Volume One: City Intrigue Chapter 41: The Plan

As Zhang Heng and his four companions frantically gathered spiritual treasures within the Dragon Burial Abyss, the day of the abyss's opening drew ever closer. All the cultivators had already gathered outside, waiting anxiously. The moment to change their fates was at hand; every cultivator thought this, having prepared for a long time just to secure a few more treasures within.

“Senior Dugu, that sixth-level spirit ape ahead has exceptionally tough bones, which are useful to me. Would you please retrieve them for me?” Not far ahead, a spirit ape beast was resting in a tree. Zhang Heng was delighted; the creature's bones were precious, perfect for forging weapons or armor.

Upon hearing this, Dugu Bai acted immediately. He extended his right hand and traced a line through the air. Instantly, a flash of sword light appeared, piercing the beast’s body at incredible speed. With his hand as his sword, he slew the creature in a single, instant strike.

His combat strength rivaled that of a low-stage Nascent Soul cultivator. The sixth-level spirit beast, famed for its defensive prowess, was dispatched by Dugu Bai with a casual gesture—truly, the Sword Saint’s reputation was well-deserved.

Dugu Bai made a few more quick gestures in the air, and the spirit beast’s flesh separated from its bones. A complete skeleton floated toward Zhang Heng.

Such skill—he'd make an excellent chef. “Thank you, Senior,” Zhang Heng said, channeling his spiritual power to point at the skeleton, which was then stored in his spatial ring.

Through constant practice, Zhang Heng had learned to use the ring proficiently. It was indeed useful, though it consumed a great deal of spiritual energy.

“Is that a Primordial Spirit Tree? And so many Primordial Spirit Fruits? Ha, marvelous!” Up ahead, a spiritual tree laden with fruit appeared. Qian Muyun was overjoyed and prepared to gather them.

Startled, Zhang Heng quickly called out, “Sister Muyun, don’t touch it!”

“Little brother, are you trying to compete with me? You should know, these fruits are packed with spiritual energy—your small body can't handle it,” Qian Muyun teased, thinking Zhang Heng wanted the fruit for himself.

Without arguing further, Zhang Heng picked up a stone and threw it toward the tree. Just as the stone was about to hit the trunk, it vanished silently—a calm and unremarkable disappearance, without a ripple or sound.

It was precisely this silent power that inspired true fear.

Only then did the group recall that they were in the Dragon Burial Abyss, surrounded by countless spatial rifts and chaotic currents. The prolonged safety had lulled them into carelessness. Now, they became vigilant once more.

“Little brother, what if I use spiritual energy to pick them instead?” Qian Muyun asked, unwilling to give up.

“Absolutely not,” Zhang Heng replied, visibly shaken. “Sister Muyun, your spiritual energy cannot penetrate that space. If it comes into contact with the spatial currents, you’ll be trapped—at best, your energy will be drained; at worst, you'll be sucked into the chaos entirely.”

He still needed Qian Muyun to help him deal with the eighth-level spirit beast. If she died here, his plan would be ruined.

“Let’s move on, then,” Qian Muyun said regretfully, also frightened.

Pointing to a large spirit tiger, Zhang Heng said to Murong Qingxue, “Miss Qingxue, look how adorable this spirit beast is. Aside from its size, it has no flaws. How about I ask Sword Saint to catch it for you as a pet?”

“No need, thank you, Master Zhang,” Murong Qingxue replied calmly. To remain so composed in such a perilous place—this girl was truly something.

“Miss Yan, this fruit is a real delicacy. Not only is it delicious, but eating it can boost your strength,” Zhang Heng said, turning to Yan Xueqing.

“Really?” Yan Xueqing immediately snatched the fruit from Zhang Heng’s hand, her only passion being food.

Just as Yan Xueqing was about to eat it, Zhang Heng remarked blandly, “After eating it, you’ll develop muscles all over your body, grow thick body hair, and become extraordinarily strong.”

“Ugh!” Yan Xueqing, horrified, quickly tossed the green fruit away.

If they weren’t in the Dragon Burial Abyss, Yan Xueqing would surely have grabbed Zhang Heng and given him a beating.

...

At last, after several days wandering the abyss and filling his spatial ring, Zhang Heng led the group to the edge of a cliff. Ahead, there was no path—only a bottomless chasm below.

“Sister Muyun, Senior Dugu, we’ve reached our destination,” Zhang Heng announced, turning to face the four of them with a solemn expression.

“Down there?” Yan Xueqing asked.

“Yes. There’s a massive cave below. According to the map, the remaining parts of the scripture are hidden inside,” Zhang Heng replied.

At this, Dugu Bai grew restless and prepared to descend at once. He had come to the Dragon Burial Abyss for that very scripture; if he could obtain the complete text, he might break through the tribulation barrier.

“Please wait, Senior. You won’t obtain the scripture by rushing in.” Only after Dugu Bai calmed down did Zhang Heng continue:

“If you want that peerless scripture, you must follow my plan.” Seeing no objections, he went on, “Sister Muyun, you’ll take me down with you. Once I’m hidden and safe, lure the spirit beast’s attention—remember, it’s an eighth-level flood dragon, incredibly powerful. Don’t confront it head-on; just use your Aurora Mirage steps to dodge and try to lead it upward.”

“Senior Dugu, you’ll wait here and conceal your presence. When Sister Muyun lures the flood dragon up, join forces with her to hold the beast back. You don’t need to defeat it, just stall it. Leave retrieving the scripture to me.”

Then, looking at Murong Qingxue and Yan Xueqing, Zhang Heng continued, “As for you two, your strength isn’t sufficient. You’ll come down with me and observe from a distance—just make sure to protect yourselves.”

He had no intention of leaving the two girls above. Soon, this place would become a battlefield for cultivators crossing tribulation. The girls were far too delicate; if they were accidentally hurt, it would be a disaster.

“Any questions?” Zhang Heng asked. This plan had to be foolproof.

“I have a question,” Yan Xueqing said irritably. “I’m stronger than you. Shouldn’t I go get the scripture?”

Zhang Heng replied, “You are indeed stronger than I am, I admit that. However, Sword Saint has lent me the Heart-Guarding Sword. Miss Yan, do you think you’re more formidable than Sword Saint’s Heart-Guarding Sword?”

Hearing the first part, Yan Xueqing was pleased. Since entering the Dragon Burial Abyss, Zhang Heng had shown himself to be all-knowing, which irked her. No matter how knowledgeable he was, it didn’t change the fact that he couldn’t cultivate. Thinking of this, Yan Xueqing felt somewhat appeased.

But when Zhang Heng finished speaking, her expression changed. “You’re lying. Even my master never let me play with the Heart-Guarding Sword—how could he possibly lend it to you?” she protested.

Zhang Heng simply held out his left hand before Yan Xueqing, showing her the little sword drawn on his palm. Yan Xueqing looked to Dugu Bai, aggrieved. “Master, you’re playing favorites…”

Dugu Bai, who had been excited, was calmed by this outburst.

“Senior Dugu, Sister Muyun, rest well. There’s a brutal battle ahead.”