C26 The Talking Celestial Stone Mountain Man

Brown Scorpion King: Fellow leaders, I've got a daring proposition.

Nine-life Spider: Little Scorpion—no, I should say Big Brother Scorpion now—what's on your mind?

Centipede King: It's been a while since you've spoken up here. Why not share your thoughts?

Brown Scorpion King: Remember Jian Yipao?

Nine-life Spider: I'll never forget that lowlife. He's killed me once and even had the gall to ambush and kill me again. Absolutely detestable.

Brown Scorpion King: Sister, perhaps you could set aside your grievances for the moment.

Nine-life Spider: Set them aside? I will never share the sky with him!

Brown Scorpion King: Yet, he recently approached me to discuss a partnership, and he didn't kill me.

Nine-life Spider: Listen, little Scorpion, don't fall for the tricks of outsiders. They're incredibly sly.

Centipede King: Exactly! Outsiders are the most deceitful. They're quick to kill us over any little disagreement. Before I reached the Boss Stage, they tried to kill me. After I reached it, they still came after me. Utterly heartless!

Brown Scorpion King: He's got a blood-colored camellia with him.

Nine-life Spider: Oh? Little brother, what's this cooperation about? Do tell.

Centipede King: I've always found this outsider intriguing, but I didn't expect him to be this fascinating. Brother Scorpion, just make sure you're not thinking of hoarding that divine treasure for yourself. Otherwise, I might have to put family aside and take you down first.

Brown Scorpion King: What! Do you really think I'm that kind of scorpion? I still owe you for sending me to the Cliff of Destruction! And Spider Sister, you know I'd never forget you—kisses!

Nine-life Spider: Kisses! So, what's the deal with this cooperation?

Brown Scorpion King: We band together and set a trap for the outsiders!

Nine-life Spider: ...

Centipede King: ...

Celestial Stone Mountain Man: Young demons, best to keep a level head. Don't sell yourselves out for a mere Heavenly Treasure. It's bad enough to sell out, but to then count the money for them?

Brown Scorpion King: Elder Mountain Man, glad you're here. Truth be told, I wasn't keen on agreeing, but you see, some of these outsiders have advanced to the Foundation Stage. They've insulted you, saying you're worthless and they're out to completely destroy you. I couldn't stand by after all the kindness you've shown me. That's why I tentatively accepted their offer.

Celestial Stone Mountain Man: Did you spill my name to that outsider? These foreigners are so sly! Little scorpion, you better keep it straight with me and stop daydreaming about things you don't have.

Brown Scorpion King: It's a misunderstanding, I swear I didn't tell him. He mentioned more than just you—he rambled on about the Northern Scorpion King, the Winter Dog Immortal, the Candle Heavenly King, and a bunch of other names I couldn't even grasp. Your name was in the mix, too, but it was all nasty talk. I'd rather not repeat it and risk angering you.

Celestial Stone Mountain Man: The nerve of them! If we gather our Foundation Stage demon allies, no number of these intruders will be enough for us to feast on! And as a demon myself, why would I fear these newcomers who've barely reached the Foundation Stage? Can that outsider you're talking about draw out these worthless Foundation Stage demons? If so, I'll join you in slaughtering them ten thousand times over!

Brown Scorpion King: He wasn't clear on when he could draw them out, but he assured me it's possible. He's even keen on taking down those fools himself. He's willing to hand over the blood-colored tea flowers first as a sign of good faith for our partnership.

Celestial Stone Mountain Man: Ah, this fellow has some sense, understanding that cooperation is based on shared interests. But I can't just take his word for it. Let him hand over the Bloody Tea Flower to you first. If he does, then have him bring the others to the Stone Cave. I'll make sure those brash outsiders don't leave the same way they came in.

Brown Scorpion King: Mountain Man, he agreed, but he insists on delivering the blood-colored tea flowers to you personally. He wants to meet you to confirm your strength for a potential collaboration.

Celestial Stone Mountain Man: What do I need those blood-colored tea flowers for? They're only useful against you minor Qi-cultivating demons. Is he for real?

Brown Scorpion King: Let me double-check... Oh, he's agreed to give them to me first, but you still need to meet with him. He's quite the character, even though he's slain me and Sister Spider not so long ago.

Celestial Stone Mountain Man: In that case, go ahead and have him give it to you first.

Brown Scorpion King: Okay.

Brown Scorpion King: Mountain Man, he really did it. It's an actual blood-colored camellia! I'm practically salivating here.

Celestial Stone Mountain Man: Invite him to the Stone Cave, then. His name is Jian Yipao, isn't it? Make sure not to harm my offspring; they'll escort him to me.

Brown Scorpion King: Got it, got it. And what about this blood-colored camellia?

Celestial Stone Mountain Man: You can have it. I find you rather agreeable. Should you reach the Foundation Stage one day, I might even connect you with some lofty demons.

Brown Scorpion King: Many thanks, Lord Mountain Man.

Celestial Stone Mountain Man: Very well, I shall await his arrival in the Stone Cave.

Brown Scorpion King: Alright, alright, he's on his way.

After wrapping up that business, Wang Yipao decisively logged out and switched to his player account. By then, God Jue had already left. Wang Yipao quickly set his sights on the Stone Cave and reached out to Immortal Sword Shui Jing.

"What's up?" Immortal Sword Shui Jing squinted.

"Nazi, I need your help, and fast."

"Ha, now you realize you're in a bind. Join Immortal Sword, and we'll have you battling in no time."

"Nice try, but no. I need you to spread the word that I'm heading to the Stone Cave. I'm about to pull off a major heist."

"The Stone Cave? You mean the Foundation Stage Boss, Celestial Stone Mountain Man? Are you out of your mind? Even if I advanced to the Foundation Stage, and even with Divine Wind Word and three other Foundation Stagers, we'd probably just end up flattened. Going there is like walking into the lion's den. Or do you think you can outrun someone at the Foundation Stage?" Immortal Sword Shui Jing scowled.

"Don't worry about the details. I have a plan to take them down. Trust me, your dear Pao Pao Pao has a few tricks up his sleeve."

"Pfft! Little brother, back off." Immortal Sword Shui Jing was visibly annoyed.

Despite her frustration, she ultimately agreed to help Wang Yipao spread the news.

She could sense Wang Yipao's confidence, which was clear despite his reluctance to express it openly, leaving her slightly irritated.

Meanwhile, Wang Yipao was earnestly making his way to the Stone Cave. Soon, a small sprite escorted him deeper into the cave.

"Never thought you'd actually have the guts to show up," a voice boomed.

Deep within the Stone Cave, a three-meter-tall stone giant spoke up. Had it remained silent, Wang Yipao might have mistaken it for a mere boulder.

Quickly, Wang Yipao bowed with his fists clasped, "I pay my respects to the Celestial Stone Mountain Man."

"You're an outsider, yet you seek to collaborate with us, the demon kind. Perhaps you harbor ulterior motives?" The Celestial Stone Mountain Man cut straight to the chase.

Wang Yipao felt a bit cornered. The intelligence of the Celestial Stone Mountain Man was impressively high, and its ability to speak was indeed quite extraordinary. Thinking on his feet, he replied, "Indeed, I possess what those people desire, and they hold what I seek. That's the basis of my proposal to collaborate with you. I trust you'll understand my intentions."

The Celestial Stone Mountain Man chuckled, "Then, were the little scorpion's profanities also a fabrication?"

"The accusations are absolutely true. Initially, my intention was to collaborate with the sprites of the Five Poisons Valley and offer them the blood-colored tea flowers upfront. Little did I expect they'd be acquainted with you, let alone that you'd agree to a partnership. Given that the blood-colored tea flowers are only effective for those below the Foundation Stage, your willingness puzzled me. However, cooperation is built on trust, so if you doubt my sincerity, let's pretend I never came."