Grasping the Evil

Chapter 634: Purple-grade Fishing Rod

Ning Fan and his entourage entered Tianyuan City, yet countless old monsters’ gazes swept over Ning Fan secretly.

This left Ning Fan feeling quite helpless, since the little demoness’s antics made it difficult for him to keep a low profile.

Now, being watched by numerous Demon World experts, Ning Fan needed to act cautiously and avoid revealing his identity.

If his identity as Rain World’s Heavenly King was exposed, troubles would surely ensue.

A king from one world sneaking into another is considered a highly taboo action.

"Good husband, dear husband, don’t be mad, it’s my fault, I brought trouble onto you. I promise, if Hex Shixiu bothers you, I’ll definitely drive him away for you, okay?" The little demoness pleaded soft words, thoroughly enjoying her role as a partner.

"No need... you helping me once means I owe you a favor..." Ning Fan shook his head with a sigh.

Money can be owed, but favors should never be casually owed, especially not to the little demoness.

Huayu and the other female cultivators from the Baiyu Clan cautiously followed behind Ning Fan, their beautiful eyes filled with shock.

Although Hex Shixiu’s words were blocked by Mana, they didn’t hear them clearly.

However, the fact that four Void Fragmentation cultivators went out of the city to meet Ning Fan still made the female cultivators feel incredibly startled.

"Ancestor Baimu surely has great prestige, barely arriving in Tianyuan City and already four Void Fragmentation old monsters come out to greet him personally!"

"Our Baiyu Clan has been in decline for a long time, and for us, Void Fragmentation old monsters are completely unreachable... It’s unbelievable that Ancestor Baimu could associate with such high-level old monsters..."

"Ancestor Baimu is truly an inconceivable figure."

Just half a month ago, these Baiyu Clan female cultivators were still afraid of Ning Fan’s infamous wicked reputation.

But at this moment, each of them was filled with admiration and worship for Ning Fan.

Demon race women always admire strong individuals.

In the eyes of the girls, anyone who could be acquainted with four Void Fragmentation experts, like Ning Fan, must naturally be a deeply concealed powerhouse.

"Huayu dares to ask, what realm has Ancestor currently reached with your cultivation..." Huayu asked cautiously.

Though she was now certain Ning Fan was a Void Refinement Realm cultivator, she still didn’t know his exact realm.

The rumor said that when Ancestor Baimu was expelled from the Baiyu Clan, he was already at the Void Glimpse Stage; it has been thousands of years since, so there’s a chance he may have advanced in cultivation.

"Void Inquiry."

Ning Fan seemingly answered casually while deliberately releasing a trace of Void Inquiry aura with the aid of the medicinal strength of the Yixiang Dan.

Under this aura, Huayu trembled uncontrollably, but her pretty face showed a look of delight.

Ning Fan’s cultivation was above her expectations.

However, among the old monsters secretly observing Ning Fan, many withdrew their spirit senses indifferently and muttered,

"This lad is merely at the Void Inquiry Stage, though acquainted with four Void Fragmentation experts, he’s nothing to fear."

Everyone entering Tianyuan City is no less than an old monster beyond the Void Refinement Realm.

This time, at least thousands of Void Refinement experts came to participate in the Dragon Fishing Tournament. Even dozens of Void Fragmentation old monsters have arrived.

The Ten Emperors of the Demon World would also spectate the grand event.

In such a large-scale venue, if Ning Fan was merely at the Void Inquiry Stage, naturally those powerful old monsters wouldn’t concern themselves with him.

All old monsters entering Tianyuan Continent have their information collected by the Yuandian Demon Envoy and sent back to Tianyuan City.

Gradually, those interested obtained Ning Fan’s information from Yuandian.

Noticing Ning Fan originated from the Baiyu Clan, even less attention was given to him.

The Baiyu Clan is merely an inconsequential demon race, hardly worth mentioning.

Ning Fan was just at the Void Inquiry Stage, with no significant backing, unlikely to achieve any impressive feats at the Dragon Fishing Tournament – even securing a participation spot remains uncertain.

Several old monsters recall the infamous reputation of Baiyu Clan’s Baimu from thousands of years ago.

"Baiyu Clan’s Baimu... he’s Baimu! That depraved bandit!"

In the city, several Void Refinement old monsters held grudges as Baimu once harmed their wives or daughters. Naturally, upon hearing Ning Fan’s name, they directed their wrath at him.

Others, though unrelated to Baimu, intended to associate with Ning Fan, but upon finding he was Baimu, dismissed the idea.

Unfortunately, Baimu’s reputation for lechery is notorious; despicably lustful, even friend’s wives were not spared... Yet his means were ordinary, his strength was unremarkable. Even some devil cultivators kept their distance from Baimu.

Gradually, no one monitored Ning Fan anymore. Even those occasionally paying attention felt disdain or hostility.

Ning Fan was unaware of how much disdain and hostility Baimu’s infamous reputation attracted.

Even if he knew, he wouldn’t care.

He deliberately released Void Inquiry aura merely to reduce troubles, avoiding too much attention.

Within Tianyuan City, countless manor houses were built for Void Refinement old monsters to rest.

Holding a Blue Jade Command Token, Ning Fan secured a palace near River Gazing Tower, using the token for direct admission, settling the Baiyu Clan’s female cultivators there.

Ning Fan sat alone in the room, watching the scenery outside with a lightly brewed cup of Spiritual Tea.

On the pale golden River Gazing Tower, occasionally a pleasure boat would drift by.

Each boat housed many beauties, mostly Harmonious Spirit and Golden Core cultivations, performing songs and dances pleasingly.

These were Cauldron Furnace female cultivators provided by Yuandian for the old monsters entering the city; if an old monster fancied a particular lady, they could directly take her, for indulgent enjoyment.

Ning Fan knitted his brow slightly, set down the Spiritual Tea, flicked his sleeves, and closed the window, leaving the scenes of female cultivators’ songs and dances unwatched.

In the contemporary cultivation world, the weak cannot choose their fate, whereas the strong dictate everything.

Such a cultivation atmosphere displeased Ning Fan, though he could change nothing.

"If husband fancies one of the young ladies, let me know, I’ll bring her back for husband to enjoy." The little demoness appeared in Ning Fan’s room unnoticed, smiling as she looked at Ning Fan.

"No need."

"Oh? As an inheritor of Ancient Chaotic Grand Emperor, yet uninterested in beauties, how peculiar." The little demoness sat beside Ning Fan unbidden, casually picked up his teacup, and sipped lightly.

A faint lipstick mark immediately adorned the rim of the cup.

She then teasingly licked her tongue, chuckled, "Hehe, not very good tea... but with husband drinking from this cup, it’s more flavorful for me."

This woman’s looks were extraordinarily alluring, her eyes like black gemstones full of mystery akin to the void, obscuring her true thoughts.

"You aren’t resting in your room, but come looking for me. What is your purpose?" Ning Fan didn’t believe the little demoness came for romantic talks.

"I came to ask husband if you aspire to ascend to Eastern Heaven?"

"You want to recruit me for Godly Void Pavilion, offering a flight ascension quota to Eastern Heaven?"

Ning Fan’s eyes slightly narrowed; this was his second ascension quota offered.

Bei Xiao Man gave him one, and now, does the little demoness also wish to give one?

If a cultivator breaks through to Immortal Position, he can ascend; relying on one’s strength for ascending entails many dangers.

Having an ascension quota means that even a Spirit Severing cultivator can ascend to Celestial Heaven unharmed.

Yet accepting an ascension quota obliges joining the faction granting it after ascension.

Thus, whether to accept a quota necessitates thorough consideration.

"If I recruited you for Godly Void Pavilion, would you go?"

"I’ll consider it, but won’t necessarily go."

"If I forcibly used the third condition, then what?" The little demoness smiled slyly.

"I’ll go." Ning Fan said blandly.

"Hehe, you look so unwilling. I won’t compel you... With your cultivation, even breaking Immortal Position and ascending by yourself would be fairly easy. You still owe me the third condition; I won’t use it casually. I’ll keep it, maybe it’ll be useful in the future." The little demoness smiled slyly, then continued,

"Having said enough on ascension, let’s talk about the fishing rod. In five days, Tianyuan City will hold a competition to determine the five hundred participants for the Dragon Fishing Tournament. With your cultivation, securing a spot is easy, but if you want to catch Demon Dragons, you first need a Purple-grade Fishing Rod... a rod capable of fishing both Yin Dragons and Yang Dragons!"

Demon Dragons with Body Protecting Yin Pearls are Yin Dragons, those with Yang Beads are Yang Dragons.

Participating in the Dragon Fishing Tournament requires specially made fishing rod magical treasures refined by Yuandian’s Secret Technique to catch dragon souls.

Ordinary quality fishing rod magical treasures are sold all over Tianyuan City.

But if you wish to fish for a dragon soul above third-grade, you need a special purple-grade fishing rod to withstand the impact of a third-grade dragon soul.

Ning Fan arrived in Tianyuan City relatively late, and the purple-grade fishing rods in the city had long been snapped up by countless old monsters.

If you want to purchase a purple-grade fishing rod, you can only have one custom-made temporarily.

Purple-grade fishing rods are extremely expensive, requiring the inclusion of many rare spiritual minerals. However, they do not take much time to make, and can be made within three to five days.

Ning Fan going to order a purple-grade fishing rod now is not too late.

"Husband, quickly go to the artifact refining workshop in the city and order a purple-grade fishing rod. Many old monsters are ordering purple-grade fishing rods now, but there are only a few refiners available. If you go late, you won’t be able to get one and thus won’t be able to fish for the Yin-Yang Dragon Pearl."

"Why didn’t you say so earlier..."

Ning Fan shook his head helplessly. As he entered the city, the little demoness didn’t mention ordering a fishing rod at all, choosing to bring it up at this moment, surely intentionally.

Ning Fan originally intended to take a break before using Ganglv Gold and Xuanhuang Crystal to repair the Ancient Golden Sword. But it seems he must first deal with the fishing rod matter now.

"There are eleven artifact refining workshops mentioned in the jade scroll, all capable of crafting purple-grade fishing rods. You can check them out. By the way, purple-grade fishing rods are expensive, and ordering one usually costs thirty percent more. If you don’t have enough money, you can borrow from me. Hehe, we’re husband and wife; if you ask, I’ll lend you any amount. But in doing so, you’d owe me a favor."

The little demoness smilingly handed Ning Fan a jade scroll.

Ning Fan swept the jade scroll’s contents with his spirit sense, placed it into his storage pouch, rubbed his temples feeling a bit headache, and left the palace without saying much.

He certainly wouldn’t borrow money from the little demoness; for such a trivial fishing rod, he could afford it.

Upon leaving the palace, Ning Fan restrained his escape light to the Void Inquiry stage, flying towards the refining workshops.

There are only eleven workshops capable of crafting purple-grade fishing rods.

Ning Fan visited ten workshops in succession but couldn’t order a purple-grade fishing rod from any of them.

Each workshop only had six or seven grandmaster refiners who could craft purple-grade fishing rods, and Ning Fan was too late; countless old monsters had come to order them already.

If Ning Fan wishes to order a purple-grade fishing rod before the Dragon Fishing Convention, it would be impossible.

"Arrived late... forget it, let’s check the last one. If I can’t order a purple-grade fishing rod... I’ll snatch one, it’s not hard."

Ning Fan made up his mind, his escape light flashed, heading towards the eleventh refining workshop.

This last workshop is named ’Upper Nine Pavilion,’ one of the three largest refining workshops in Tianyuan City.

The plaque of the refining workshop is written in gold paint, with cursive handwriting that seems to carry a hint of Dao essence.

Outside Upper Nine Pavilion, currently, there’s a large crowd of cultivators standing by. Most are Nascent Soul and Divinity Transformation cultivators.

Seeing Ning Fan’s escape light descend, all cultivators changed their expressions slightly, occasionally someone complained under their breath, "Alas, another senior has come to order a purple-grade fishing rod... Who knows if my master can successfully secure the last one."

"Alas, with that person here, even Master’s disciples can’t compete... Not even this senior can necessarily win..." Someone sighed again.

These words naturally didn’t escape Ning Fan’s hearing.

Ning Fan’s eyes flashed, realizing it seemed that Upper Nine Pavilion still had one order remaining for a purple-grade fishing rod.

Inside Upper Nine Pavilion, it seemed several old monsters were competing for the last fishing rod...

Ning Fan hadn’t entered Upper Nine Pavilion yet, but he already sensed four to five presences above the Void Refinement level from within the pavilion.

The low-level cultivators outside should be disciples of the old monsters inside the pavilion.

"Looks like I’ll need to compete for this fishing rod."

Ning Fan smiled and stepped into Upper Nine Pavilion.

Inside Upper Nine Pavilion, there were no Void Fragmentation presences, meaning those vying for the fishing rod were merely Void Refinement cultivators.

In a literary competition, Ning Fan would bid with immortal jade, securing the fishing rod wouldn’t be difficult.

He currently had nearly three trillion immortal jade, some obtained from the Vine Palace, and some from defeating the Tri-Realm Sect Master, Rain World’s Heavenly King and others.

He didn’t believe a few Void Refinement cultivators could have more immortal jade than him.

In a martial competition, Ning Fan had already reached the Fracture First Realm; losing to a few Void Refinement cultivators was improbable.

As soon as Ning Fan entered Upper Nine Pavilion, an old man came out with a bitter smile, clasping his hands respectfully towards Ning Fan.

This old man was at the Void Inquiry stage and was the pavilion master of Upper Nine Pavilion.

The Void Inquiry aura Ning Fan deliberately revealed naturally couldn’t escape his detection.

"I am the pavilion master of Upper Nine Pavilion, Ajiu. May I know how this Daoist is addressed? Are you here today to order a purple-grade fishing rod?"

"I am Baimu, indeed here for a purple-grade fishing rod." Ning Fan returned the gesture, his expression calm, feeling slightly surprised.

This pavilion master of Upper Nine Pavilion, despite being a Void Inquiry cultivator, is named Ajiu. The name Ajiu sounds quite servile.

Upon hearing Ning Fan was indeed here for the fishing rod, Upper Nine Pavilion Master’s bitter smile deepened, he sighed, "Since Daoist is here for the purple-grade fishing rod, please follow me to the great hall. To be honest, inside the hall, there’re four Void Refinement colleagues with the same intent; all are here for the fishing rod. Among them is one Void Inquiry, two Void Refinement cultivators, and one Return to Origin Grand Void..."

"I see."

Ning Fan responded casually, following Upper Nine Pavilion Master into the great hall, his expression calm, unfazed.

If competing against four Void Fragmentation old monsters for a fishing rod, Ning Fan might exert some effort.

If merely competing against a few Void Refinement cultivators, it posed no difficulty.

Upper Nine Pavilion Master was quietly surprised, he specifically disclosed the cultivation levels of those competing for the fishing rod to Ning Fan, intending for Ning Fan to retreat.

The competition for the fishing rod involved four old Void Refinement monsters, three of whom had higher cultivation than Ning Fan.

In the Upper Nine Pavilion Master’s view, if Ning Fan knew a Return to Origin Grand Void cultivator was involved in the competition, even if not retreating on the spot, his expression would surely change.

After all, Ning Fan was merely at the Void Inquiry stage, and offending a Return to Origin Grand Void cultivator was generally unthinkable.

What surprised Upper Nine Pavilion Master was Ning Fan’s calm demeanor.

As if to Ning Fan, a Return to Origin Grand Void was nothing.

"This individual either has a reliable background, unafraid of a Return to Origin Grand Void, or his mind is profoundly deep, emotions well-hidden."

"But I don’t believe this individual can surpass competing against this Return to Origin Grand Void, especially considering this Grand Void has a significant background."

Upper Nine Pavilion Master sighed lightly.

This Return to Origin Grand Void is a disciple of the strongest among the Ten Emperors of the Demon World this generation—Ape Emperor.

In terms of background, what background competes with the background of a Demon Emperor?

Ning Fan was unaware of the old master’s thoughts.

He followed the old master, twisting left and turning right, until reaching the great hall.

Before entering the great hall, a cold young voice suddenly came from inside, forming a storm-like pressure, full of boundless battle spirit, rushing towards Ning Fan and Upper Nine Pavilion Master.

"Oh? Another Daoist has come to compete for this purple-grade fishing rod."

Within the overwhelming pressure, the battle spirit was like the heavens, containing a Return to Origin Foundation momentum, seemingly capable of crushing anyone’s battle spirit.

Upper Nine Pavilion Master’s face changed, hurriedly retreating several steps under the pressure, his face flushed, his breath disrupted.

Ning Fan squinted, as if seeing a giant claw of battle spirit hidden within the formless pressure.

That giant claw could crush anyone’s battle spirit, causing them to withdraw without a fight.

It seemed like an intriguing divine ability... but merely so.

Ning Fan stepped forward, unmoved by the pressure.

As the formless claw of battle spirit reached his chest, Ning Fan’s eyes sharpened, and he brushed it aside.

Instantly, the claw of battle spirit shattered, and a young voice groaned inside the great hall.

Upper Nine Pavilion Master’s eyes widened in shock; he couldn’t imagine Ning Fan’s mere ’Void Inquiry’ cultivation blocking a divine ability secret technique from the Ape Emperor’s disciple.

Ning Fan said nothing, proceeding into the great hall.

Four Void Refinement cultivators sat inside the hall.

A purple-robed old man at the Void Inquiry stage, a middle-aged man in the Void Refinement realm, a beautiful woman in the Void Refinement realm, and a beast-robed youth in the Return to Origin Grand Void realm.

The youth’s face was flushed, his gaze murky as he clutched his chest. Seeing Ning Fan enter the hall, he immediately said coldly,

"Unexpected that you, with mere Void Inquiry cultivation, can break my divine ability of battle spirit. Humph! Are you here to compete for the fishing rod too!" (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast recommendations and monthly votes, your support is my greatest motivation! Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com.)