Chapter 519 - 258: Nightmare Demon Palace, Blood Prison Department, Slaughter Blade Camp (Part 3)

Even without using a sword, Liou Yuan, relying solely on his Body Cultivation, might not necessarily lose to Ren Beichen.

"Still as tough as ever, I hope you’ll continue speaking to me loudly like this in a moment," Ren Beichen sneered, then made eye contact with two Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Blood Prison Department, surrounding Liou Yuan and his companion in a pincers formation.

Five Foundation Establishments stood at the Nightmare Demon Palace’s dock, blatantly channeling True Essence.

This display of power quickly drew the attention of countless Foundation Establishment cultivators inside the Nightmare Demon Palace.

It seemed both sides were about to clash.

"Hahaha, don’t be so hot-tempered, gentlemen!" A cunning voice abruptly sounded from within a mist-enshrouded area of the Nightmare Demon Palace.

Then, a streak of light shot across to the dock, landing at the center of Liou Yuan, his companion, and Ren Beichen’s trio.

The True Essence fluctuations dissipated, revealing a short, plump figure.

The chubby man’s round belly stretched his dark robe like a lantern, his pudgy fingers relentlessly stuffing food into his mouth, his powder-white cheeks quivering with each chew.

"Dou Qianyu and his companion have achieved merits in Youhuang State. Although they’re late in returning, their record of killing Jiuli State cultivators in Youhuang State is documented."

"People of merit cannot be wrongly accused by the Blood Prison Department."

The chubby man’s voice was sickly sweet as if wrapped in honey, yet the sharp glimmer in his slit-like eyes was like venom-laced silver needles, unabashedly meeting Ren Beichen’s gaze.

His back was to Liou Yuan, but his body, even fatter than Liou Hongjun, was distinctly recognizable; he was the fattest person in the Nightmare Demon Palace.

Liou Yuan immediately identified the chubby man based on prior intelligence: "Mao Shengjie!"

Mao Shengjie, Dou Qianyu’s close friend, the two having been partners since their Qi Refining Realm days.

They had killed together, sought pleasure together.

Don’t be fooled by the demonic cultivators’ constant bloodshed and ruthlessness; loyalty exists among them too, exemplified by Mao Shengjie.

His cultivation rivaled Ren Beichen, and his Qi Mansion was of high quality.

His appearance and words clearly supported Liou Yuan’s side.

The situation became a three-on-three standoff.

If Ren Beichen continued his antics, Mao Shengjie might not truly fear him.

"Didn’t the Slaughter Blade Camp you lead set up a platform against the Qi Refining Sect in Jingzhe Valley? What, got beaten back?" Mao Shengjie’s appearance darkened Ren Beichen’s expression instantly.

This Mao Shengjie was one of the few Mid-stage Foundation Establishment demonic cultivators in the sect who posed a challenge to Ren Beichen.

Extremely skilled in silently taking lives with techniques, his ruthless methods earned him a high status in the Slaughter Blade Camp.

The Slaughter Blade Camp differed from the Blood Prison Department; the latter dealt within, while the former faced outside demonic cultivators, savage and fearless individuals, the demonic cultivators among demonic cultivators.

"Heh, naturally, it was a resounding victory," Mao Shengjie laughed innocuously, not attracting derision unless the chilling gleam in his eyes gave the sense of being watched by a venomous snake.

"Dou Qianyu’s crime of desertion in battle can’t be washed clean."

Perhaps due to Mao Shengjie’s intimidation, or lacking confidence to seize Dou Qianyu with Mao Shengjie present, Ren Beichen ultimately chose not to act.

After leaving a harsh comment, he gestured for his two followers to leave with him.

Of course, before leaving, he didn’t forget to sneer at Mao Shengjie:

"Once I report on his return, the Blood Prison Department will have its judgment, you won’t save him."

Ren Beichen’s provocation was temporarily resolved with Mao Shengjie’s arrival.

However, Ren Beichen’s departing gaze showed he wouldn’t just let Liou Yuan go.

Liou Yuan was quite frustrated.

"That Dou Qianyu clearly only has Early-stage Foundation Establishment power, yet he provokes an opponent from the Blood Prison Department, really can’t wait to die?"

Luckily, despite Dou Qianyu’s reckless behavior, he made a reliable friend.

This Mao Shengjie was able to step in timely to block Ren Beichen for him, proving their relationship wasn’t simple, absolutely a bond of life and death.

"Even among demonic cultivators, there’s loyalty,"

Liou Yuan mused, his eyes instinctively following Mao Shengjie’s back.

Confirming Ren Beichen’s departure, Mao Shengjie finally turned, shaking his greasy belly, then took a few steps forward, punching Liou Yuan’s chest and laughingly cursed, "You bastard, I thought you died in Youhuang State."

"If your Life Mirror hadn’t remained unbroken, I’d have considered going to Youhuang State to retrieve your corpse."

After a punch, noticing Liou Yuan’s body’s resilience, Mao Shengjie nodded in satisfaction, "Not bad, still as tough; no major mishaps it seems."

Dou Qianyu’s character, Liou Yuan had thoroughly studied via the Jade Scroll sent by Heling.

After Mao Shengjie’s punch, he also laughingly cursed, patting Ren Beichen’s belly, "You’ve kept that oil and fat in your belly, seems while I’ve been away, you’ve eaten plenty."

"One must live, licking blood off the blade all day, indulge when needed," Liou Yuan’s reaction was almost identical to Dou Qianyu’s, their interaction gave Mao Shengjie no inkling.

With smugness, he communicated secretly, "While you were away, I found a delightful place, I’ll take you there shortly."

Finally, before Liou Yuan could refuse, Mao Shengjie casually greeted Wei Miaomeng, "Fu Lin junior sister, head back first, I’ll have a big drink with Mr. Dou, and send him back tonight."

Finishing, Mao Shengjie was about to drag Liou Yuan away.

Liou Yuan felt quite uneasy; Mao Shengjie and Dou Qianyu were deeply connected, having just reunited with no suspicion raised.

If things dragged on, issues would surely arise.

He dared not go with Mao Shengjie; displaying a worried demeanor, he said to Mao Shengjie, "No mood for revelry now, Ren Beichen obviously wants to get me."

"Let’s skip today; I must meet the Sect Leader about these years’ activities, to clear my name."

"Can’t offer Ren Beichen an opportunity."

Mao Shengjie reconsidered and found the reasoning sound.

Dou Qianyu just returned and should rightfully face the Sect Leader, especially as suspicion hadn’t been cleared, following together might harm him.

"Indeed, my poor memory."

Mao Shengjie patted his head, then comforted Liou Yuan, "Rest assured, I have some connections to help straighten things with the Blood Prison Department."

"While you went to Youhuang State, losing three people, their deaths aren’t your fault."

"You actually have merits; I don’t believe Ren Beichen can affect you."

After this, Mao Shengjie waved goodbye, setting a time for their next meeting with Liou Yuan.

"If something arises, seek me at the Slaughter Blade Camp."