Chapter 583 - 282: Slaying the Corpse Demon
Jiang Huaijin and Qin Hongbin were old men. Of course they knew how terrifying a Corpse Demon was. For a moment, their faces were a mask of shock and suspicion.
In Jiang Huaijin and Qin Hongbin’s eyes, Chen Cheng had cultivated the Second Layer Realm of the True Dragon Lineage, making his actual combat strength exceptionally formidable.
If either of them faced Chen Cheng alone, they would be no match for him.
After all, the power of Primordial Gang True Force combined with a Second Layer Realm was still slightly weaker than the might of the True Dragon Lineage’s Second Layer Realm.
But if the two of them joined forces, their combined Primordial Gang True Force would be enough to withstand Chen Cheng’s Realm Power. Then, by each unleashing their own Second Layer Realm attacks, they could easily defeat him.
They dared to come to Cui Liu Manor to divide the Black Lotus Sect’s treasury with Chen Cheng precisely because they had this ace up their sleeve.
Two veteran Perfect Martial Artists of the Organ Refining Realm joining forces against a junior would inevitably be shameful if word got out.
However, compared to the potential rewards, a little bit of face was hardly worth mentioning.
After all, in the secret chamber within the Wang Family’s forbidden grounds, they had both personally witnessed Chen Cheng obtain two pieces of Source Crystal Jade. They had been burning with envy ever since.
Obtaining a single piece of Source Crystal Jade meant their family could nurture another Martial Artist to the Bone Marrow Cleansing Realm. The temptation was simply too great.
Back then, Mao Yong had been present, and they couldn’t figure out where Chen Cheng had hidden the Source Crystal Jade, so they couldn’t bring themselves to shamelessly pester him further.
This time, however, was different. Jiang Huaijin and Qin Hongbin were mentally prepared and had already come to an agreement.
The moment they discovered any Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects, like Source Crystal Jade, they would immediately join forces to seize them.
The Black Lotus Sect had been lying low deep in the Great Wilderness Mountain Range for many years. The various Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects they had plundered surely numbered no fewer than what the Wang Family possessed.
Even if they only managed to get half by joining forces, it would be a massive windfall.
However, if a terrifying being like a Corpse Demon truly was present, the situation would become tricky.
Even if the two of them joined forces and fought with all their might, heedless of the cost to their qi and blood, they would struggle to contend with a Corpse Demon. It would be nearly impossible to even escape from its clutches alive.
With Chen Cheng added to the mix, the three of them combined could at least attempt to trade a few blows with the Corpse Demon.
Especially given Chen Cheng’s formidable combat strength, one of them could team up with him to temporarily hold off the Corpse Demon while the other seized the opportunity to loot the Black Lotus Sect’s treasury.
Afterward, the three could regroup and should be able to make a clean getaway.
’But Chen Cheng might not be on our side!’
’Chen Cheng never intended to take us into the Black Lotus Sect’s stronghold in the first place. He only let us tag along because we uncovered his plans.’
’Don’t tell me he thinks he can handle a Corpse Demon by himself?’
’That’s obviously impossible! The Second Layer Realm of the True Dragon Lineage is powerful, sure, but Chen Cheng is only a Bone Forger Realm Martial Artist. There’s a limit to how many times he can use it!’
’Facing a Corpse Demon alone is a suicide mission!’
’So, his claim that a Corpse Demon is guarding the Black Lotus Sect stronghold must be a lie he just fabricated.’
’His goal is to keep the Black Lotus Sect’s treasury all to himself!’
’But his excuse is laughably clumsy. We’ve lived for nearly a century; we’ve forgotten more than that kid has ever learned. How could we be fooled by a little brat like him?’
Realizing this, Jiang Huaijin and Qin Hongbin exchanged a look. They both saw the amusement in each other’s eyes, and their expressions suddenly relaxed.
’This Chen Cheng... his Martial Arts Talent may be astounding, but he’s still too young and lacks experience in the Jianghu. The boy still has a lot to learn!’
"A Corpse Demon? Young friend, are you telling the truth?" Jiang Huaijin asked, feigning shock.
Chen Cheng said solemnly, "Of course it’s true. Why would I deceive you?"
Qin Hongbin, holding back a laugh and looking as if he couldn’t bear to expose the lie, said, "If a terrifying being like a Corpse Demon is really there, then all the more reason for the two of us to lend you a hand, young friend."
Chen Cheng shot him a sideways glance. "You two Patriarchs are getting on in years. It wouldn’t be wise to engage in a major battle."
"Not at all. This old man hasn’t fought in decades. These old bones are getting rusty; they need a bit of exercise," Qin Hongbin said with a laugh.
Jiang Huaijin was also all smiles, saying amiably, "Young friend, once we enter the Black Lotus Sect stronghold, you just focus on finding the treasures. Old Qin and I will deal with the Corpse Demon for you."
Chen Cheng looked from Jiang Huaijin to Qin Hongbin, his brow furrowed. "I’m offering a kind warning. Why won’t you two accept it?
Since you don’t believe me, go on in. I’ll stand guard out here."
Jiang Huaijin and Qin Hongbin were taken aback once more. But they quickly realized this kid Chen Cheng was still trying to bluff them!
’It’s a reverse psychology trick, like playing hard to get. Truly a childish game!’
"So, we’re really going in, then?" Jiang Huaijin could no longer keep up the pretense, finally asking in a faintly mocking tone.
Chen Cheng gestured with his hand. "Be my guest," he said nonchalantly.
Jiang Huaijin immediately headed into the cave, with Qin Hongbin following right behind him.
However, they stopped after only a few steps and turned to look back at Chen Cheng, a hint of suspicion in their eyes.
Chen Cheng just stood there calmly, not having moved an inch.
’This is too strange!’
Jiang Huaijin and Qin Hongbin hesitated again. They were convinced Chen Cheng was bluffing.
But a Corpse Demon was simply too terrifying. Even if there was only the slightest chance that Chen Cheng was telling the truth, they didn’t dare take the risk.
"Young friend, let’s just go in together," Jiang Huaijin said.
Qin Hongbin added, "The Black Lotus Sect’s stronghold is bound to have plenty of treasures. Once the three of us are inside, it’ll be every man for himself."
The two of them were old and shrewd, a pair of cunning old foxes. By saying this, they were essentially laying their plan to divide the Black Lotus Sect’s treasury out on the table.
