Chapter 682: Nine Nether Hound in Danger!

According to intelligence reports Bihu Mountain originally possessed a mid-grade second-tier spirit vein but after the Lu family took control and nurtured it over many years it grew into a peak second-tier vein.

With both Patriarch Lu Changsheng and Matriarch Lu Miaoge breaking through to Core Formation the peak second-tier spiritual land could no longer sustain their cultivation needs so they spent most of their time in the Immortal City of Damengze.

The figure wearing a pitch-black mask and cloak was Shadow who had been sent by the Holy Maiden of Beast God Mountain to investigate the Nine Nether Hound’s situation.

The journey between Liang Kingdom and Jiang Kingdom was vast.

The need for extreme caution along the way meant it took over a year to safely infiltrate Jiang Kingdom and reach Bihu Mountain.

Shadow’s eyes dark as night stars gazed at the Bihu Mountain formation before her. One pupil turned azure blue and the other dark green like cat eyes trying to pierce through illusions and see through the formation’s restrictions.

“Hmm!?”

After a moment she discovered she couldn’t see through the Bihu Mountain formation and even sensed an inexplicable danger from it.

“What’s going on?”

Being chosen by the Holy Maiden for this mission Shadow naturally possessed extraordinary abilities.

She cultivated Beast God Mountain’s techniques merging with a demon beast called the Netherworld Cat.

Not only were her attacks filled with penetrating power she could transform into a shadow and possessed abilities to see through illusions peer into the netherworld and sense danger.

Just now when she searched for weaknesses in the Bihu Mountain formation planning to transform into a shadow and infiltrate the Netherworld Cat within her gave an ominous warning indicating danger.

“This Bihu Mountain’s master Lu Changsheng grew from a son-in-law to a Core Formation cultivator in just a hundred years married the Azure Cloud Sect’s Nascent Soul prodigy helped his wife Lu Miaoge break through to Core Formation and even nurtured a third-tier Moonshadow Wolf. He must have some great fortune backing him.”

“Even if he’s not at Bihu Mountain regularly he must have left contingencies.”

For this trip to Bihu Mountain she naturally came well-prepared having gathered all intelligence about Lu Changsheng and Bihu Mountain.

She knew that none of these upstart cultivators were simple.

“And Lu Changsheng might even be at Bihu Mountain right now.”

Shadow gazed at Bihu Mountain before her pondering silently.

After brief consideration she looked toward White Tiger Mountain and muttered “According to intelligence the Lu family’s guardian spirit beast Nine Nether spends most of its time guarding White Tiger Mountain.”

“In that case I’ll head to White Tiger Mountain first to see how much of the Celestial Wolf bloodline this spirit beast has awakened.”

Though according to intelligence the Nine Nether Hound’s combat power far exceeded the Moonshadow Wolf and had likely awakened the Celestial Wolf bloodline.

But she still needed to verify this personally.

With the Beast Taming Ring in hand even if this Moonshadow Wolf had only awakened a thin trace of Celestial Wolf blood she would still take it back to complete her mission.

After a moment’s thought Shadow transformed into a shadow and stealthily moved toward White Tiger Mountain.

Several hours later Shadow arrived at White Tiger Mountain gazing at the formation before her.

The second-tier superior grade White Tiger Mountain formation was full of flaws before Shadow’s netherworldly eyes completely exposed.

Even through the formation she could faintly sense the fierce demonic energy from the back mountain.

“This Moonshadow Wolf just broke through to third-tier yet its demonic energy is so intense. It seems this isn’t simply awakening Celestial Wolf blood but a blood mutation.”

As the Holy Maiden’s personal guard Shadow was very familiar with the Celestial Moon Wolf’s aura.

Through this fierce demonic energy she determined their blood essences were different likely indicating a blood mutation had occurred.

After observing the White Tiger Mountain formation for a long while Shadow’s delicate oval face beneath her pitch-black mask grew sharp with several patterns appearing on her cheeks like a cat’s face. A pair of fluffy black cat ears rose on either side of her head while her slender white hands transformed into sharp claws gleaming with cold sharp light.

Her graceful figure wrapped in the black cloak seemed to grow more agile and lithe instinctively crouching like a drawn bow.

Looking carefully one could see a long powerful tail like a whip under her cloak.

“Whoosh!”

Shadow gazed at the White Tiger Mountain formation before her then shot through like a shadow the entire process smooth as flowing water without affecting the formation at all.

Like an agile cat demon she crept toward the back mountain in a crouching stance the patrolling cultivators seemingly blind to her presence.

However as she approached the back mountain where the Nine Nether Hound was the celestial-grade bloodline beast immediately sensed something its blood-red intimidating eyes opening to look in the direction of Shadow’s shadowy form.

“Roar!”

The Nine Nether Hound rose from its crouched muscular form letting out a low roar like rolling thunder that spread throughout White Tiger Mountain.

“Hmm? That’s Nine Nether’s voice what’s happened?”

White Tiger Mountain was now under the control of Lu Xianzhi’s son Lu Xuanyu.

He was responsible for the Nine Nether Hound’s daily care and knew it wouldn’t make such a commotion without reason immediately flying over to investigate.

But the next moment a voice like muffled thunder rang in his mind.

“Someone has infiltrated White Tiger Mountain!”

“An enemy attack!?”

Lu Xuanyu was shocked having completely failed to detect any infiltrating cultivator.

With White Tiger Mountain’s second-tier superior formation Foundation Establishment cultivators absolutely couldn’t infiltrate silently! “A Core Formation master!?”

His expression horrified he immediately activated the White Tiger Mountain formation at full power and crushed an emergency signal talisman to send word to Bihu Mountain.

“What keen intuition!”

Shadow was surprised when the Nine Nether Hound looked toward her.

Though wolf demon beasts were known for sharp intuition her Netherworld Cat was no ordinary creature either.

In shadow form even Core Formation cultivators struggled to detect her.

Yet now before she could even act she’d been detected by the Nine Nether Hound.

Seeing the formation’s spiritual light rapidly surging above White Tiger Mountain Shadow knew she’d been discovered. Without hesitation she immediately brought out the third-tier Beast Taming Ring bestowed by the Holy Maiden.

Though she had records of assassinating Core Formation cultivators.

Capturing alive was completely different from assassination.

Moreover assassinating cultivators and demon beasts were entirely different matters.

“Hum!”

The pale golden Beast Taming Ring instantly expanded to several zhang wide its complex winding patterns and symbols flowing with deep brilliant light as it flew toward the Nine Nether Hound seemingly trying to bind it.

“Roar!!!”

The Nine Nether Hound sensed instinctive danger from this Beast Taming Ring. Its fierce terrifying head raised skyward howling waves of hurricane-like sound waves rippling outward from its fanged maw.

Then its tail topped with what looked like a dragon’s head suddenly rose like a roaring flood dragon extending repeatedly to bite at the Beast Taming Ring.

“Boom!!!”

The tail like a black flood dragon collided with the Beast Taming Ring creating a terrifying magical energy wave that shook all of White Tiger Mountain.

Seeing this Shadow pounced toward the Nine Nether Hound like an agile cat demon.

The tail extending from her spine under her wide cloak was like an iron whip faintly traced with dark purple patterns breaking through layers of space with sonic booms as it whipped toward the Nine Nether Hound.

“Roar!”

The Nine Nether Hound roared again its pitch-black dense fur standing on end forming a terrifying demonic energy field that blocked the whip-like tail.

But the next moment Shadow’s clawed hands merged forming a black light blade as she flew forward like an afterimage.

Normally the Nine Nether Hound would have no fear but this Beast Taming Ring severely restricted it.

Now having to resist the ring it was no match for Shadow and could only roar loudly unleashing sound waves from its wolf mouth to break apart the light blade.

But the black light blade still landed on its massive body leaving a deep mark on the black scales beneath its fur.

“This Moonshadow Wolf’s power!?”

Shadow saw that her technique only made the Nine Nether Hound lose some fur her expression doubtful as she realized it was no ordinary beast. This wasn’t just ancestral bloodline regression. A frost-cold dagger suddenly appeared in her hand.

“Enemy attack! Enemy attack!”

“A Core Formation master this is a Core Formation master!”

The Nine Nether Hound’s breakthrough to third-tier was no longer a secret all White Tiger Mountain cultivators knew about it.

Now seeing a cultivator appear on White Tiger Mountain attacking the Nine Nether Hound everyone knew this was a Core Formation cultivator their expressions fearful.

For most cultivators Core Formation masters remained an unreachable existence.

“Not good!”

Lu Xuanyu as a Foundation Establishment cultivator saw the Nine Nether Hound was no match for Shadow being suppressed by her huge golden ring quickly controlled the White Tiger Mountain formation to attack the Beast Taming Ring.

The Beast Taming Ring was extremely effective against demon beasts but had average results against divine abilities and treasures.

Struck by the formation’s phantom it shook violently creating a metallic ringing sound seeming somewhat unstable.

“Mere Foundation Establishment cultivator dares to interfere!”

Shadow’s face beneath her mask turned cold her azure and dark green pupils shooting two beams of light from afar at Lu Xuanyu making him cough blood and fly backward as if struck by lightning.

“Roar!!!”

Taking this chance the Nine Nether Hound who had broken free from the Beast Taming Ring roared shaking heaven and earth as fierce winds swept out. Its fur stood on end like steel needles as it pounced at Shadow like a beast choosing its prey.

Shadow saw the Nine Nether Hound was extraordinary transforming into an afterimage to avoid direct confrontation throwing out a cloud of poison powder then making hand seals to continue controlling the Beast Taming Ring while her dagger flew through the air.

Facing the Beast Taming Ring that countered it the Nine Nether Hound’s body seemed to bear an ancient divine mountain making movement difficult. The dagger created a series of sparks then broke through its black scales drawing blood.

“Hum!”

The Beast Taming Ring violently shook at this moment its light blazing seeming to use the Nine Nether Hound’s blood as a medium to further suppress it.

“Not good!”

Lu Xuanyu dizzy and bleeding from seven orifices saw this his expression greatly alarmed.

“Everyone reinforce the formation! Use puppets to interfere with the golden ring!”

He took a pill to stabilize his condition giving orders loudly knowing the thing interfering with the Nine Nether Hound most was the golden ring above.

Then he immediately activated a peak second-tier talisman to protect himself avoiding instant death from Shadow.

After all earlier just a glance had deeply impressed upon him the terror of Core Formation masters.

One casual strike from them could end his life.

“Annoying insects!”

As an assassin normally if discovered and failing the first strike Shadow should retreat.

But this mission was to capture the Nine Nether Hound alive.

If she missed this chance once Bihu Mountain’s patriarch Lu Changsheng returned she’d have no opportunity.

Shadow immediately took out a third-tier talisman from her robes infusing it with magical power transforming it into a zhang-long sharp blade light that slashed toward the Nine Nether Hound.

The Nine Nether Hound stubbornly resisting the Beast Taming Ring could only defend passively against the sudden third-tier talisman its black scales flashing to form a dark light screen blocking the blade light.

However facing Shadow’s continuing dagger attack its body’s light screen was broken again blood spraying as it roared in pain.

But at this time under White Tiger Mountain formation’s isolation dozens of second-tier puppets attacked the Beast Taming Ring trying to share the Nine Nether Hound’s pressure and buy time.

Seeing the incoming puppets Shadow’s sharp claws suddenly extended instantly forming several light blades that tore more than ten puppets to pieces.

The Lu family cultivators of White Tiger Mountain seeing this were both distressed and terrified.

It took them much time and effort to craft each second-tier puppet yet now over ten were instantly torn apart it was truly frightening!

“Talisman tactics!”

However as the Talisman Lu Family’s puppet stronghold White Tiger Mountain had powerful combat strength not just puppet armies but also talisman tactics.

Cultivators controlling puppets carried talismans attacking Shadow activating them.

“How annoying!”

Shadow very much wanted to deal with these annoying Lu family cultivators.

But whenever she diverted attention the Nine Nether Hound would break free from the Beast Taming Ring and attack her.

At this moment she felt some regret thinking she’d been careless not expecting the Lu family’s spirit beast to be so extraordinary actually able to discover her directly.

She made hand seals then struck her chest hard spitting out a mouthful of essence blood as black light flowed over her body her aura rising rapidly. Black fur could be seen growing on her cheeks and hands.

Her hands nearly transformed into cat claws with curved hook-like nails half a foot long gleaming coldly with dark purple patterns flowing.

“Whoosh whoosh whoosh!!!”

Having used her secret technique Shadow’s surging powerful aura formed several shadow clones all attacking the Nine Nether Hound.

The Beast Taming Ring’s light blazed continuously pressing down on the Nine Nether Hound making its wound’s blood unable to heal flowing continuously increasing the ring’s suppression.

“Roar!!!”

The Nine Nether Hound cried out its body bleeding continuously as it struggled stubbornly its falling black fur and scales turning into pine needles flying daggers shooting toward Shadow.

Lu Xuanyu seeing the Nine Nether Hound in extreme danger brought out his trump card treasure attacking the Beast Taming Ring shouting to it “Nine Nether run! Return to Bihu Mountain!”

He had already seen that Shadow’s methods were clearly aimed at the Nine Nether Hound.

No matter what the Nine Nether Hound couldn’t be harmed!

As long as it escaped back to Bihu Mountain with Bihu Mountain’s formation and the various measures his grandfather had prepared they could surely turn danger into safety!

“Roar!!!”

The Nine Nether Hound also realized that continuing this stalemate it couldn’t outlast the Beast Taming Ring.

Its pitch-black fur stood on end demonic energy soaring to the sky gleaming with bloody cold light as it barely broke free from the Beast Taming Ring intending to flee toward Bihu Mountain.

“Where do you think you’re going!”

Shadow’s green and blue pupils turned cold her alluring figure wrapped in black cloak and dark soft armor suddenly spun rapidly tearing all incoming puppets to pieces as she continued pursuing the Nine Nether Hound.

She saw the Nine Nether Hound was fleeing toward Bihu Mountain realizing White Tiger Mountain had already sent word to Bihu Mountain and support might arrive wanting to end this quickly.

“Roar!”

The Nine Nether Hound facing the pursuing Beast Taming Ring desperately broke through its entire body flying through the air trailing blood.

Shadow as the Holy Maiden’s personal guard and assassin-type cultivator moved extremely fast closely following using the Beast Taming Ring to firmly suppress the Nine Nether Hound while deploying her trump card.

However the Nine Nether Hound as a celestial-grade bloodline beast nurtured with Lu Changsheng’s resources had formed an Immortal Golden Core its combat power extremely formidable quickly stabilizing its injuries resisting the Beast Taming Ring continuously fleeing toward Bihu Mountain.

Meanwhile.

At Bihu Mountain’s Sumeru Cave Heaven.

Lu Miaoyun watching White Tige Mountain’s situation through the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror felt extremely anxious.

Though Lu Ping’an had gone to provide support with the Thousand-Faced Fox Puppet.

Seeing Da Jin so seriously injured she still couldn’t help but worry.

Especially since Shadow’s methods clearly came prepared targeting the Nine Nether Hound.

“Hope Ping’an can arrive in time.”

Seeing the Nine Nether Hound break out of White Tiger Mountain apparently heading toward Bihu Mountain Lu Miaoyun prayed.

After thinking for a moment she also sent word to her husband Lu Changsheng.

After all Da Jin was her husband’s first spirit pet cultivated for so many years finally breaking through to third-tier if anything happened she truly wouldn’t know what to do.