Chapter 11: The Universe Cauldron

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Han Yang watched coldly from the sidelines, making no move to stop them and letting them leave. These few lackeys were merely pawns of Zhao Tianba; the true mastermind was still waiting for him to deal with.

Back at the camp, Han Yang sat cross-legged, circulating the Vajra Immovable Technique, absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. After breaking through the third layer, his cultivation advanced at an unprecedented pace, sensing the bottleneck about to loosen.

Han Yang remained seated, seemingly immersed in cultivation, but in truth, the Vajra Immovable Technique had already reached its peak, with spiritual energy swirling into his body like a vortex.

As the breakthrough neared, he keenly sensed an anomaly—a fierce aura filled with murderous intent.

“Heh, it's finally here,” Han Yang sneered inwardly, his eyelids twitching but not opening.

He knew exactly who was coming.

Zhao Tianba.

Heavy footsteps approached from a distance, accompanied by labored breaths, like a predator about to strike.

Han Yang could almost feel Zhao Tianba’s scorpion-like cold gaze fixated unwaveringly upon him.

“Trash! A bunch of trash!”

A thunderous roar exploded like a clap of thunder, startling countless birds in the forest.

Han Yang slowly opened his eyes and met Zhao Tianba’s bloodshot glare.

Furious beyond control, Zhao Tianba pointed at the few remaining disciples, spitting venomously:

“Three fools tried to poison one man, but ended up poisoning themselves! You useless buckets of rice can’t even handle such a simple task!”

The disciples trembled in fear, one mustering courage to speak:

“Big Brother, Han Yang is tricky, we…”

“Tricky? I think you’re just stupid!” Zhao Tianba glared harshly.

“I warn you all: behave yourselves from now on! Anyone who acts without orders again will end up like that loser!”

He scanned the group, his tone softening slightly:

“Han Yang is the favored one before the sect master now. We can’t act rashly. Stay obedient and await orders!”

The disciples hurriedly nodded, lowering their heads like quail, afraid to meet Zhao Tianba’s gaze.

After they dispersed, Zhao Tianba summoned a few trusted disciples, his face dark as he said:

“Han Yang is far more troublesome than I imagined. Simple poisoning won’t work. Looks like we have to find another plan.”

“What’s your idea, Big Brother?” one disciple asked obsequiously.

“The path ahead is rife with danger, full of beasts and traps.”

A cruel gleam flashed in Zhao Tianba’s eyes.

“With a little guidance, we can make sure he dies an unnatural death.”

“Brilliant, Big Brother!”

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The disciples immediately caught on, their smiles turning sinister.

“Remember, it must be clean and thorough—no traces left behind,” Zhao Tianba instructed.

“When the deed is done, you’ll all be handsomely rewarded.”

“We won’t disappoint you, Big Brother!”

As night deepened, the camp fell silent except for the occasional crackle of the campfire.

Han Yang sat cross-legged, eyes seemingly closed in rest, but his senses absorbed every detail around him.

He knew Zhao Tianba wouldn’t give up so easily.

This game was just beginning.

The next morning, the group pressed onward.

Along the way, Zhao Tianba showed feigned concern toward Han Yang, acting as if nothing had happened before.

Han Yang played along, responding with equal casualness.

Entering a dense forest, the atmosphere suddenly grew tense.

Towering ancient trees blocked out the sky, suffocating the air with a heavy oppression.

Zhao Tianba “kindly” warned Han Yang:

“Protector Han, this forest is fraught with danger. Watch your step.”

He smiled a cold, insincere smile, pointing toward a seemingly flat patch ahead.

“Be especially careful of the hidden swamps—fall in and you won’t survive.”

Han Yang followed Zhao Tianba’s gesture and saw a patch of lush green “grass” that clashed strangely with the surrounding dead branches and leaves.

The air carried a faintly sweet and rotten stench. Anyone with even a shred of sense could tell it was a trap.

“Thanks for the warning, Little Tian,” Han Yang answered calmly, inwardly smirking.

This Zhao Tianba was practically eager to send him off.

Seeing Han Yang’s apparent obedience, Zhao Tianba’s heart swelled with delight, guiding him toward the “grass.”

“Protector Han, with your extraordinary talent and strength, this little danger is nothing to you, right?” Zhao Tianba said sarcastically.

Han Yang smiled faintly, neither confirming nor denying.

Deliberately appearing careless, he approached the edge of the “grass.”

“Ah!” Han Yang suddenly cried out, staggering and falling into the center of the “grass.”

“Protector Han!” Zhao Tianba feigned surprise, but a gleam of triumph flashed in his eyes.

Splash!

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Han Yang’s body plunged heavily into the “grass,” instantly engulfed by the green mud.

“Protector Han!” Zhao Tianba’s disciples shouted, though their faces betrayed barely concealed excitement.

Zhao Tianba waved his hand, signaling them to quiet down.

“Alas, such a pity. Protector Han is such a gifted prodigy, yet…”

Zhao Tianba feigned regret while secretly reveling.

“Big Brother, this guy’s dead for sure! The poison swamp will kill even a Golden Core stage cultivator!” a disciple whispered.

Zhao Tianba sneered coldly:

“Hmph, if he doesn’t die, he’ll at least lose some skin! Let’s go.”

However, just as Zhao Tianba and his group prepared to leave, a sudden commotion erupted from the swamp.

Gurgle… gurgle…

The mud at the swamp’s center began to churn, releasing a powerful aura.

Zhao Tianba and the others stopped in their tracks, eyes wide with suspicion and fear.

Moments later, a figure slowly rose from the swamp.

It was Han Yang!

His body was coated with green mud, yet he was unharmed, his aura even stronger than before.

“This… how is this possible?” Zhao Tianba’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Han Yang spoke slowly, savoring the moment:

“小 Tian~ Sorry to disappoint you~”

He licked his lips, the green mud swirling on his tongue like matcha ice cream.

“This poison swamp’s scent… tsk tsk, it’s quite intoxicating!”

Zhao Tianba felt as if struck by lightning, numb from head to toe.

“You… are you a demon? Absorbing essence is one thing, but poison gas too? Are you a vacuum cleaner or what?!”

Han Yang said nothing, slowly raising his right hand as terrifying energy gathered in his palm.

Zhao Tianba’s face turned pale. Seeing Han Yang’s overwhelming absorption power, he dared no longer hold back. He bit his tongue, spitting a mouthful of essence blood onto an ancient bronze cauldron.

“Qiankun Cauldron, protect me!”

The bronze cauldron grew rapidly in the wind, soon as large as a small mountain, shielding Zhao Tianba within.