Chapter 256: Chapter 256: Crushing Kill with One Hand! Soul Search!

After weighing things over with no issues, Qi Ping decided to take on the three tasks: exterminating the human butcher, destroying the Huang Family colluding with the Demon Sect, and dealing with the Foundation Establishment Demonic Insects in the Black Mountain Range.

These tasks all resulted in the deaths of late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, posing significant risks, but the contribution points were also quite substantial. Compared to other farming or garrison duties, these tasks could meet Qi Ping’s demand to quickly accumulate contribution points to exchange for knowledge; other tasks might take a century to gather enough.

Approaching the Foundation Establishment steward responsible for distributing tasks, Qi Ping expressed his intention, receiving a slightly surprised look from the steward, but he quickly accepted the task and received the task information.

The process went smoothly without any difficulties.

...

"Brother Ya, wait for me!"

Just as Qi Ping was about to head to the location where the human butcher appeared, a voice suddenly called out to him.

Qi Ping turned around and saw a chubby figure rushing at extreme speed. It was none other than Zhang Daniu, an inner disciple with mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation, who had discussed the Dao with him several times.

Qi Ping had a good impression of Zhang Daniu, finding him to have decent comprehension of cultivation techniques and not distancing himself due to the troubles Qi Ping had faced with the Three Major Sects.

"Brother Zhang, why the urgency? Is something the matter?" Qi Ping asked curiously, seeing Zhang Daniu hurrying over.

"Brother Ya, I heard you’re taking on a task and preparing to leave the sect, so I rushed over!"

"I’ve come to tell you that you mustn’t accept those tasks requiring you to go out and face danger. The last pillar of our sect died just like that, although the details are unclear. I remember a private school teacher saying that a gentleman does not stand under a dangerous wall. With your talent, a stable path will have everything you need..."

Zhang Daniu, using voice transmission for the last part, looked quite solemn, clearly understanding that this matter wasn’t easy to discuss openly.

Qi Ping felt touched, realizing he was being advised, and this camaraderie warmed his heart slightly.

"Thank you, Brother Zhang, for the warning. I’ll be careful and choose tasks I have confidence in handling!"

"That’s good to hear, Brother Ya; that puts my mind at ease!" Zhang Daniu chuckled heartily and relaxed.

He believed Qi Ping was not only knowledgeable about cultivation but also smart, unlikely to do anything reckless, so after giving his advice, he returned to his own tasks.

Watching Zhang Daniu leave, Qi Ping continued on his way to the human butcher’s location.

However, just as he reached the Cyan Origin Sect’s gate, another figure blocked his path.

"Brother Han..." Qi Ping looked somewhat helplessly at Han Li, who had an ordinary appearance but an extraordinary presence.

"Brother Ya, you... sigh..."

Han Li sighed, recalling how he’d advised Qi Ping to align with the stronger faction, as enduring for a hundred years might grant the Golden Core stage.

To his surprise, Qi Ping had refused the olive branch from the Three Major Sects and was now planning to go on a mission like the previous senior brother.

Yet, seeing the determination and confidence in Qi Ping’s eyes, Han Li swallowed back his words of advice and ended with:

"Be careful!"

"Thank you!" Qi Ping smiled calmly, fist saluting Han Li, and continued on his path.

He didn’t find Zhang Daniu and Han Li’s concerns unnecessary; rather, he felt they were speaking the truth about the way to survive.

If it wasn’t his Tree-man Avatar and his high confidence in his own strength, Qi Ping wouldn’t dare act this way.

But these matters were his utmost secret, not to be shared with others.

Having these two around, though, gave Qi Ping warmth and hope, feeling that not everything was beyond help, only plagued by treachery driving the good out.

When he could finally clear away the darkness shrouding Qingtian, it wouldn’t expose a hopelessly corrupted place full of maggots and decay.

...

"First target, the human butcher at the borders of Qingtian Realm, Sanhuang County..."

With his current late-stage Foundation Establishment pace, it would take four to five days for Qi Ping to get there.

However, upon reaching Sanhuang County, just as Qi Ping thought it would take significant effort to find the human butcher’s trail, he found out that the butcher had no intention of hiding, boldly staying within Sanhuang County.

At this moment in Sanhuang County, within a courtyard filled with evil qi, a grand array for condensing evil, arranged by human hands, was being set up. In the center of this evil array sat the Demon Butcher of Foundation Establishment Perfection. Surrounded by nearly liquid evil qi, he was unreservedly absorbing and condensing the foul aura.

The Demon Butcher’s robust torso was bare, covered with terrifying demonic and blood runes, and he carried on his back the Myriad Soul Banner, brimming with demonic qi!

Amidst the terrifying evil and killing aura, an ordinary Foundation Establishment Cultivator would likely be overwhelmed just by one glance!

Truly, he lives up to the name of the Demon Butcher, having slain not just one late-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

"Lin Ya of Cyan Origin Sect?" The Demon Butcher grinned at Qi Ping, his eyes full of appreciation and satisfaction.

"You seem to have known I would come? Did someone leak the information?" Qi Ping asked, frowning.

"Otherwise, do you think I could stay peacefully within the Qingtian Realm?" The Demon Butcher answered without reservation, unabashedly scrutinizing Qi Ping, and praised:

"Not bad, not bad. Rumor has it that you possess top-grade talent and the rare top-grade Divine Soul Talent. It’s perfect, as my Human Emperor Banner lacks a Primary Soul and you fit the bill perfectly! Your third-grade talent flesh can also bathe my banner!"

As the Demon Butcher’s voice fell, he raised both hands, and a Tier Two Intermediate Four-sided Condensing Evil Array arose, enclosing both him and Qi Ping within.

Then, with a shake of the Myriad Soul Banner on his back, countless demon souls howled forth, the whole space instantly covered with rolling demonic qi, turning day into night!

"Boy, obediently merge with my Human Emperor Banner! I will definitely cultivate you well!" The Demon Butcher grinned, eyes filled with greed!

He had now set up a grand Condensing Evil Array, in concert with the Myriad Soul Banner, ensuring any Foundation Establishment Perfection Cultivator who came would meet their doom!

"You seem confident?" Qi Ping calmly said.

A Tier Two Intermediate array arranged with an array plate dares to embarrass itself in front of him? To him, it’s full of flaws?

"Pretending to be mysterious!" The Demon Butcher looked at Qi Ping, but for some reason, a trace of unease flashed in his heart.

But with everything prepared in advance, most Foundation Establishment Perfection Cultivators would be trapped here, not to mention Qi Ping, a late-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

Yet, amid the creeping unease, he decided to go for a quick battle, suddenly exerting all his might, endless demonic evil qi and demon souls roaring toward Qi Ping like a sweeping torrent!

This terrifying strike was enough to suppress and kill most Foundation Establishment Cultivators!

Yet facing the terrifying attack, Qi Ping, dressed in white, merely condensed a ripple-like spiritual shield in front of him, effortlessly blocking the horrible strike.

Then Qi Ping slightly waved his hand, and droplets, exuding terrifying oppression and enveloped in deadly power, instantly formed.

Immediately, with terrifying speed and penetration, they pierced through all surrounding evil qi, demonic qi, demon souls!

Flame Stream... Burst!

With Qi Ping’s action, a series of explosions resounded, several levels stronger than Flame Burst Fireball!

Simultaneously, an extremely terrifying blue flame, like a relentless insect, swept and fiercely burned everything around!

The horrifying battle prowess of Water and Fire Compatibility was demonstrated at this moment.

In an instant, the array collapsed, attacks dissipated, demonic qi torn apart! Night turned back to day!

"How is this possible!"

Qi Ping’s terrifying strike directly shattered the Demon Butcher’s belief, causing his body to tremble uncontrollably.

The evil qi in his eyes dissipated without a trace, replaced entirely by fear!

Subsequently, the Demon Butcher swiftly reacted, burning blood essence, and turned to flee frantically!

But how could Qi Ping give him this chance? His figure burst forth like flowing water, swiftly pursuing.

Then, another Flame Stream, with unstoppable force, instantly shattered the Demon Butcher’s spiritual shield, followed by a violent explosion, shattering the Demon Butcher’s flesh!

Afterward, Qi Ping’s figure suddenly appeared at the shattered remnants of the Demon Butcher’s body, grabbing a trembling soul filled with terror.

Qi Ping paid no mind to the Demon Butcher’s eyes, filled with terror and pleading, as the Power of Divine Soul enveloped swiftly.

Soul Search!