Published at 9th of June 2026 6:54 am

Chapter 962: Wu Laoba

This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl

No wonder this black-robed elders expression was so gloomy.

In fact, not long ago, this man received a message from a friend in Eastern Heaven, wanting to deal with this Rain Immortal Monarch.

He just didnt expect to run into Ning Fan here on Mu Island. If the location wasnt really inappropriate, the black-robed elder almost wanted to take Ning Fan down on the spot and send him to that friend.

No, I cant make a move against Ning Fan!

Although Ning Fan broke Mu Songs roar with a strange step, making the black-robed elder wary, what truly intimidated him was Xiang Mingzi beside Ning Fan.

Cluck, cluck, cluck, this one seems to be the same as Senior Mu Song, both are Quasi-Saints. Since he came with Ning Fan, there must be a significant relationship between the two, and its impossible to make a move against Ning Fan in front of this person...

"How unfortunate, how unfortunate, I truly have bad luck. Finally encountering this little brat Ning Fan, and he has a Quasi-Saint with him, I cant make a move, I cant make a move..."

After several flickers in the black-robed elders eyes, the gloomy look slightly diminished, yet he resolved not to act against Ning Fan on Mu Island.

On the other side, Ning Fan used the Secret Art of Prestige of the Ancestral Demon of the East to break Mu Song Daoists roar, directly causing a stir of dread among the cultivators present.

In the ancient temple, the sound of gasping continued to resonate. Even Mu Song, who unleashed the Buddhist roar, had a moment of silence.

After a long while, a voice came again, yet it wasnt anger towards Ning Fan breaking his roar, but rather joy.

"Hmm, quite the audacious little fellow, daring to break my Buddhist sound in my territory. Xiang Old Monster, how long has it been since you last brought someone to see me? I cant remember. The last little guy seemed to be called Senluo, who dared to cut down my Four Emperors Luohan Pine right in front of me. This time the person you brought isnt bad either. Is he your new disciple?"

In the words, although there was still some sharpness, it didnt conceal his admiration for Ning Fan at all. There was no more disdain for Ning Fans identity as an ancient demon. This Mu Song Daoists temperament is indeed quite peculiar, unpredictable, making it hard to fathom.

"Senluo..." Hearing Mu Song mention Senluo, Xiang Mingzis complexion darkened a bit, with a trace of bitterness, seemingly reminded by Mu Songs words of many past events, and further recalling the sorrow of Senluos death in battle.

However, after a slight pause, he finally answered with a smile, "This child is named Ning Fan, not my disciple. To put it bluntly, hes an old friend of mine across generations."

"Oh? Ive sealed myself off from the world for many years and know nothing of outside affairs. I havent heard of your reclusive self making such a friend. Well, this child dares to break my Buddhist sound, even as an ancient demon, he qualifies to meet me. Come on in."

Hearing this, Xiang Mingzi didnt stand on ceremony and immediately led Ning Fan into the ancient temple.

Inside the ancient temple, more than ten monk and Taoist disciples stood in two columns, welcoming the arrival of Xiang Mingzi and Ning Fan.

Ning Fans eyes lightly swept over these monks. Among the cultivators here, only three had the cultivation level of Eternal Immortal Venerable.

Among the three, only one reached the Eternal First Calamity realm, while the other two were just newly ascended Immortal Venerables.

Ning Fans gaze fell on that Immortal Venerable of the Eternal First Calamity, who was the black-robed elder with the gloomy expression he noticed before. Short and stout, with a walrus mustache, his beady little eyes always seemed to be plotting something.

Before entering the ancient temple, Ning Fan had noticed that this black-robed elder harbored some hostility towards him.

He didnt care about this persons hostility. What concerned him was the slight oppressive feeling this black-robed elder gave him.

Though this black-robed elder was just at the level of the Eternal First Calamity realm, he wasnt to be underestimated. In terms of sheer cultivation, hes probably a notch stronger than my True Blood Three Stars, making him a relatively strong First Calamity Immortal Venerable.

Ning Fan also gained a clearer understanding of his strength. Although his Calamity Blood cultivation could be compared to a First Calamity Immortal Venerable, he wasnt considered strong within that realm, at best ordinary.

Rustle, rustle, rustle!

A sudden breeze blew through the ancient temple, causing a towering ancient pine at the center to sway, shedding countless emerald-like pine needles that fell to the ground, transforming into points of green light. From within these lights, a bald, eyes-closed elder in a green robe slowly emerged.

This elders cultivation was entirely restrained, not revealing a shred, yet his every movement conformed with the Dao, and the completeness he exuded around him left little room for flaws.

As soon as he appeared, a resounding bell echoed in every persons ear, endlessly reverberating.

This man was the master of Mu Island, Emperor Cangs mentor, Daoist Mu Song!

"Welcome Master, emerging from seclusion!"

"Welcome, Senior Mu, emerging from seclusion!"

The disciples present instantly greeted Daoist Mu Song respectfully. Even the black-robed elder, being an outsider, bowed respectfully, not daring to be slow.

There were only two who didnt bow to Mu Song: one was Xiang Mingzi, who was of the same generation as Mu Song, and the other was Ning Fan.

Without a word, Mu Song Daoist made a move against Ning Fan. If not for Ning Fans techniques defying heaven, his cultivation as an ancient demon would have already been drained by Mu Song.

In this case, even though Mu Songs cultivation was astonishing, Ning Fan had no respect whatsoever for him, so there was no need to bow.

"This kid..." Xiang Mingzi slightly smiled bitterly, thinking to himself, Ning Fan is indeed a stubborn little fellow, daring not to bow even in the face of a powerhouse like Mu Song.

This behavior truly resembled Senluo from back then. He had three disciples in his life: one was the current Shenkong Emperor, another was the current Xukong Emperor, and the last was Senluo. He had brought all three to meet Mu Song, but only Senluo dared to confront Mu Song on Mu Island, and only Senluo was the most appreciated by Mu Song.

This Mu Song had a strange temperament, disliking those who acted according to convention all his life, yet favoring those like Senluo who were arrogant and domineering.

Of course, arrogance requires a foundation, and that foundation is having the capital to be arrogant. If one doesnt have enough strength to support it, Mu Song wouldnt even glance at such a person.

Indeed, seeing Ning Fan not bow to him, Daoist Mu Song was not angry but rather delighted. He appreciated men who possess a bloody spirit, a sharp aura. Those who preserve the status quo may be smooth, but pioneers must be strong and determined. Ning Fan, a stubborn person like this, is exactly to his taste.

"So, you are Ning Fan. I didnt expect, during the years I sealed the world, someone like you would appear."

Daoist Mu Song had sealed himself away for many years, paying no attention to the external world, unaware that Senluo was dead and that the Rain Immortal Monarch had emerged in the Eastrn Heaven.

Facing Ning Fan, he seemed to be scrutinizing him, yet never opened his eyes, which added a sense of strangeness.

Xiang Mingzi did not open his eyes because he was blind, but Mu Song chose not to open them for some reason.

Under the gaze of the closed-eyed Mu Song, Ning Fan felt a strange sensation.

Although Mu Song did not open his eyes, Ning Fan felt as if he had opened them. And though Ning Fans eyes were open, he had the illusion that he hadnt opened them upon seeing Mu Song.

The strangest part was at the moment Mu Song focused on him, it seemed like everything in this world except Mu Song himself turned into an illusion. Even someone as notable as Xiang Mingzi, a First Order Quasi-Saint, became an illusion; within the heavens and the earth, only Mu Song was real...

Ning Fan could not understand why Mu Song had such an eerie gaze, but he was even more convinced of Mu Songs unfathomable cultivation.

"Old monster Xiang, you brought him here, what request do you have? Dont hesitate to say. If its something within my capability and doesnt violate my principles, I will certainly assist you!"

This time, Mu Songs tone was no longer as distant as before, but had a touch of courtesy.

Xiang Mingzi shook his head helplessly, knowing that Mu Song found Ning Fan agreeable, which made him speak so congenially.

Thus, he did not waste words and directly mentioned the request for the Heaven-Opening Stone.

"You came here because you heard I have the Heaven-Opening Stone and want to obtain it?" Mu Songs face filled with an odd expression.

All of Mu Songs disciples looked toward the black-robed elder.

"Indeed, given your cultivation, keeping that low-grade Heaven-Opening Stone is of little use. Its better to make an exchange with me. I have several expensive pills here, enough to trade for your Heaven-Opening Stone."

After speaking, Xiang Mingzi made a slight gesture, and a crimson-gold pill bottle appeared in his hand. With a flick, the bottle flew toward Daoist Mu Song.

Mu Song took the bottle, scanned it with spirit sense, and was somewhat tempted, yet soon laughed heartily and returned the bottle to Xiang Mingzi.

"Its a shame, although the pill is good, I have no Heaven-Opening Stone to trade with you. The stone you want has already been given away by me."

"Given away?" Xiang Mingzi was slightly surprised, a bit caught off guard.

"When I was young, I owed a favor to a sect. Now, the descendants of that sect have come to my door with three requests, all of which I agreed to, including the Heaven-Opening Stone; I have already given it to this person."

"Brother Mu, could you tell me who the Heaven-Opening Stone was given to?" Xiang Mingzi asked.

"This person is far beyond the horizon, yet right before your eyes."

As soon as Mu Song finished speaking, the black-robed elder secretly cursed his bad luck, stepped out from the crowd, and respectfully cupped his fist towards Xiang Mingzi, "Junior Wu Laoba, the one who received the Heaven-Opening Stone, greet Senior Xiang..."

"Oh? You know me?" Xiang Mingzi asked, slightly surprised.

"I didnt know before, but my master mentioned you before his passing. There are few Quasi-Saints in Eastern Heaven, so you must be the Xiang Mingzi my master spoke of." Wu Laoba replied respectfully, though the eight characters on his mustache seemed a bit sleazy.

"Your master is..."

"Ancestor Heiyun."

"Uh, you are the disciple of Ancestor Heiyun and the current Sect Master of Heiyun Sect?" Xiang Mingzis gaze towards Wu Laoba became somewhat peculiar.

After a brief silence, he asked another question, "How long have you had the Heaven-Opening Stone in your possession?"

"Over a month already... Hehe, does Senior still need this stone? If you do, Im willing to present it to you."

Wu Laoba was extremely respectful, inwardly mocking, thinking that Senior Xiang Mingzi would surely not dare take his Heaven-Opening Stone.

Indeed, upon hearing the Heaven-Opening Stone had been in Wu Laobas possession for over a month, Xiang Mingzi showed a helpless expression, sighed deeply, and said to Ning Fan,

"Alas, it seems you cannot obtain this Heaven-Opening Stone. If Mu Song gave it to someone else, I could still trade for it. But if it has fallen into this persons hands, even if he presents it willingly, I dare not accept it. This matter is very disadvantageous to you... Lets drop it."

Ning Fan was puzzled, not understanding what kind of mystery Xiang Mingzi was playing.

Since Daoist Mu Song had given the Heaven-Opening Stone to Wu Laoba, and Wu Laoba was willing to offer it, why did Xiang Mingzi not dare accept it?

"Since Senior does not want Juniors Heaven-Opening Stone, Ill keep it for my own use. Alas, alas, I am not skilled in Artifact Refining Technique and do not know if I can use this stone to refine a decent magical treasure."

Seemingly anticipating Xiang Mingzis reaction, Wu Laoba pretended to lament, while inwardly smiling smugly. He dared not oppose Xiang Mingzi, as the latter was a Quasi-Saint. If Xiang Mingzi fancied his item, Wu Laoba was willing to offer it, but he assumed Xiang Mingzi wouldnt dare take it!

He is the current Sect Master of Heiyun Sect, the direct disciple of Ancestor Heiyun, and his Dark Luck Secret Technique had already reached its peak.

The things he touched, even a Quasi-Saint wouldnt dare touch lightly!

The paths he walked, even a Quasi-Saint wouldnt dare walk lightly!

All of this is related to his fortune, as the inheritor of the Heiyun (Dark Luck) Sect, he cultivates dark-colored luck. In this world, the better ones fortune, the better their luck. The worse ones fortune, the worse their luck. Those who cultivate the Dark Luck merit law to its peak are among the unluckiest people in heaven and earth. Not only are they unlucky themselves, but they can also pass this misfortune on to others. The more you interact with such people, no matter how high your cultivation, you might still fall victim to unexpected accidents along your cultivation path.

Wu Laobas master, Ancestor Heiyun, is said to possess a misfortune constitution encountered once every five million years. Even at his peak as a Sixth Calamity Immortal Emperor, Quasi-Saints had to show him respect.

Legend has it that a Seventh Calamity Immortal Emperor once tried to attack Ancestor Heiyun, chasing him across the starry skies. Mid-chase, they unexpectedly encountered a once-in-a-million-years meteor shower, nearly struck down by it in space.

Legend has it that an Eighth Calamity Immortal Emperor cursed Ancestor Heiyun, only to have his next Heavenly Tribulation inexplicably increase in power several-fold, nearly perishing beneath it.

Legend has it that twelve sects banded together to take on Ancestor Heiyun, scheduling a date to dispatch troops. On the eve of their attack, each sect experienced a once-in-a-ten-thousand-year calamity, ultimately unable to launch their assault against Ancestor Heiyun...

Legend has it that Ancestor Heiyun once urgently needed a certain Innate Spiritual Medicine for cultivation. Unable to find it, he went directly to a secret clan to demand it. The secret clan, fearing the misfortune he might bring, handed him the Spiritual Medicine just to send him away...

Legend has it that Ancestor Heiyun once generously donated trillions of Dao Crystals to a certain cultivation sect, and those who received them all perished from various natural and man-made disasters within the next ten years...

The legends of Ancestor Heiyun are numerous, yet due to his status as a harbinger of disaster, even mentioning his name might invite calamity; thus, in the Four Heavens, few discuss him, and his tales are rarely spread.

This was the first time Ning Fan had heard of such an odd figure as Ancestor Heiyun.

Unknown to many, Wu Laobas misfortune constitution is even more pronounced than Ancestor Heiyuns. He failed Harmonious Spirit 37 times, Core Formation 122 times, Nascent Soul 369 times, and Divinity Transformation 971 times. The further he progressed, the more frequently his advancement failed, overcoming numerous obstacles along the way to the Eon Calamity Realm.

Yet the unluckier he was, the more afraid people became.

Even when someone like that knocks on your door, despite Daoist Wood Pines high cultivation, he felt somewhat helpless. Remembering his acquaintance with Ancestor Heiyun, he agreed to Wu Laobas three requests, even giving him treasures like the Heaven-Opening Stone.

Unfortunately, Wu Laoba became very interested in Mu Islands Dao Principle of Wood and wanted to stay and comprehend it.

Some disciples of Mu Island attempted to expel him, but they encountered various natural and man-made disasters, so no one dared confront him further.

Mu Song, with his profound cultivation, was not afraid of being implicated by Wu Laobas dark luck. Helplessly, he allowed Wu Laoba to stay on Mu Island.

"Who would have thought Xiang Mingzi came for the Heaven-Opening Stone? Its a pity that with Xiang Mingzis cultivation not yet entering the Second Rank, attempting to take anything from Wu Laoba is fraught with great risks. As for Ning Fan, his cultivation is even less sufficient; trying to touch Wu Laobas Heaven-Opening Stone could trigger various disasters and misfortunes... They should not take it." Daoist Wood Pine shook his head slightly.

"Heh heh, you must be the Rain Immortal Monarch? Do you also wish for this poor Daoists Heaven-Opening Stone? Since we met by fate, if Rain Monarch needs it, this Daoist is willing to offer it with both hands!"

Wu Laobas eyes twirled, suddenly speaking to Ning Fan.

Despite being entrusted by others, he dared not act against Ning Fan in front of a Quasi-Saint.

However, he did have ways to scheme against Ning Fan. He could see that Ning Fan wasnt aware of his Heiyun Sect identity, which was no surprise, given the entire Four Heavens was deeply secretive about the Heiyun Sect. Mention it and feel misfortune; it wasnt odd that Ning Fan didnt know.

His Heiyun Sects misfortunate dark luck was inherited from the great Ancestor Nieli. Who is the dirtiest in fortune among all heaven and earth? Its the Fu Li, the race long since extinct. Among the Fu Li race, who is the dirtiest in fortune? Its Nieli, the criminal of the Fu Li race!

Within the Nieli lineage, who is the dirtiest in fortune? Its Ancestor Nieli, bestowed the title of the strongest Nieli by the evil god!

The Heiyun Sect worships the corpse of Ancestor Nieli, and having absorbed fortune in front of it since his youth, his fortune is cursed to bring misfortune to whoever he encounters!

If exerting some divine skills to communicate with heaven and earth, encountering him means certain death is not mere hyperbole!

His gift of the Heaven-Opening Stone to Ning Fan was actually a malicious plot, intending for Ning Fan to suffer calamity after calamity, leading to an untimely death in the Eastern Heaven.

He delighted in an extravagant lifestyle and had once, on a cultivation star, been hosted generously by a low-ranking Master, becoming bosom friends.

That low-ranking Master, despite a Truth-Transcending Cultivation Level, was unworthy of his attention, but his Alchemy was brilliant in the Eastern Heaven.

The man used every means to compliment and please Wu Laoba, making him promise to accomplish something for him in this lifetime.

That low-ranking Master was the Sect Master of the Pill Sect!

Ning Fan had been back in the Eastern Heaven for several days, his fearsome reputation long ago spreading among those interested in the Eastern Heaven.

Who feared Ning Fan, known as the Eternal Immortal Venerable, the most? Yes, it was the Sect Master of the Pill Sect.

The Sect Master of the Pill Sect once issued a bounty order for hunting Ning Fan, though it was later canceled by the Slaughter Hall, the two bore a mortal enmity.

The Pill Sects Sect Master possessed extraordinary Alchemy skills, widely famed in the Eastern Heaven Immortal World. A hundred years ago, he had no fear of Ning Fans Rain Monarchs prestige; after all, Ning Fan was just beginning to make a name in the Eastern Heaven then.

But then rumors spread of Ning Fan being the inheritor of the Ancient Chaos Grand Emperor, and upon hearing that the Ancient Chaos Great Emperor was still alive, the Sect Master of the Pill Sect felt doomed, fearing catastrophe, treading through a hundred years in anxiety, only to hear that Ancient Chaos neared its end, meaning the Dark Clan would not spare Ning Fan!

Upon hearing this news, the Sect Master of the Pill Sect rejoiced; if true, Ning Fan would become the target of Eastern Heaven, and countless ancients would wish to appease the Dark Clan by acting against Ning Fan.

His fear of Ning Fan gradually diminished, yet rumors surfaced of Ning Fan reappearing in Eastern Heaven, slaughtering everywhere with shocking events.

Ning Fan has returned, reappearing in the Eastern Sky in a stunning manner!

Before the destruction of the Ancient Chaos, the Dark Clan was apprehensive and wouldnt act proactively. Only a few ignorant forces dared to attack Ning Fan.

Now that Ning Fan has attained the Eternal Immortal Venerable cultivation level, he is not at all afraid of provocations from these forces. Many from the Shedding Void and Enlightenment stages have perished by Ning Fans hands, even the newly ascended Immortal Venerable, Deyun Ancestor, met a tragic end in his hands!

This caused the Sect Master of the Pill Sect to panic. With Ning Fans current cultivation, if he were to settle old scores, he could easily destroy the Pill Sect with a wave of his hand before Ancient Chaos is annihilated!

No, he doesnt want to die!

So he decided to strike first, using his connections made through his alchemy skills, widely sending heroic invitations, and inviting countless powerful figures to form an alliance to kill Ning Fan.

The true old monsters, either respecting their own status or apprehensive of the Ancient Chaos Grand Emperor, would not respond to the Pill Sects call.

Yet, countless old monsters still coveted the opportunity to express goodwill to the Dark Clan. If one sect or clan couldnt stand against Ning Fan, what about ten sects and clans? What about a hundred sects and clans?

Moreover, the Sect Master of the Pill Sect promised he was about to refine an Emperor Pill, and if anyone helped him kill Ning Fan, he would present the Emperor Pill as a gift!

This matter again caused quite a stir in the Eastern Heaven on a small scale.

Could it be that the Eastern Heaven Immortal World is about to give birth to an Emperor Pill Alchemist? If the Sect Master of the Pill Sect truly became an Emperor Pill Alchemist, even a gigantic entity like the Dark Clan would not dismiss his existence!

More and more old monsters were stirred and responded to the Sect Masters call.

Even a very few Eternal Immortal Venerables decided to wade into this muddy water, heeding the Sect Masters summons with a resolute heart.

While Nig Fan remained unaware, a sizable Anti-Ning Alliance was beginning to take shape.

Wu Laoba also received the news from the Pill Sect. He originally planned to join the Anti-Ning Alliance for fun, but coincidentally, before he left Mu Island, he encountered Ning Fan.

If he could directly plot against Ning Fan and fulfill the Sect Masters request, why wouldnt he?

By himself, he could eliminate Ning Fan, a figure deeply feared by the entire Anti-Ning Alliance, wouldnt that be a great achievement?

As for the Heaven-Opening Stone given to Ning Fan, if Ning Fan dies, wouldnt it be retrievable? Hehe, once Ning Fan dies, who would dare take the Heaven-Opening Stone? Whoever takes it will have bad luck, and it will return to Wu Laobas hands again.

And if its the dark luck on the Heaven-Opening Stone that causes Ning Fans death, then Xiang Mingzi would have nothing to say. Its his own bad luck to encounter such a disaster, who could blame Wu Laoba?

"Hehe, Younger Brother Ning, we seem to have hit it off at first sight. If you truly need this Heaven-Opening Stone, take it. If not, it would be disrespectful to me!"

Firm in his intention, Wu Laoba immediately flipped his hand to produce the Heaven-Opening Stone which emitted black smoke, and handed it to Ning Fan.

He laughed coldly in his heart tens of millions of times, thinking that if Ning Fan dared to take this stone, he would definitely meet a fate of being reduced to ashes by the ensuing disasters!

Upon hearing this, Xiang Mingzi and Daoist Mu Song both frowned, seeing through Wu Laobas malicious plan. They thought to themselves that Wu Laoba was indeed the disciple of the Ancestor Heiyun, his heart was just as malicious as his teachers.

Xiang Mingzi would certainly not stand by and watch Ning Fan take the Heaven-Opening Stone, inviting disaster upon himself. Just as he was about to speak to warn him, he saw Ning Fans gaze turn cold; evidently, he had seen through Wu Laobas malicious plan, so he said no more and let Ning Fan handle it himself.

"Do you really want to give me this stone?"

Ning Fan looked icily at Wu Laoba. Although he didnt know the origin of the Heiyun Sect, how could he not see the myriad of poisonous curses within the Heaven-Opening Stone?

Others might see the Heaven-Opening Stone shrouded in smoke, but as the Ancestral Demon of the Fu Li race, Ning Fan could directly behold the essence from within the myriad of black smoke, exposing its true nature!

This wasnt mere black smoke at all, but a series of ancient, incomprehensible threads of causality intertwined, forming divine abilities that could tarnish the fortunes of the strong and lead others into calamities!

Wu Laobas evil intentions were clear; the gifting of the stone was false, while the intention to harm was true!

Moreover, for some reason, the divine abilities within the black smoke, capable of tainting ones fortune, strangely resonated with Ning Fans Fu Li ancestor blood...

"Alas, my intentions are pure, doesnt Younger Brother Ning dare to take this stone? If not, lets forget about it." Wu Laoba chuckled sinisterly, with a hint of provocation. He had mostly realized that Ning Fan had likely spotted some clues and wouldnt fall for his devious trick.

He withdrew his hand, planning to reclaim the Heaven-Opening Stone, cursing inwardly at the lost opportunity to directly kill Ning Fan.

At this moment, a distinctly-boned hand suddenly reached out, placing itself over the Heaven-Opening Stone.

"Did I say I didnt want this stone? If you dare give it, why would I not dare take it? Just hope you dont regret giving it later!"

This seemingly unremarkable voice carried a majestic authority that caused Wu Laobas mind to ache, involuntarily drawing him back half a step, as he looked at Ning Fan in shock.

Ning Fans hand, resting on the Heaven-Opening Stone, seemed to weigh thousands of pounds; in Wu Laobas cultivation, he unexpectedly found himself unable to shake it off!

Strange, what divine skill is this brat Ning Fan using that actually gives me such a feeling of suppression!

Wu Laoba felt a fear for the first time in his life, a fear seemingly rooted deep in his bloodline, inexplicable but causing him to shiver involuntarily.

The terrifying feeling was akin to an old bully, running into a natural predator...

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