Chapter 116
Chapter 116: Cooperation
Upon hearing this, Li Mu Sheng’s eyes brightened.
In an instant, he moved swiftly, heading toward the darkened space from which the Azure Dragon elder had appeared earlier. Seeing this, Bu Cheng Yang quickly followed behind.
Before long, Li Mu Sheng discovered an old book, nearly worn out from constant use, tucked away in a stone cave deep within the shadowy space.
He casually flipped through it and immediately confirmed it was indeed the Azure Dragon Dark Scripture, the very martial art cultivated by the Azure Dragon elder.
Clearly, that old man treasured this cultivation method greatly, keeping it close at all times, eventually leaving it behind in his dwelling.
Standing not far away, Bu Cheng Yang watched with a flicker of envy in his eyes. This martial scripture practiced by the Azure Dragon elder was undoubtedly a peerless skill, powerful enough to dominate the entire Martial World.
He would be lying if he claimed to have no desire for it. However, the Azure Dragon elder’s martial prowess was far beyond his own—even though Bu Cheng Yang himself had advanced into the Heavenly Union realm many years ago, he was still not a match. When facing the elder before, he had no choice but to retreat without daring to compete openly for the Azure Dragon Qi.
At this moment, Li Mu Sheng leisurely turned the pages of the scripture in his hands. His eyes swiftly swept across each line, and within moments he memorized every word of the entire text.
Afterward, with a casual wave of his hand, the worn-out book crumbled to dust, scattering gently in the air.
Bu Cheng Yang silently sighed in regret. From this moment on, only Li Mu Sheng would know the secrets of the Azure Dragon Dark Scripture. Acquiring the scripture from Li Mu Sheng would now prove even more difficult than it had been from the Azure Dragon elder.
Though tempted by this martial art, Bu Cheng Yang realized it wasn’t absolutely essential. Facing the unfathomably strong Li Mu Sheng, any thought of greed had nearly vanished from his mind.
“Now that the cultivation method is secure,” Li Mu Sheng murmured thoughtfully while stroking his chin, “all that’s left is the Azure Dragon Qi.”
He turned his gaze toward Bu Cheng Yang, who immediately understood his meaning and quickly answered the earlier question, “Indeed, beneath Suolong Well lies a considerable amount of Azure Dragon Qi sealed by a mechanism. Because of this mechanism’s restraints, outsiders cannot fully extract the Qi.”
“Even the Azure Dragon elder himself, who practiced the Azure Dragon Dark Scripture, tried secretly for over a decade and still couldn’t fully remove the sealed Qi. He had to rely on collecting dragon pearls, which leaked out occasionally, for his cultivation.”
Li Mu Sheng frowned slightly, then asked, “So, you’re saying we must break open the underground mechanism entirely to get that Azure Dragon Qi?”
Bu Cheng Yang gently nodded but then shook his head and explained, “That’s generally true, but there might be an exception. If we could obtain Great Li’s Imperial Dragon Divine Sword, perhaps we could use the sword itself to bypass the mechanism and extract the Azure Dragon Qi.”
“Oh?” Li Mu Sheng’s brows knit together as he cast a doubtful glance at Bu Cheng Yang. “Is this method something you’ve imagined yourself, or is it actually practical and based on solid evidence?”
Bu Cheng Yang hesitated slightly, then chuckled awkwardly and confessed, “Honestly, young hero, this method is partly my speculation but also supported by some rumors from the Martial World.”
He continued to explain earnestly, “From what I’ve gathered, the Azure Dragon Qi used by the Great Qi dynasty when they forged the Imperial Dragon Divine Sword shares the same origin as the sealed Azure Dragon Qi beneath this place.”
“The Azure Dragon Qi collected by Great Qi was initially vast. A portion went into forging the sword, while the remaining, larger portion was sealed underground here.”
“Therefore, I believe if we insert the Imperial Dragon Divine Sword into a weak spot within this mechanism and use the sword’s identical Azure Dragon Qi as a guiding link, combined with the Azure Dragon Dark Scripture, we might truly succeed in drawing out the sealed Qi.”
Li Mu Sheng’s expression turned thoughtful, his narrowed gaze briefly assessing Bu Cheng Yang. “Now it’s clear. The reason you appeared here, joining forces with the Azure Dragon elder, was precisely to team up and seize the Imperial Dragon Divine Sword first, and then gain the sealed Azure Dragon Qi.”
Bu Cheng Yang did not deny this, merely regarding Li Mu Sheng with mild surprise. “Young hero’s insight is sharp. Indeed, I came here specifically to persuade the Azure Dragon elder to make a deal.”
“We planned to act after those Great Qi remnants moved to claim Great Li’s Imperial Dragon Divine Sword, intending to swoop in afterward and reap the benefits. Once successful, the Grand Evolution Sword Sect would take the sword, and I would help the elder claim the sealed Azure Dragon Qi.”
“It would have been mutually beneficial. However, the Azure Dragon elder seemed wary of the Grand Evolution Sword Sect and hesitated to agree. Before he could make up his mind, young hero unexpectedly killed him.”
At this, Li Mu Sheng wore a meaningful smile, raising his eyebrows. “So now, you intend to transfer the unfinished cooperation with the Azure Dragon elder to me?”
Bu Cheng Yang lightly nodded, eyes hopeful. “That is exactly my thought, but I wonder if young hero is willing?”
Li Mu Sheng paused for a brief moment, then lightly waved his hand. “The Azure Dragon elder might have feared your Grand Evolution Sword Sect, but that doesn’t concern me. As far as I’m concerned, your idea is indeed feasible.”
Bu Cheng Yang’s eyes brightened with excitement, quickly responding, “Young hero is wise. With our cooperation, the Imperial Dragon Divine Sword and the Azure Dragon Qi are practically within our grasp.”
However, Li Mu Sheng shook his head slightly. “Cooperation is fine, but the conditions need adjustment. Whether it’s the Imperial Dragon Divine Sword or the Azure Dragon Qi, both must belong to me.”
“This…” Bu Cheng Yang froze, his brow furrowing deeply as he faced Li Mu Sheng with clear discomfort. “Then wouldn’t I just be exerting effort without gaining any reward?”
He emphasized carefully, “Obtaining the Imperial Dragon Divine Sword is also a mission assigned to me by my sect. Perhaps young hero could show favor toward the Grand Evolution Sword Sect and let us have the sword? Our sect would surely remember young hero’s generosity.”
Li Mu Sheng raised an eyebrow dismissively. “I have no need for that.”
“Moreover, working alongside me is already an honor for your Grand Evolution Sword Sect. You should consider yourself fortunate.”
Bu Cheng Yang fell silent at once. He knew better than to argue further at this point, and he certainly wouldn’t dare threaten Li Mu Sheng with the authority of his sect to secure the sword. Such a move would be no different from willingly seeking his own demise.