Chapter 749: Murderous Intent

A white-robed scholar, his entire demeanor transcendent, shook the folding fan in his hand and conversed with two others beside him.

All three had extraordinary auras. Their sudden appearance drew the attention of many, and numerous figures from beyond the domain were startled and uncertain—these three human youths were unfathomably profound.

"Tsk, tsk, the human race truly has many prodigies. Even in decline, they cannot be matched by any great sect!" A strange beast clicked its tongue in wonder. The three were ethereal and elusive, like banished immortals.

"Indeed, these individuals are no simpletons. Each conceals their depth, as if in harmony with heaven and man."

The surrounding murmurs startled Cao Feng, who was busy recruiting human cultivators. His eyes also turned, and when he saw the three, a surge of delight welled up in them.

These three were extraordinary, fitting the criteria for the human cultivators they sought.

"Three brothers, I am Cao Feng. May I ask your esteemed names?" Cao Feng approached with fervent enthusiasm. The few were not old; even if they weren't the ones he was looking for, they were cultivators of exceptional talent.

"Cao Feng..." A flicker of surprise passed through the white-robed scholar's eyes, then he said with a faint smile, "I am Bai Qian. May I ask what business you have?"

Before Cao Feng could speak, the man in green probed, "May I ask, brother, are you from the Eight Great Families?"

Hearing this, a hint of joy appeared in Cao Feng's eyes. He nodded, "Indeed. Brother has keen eyes. I am from the Cao family."

"Mm, my brothers and I have always held the Cao family in reverence. If I'm not mistaken, you were the first-place winner under the eighth-rank alchemist at the alchemy grand meeting a few months ago!"

"Indeed... indeed..." A trace of pride surfaced in Cao Feng's eyes. He hadn't expected his reputation to be so widespread. Though overshadowed by the eighth-rank alchemist, it was still gratifying.

"With so many gathered here, what is the purpose?" The white-robed scholar feigned ignorance, his face full of confusion.

"Meeting is fate. Why not come to my Cao family's cave dwelling as guests? I can fulfill the duties of a host." Cao Feng gestured slightly with his hand, making an inviting motion.

"Haha, excellent!" The yellow-robed youth, who had been silent, laughed heartily, appearing very forthright.

The four walked toward the Cao family's temporary cave dwelling. As soon as they approached, a cold smile flickered in the white-robed scholar's eyes. Indeed, several layers of great formations were arranged inside, undetectable without close proximity.

Moreover, many experts were hidden around. Clearly, Cao Feng's luring of human cultivators here was not with good intentions.

Though the cave dwelling was hastily built, it was extremely ornate. The furniture inside was luxurious, all carved from top-grade jade.

"Brother, please..." This was a cavern, radiating auspicious light and swirling with colorful mists, like a fairyland.

"What is this?" As soon as he stepped inside, Yang Tian felt uneasy. His eyes fixed directly on a precious mirror.

The bronze-colored ancient mirror, about the size of a millstone, emitted divine radiance from its surface, projecting onto the few of them.

The three figures appeared in the ancient mirror. After a slight ripple, the mirror returned to its original state.

"A fine treasure..." A flicker of awe shot through Yang Tian's eyes, but there was also a hint of surprise.

Even with his One Qi Transforms into Three Purities technique, the ancient mirror did not reveal Yang Tian's true form, showing the terrifying power of the secret art.

"This is a replica of the Demon-Reflecting Mirror!" Yang Xiao recognized the origin of this artifact and said excitedly, "This precious mirror has no other function, but it can project a person's true form onto the mirror surface. Thus, it is very miraculous; even some divine abilities cannot escape it."

"This One Qi Transforms into Three Purities is truly wondrous. If it were the Heaven and Earth Transformation, it would have been troublesome—it would definitely have been seen through." Yang Tian nodded to himself, somewhat relieved that he hadn't entered earlier.

"Find a chance to see if we can snatch it. This thing was originally a treasure of our clan, but we lost it to theirs in a bet." At this moment, Yang Xiao chuckled.

"What?" Yang Tian couldn't help but roll his eyes. To gamble such a precious treasure—what a tremendous waste...

"But why is it called the Demon-Reflecting Mirror?" Yang Tian was puzzled. Did this mirror have something to do with the demon race?

"Because it is the bane of the demon race. This mirror can discern evil; it is even effective against the demonic race. With a single shine from this mirror, it can freeze a person's soul, and demons and monsters suffer great harm!"

"Though it is only a replica, this mirror is a strange artifact passed down from the ancient times, comparable to the Mountains and Rivers Map!" Yang Xiao smiled. If they could snatch this mirror, Yang Tian would gain another protective treasure.

"Find a chance to check it out. The Cao family is indeed wealthy..." Licking his lips, Yang Tian pretended to take a sip of tea, then said, "This mirror is quite magical..."

"Brother has good eyes. This is an offensive treasure, but merely a Dao artifact, not worth mentioning..." Cao Feng said with a smile. Having assessed their backgrounds, he was willing to befriend them.

"This mirror has a connection with me. Would you be willing to exchange it for a ten-thousand-year-old precious medicine?" The white-robed scholar closed his folding fan and asked with some eagerness.

Cao Feng's face darkened, then he said with a forced smile, "This precious mirror belongs to an elder of the family. When my elder returns, I will ask on your behalf."

"Very well." The white-robed scholar tapped his palm with the folding fan, satisfied.

"This is an ancient strange treasure; how could it be exchanged by you..." Cao Feng sneered inwardly, but maintained appearances, saying, "My elder brother is here. I'll go call him to entertain the three of you. Please wait a moment."

His gaze following Cao Feng's retreating figure, Yang Tian's eager eyes fell on the Demon-Reflecting Mirror. He hesitated for a moment, then temporarily gave up. Though the item was good, the Cao family had many experts; he needed to plan carefully.

Just as Yang Tian fell silent, the bloodline within his body trembled slightly. The purple little dragon, as if stimulated, suddenly roared.

Yang Tian's body tensed instantly. He was certain that Yuan Xia was nearby, likely within this cave dwelling.

"Yuan Xia is here?" Frowning, the sensation just now was fleeting and then disappeared.

In another cave dwelling, it was hazy. Though the cave was not large, a terrifying formation interwove everywhere.

A woman in white sat cross-legged inside like a banished immortal. Her cheeks were icy, her hair lightly danced, and her eyes shimmered with multicolored divine radiance. She was like an ice-cold beauty, breathtakingly beautiful.

"Cao Jiang, you will regret this!" A murderous intent flashed in her beautiful eyes as Yuan Xia's suppressed voice spat out.

"Regret? I, Cao Jiang, don't know how to write those two words!" Cao Feng snorted coldly. "Once I get the innate divine object, I'll kill that brat."

"Then let's see if you have the ability." Yuan Xia sneered in response.

His face darkening, Cao Jiang snorted coldly, "Once this matter is settled, I will propose marriage to you. Then you won't have a choice!"

Just as Yuan Xia was about to reply, her body trembled slightly. The multicolored phoenix within her chirped, conveying a joy.

"It's him..." A hint of delight flashed in her beautiful eyes, but the fluctuation was fleeting and then disappeared.

"This Trapping Void Formation is truly wondrous, even able to isolate bloodline divine power." A trace of expectation appeared in her eyes. Yuan Xia had been deceived into coming here earlier and fell into their trap; now it was too late for regrets.

Seeing the joy and expectation in the beauty's eyes, Cao Jiang's heart nearly leaped out. His face was full of ecstasy, and he couldn't help saying, "I knew you would agree. We grew up together; who is more suitable than me?"

Hearing this, the corners of Yuan Xia's mouth twitched. Silently muttering 'idiot,' she focused on activating her bloodline divine power.

Seeing the silent woman, Cao Jiang thought she was shy. Just as he was about to plead earnestly, a discordant voice interrupted him.

"Big brother, I've invited three capable helpers."

Cao Jiang's face was full of gloom. What expert was more important than his beauty? This guy was instantly furious.

"Didn't I tell you not to disturb me? Why don't you listen!" Cao Jiang's expression was very unpleasant.

"Uh..." Cao Feng was stunned. When he noticed the icy woman behind him, he barely suppressed the lewdness in his eyes.

"Since big brother has matters, I won't disturb you." Cao Feng chuckled, but his expression was not good. Such a stunning woman—who wouldn't want to possess her?

Unfortunately, Cao Jiang was the eldest son of the strongest branch of the Cao family and was more powerful than him, so it wasn't his turn.

Watching the retreating figure, Cao Jiang's face piled up with smiles. He turned around and began to plead earnestly.

In the cavern, the three seated figures suddenly opened their eyes. A flash of murderous intent flickered, and their fists clenched simultaneously.

The bloodline had trembled again just now, but this time a message was conveyed, filling Yang Tian's face with murderous intent.