The Burial Furnace Slope.

The members of the Golden Silkworm Association were intently channeling a formation, gradually extending it across the entirety of the black furnace. Under the meticulous guidance of three late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, a wisp of primal black flame was slowly drawn forth.

Upon witnessing the emergence of this black flame, all three, despite being drenched in sweat, simultaneously revealed satisfied smiles. They gently closed up the formation, carefully preserving a small cluster of the primal Black Abyssal Fire without disturbing it.

However, at this moment, Shangguan Ruotong gracefully descended upon the Burial Furnace Slope. Catching sight of the three successfully extracting the essence of the Black Abyssal Fire, her eyes shimmered with intense interest.

As they contained the flame, it blazed in Qiu Pengxing's hand.

It was only then that they realized Shangguan Ruotong had returned and was observing them from behind.

All three promptly bowed, "We warmly welcome senior's return. Has the black-robed demonic cultivator been dealt with?"

Shangguan Ruotong responded with a cold huff, "Of course. A mere late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator could never escape my grasp."

Her gaze then locked onto the Black Abyssal Fire as she mused, "This flame seems intriguing. May I have a closer look?"

The trio exchanged hesitant glances.

She raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean by this? Are you suspecting that I covet this flame? I hail from the Sky Palace Sect; a mere heavenly fire is beneath my concern!"

"We wouldn't dare!"

Afraid of invoking Shangguan Ruotong's ire, Qiu Pengxing hurriedly presented the Black Abyssal Fire. Taking the flame into her possession, she discovered that the Black Abyssal Fire was cool to touch and would flourish upon infusing with magic power. Barely suppressing the gleam of admiration in her eyes, she remarked, "This flame is quite exceptional. The Golden Silkworm Association has truly put in effort this time."

"Yes, ever since our last venture into the Immaculate Realm, our Golden Silkworm Association has been continuously researching formations that can extract the primal fire essence. After a decade of relentless research, we finally developed this formation at a considerable expense."

Shangguan Ruotong cast her gaze towards the black furnace, questioning, "If that's the case, why not extract another cluster of primal fire?"

The response came, "Senior, extracting this cluster has already consumed the majority of the formation. To continue would only exhaust it in vain."

With a casual flick of her sleeve, Shangguan Ruotong laughed, "Worry not. I inspected it with my mystic vision earlier. This Black Abyssal Fire, having lost a cluster of its essence, has already weakened. Using the residual formation, you can capture a second cluster. Proceed without concern; I shall assist in guarding the formation for you."

"Huh?" Qu Wenyao looked puzzled. "Is that even possible?"

Shangguan Ruotong frowned, responding coldly, "Do you doubt the knowledge of someone in the Core Formation stage?"

"We wouldn't dare!"

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

"Then get moving!"

The three promptly summoned the exhausted Qi Refining cultivators and activated the formation once more.

The trio conversed in hushed whispers.

"Why is Senior Shangguan Ruotong suddenly so interested in our Golden Silkworm Association's matters?"

"Yes, and she even volunteered to guard us. It feels quite odd."

"Why all the needless chatter? Since Senior Shangguan is kindly assisting us, everyone should focus on extracting the next cluster of fire. A significant merit awaits us!"

Meanwhile, Shangguan Ruotong, playing with the Black Abyssal Fire, displayed a smile that seemed incongruous with her demeanor.

"Hehehe... What a treasure..."

Unable to hold back, Qu Wenyao murmured, "Why does senior's laugh seem a tad...creepy?"

"Yeah, it's indeed weird. She's not planning to steal our Black Abyssal Fire, is she?"

"Nonsense! Considering senior's status! Keep concentrating on the formation!"

Suddenly, from behind, Shangguan Ruotong said, "Oh, dear. I've taken quite a liking to this Black Abyssal Fire. I guess it belongs to me now! But it'd be rude to take without giving—here's an Eight-Direction Evil-Breaking Sword for you."

Boom!

A burst of golden light shot out. The trio was horrified. Engrossed in activating the formation, they couldn't dodge. Amidst the golden light, Shangguan Ruotong transformed into a man resembling Gui Wu.

Thud!

Qiu Pengxing was hit. A slash of sword energy sent him flying.

"Old Qiu!"

The other two were frantic, hastily ceasing their efforts. Qu Wenyao tried to assist Qiu Pengxing, while Song Zhengchu gritted his teeth, wanting to capture Shu Han. However, by then, Shu Han had already used the Shrinking Earth into Inches technique, turning into a mere speck of light in the distance.

"Damn it! He escaped so fast! My Black Abyssal Fire!"

Qu Wenyao promptly shouted at him, "Don't chase! We can't catch up given his escape technique. Let's quickly attend to Old Qiu; he's gravely injured!"

Song Zhengchu, seething with rage but feeling helpless, walked over to heal Qiu Pengxing, cursing, "Damn it! That man's disguise was flawless. Otherwise, our Black Abyssal Fire wouldn't have been stolen!"

Qu Wenyao's eyes flashed with a murderous intent. "From now on, everyone in the Golden Silkworm Association must be careful. This person's disguise technique is exceptionally sophisticated. If we encounter any fellow members in the future, we must thoroughly inspect and interrogate them!"

Both of them were engrossed in treating Qiu Pengxing when, after a short while, Shangguan Ruotong returned to Burial Furnace Slope, carrying an unconscious Shu Han.

Seeing Shangguan Ruotong, the two of them instinctively felt murderous intentions. Noticing this, Shangguan Ruotong's face turned icy. She spat out a round Golden Core and said menacingly, "Dare to look at me with such eyes, do you wish to die?"

Upon seeing the genuine Golden Core and her imposing demeanor, the two were terrified and immediately knelt, begging for forgiveness.

Qu Wenyao spoke up, "Senior Shangguan, please understand. Someone impersonated you earlier, stealing our Black Abyssal Fire and injuring Daoist Qiu. Please forgive our rudeness just now."

Shangguan Ruotong frowned, "Someone impersonated me? Couldn't you discern any flaws and allow this person to attack successfully? Is the Golden Silkworm Association full of incompetents like you?"

Song Zhengchu sighed, "Our cultivation level wasn't sufficient to detect any discrepancies. Such a pity about the Black Abyssal Fire!"

Shangguan Ruotong took a deep breath, "Bring him here, let me see his injuries. If it weren't for the fact I need your help, I would have slapped you three to death already!"

Qu Wenyao and Song Zhengchu exchanged glances, thinking, such an aloof temperament, it has to be the real Senior Shangguan. They hurriedly brought Qiu Pengxing before her, eagerly awaiting her move.

Shangguan Ruotong frowned, "Why are you crowding so close? Get back!"

The two were startled and quickly retreated. As Shangguan Ruotong examined the heavily injured Qiu Pengxing, she subtly reached for his storage bag.

Suddenly, the unconscious Shu Han awakened, pulling out the Eight-Direction Evil-Breaking Sword from the storage bag and stabbing Qiu Pengxing. With a stifled grunt, Qiu Pengxing spat out another mouthful of old blood.

This move left both Qu Wenyao and Song Zhengchu dumbfounded. Shangguan Ruotong then transformed back into Gui Wu, while Shu Han released a cold misty fog, shouting, "Forgot about the storage bag, thanks for your gift! Goodbye!"

Song Zhengchu infuriated, cursed, "It's that guy again! Damn him!"

Qu Wenyao, trembling with rage, couldn't believe they had fallen for the same ruse twice. The impersonation was impeccable both times, even mimicking the exact temperament and quirks!

Song Zhengchu stood up, shouting, "Damn it! If I don't kill you this time, I swear I'm not a man!"

Coughing up blood, Qiu Pengxing muttered, "Why is it always me... I might still be saved..."