Cultivating Immortality :I Obtained The Villain's Ascension Code-Chapter 71: Let That Half-dead Li Fang Beg

Xu Long let out a low growl. "They call themselves spirit beasts, but most have no pride in their bloodline. Nothing but parasites... hmph."

Soon, the outline of a grand city rose in the distance—a vast silhouette of towers, domes, and blackstone walls fused directly into the ribs of a divine skeleton.

This was Evil Dragon City.

At its gates stood two Core Formation Realm guards dressed in deep red and black armor, their torsos branded with the symbol of the Evil Alliance—a writhing dragon head entangled in thorny vines.

The moment they spotted the enormous silhouette descending from the clouds, the two exchanged glances and rushed forward.

"W-We greet the emissaries from the Shadowclaw Sect!" one of them shouted, cupping his fists.

Xu Long spiraled downward before landing heavily in front of the gate. A gust of spiritual wind billowed outward, nearly knocking both guards off balance.

The next instant, his massive form rippled and collapsed inward—transforming into a tall man with long black hair and deep crimson robes.

"Hmph," Xu Long muttered as he dusted off his sleeves. "You two weren’t here last time. New blood?"

The guards bowed deeply. "Y-Yes, Senior Xu! We’ve only recently been assigned to gate duty."

The group passed through the gate without resistance.

Soon after, both Elder Qian and Shi Ling received spiritual transmissions.

Elder Qian glanced at his jade slip, then turned to the others. "Matters require our presence at the outer administration hall. Elder Xu will escort you to the Core Region."

Meng Qing frowned. "Already?"

"It won’t take long." Shi Ling offered a rare smile. "Try not to provoke anyone."

They departed quickly, vanishing into the stone halls that ran along the city’s outer tier.

Xu Long led the group deeper into the city streets.

Evil Dragon City was vast—built in concentric layers around the ancient divine corpse, each region possessing its own rules, protections, and purpose.

The outer city was chaotic, home to wandering cultivators, rogue sects, and merchants who dealt in forbidden artifacts.

The mid-region was controlled by the Alliance’s affiliated sects and established forces—each holding territory like feudal lords.

And at the core of the city stood the innermost district—built upon the remains of the divine beast’s spine. It housed the three founding sects: Bone Forging Sect, Soulflame Temple, and Shadowclaw Sect.

Only Nascent Soul cultivators and core disciples with special tokens were permitted entry.

As they neared the massive stone gate of the Core Region, two figures could be seen.

They were both clad in jet-black robes with bone motifs. Each exuded the pressure of a Half-Step Nascent Soul Realm cultivator. They leaned lazily against the gate pillars but straightened when they saw the group approaching.

Strangely, both guards were from the Bone Forging Sect.

One of them stepped forward. "Stop right there."

Wu Fang calmly produced a jade token and held it out. "Representatives of Shadowclaw Sect, here to attend the Evil Gathering."

"Shadowclaw Sect members are not permitted to enter without authorization."

Xu Long remained silent, concealing his presence.

Meng Qing frowned. "Not permitted? We’re one of the founders."

The taller of the two guards sneered. "Founders? Don’t make us laugh. You lot can barely keep a Nascent Soul cultivator in your ranks. You’re a shadow of what you once were."

Qian Mo’s voice turned cold. "That contradicts the city charter. Shadowclaw Sect is one of the founding factions."

"Bah!" the other guard spat. "Let that half-dead Li Fang beg for entry himself. Or better yet, have Mie Lin crawl here and prove her worth!"

Meng Qing’s face darkened. "Say that again, I dare you."

The guards laughed.

"What, the little princess wants to act tough?"

Before anyone could stop her, Meng Qing’s aura erupted.

"You bone-clinging mutts—if your sect wasn’t leeching off the corpse of the Dragon Lord’s legacy, you’d be sweeping floor tiles in the Outer Ring!"

The guard sneered. "Then go complain to the council. Or better yet, send your beast to bark at the gates again."

Meng Qing’s smile vanished.

"You’re courting death."

With a flick of her wrist, a long crimson-black whip flew into her hand from her spirit ring, coiling once around her arm like a serpent.

"You Bone Forging dogs have grown bold indeed."

The first guard’s eyes flashed. "You little witch—"

Before the insult was fully spat out, he struck.

With a roar, crimson spiritual light burst from his palm, forming a wave of spiraling force aimed straight at her. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

The second guard moved at nearly the same moment, his sleeves flaring as dark bone-qi surged out, sweeping toward all three disciples like a tidal surge.

Faced with the sudden assault of two Half-Step Nascent Soul cultivators, the expressions of Meng Qing, Wu Fang, and Qian Mo changed instantly.

Their auras surged, and they instinctively raised their defenses—but the vast difference in cultivation realm was not something that could be bridged with mere courage.

Before the attacks landed—

Boom!

A deafening thunderclap tore through the air.

Two arcs of violet lightning split the sky and slammed into the guards’ chests, sending them flying across the plaza, burning their robes and leaving them with grave injuries.

They coughed blood and looked around in disbelief.

"Who—!?"

Xu Long stood several steps ahead, one hand still faintly crackling with spiritual energy.

His eyes glowed a baleful crimson. "You dare lay a hand on my juniors? Truly seeking death."

"You—!" the younger guard paled. "You’re not human..."

"I didn’t give you permission to breathe near my disciples," Xu Long snorted coldly.

The two guards trembled but forced themselves to remain upright.

"How dare you strike members of the Bone Forging Sect?! You think being a Fourth-Rank spirit beast gives you the right?"

They raised their hands again—

But before either guard could act—

Boom!

A heavy pressure descended from above like an invisible mountain pressing down on the soul. A crimson streak cut through the sky.

An old man in crimson bone-patterned robes appeared, his hands clasped behind his back, eyes narrowed with killing intent. His skin was dry and dark like cracked bark, and bone-like growths adorned his shoulders and temples.

"Xu Long... You dare attack the Bone Forging Sect within Evil Dragon City?"