting external breath to internal breath, blood rushing like a tide, his complexion turning bright red, his skin rippling with layer upon layer of waves.

As these ripples formed, the long sword vibrated with a sharp ringing, slashing out with nine afterimages.

Nine streaks of sword light converged into a gleaming white trace.

With a “hum,” he sent out a wide sword shadow, cleaving with man and sword through three zhang.

Whoosh…

The sword light slashed the air like a tiger’s roar or a dragon’s chant.

A side of the valley’s stone cracked visibly, leaving a slash about five or six zhang long, inches deep.

The furiously charging, howling corpse demon

suddenly froze in place.

A head covered in withered hair, rolled down from the neck.

Black blood gushed forth like a waterfall, emitting threads of black smoke, forcing several people to retreat again and again.